Author: MaryAnn Horstman

Celebrating tCewentyCeCelebrating 25 years (1986—2011)-five years (1986-2011)

Hospitality House Newsletter
120 Ferry Street Chester, IL 62233

January 2011

FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOUR HOUSE: Declining Guests

The Hospitality House opened its doors in July, 1986, because we saw a need to help the incarcerated. We responded with, “Yes, Lord, I want to help.” We took the gospel to heart and put it into action. However, in the 25 years since, things have changed to the degree that the original questions regarding the House’s ministry are being raised again. Why have a Hospitality House in Chester? Is there a need for ministry to families and friends visiting the incarcerated? Is there enough concern for the imprisoned that donations can sustain this ministry? The first question, why in Chester, is easily answered. The prisoners are here.
Menard Correctional Center houses 3,552 inmates. In 1986, over half of those inmates were from the Chicago area. Department of Corrections statistics (idoc.com) indicate this is still true. Since House guests often travel several hours to visit prisoners, it is clear that Chester is the right location.
The second question regarding the need for the ministry is tougher to answer. Changes in prison visiting procedures and a tougher economy, combined with the House’s monthly bills, leaves the need for the House in question.
One thing that prompted the idea for the House was that families visiting loved ones at Menard in 1986 were seen sleeping overnight in their cars. In those days, prison visiting procedures permitted all day visits under certain conditions. Thus, a seven hour drive could be followed by a seven hour visit. Then, after visiting another day, the drive home was evened out.
Also, in those days, many prison organizations hosted picnics throughout the year that treated for prisoners’ families and friends to a meal as well as a visit. The picnics were a bonus to families and friends visiting their incarcerated loved ones.
Today, Menard limits visits to two hours. The picnics were discontinued around 1996. In light of these restrictions, gas prices, and the economy, the number of guests staying the Hospitality House has remarkably declined. (con’d Page 7)
Through 1990, the House averaged over 1,500 guests a year. Over the next four years, HHouse saw an average of over 2,550 guests/year. The yearly average through 1997 was still almost 1,500 guests per year. Since then, the number of guests has steadily declined until, in 2010, the House hosted only 82 guests.
It seems clear that the need for our ministry has all but disappeared. However, the cost of running the House has remained steady. Bills, on a shoestring budget, run $900.00 a month. However, there are invariably extra costs that increase the monthly bills to about $1,000.00 a month.
When the Hospitality House opened its doors, guests were charged $5 a night. Many people could not pay this amount and stayed free. Still, between guest fees and donations, the House received about $20,000.00 a year to pay the bills and make upgrades.
Today guests are asked for an $18 donation per night. With donations, the House was able to meet its obligations in 2010. However, in light of the unending decline in the number of guests, the need for our ministry remains an open question.
The final question of whether there is enough concern for the imprisoned that donations can sustain the Hospitality House ministry is answered now, as it was in 1986: YES!
Every year the Hospitality House has faced challenges; challenges that have been solved with the help of many. Donations have always met Hospitality House needs. And, though times are tough, we just have to be tougher.
Currently, Illinois imprisons more than 45,000 men, women and children. Their average imprisonment is 1.1 years (l.5 including jail). Once released, they return to prison at a rate of 51.3% (2009). The prison population was about half as many in 1986, while the recidivism rate was a little higher. Therefore, we think it is imperative to continue our ministry.
As concerned citizens, the recidivism rate must be reduced; inmates and parolees must be given every opportunity for successful reentry into society. As WE help the inmate keep ties with his family, WE are helping lower the recidivism rate; WE are helping society.
We continue to help the incarcerated by providing low-cost lodging for families and friends of the imprisoned. We see the needs of the incarcerated. We continue to respond with, “Yes, Lord, I want to help.” We live the gospel!
And, THANK GOD for everyone who lives the gospel with us. THANK YOU.
_________________
“If any of the saints are in need, you must share with them and you should make hospitality your special care.”
Romans 12:13

A New Direction for Our Director

Since 1986, 28,770 guests have stayed at the Hospitality House in Chester. During this period, Hospitality House has had fourteen house directors. Our latest director, Mary Kay Keim, was with the House for ten years (September 2000 to November 2010).
Mary Kay gave up her position as house director because her husband had a job transfer to another prison. We wish Mary Kay the best and will miss her smile and her presence at the House. She was truly a blessing to the many guests (Con’d page 2)she welcomed to the House.
Mary Kay lived the gospel daily through her service to each and every guest.
The Hospitality House Board of Directors interviewed four people for the position of House director. We have extended an offer to GAYLE AYALA, who plans to move into the House in March, 2011.

Inside this issue:

List of House Directors	2
HH Renovations	2
2010 Financial Report	3
Photo Album	4-5
Needs & Thank You	6
Thankful Board	7
List of Board Members	8

Special points of interest:
Serving two institutions in Chester, Illinois: Menard Correctional Center and Chester Mental Health
Open since July, 1986
Celebrating twenty-five years of ministry to prisoner families
New House director arriving in March
Volunteer staff providing lodging to prisoner families in the interim period.
Donations are tax deductible
Hospitality House has a website. Have you visited it?

Page #

January 2011

A New Direction for Our Director (continued )

Mary Kay was truly a blessing to the many guests she welcomed to the Hospitality House.

List of House Directors

Helen (Earl) Childs.................October 1986 to August 1988 Sr. Janet Wilhelm ASC.............January 1989 to March 1989 Gina (Caufield) Winston................April 1989 to July 1989 Bev Verdick...................................July 1989 to December 1989 Connie Rios..................................January 1990 to February 1990 Laurie Dennison...........................March 1990 to June 1990 Doug & Elizabeth Merriott...........June 1990 to August 1990 Glenda Garcia................................March 1991 to December 1992 Vicki Green...........................January 1993 to December 1994 Doretta Miller..............................November 1994 to October 1997 Stephanie Requena.....................October 1997 to December 1997 Brenda Rimer...................................February 1998 to July 1998 Doretta Miller...............................September 1998 to September 2000 Mary Kay (Steele) Keim..........September 2000 to November 2010

2010 HH RENOVATIONS

2010 saw three big projects completed at the Hospitality House. The first project involved plumbing; the second involved carpentry; and, the third involved carpeting.
In January, 2010, a new sewer line was dug and a new line replaced crumbling old line. All that work covered up by dirt!
As with any old house, wood doesn't last forever. A new porch ceiling and posts were installed thanks to a grant from Home Depot and donated labor from Mark Horstmann and Bob Schafer.
Lastly, the Hospitality House now has new carpet, downstairs and upstairs. Thanks to Steve and Mary Kay Keim for paying for cost of installation and pad. Thanks also goes to Neal & Sons Flooring of Chester for storage of the carpet .

Hospitality House Newsletter
120 Ferry Street Chester, IL 62233

Page 7

From Our House to Your House: (continued)

A Thankful Board

The Hospitality House is governed by a five member Board of Directors whose main duty is to see that its mission is carried out and that the Hospitality House is a "home away from home" for those who stay within its walls. Hospitality House has had fourteen board members, two of which have been with the Hospitality House since the beginning.
House Board members refuse to take the credit for the ministry’s success. Credit goes out to the many wonderful people, churches, and organizations that have faithfully supported this ministry. Credit also goes to our wonderful God who has guided this ministry throughout the years.
Everything Hospitality House has accomplished has been entirely due to contributions from all of the Hospitality House volunteers, supporters, and house directors. THANK YOU for responding to the gospel message by supporting the Hospitality House with generous donations of time, talent, effort, and money!
_____________
“Our love should not be just words and talk. It must be true love which shows itself in action.” John 3:18

HOSPITALITY HOUSE
C/O MARY ANN HORSTMANN, TREAS.
115 SOUTH 7TH STREET
ELKVILLE, IL 62932
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

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We’re on the Web!
http://hospitalityhouse.yolasite.com

List of Hospitality House Board of Directors

Inside Story Headline