- Strengthening Families
- Laying Foundation
- Inspiring Hope
About Us
Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Our Education Division provides educational and developmental services that place kids on a pathway towards success. We serve ages 6 weeks to 12 years. Through high quality education and trauma informed service delivery, we endeavor to create life-long learners and equip children to succeed in the 21st Century. We leverage our community partnerships in order to effectively address the needs of our students and parents. Our programs are accredited by the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAC). Our programs have achieved the Gold Circle of Quality as recognized by the State of Illinois.
MISSION AND BELIEFS
Our mission is to provide children with educational and developmental support that maximizes learning potential and lays a foundation for life-long learning. We believe that every child is entitled to quality education. We also believe in...:
Utilizing current teaching strategies to promote cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language development.
Cultivating and establishing a nurturing environment that fosters active learning and creativity.
Creating fun and exciting learning experiences.
Involving parents in the education of their children.
Utilizing skilled educators that teach with passion.
Services
Our Staff
Our Clinical Services Division is dedicated to providing loving care and support for children and families. Our team of therapists, clinicians, and clinical support staff are not only highly skilled but also deeply passionate about their work. They work tirelessly in our Placement and Outpatient Programs, always with your child's well-being at heart. We’re here to make a meaningful difference in your family's journey.
Mikkal Harris
Division Director
Joshua Edwards, Supervisor
Case Management & Placement
Case Management & Placement
Stacy Noble
Congregate Care Administrator
Congregate Care Administrator
Dana Moore
Milieu Manager
Milieu Manager
Dominique Jefferson
Milieu Manager
Milieu Manager
Delores Lewis
Milieu Manager
Milieu Manager
Rheann Adams
Therapist
Therapist
Thomas Harris
LifeSet Program Director
LifeSet Program Director
Our Clinical Services Division’s purpose is to restore the youth of today in order to place them on a path of success and independence.
We are dedicated to offering compassionate, high-quality care through our Placement and Outpatient Programs.
In our Placement Programs, we provide nurturing, safe environments in our G.E.M.S. homes for girls and J.U.M.P. homes for boys. These homes are fully licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services, ensuring your child receives the best care possible. Our My Second Home Foster Care Program offers specialized and emergency foster care, giving children the stability and support they need during challenging times.
The Hope Outpatient Behavioral Health Program is here to help your family thrive, offering personalized individual, group, and family therapy, along with case management and Christian counseling services. All our programs are proudly accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (C.A.R.F.), a testament to our commitment to excellence in care.
Your family's well-being is our priority, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
Placement Programs
At Garden of Prayer Youth Center, our Placement Programs are designed to transform the lives of today’s youth, setting them on a path to success and independence.
Congregate Care Programs (G.E.M.S. & J.U.M.P. Group Homes)
Our Congregate Care Programs provide a safe and nurturing home for youth ages 12-18 who need extra support. With 24-hour supervision in a therapeutic environment, we tailor trauma-informed treatment plans that address mental health, case management, and therapeutic recreation. Our goal is to help your child heal, build resilience, and prepare for a successful transition to a less restrictive setting, where they can thrive.
Interim Care Center (Coming Soon)
We’re excited to introduce our upcoming Interim Care Center, designed to offer temporary, compassionate care for girls aged 9-17. This program will provide timely, trauma-informed behavioral health and case management services in a therapeutic environment, ensuring that each girl receives the individualized support she needs during pivotal moments.
Independent Living Program
Our Independent Living Program empowers youth ages 19-21 with the skills they need to succeed on their own. Through an intensive life skills development program, participants will be placed in various housing options while receiving ongoing case management and therapy. Our aim is to equip them with the tools they need for independence and self-sufficiency.
My Second Home Foster Care Program
Our My Second Home Foster Care Program offers a warm, loving environment that truly feels like home for youth in the care of DCFS. We’re here to support your child’s journey toward a brighter future. Our Specialized Foster Care Program (SPEC) provides intensive therapeutic, educational, and recreational services for youth who have experienced trauma, while our Emergency Foster Care (EFC) offers immediate, supportive placement for those in need of temporary care. Serving Kankakee, Will, Iroquois, and Cook counties, our programs are committed to giving each child the best possible start in life.
Garden Of Prayer Youth Center | © All Rights Reserved | (815) 933-2493