West40 is excited to announce updates on the transformation of the former St. Joseph High School into a residential school for approximately 40 foster boys and the opening of the Heart 2 Heart Food Mart, a food pantry located on the same campus.
Crews have started finishing floors and we have added a new rug to the entrance throughout the building. In addition, some plumbing work has commenced. This follows the successful installation of the building’s HVAC “backbone” and the demolition of the north campus building last Fall.
The overall construction timeline remains contingent on funding from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). DCFS has been allocated $150 million in Capital Development Funds, but the Request for Proposal (RFP) for these funds has not yet been released.
“We’re tracking the release of the RFP daily to ensure we’re prepared to apply as soon as it becomes available,” said Dr. Mark Klaisner, Executive Director of West40. “We’ve been promised support in seeing this project to the finish line, and we remain committed to creating a space that will positively impact the lives of our students and their families.”
Meanwhile, West40 is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the Heart 2 Heart Food Mart. It will be operated in partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository. This initiative is designed to provide essential food items to families and individuals in need, reinforcing West40’s mission to support communities across the region. Open four days a week and staffed by dedicated West40 employees and enthusiastic student volunteers, the food mart fosters collaboration and community engagement. It also serves as a hands-on learning opportunity for students to develop valuable skills while contributing to the well-being of their neighbors.
“We have been doing a version of this work in Maywood, and as we see the need expanding in Westchester, we decided to deliver and expand on the St. Joseph campus,” said Klaisner.
West40 remains steadfast in its commitment to enriching lives and empowering communities through student advocacy, professional learning opportunities, and support services.
For more information, contact Chris Coffey, West40 Communications and Media Relations Manager, at ccoffey@west40.org