Shelter Care Ministries - The Jubilee Center

Who Can Visit?

The Jubilee Center is a day program for adults living with chronic mental illness who may be homeless or at risk of homelessness. It's part of Shelter Care Ministries and is open to members Monday through Friday.

Good to Know

Each day, members find the doors open, the lights on, and coffee brewing at the Jubilee Center. Staff greet members at the door and provide a caring, welcoming environment throughout the day. One reviewer notes that "if you hang out throughout the morning," staff continuously bring out food supplies to take home.

Food & Essentials

Members enjoy hot meals and snacks during the day. Reviewers mention good snacks and a varying lunch that's well-regarded. Donated food items used at the center include bread, milk, eggs, cereal, oatmeal, soup, frozen vegetables, fruit, broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, flour, sugar, cornmeal, butter, fruit cups, and juice.

How to Pick Up

Members visit the center during open hours and receive hot meals served on-site, including breakfast and a mid-day lunch. Food supplies are also made available to take home during the visit.

Additional Support

Jubilee staff provide advocacy, case management, and intervention throughout the day. Staff also invite members to attend community functions and provide transportation and resources that enrich their lives. The center hosts activities such as BINGO, field trips, health activities, and weekly house meetings.

Ways to Give

You can make a one-time or monthly financial donation online. Drop-off donations (food, personal care items, household supplies, and furniture) are accepted at 218 7th Street, Rockford, IL 61104. Call the Donations Coordinator at 815-708-2650 or email donations@shelter-care.org to arrange a drop-off time. You can also give through the Friends of Shelter Care Monthly Giving Program at the website or make a one-time donation.

Needed food donations include bread, milk, eggs, cereal, oatmeal, soup, frozen vegetables, and more. Personal care items such as toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, diapers (sizes 4, 5, 6), feminine hygiene products, and razors are also needed. Furniture and household items like couches, dressers, mattresses, kitchenware, and bedding are welcome too.

How to Join the Team?

Volunteers are vital to Shelter Care and the Jubilee Center. Opportunities include:

• Hospitality Volunteers: Provide companionship and support to members. Groups may prepare and serve the mid-day meal or breakfast, or help with activities like BINGO, field trips, and health activities.
• Resources Volunteers: Provide food, household items, cleaning supplies, furniture, clothing, hygiene supplies, and transportation. May help organize apartment set-up teams.
• Heavy Lifters: Help haul and move donated furniture for families.
• Fundraising Volunteers: Support events and fundraising efforts.

All volunteers must complete a volunteer application and then meet with the program supervisor. Once training or orientation is done, volunteers are expected to show the same commitment as paid staff. Visit shelter-care.org for more information.