Since opening its doors in November 2024, Mac’s Deli has made a meaningful difference in the lives of Haymarket Center clients in recovery from substance use disorders. Through its workforce training program, Mac’s Deli participants gain essential customer service, culinary skills, and food safety certifications—tools that empower them to build careers, gain independence, and regain control of their lives.
The first graduating cohort, which completed the program in January 2025, has seen inspiring results. More than 60% of these individuals have secured full-time jobs with benefits, such as private health insurance and retirement savings, with employers like Rush University Medical Center, Jewel-Osco, Levy Senior Center, Aramark Food Services, Buona Beef, Prince Street Pizza Chicago, and Walgreens. These job opportunities offer more than just a paycheck—they are stepping stones toward long-term stability, providing participants with a sense of accomplishment, confidence, and security in their lives.
Mac’s Deli isn’t just about acquiring job skills—it’s about creating a space where individuals in recovery can thrive, rebuild their self-esteem, and find a sense of belonging in a community that supports them. Each participant’s recovery journey is met with compassion and encouragement, helping them navigate the challenges of recovery while developing the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workforce.
The success of the first graduating cohort highlights the powerful impact of workforce development in breaking cycles of addiction, poverty, and homelessness. With a steady income, job training, and the support of a caring community, Mac’s Deli is providing individuals with the opportunity to build brighter futures and achieve lasting recovery. Rooted in Father Mac’s vision of empowerment, the program offers participants a fresh start, helping them to overcome obstacles and create lasting change in their lives.
Haymarket Center has been awarded a highly competitive $250,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Birth Equity Initiative, a recognition of its vital role in reducing health disparities among pregnant and postpartum Illinoisans. This funding will allow Haymarket to expand access to maternal and infant screenings, educational groups, essential care supplies, and expert providers—ensuring that individuals facing substance use and mental health challenges receive the comprehensive care they need.
With 30 years of experience serving pregnant and postpartum individuals, Haymarket will use this grant to strengthen its one-stop-shop model, addressing medical, behavioral, and environmental needs in a single, accessible setting. Services will include prenatal and postpartum exams, gynecological procedures, and newborn wellness assessments. The initiative will also provide crucial resources such as baby harnesses, breast pumps, and other essential items to support new mothers and their children.
By integrating maternal care with primary health, behavioral health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services, Haymarket Center is reinforcing its mission to break down barriers to care. This investment from the State of Illinois underscores the importance of Haymarket’s work and its leadership in providing equitable, patient-centered healthcare solutions that improve outcomes for families in need.
Haymarket Center is excited to announce that the publication of a notable study in the Addiction Science & Clinical Practice journal. The research underscores the vital role of Twelve Step Programs in supporting long-term recovery from substance use disorders.
Led by Haymarket Center President and CEO, Dr. Dan Lustig, along with a team of research professionals from Chestnut Health, the study found that patients who regularly attended Twelve Step Programs demonstrated a stronger commitment to their recovery and made healthier, more sustainable choices. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the effectiveness of these programs in improving recovery outcomes.
Additionally, the study highlights the importance of incorporating a patient’s past experiences with support programs into personalized treatment plans. By understanding a patient’s history with recovery support groups like Twelve Step Programs, treatment strategies can be more effectively tailored to support long-term success.
For Haymarket Center, the publication of this study represents a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to advancing research and delivering evidence-based care. Haymarket Center will continue to lead innovation in treatment, leveraging research to improve recovery outcomes and empower patients on their journey toward a healthier, substance-free life.
As Haymarket Center celebrates its 50th anniversary, reflecting on its incredible journey, we had the privilege of speaking with Jesse Taylor, Vice President of Facilities and Business Services at McDermott Center. Jesse’s connection with Haymarket is deeply personal, and his experiences offer a unique insight into how the organization has evolved over the years.
As Haymarket Center celebrates its 50th anniversary, reflecting on its incredible journey, we had the privilege of speaking with Don Musil, former Executive Vice President at McDermott Center. Don’s connection with Haymarket is deeply personal, and his experiences offer a unique insight into how the organization has evolved over the years.
“My mother-in-law felt I would be a good fit for Haymarket Center and mentioned it to her husband, Jack Whalen. One of my first meetings with Father was in his office, and he said, “So you are going to take care of my building?” I replied, “I would.” He smiled and said, “That’s good! We were really small potatoes until we had this building. It’s due to Jack getting the money together, otherwise we wouldn’t have this building.” Those words stuck with me because they reminded me of the importance of teamwork and vision, and how people’s dedication can change the trajectory of an entire organization.
One of my favorite memories of Father Mac revolves around his genuine love for people and his remarkable ability to connect with anyone he met. It seemed like no matter who he was talking to, Father always took a moment to ask, “Where did you go to high school?” This simple yet powerful question wasn’t just about geography, it was his way of showing interest in someone’s background and story. It made people feel seen and valued, as if their history mattered. He truly believed in the importance of understanding people on a deeper level, and it was this deep sense of connection that made everyone feel important.
I will always cherish the countless Saturdays spent walking through the Haymarket Campus with Father, making sure everything was up to his high standards. Father Mac took so much pride in the building, and that pride was contagious. He was always meticulous, ensuring everything reflected the mission and values he held dear. Walking alongside him, I not only saw his dedication to excellence but also his passion for creating a place where people could heal and grow. It was clear that the building wasn’t just a structure; it was a symbol of his mission he worked tirelessly to build.
Father Mac wasn’t just proud of the physical space he worked so hard to build; he was equally proud of his family, his friends, and especially the people he served—the clients of Haymarket. He truly believed in their potential and always sought ways to uplift and empower them. It was a reminder of how impactful leadership can be when it’s rooted in care, humility, and connection.
Personally, those moments left an indelible mark on me. Father’s genuine interest in others and his unwavering commitment to both the people he served and the place he nurtured shaped my approach to relationships and leadership. Professionally, it taught me the importance of building authentic connections, taking pride in the work we do, and always looking for ways to uplift others. His example will always guide me in my personal and professional life.”
Haymarket Center is launching the Supportive Services and Treatment for Accessible Recovery – Together (START) program to support pregnant and postpartum women with opioid use disorders. This transformative initiative focuses on improving healthcare outcomes for women from areas of Chicago disproportionately affected by opioid use. It builds on Haymarket’s existing Pregnant and Postpartum Women (PPW) program, with a strong focus on trauma-informed care and addressing healthcare disparities.
“Most of the women we serve—99.9%—have experienced some form of trauma in their lives,” says Pamela Williams, Assistant Clinical Director. “Having a trauma therapist on board is absolutely phenomenal.”
The START program takes a multidisciplinary approach, involving recovery specialists, peer doulas, and a trauma therapist who work collaboratively to provide compassionate, comprehensive care for mothers and their infants. Participants will receive personalized intake assessments followed by a full year of support tailored to their unique needs, with a program goal of stabilizing 20 women annually.
The program goes beyond medical treatment, addressing broader needs such as emotional support, health education, and social services. By connecting participants with essential resources—START helps build a sustainable foundation for recovery and well-being for both mother and child.
Pamela emphasizes the importance of addressing societal stigma. “In the past, women with opioid use disorder, especially those who are pregnant or postpartum, were often unseen or ignored. Our goal is to change that by desensitizing and destigmatizing opioid use disorder in this population. Having staff with lived experience, combined with education and empathy, is key to breaking the stigma and helping women succeed.”
Melinda McMichael, a Haymarket staff member, exemplifies this approach through her role as a peer doula. Having achieved sobriety in January 2018, Melinda understands firsthand the challenges faced by women in recovery.
“I believe that the work we do is important. Programs like this, where other recovering people help others, are vital. We guide people through their recovery journey and show them how to navigate life in recovery,” Melinda says.
The START program fosters strategic partnerships with healthcare providers and community organizations, connecting patients to a network of care and creating a sense of connection and solidarity. This approach not only supports recovery but also helps to reduce healthcare disparities.
The long-term vision for the START program is to create lasting, positive change for both mothers and their children. By focusing on trauma-informed care, peer support, and sustainable recovery, the program strives to reduce the stigma and empower more women to rebuild their lives and secure a better future for themselves and their families.
Funding provided in a whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery through the Opioid Remediation Trust Fund or the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. The Regional Care Coordination Agency (RCCA) is administered by Advocates for Human Potential, Inc., as authorized by CSFA 444-26-3078.
On January 20th, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service offered an opportunity to honor one of the nation’s most revered leaders for peace and justice, while living out his vision of service, unity, and uplifting marginalized communities. This commitment is at the core of Haymarket Center’s mission and is reflected in its long-standing partnership with Rush University Medical Center, with both organizations collaborating to better serve Chicago’s underserved communities.
As part of this mission, Haymarket’s outreach team visits Chicago’s homeless encampments daily, providing essential resources and helping individuals take steps towards stable housing. On MLK Day, four Rush Medical students joined the team, distributing food, hygiene kits, and other critical supplies to approximately 30 individuals. Despite the cold and challenges in engaging people who were often reluctant to interact due to fear or isolation, the collaboration between Haymarket and Rush had a meaningful impact, offering both immediate assistance and a sense of care to those in need.
Photo by Rush System for Health
For the Rush students, the experience was both eye-opening and inspiring. David, a Rush Medical student who regularly participates in the weekly detox clinic at Haymarket and joined the outreach efforts on MLK Day, reflected on the day’s importance and the partnership between the two organizations. “The collaboration between Rush University Medical Center and Haymarket Center on MLK Day furthers Dr. King’s legacy by bringing together different communities with the shared goal of helping those who are less fortunate. The event embodies the spirit of collaboration and strives to drive progress for vulnerable populations. By continuing this event every year, we ensure that Dr. King’s vision and impact remain alive and meaningful.”
This annual outreach exemplifies Dr. King’s vision of unity in action. By bringing together two organizations with a shared mission, this partnership directly meets the needs of Chicago’s most vulnerable. Haymarket Center is proud of its collaboration with Rush University Medical Center and remains steadfast in advancing service, collaboration, and compassion as core principles of its work.
Recovery is a journey filled with challenges and obstacles that can make it difficult to stay mindful and present. At Haymarket Center, art therapy has proven to be effective in helping patients heal through creative expression.
Art therapy provides a safe space for self-expression and healing. By engaging in creative activities, individuals are empowered to reconnect with their inner selves, build emotional resilience, and rewrite their personal narratives. Each brushstroke or color choice becomes a step towards transformation.
Itzel, a Haymarket patient, is a shining example of the impact that art therapy can have. While initially hesitant to participate, she now fully embraces the practice during her recovery process. Reflecting on her journey, Itzel shares the importance of openness.
“I learned in art therapy to give myself grace,” she says. “I feel more open to feeling my emotions like shame and dealing with them.”
Art therapy has also become a family practice for Itzel. “Even with visitations with my children, I involve them in art therapy. I allow my daughter to draw her emotions she can’t express through words.”
One particularly meaningful activity is the “Rock-Bottom” exercise where patients paint a natural stone to symbolize their journey. This narrative therapy technique encourages patients to reframe their “rock-bottom” experience, transforming them from symbols of failure to representations of hope and resilience.
“On my rock, I painted stairs. Because coming here to Haymarket, I was at the bottom of the staircase, but from being here I have learned to climb the stairs to the way up slowly,” Itzel shared.
Art therapy plays a crucial role in recovery by providing patients with a creative outlet to process their emotions and experiences. For Itzel and many others, it offers a healing space where they can find personal insights, strength, and hope— not only allowing them to overcome their past but also to shape their future.
Every year since 1988, December 1st has been observed as World AIDS Day, a day of global unity bringing together individuals affected by HIV to share their stories, honor those we’ve lost, and stand in solidarity in the ongoing fight against HIV. This year, as the world continues to battle the stigma surrounding HIV, Haymarket Center is embracing the theme of hope, unity, and celebration through a series of innovative and interactive events throughout the month of December.
In 2023, a survey conducted by Haymarket’s Health and Wellness team revealed that 5% of their patient population is affected by HIV. To honor both current and past patients, the Health and Wellness team at Haymarket Center has organized a variety of activities aimed at raising awareness, educating, and fostering a community spirit. “Our patients living with HIV are in a unique situation because they are not only living with HIV but also battling substance use disorders, and we want to help them return to their authentic selves,” says DJ Rivers, Manager of the Health & Wellness Department.
This year, Haymarket’s Health and Wellness team is taking a fresh approach to World AIDS Day. While previous years have focused on remembrance, this year’s events aim to be more engaging and educational. The team’s goal is to ensure the entire organization understands the significance of the work being done and how it impacts everyone. “Even in 2024, there are still misconceptions about HIV, how it’s transmitted, and who it affects. Our goal is to educate and provide hope,” Rivers explains.
The objective is clear: to challenge outdated perceptions and offer a space for patients to be celebrated and supported. “We want people living with HIV to be seen for who they are—not just their diagnosis. It’s about creating an environment where they feel part of a community,” says Rivers.
On December 3rd, Haymarket’s Health and Wellness team kicked off the month with a powerful opening ceremony. One of the highlights of this event was the creation of a remembrance tree. Patients and staff were invited to make ornaments to honor those they know who are living with HIV, have passed away, or simply to show their support. The act of creating and sharing these ornaments was a powerful way to engage the community and build solidarity. Participants were also invited to create pieces for a collective quilt that will serve as a symbolic gesture of the organization’s commitment to the fight against HIV.
The second event of the month will be a panel discussion that will feature a range of voices. Among the panelists will be someone newly diagnosed with HIV, as well as a long-term survivor—someone who has lived with HIV for over 15 years. The panel aims to highlight the diverse experiences of individuals living with the virus and discuss the challenges they face, both physically and emotionally. The event will be accompanied by refreshments and a chance for attendees to ask questions, learn more, and foster a sense of community.
To wrap up the month, Haymarket’s Health and Wellness team will host a festive gingerbread house-building event. “It’s a way to embrace the holiday season and bring some joy to our patients,” Rivers says. Alongside this lighthearted activity, the team will present the quilt created during the opening ceremony and distribute warming kits to patients. This thoughtful gesture is a small way to provide comfort and warmth during the colder months and remind everyone that they are part of a larger, caring community.
The inspiration behind these events is simple: Hope. Unity. Collaboration. Rivers explains, “People living with HIV want to be seen as people, not just as their diagnosis. These events give them a chance to be seen, to be celebrated, and to feel connected to others who understand their journey.”
As the month continues, Haymarket invites everyone to learn more about HIV, and challenge misconceptions. If you have any questions about World AIDS Day or future Health & Wellness programs, you can contact DJ Rivers directly:
Dejuane (DJ) Rivers, MA (he/him) Manager, Health & Wellness Department Office: 312-226-7984 ext. 222 Cell: 312-320-7437 Fax: 312-226-0325
On November 18, 2024, Mac’s Deli opened its doors, bringing a new dining experience to the heart of the West Loop. Named in honor of Haymarket’s late founder, Monsignor Ignatius McDermott—more commonly known as Father Mac—this collaboration with Vienna Beef and federal funding earmarked by Sen. Dick Durbin is the first-of-its-kind work training program for Haymarket Center patients in recovery.
Mac’s Deli, an expansion of our workforce training program, empowers individuals in recovery by equipping them with essential food service skills and certification in food safety. Designed to facilitate the transition of patients from recovery programs into the workforce, the deli is staffed by Haymarket patients and staff.
“With Mac’s Deli, our number one goal is to provide essential job training to our patients in recovery, so they leave Haymarket Center with marketable skills and a stronger chance of success,” said Dr. Dan Lustig, President & CEO of Haymarket Center. “A bonus is that Mac’s Deli gives our community a way to directly support people experiencing substance use disorders, homelessness and mental health challenges while helping fund our life-saving treatment programs.”
Haymarket Center celebrated the grand opening with Vienna Beef partners, community members, and civic leaders, including as Regional Director of the Great Lakes Region of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Michael Cabonagri and Vice Mayor Walter Brunett. Both of whom gave sincere remarks at the grand opening.
“I want to encourage the people in the City of Chicago, not just the neighborhood, to come this way and support Mac’s Deli,” remarked Vice Mayor Walter Brunett. “Because when you support Mac’s Deli, you support a life.”
Mac’s Deli not only symbolizes a hopeful future for its staff but also aims to foster connections within the community. As the first hot dog stand in the West Loop that offers Vienna products, it offers a unique and affordable dining option that is sure to become a beloved staple for the neighborhood.
“We aspire to be a positive force in the community, helping to create a welcoming environment,” Jesse Taylor, Vice President of Facilities and Business Services, who oversees the operations of Mac’s Deli adds. “Our hope is that families will feel comfortable coming to Mac’s Deli, creating lasting memories, and perhaps even sharing stories like, ‘This is where I had my first hot dog,’ passed down from father to child or grandparent.”
Join us at Mac’s Deli and indulge in our famous Chicago-style hot dog—Jesse Taylor’s personal favorite—along with a menu featuring Polish sausages, Italian beef, burgers, pastrami, corned beef, turkey pastrami and more.
We thank everyone who made the grand opening of Mac’s Deli possible and look forward to seeing you at Mac’s Deli soon!
Mac’s Deli is located at 124 N. Sangamon Street and will be open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Give Mac’s Deli a follow on Instagram @macsdelihaymarket and Facebook @MacsDeliHaymarket.
