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Haymarket Center’s annual gala celebrates the resilience of individuals in recovery, shining a light on the organization’s transformative care. This year, Haymarket patients created powerful painted masks and shared personal stories that reflect their unique journeys. These moving works, shown below, will be featured at the 2025 Gala on April 25—honoring the strength, hope, and community that fuel the path to recovery.

Mask 1

I am enough.
It’s not their job to like me, it’s my job to like me.
The only way through something is through.
I love myself and who I will continue to become.

Mask 2

The mask I make represents that I am strong, funny, smart.
I have confidence in myself, and I believe I have the strength to stay clean.

Mask 3

Fractured
My heart is breaking undertow
My soul is slowly leaking
I gasp for air
While silently I’m screaming                                                            
Lost in many ways, I’m up for days
Withering away now
Hand held out, I’ve lost my grip
Look up, a riptide’s coming

Mask 4

This is basically how I feel right now and yesterday.

Mask 5

I got my design from the American artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Your strength is greater than your struggle. That means to me no matter what, I can get through anything.

Mask 6

Sunset
Power. I have the power to change my story.
Trusting. Wise. Feminine. Loving. Fashionable. Spiritual. Outgoing. Tasteful. Giving. Humble. Cynical.

Mask 7

The Pain of not being an artist
But the willingness to try!
I’m Enough.

Mask 8

I’m the girl behind the mask! As you can see, there’s 2 masks. The words about how I see myself are hidden behind the black mask. I’m recently sober after using cocaine for 5.5-6 years straight so I have no idea who I am, but I know who I want to become. I’m a blank page & starting to write my future. I am getting stronger every day.

Mask 9

I came from Des Moines, IA on February 19. My daughter told me about this place & even set up a ride. I was all in – I was ready to go. I was going to travel with another person, but they backed out. I got picked up and went to Chicago and I didn’t even know where I was going. I got to my daughter’s house, but when my nephew came to drive me to O’Hare for a flight to Germany, I stopped. I didn’t want to be dropped off somewhere not knowing where or how long. I left, turned around, and went back to my daughter’s house.

Two days later, I was schedule for Access to Care Non-Emergency Transportation. They picked me up at 1:15AM and I arrived at Haymarket at 12:00.

I’ve been here 17 days.

Mask 10

I am an alcoholic/addict.
I know where to find angels…at Haymarket
I have been through ups and downs
But I have an opportunity to make a change for the better.
I have the support of my family and the confidence to forget my past and live towards a new sober life.
Thank you.

Mask 11

My time has come. With God’s help I have decided that this is when the final battle will be won. Forces throughout the universe are watching God and I at this historic time.

I am confident in our success.
I am confident in our victory.
The fear is gone.
The anger is gone.
The resentment is gone.
The drinking is gone.
My Recovery Mask
Darkness leads to light
Confusion leads to clarity
Fear leads to success
Intoxication becomes sobriety
Failure becomes new learning
Colors matter
White space matters
Empty space matters
Recovery Matters!

Mask 12

I am 6 days clean because of Haymarket. I came into detox because my life had been unmanageable, and I need the help to guide me on my road to recovery. I was so close to losing my kids and I know I need to straighten up because life without them is no life at all. This program is so important and inspiring! Thank you for the opportunity to be here today.

Mask 13

I’m getting stronger every day I’ve been here, and I see a different way to live.

Mask 14

I am Enough!
I’m worth it!
I matter!
I need to love myself!
I’m going to get through this!
I will hold my head up high!
My kids can’t wait for me to be back!

Mask 15

God steers my ship. I put others before myself. I feel peaceful and easy, with real love and endless opportunities. I can and I will. I’m special, and so are you.

Mask 16

I just couldn’t keep up with you when you were reading. But when I put my thoughts on paper, it feels just as good out getting them out as keeping them in.

Being here has made me feel alive and I can look at myself and see a better version of me.

Mask 17

My mask is painted using the colors of the sunset. Why? Because the sun is always rising in my mind.

*You’re Blessed*

I realized I’m blessed based on the blessings I have in my life. I have my parents support and my friends support along my journey.

Mask 18

The outside shows the soldier of what I’ve been through. It shows my brother’s number & last name under the eyes. Those can be considered the tears I shed when he got killed. Purple & royal blue are the two main colors because I feel like I am “royalty” to an extent & must protect my name & reputation. The bloody crown over the lips stands for all the war stories and the trauma I have endured. And finally, “loyalty over everything” is something my brother and I said so it is represented for him. The inside of my mask shows what I wish I could be in the world: a healer. a lover. a goddess. a queen. Be one with the universe. “As Above so Below, as Within so Without. We are one with the universe, the universe is one with us.”

My mask my not have details of my past. My story isn’t special like that anyway because I am here like others. But it mainly speaks for my brother and the love I have for him.

Yours Truly,
Loveable Goddess Queen

Mask 19

I’m stronger enough every day
I am smart
I am blessed
I am proud of myself
I am not my mistakes
I am valuable
I am capable
I can and I will
I am enough
I matter
I deserve love, compassion, and empathy                                              
I am fully committed to achieving my goals

Mask 20

I’m 48 years old. I’m true to myself when I look in the mirror.
I’m a hurt man but I’m not broken.
I fall but I get up. I have been within this life for me but I live for the recovery of us.
The rock is my recovery, and my love is and always was love for self!
I’m Good and Bad!

Mask 21

The blue music notes represent my musical gifts. The silver represents my strength and solid exterior. My birthstone is a diamond.

The green bull represents my zodiac sign, Taurus with the Earth element.

The heart represents my sensitivity. I sometimes wear my heart on my sleeve.

Mask 22

I drew a sunflower rising out of the concrete while facing the sun. Because I too shall rise and will shine in the warmth of the sun despite my circumstances. I can go through the hardness of life like concrete, and I will still move forward and blossom like the sunflower I painted.

Haymarket made this possible for me and helped guide me and supported my growth. The project of painting masks was amazing and has helped me better understand myself. I’m grateful to be part of the Haymarket community because without it, I wouldn’t have the chance nor feel empowered to be a mom to my 2-month year old son.

Mask 23

Lost hope
Broken love
Inner peace
Being found.

Mask 24

All time. Impatient. Loving. Hopeful. Vulnerable. Trusting. Driven. Intense.

Mask 25

grateful.
I’m feeling peaceful.
I’m feeling caring.
I’m feeling loving.
I’m feeling grateful.

Mask 26

I am a recovering addict. My mask depicts how people view me on the outside – beautiful, smart, & motivated. But on the inside, I feel dark and lonely like life is not real and unfair. As if I’m not good enough. Deep, deep down, I know that I am enough.

Mask 27

My mask represents someone who has 2 faces like a Gemini, because that’s what I am. The green side is my good side, and the other side is my dark side. I also drew some lashes on my mask to represent my femininity and my beauty. The heart represents that I am a loving person.

Mask 28

¡Soy suficiente!
¡Estoy trabajando en ello!
¡Importo!
¡Necesito amarme!
¡Sé que lo lograré!
¡Mantendré la cabeza en alto!

Mask 29

You are getting stronger.
I have power.
I’m blessed.
I’m stronger than any storms
I deserve love
I matter, I have value
I am enough

Mask 30

I feel beautiful because I want to be.
I feel mindful because I care a lot.
I feel smart and free.

Mask 31

I am enough
I love myself and who I will continue to become

Mask 32

In coming to Haymarket, it is the first time I have felt like a real person in over 10 years. My son coming here was such a blessing. In knowing he was safe allowed me to truly focus on my recovery! I finally feel hope, love and positivity for the future.

Mask 33

My picture describes my heart coming out of me while my head is always in the clouds. No matter, I still have the right to dream. I’m learning how to love myself again and most of all, feel my emotions! Once again, I’m alive!

Mask 34

You are valued
You are capable
You can and you will
You are enough

Mask 35

On the inside, I’m a person that is hurt, heartbroken, down, sad, loveable, good hearted and loyal. On the outside, I’m a hard-working young man and a provider for my family. I’m strong and I’m a survivor.

Mask 36

Perception Vs. Reality

People tend to see me in extremes—black and white thinking, strong opinions—not much grey area. Or they just see a pretty face.

I see myself as a fierce person! I’m capable of more than I’m aware of at this moment. I like to compare myself to jungle animals – like a cheetah or leopard. I have a lot of spots, and each one serves a purpose.

Mask 37

Beauty comes from within—but also from the outside looking in. It takes many different shapes. Sometimes, beauty might not look like beauty at first. Sometimes, it’s found in a specific place. How do you see beauty?

Mask 38

I feel honorable
I feel swanky
I feel nice
I feel loveable
I feel pretty
I feel enjoyable

Mask 39

I’m Enough
You are generous
You’re only human
Sobriety is a choice
Your children love you
Honesty is a virtue
Integrity is when no one is looking
You are loved.
Love thy mother and father
Be the best parent you can be.
Red is for love and hate.
Gold is for truth and happiness
Blue is for sadness and strength
Green is for generosity and joy
Yellow is for family, pride, values, father, husband and son

Mask 40

In the beginning, drinking and drugs were fun.
I lost my way for 33 years.
In 33 years, I went to jail, got raped and beat up.
I lost my kid.
Now I have found my way through the help of treatment.
There’s no more pain.

Mask 41

I’m a mother of 6 wonderful children and am currently pregnant with #7. I am a recovering addict. I’ve had a lot of trauma in my life but I never let it show! My mask represents nature, just pure beauty which is usually people see my outer self as. Deep down inside, I’m battling with myself.

Mask 42

I do my thing
You do your thing
I’m NOT in this world
To live up to your expectations
And you’re not in this world
To live up to mine
You are you
I am I
And if by chance
We find each other
It’s Beautiful

Mask 43

I may look happy on the outside, but inside, I carry a lot of pain. The broken hearts represent my cousin, my brother who was killed, and my other brother who’s in jail fighting a tough case. It hurts me deeply. I went to prison, and it messed me up—I will never go back.

Mask 44

My mask represents my daughter and myself. I painted a sky and grass with two colored flowers, red for myself and purple, my daughter’s favorite color. I painted this background because during the summer we would lay in our yard with our 4 dogs and watch the stars at night. It’s one of our most favorite things to do.

Mask 45

My name is 3723 and I am an addict in recovery. I relapsed a year and a half ago after being clean for 17.5 years. My husband was dying of liver cirrhosis and an abdominal hernia. I wanted to drown. I was in so such pain. I was also mad – mad as hell.

“How dare you take the easy way out and die!”

You see, I’ve dealt with my husband’s alcoholism for 10 years. 10!!! I’ve lost houses, friends and family. You brought me to this foreign city to die and leave me alone! I didn’t care about anyone or anything. I delivered my son on January 27, 2025 – smoking crack until I hit the hospital bed to push!

If it wasn’t for Haymarket, I would not have been able to keep my squishy (aka my son). I will forever be grateful.

Mask 46

My mask is probably most influenced by my childhood growing up in Texas.

Thank you so much to Haymarket for making our day a little lighter with this fun project. Recovery is no an easy task to accomplish, but knowing that my 2-month-old daughter will be joining me for my long journey in a few short days makes life seem a little lighter and not so heavy and suffocating. I’m not sure how much I could genuinely focus on healing, knowing I wouldn’t be able to see my daughter for so long. But having her here will eliminate my biggest outside distraction and keep me focused on my journey to overcome addiction. Thank you so much Haymarket for your Mater Unit. I could never forget everything you’ve given me to help get my life and my daughter back. Knowing she’s safe is going to help me truly focus on my sobriety. Thank you.

Mask 47

On December 27^th, 2024, I was robbed of my dignity and self-worth. It was taken from me in an act of disgusting callousness. That day took so much from me. I went downhill in my addiction after the assault. I became suicidal to the point where I wanted to set up a fund to make sure my children were taken care of. I thought my children would be better off without me because their mother was now a dirty, disgusting dog unworthy of the kindness and love that my children give. After I did the rape kit at Roseland Community Hospital, I cleaned the hospital room. I cleaned every inch of it. I washed my face so many times it made my skin raw. My fingers were like prunes from the amount of hand sanitizer that I used to wash the floors.

Today I am sober. I’m working on my self-worth. I got sober on February 19^th, 2025. I am a mother to my two kids. I am a mother at Mater Hall trying to bring my daughter here. I am worth a life full of happiness.

I will not let them take that from me.

Mask 48

My mask represents the four different sides of me, each in my favorite colors. Every color symbolizes a different part of who I am.

Mask 49

I chose 2 different colors of brown because my disease of addiction changes the color of my skin. I get dark around my eyes and my nose bleeds often because of my blood pressure.

Mask 50

I want people to see a beautiful person – like the color of pink, which to me is soothing, calming, yet bold. Someone who smiles but at the same time, has a serious demeanor. A person with mesmerizing eyes that draw other in…even though, on the inside she feels small and too scared to be seen. Too afraid to truly see herself but deep down, she does not know that she is a kind human being. She is a caring and nurturing mother, a loveable and loving sister and daughter.

She is not lost – she is finding herself. She is brave, even in her loneliness and fear.

Mask 51

My mask represents my life, and the emotions currently associated with it. The patch on the forehead represents all the hurt and pain I have caused due to my alcohol abuse. The water represents all the tears my family, friends and I have cried. The sun represents the future – there is still light at the end of the tunnel. The mask is not fully painted because there are still memories to be had after treatment and achieving sobriety. The inside of the mask contains my current outlook on life and what I will try to focus and work on.

Mask 52

Hope.

Mask 53

I am trying to get it together.

Mask 54

My mask represents the emotions I feel about my brother’s passing.

Mask 55

Pray for me to stay safe. Thank you God.

To those in the religious order, he was Monsignor McDermott. To those he helped on the streets and at Haymarket, he was Fr. Mac. But to me, he was Uncle Ig. I was blessed enough to witness the Haymarket Center being built from the ground up since I was younger. For as long as I can remember, Uncle Ig was helping men and women who struggled with addiction.

It’s difficult to pick just one favorite memory, but my top two would be, first, serving meals at Thanksgiving and Christmas to the residents and their families. Just seeing the families supporting relatives who were there for treatment—whether they had just been admitted or had been there for a while—was heartwarming. They were working on the program with the best support team. My other favorite memory is probably more personal: when Uncle Ig would celebrate Midnight Mass, and we would sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus with a cake. It was touching to see how many people attended, many of whom had been helped by Haymarket and truly felt the support and love of Uncle Ig.

As for meaningful experiences, I would have to say that when my cousin and I collected gifts for the children at Christmas and Easter baskets at Easter and hosted a party for each holiday to pass out gifts and baskets to the children of mothers staying at Haymarket. It filled our hearts to see how excited the children and mothers were to be remembered during the holidays. Uncle Ig would always make sure to make an appearance because he loved nothing more than to see children smile and be happy.

Reflecting back as Haymarket celebrates its 50th anniversary, I am extremely proud to see that Uncle Ig’s and Dr. West’s mission and vision continue to help those who struggle with addiction. Haymarket continues to provide so many services, and I know that Uncle Ig would not only be pleased, but that the twinkle in his eye would be sparkling brightly.

Each year, the Haymarket Center Gala highlights the organization’s mission and the transformative care it has provided since its founding by Monsignor Ignatius McDermott— “Father Mac”— in 1975. At the heart of the Gala are the patients, whose stories of resilience and recovery take center stage through personal narratives and artwork that demonstrate the profound impact of Haymarket’s services.

For this year’s event, 68 patients created pieces of artwork that will serve as centerpieces at this year’s Gala on April 25. Each piece reflects their struggles, triumphs, and hopes for the future. In March, Haymarket hosted the annual Client Art Project, an evening dedicated to reflection, creativity, and renewed commitment to recovery. Patients in various stages of their recovery gathered to share a meal, express their experiences through art, and paint masks that symbolize their individual journeys.

Following the completion of their artwork, participants shared their stories and selected affirmations to carry forward, with one message resonating throughout: the transformation that recovery can bring.

As a leader in substance use disorder treatment, Haymarket remains dedicated to providing patient-centered care to help individuals rebuild their lives. The Gala will showcase the strength of those in recovery, with the patient-created masks symbolizing resilience and transformation. More than just a celebration, it’s an opportunity to support lifesaving treatment and ensure that those seeking recovery have the resources to succeed.

Registration is still open for anyone who would like to be part of this meaningful event and help change lives.

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.

Photo by Rush System for Health

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.