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News – Wednesday, April 9, 2025
IDPH and IDOC Team Up to Host Second Chance “Summit of Hope” in Peoria to Support Returning Citizens
Event at the Peoria Civic Center offers job opportunities and essential services such as health screenings, housing assistance, educational programs, and legal aid.
PEORIA – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) are partnering on April 10 in Peoria to sponsor a “Summit of Hope” resource fair in recognition of the annual observance in April of Second Chance Month, which is dedicated to supporting individuals transitioning from incarceration back into society.
The event at the Peoria Civic Center from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. is by invitation and will feature dozens of service providers. The Summit of Hope serves as a one-stop resource fair, connecting formerly incarcerated individuals with vital services, including health screenings, job opportunities, housing assistance, educational programs, and legal aid. In addition to IDPH and IDOC, the event is also sponsored by the Peoria Police Department and the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office.
“Second Chance Month is about recognizing the dignity of individuals who have paid their debt to society and helping them rebuild their lives,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “The Summit of Hope event is a critical initiative to ensure returning citizens have access to the resources many people take for granted, including health screenings and housing, as well as educational and job opportunities.”
“Successful reentry takes a collective effort, and the ‘Summit of Hope’ is a powerful example of what we can achieve when agencies, community partners, and service providers work together,” said IDOC Director Latoya Hughes. “By connecting returning citizens with essential support, we assist individuals as they rebuild their lives—and in doing so, we strengthen families, communities, and public safety across Illinois.”
The summit will feature a variety of service providers, employers, community organizations, and government agencies working together to address barriers to reentry. Attendees will have opportunities to obtain identification documents, enroll in healthcare programs, and receive support for mental health and substance abuse recovery.
Illinois remains committed to promoting successful reentry and reducing recidivism through education, employment, and healthcare access. Events like the “Summit of Hope” align with broader state efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for returning citizens.
For more information about the Summit of Hope or to participate as a service provider, please contact Michael Gaines at Michael.Gaines@Illinois.gov or register HERE:
