Summit of Hope - Illinois Department of Corrections

​The Summit of Hope is a community expo, bringing together local service providers to create a "one-stop" environment for invited parolees and probationers to obtain necessary assistance to move past barriers, which may prevent an individual from leading a successful life. The Summit of Hope is a proven Illinois Department of Corrections and Illinois Department of Public Health sanctioned program, independently organized in individual communities throughout the state. These events are helped tremendously by the participation and generosity of each hosting community.

The mission of the Summit of Hope is to guide and assist parolees and probationers with available services to better ensure reintegration into the community and thus reduce recidivism. This approach is not only a very time-efficient way to reach a high-risk population, but it also provides added value by meeting the many needs of those who have recently been released. These individuals are trying to become productive members of their communities, and the services available to them will often be the difference between success and failure. The objective of each event is to give "Hope" to those who may have lost it.

The Illinois Department of Corrections Summit of Hope expos are instrumental in helping create safer communities. A crime-free life for ex-offenders translates into safer communities for all.​

May 8, 2024 - Chicago - Thank you for your interest. Vendor and volunteer sign-up is closed due to capacity.

June 11, 2024 – Women’s Summit of Hope Chicago - 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at 4543 S Princeton Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60609

June 13, 2024 – Peoria – 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61602

Vendors and volunteers, please complete the below registration form to the best of your ability for the specific Summit of Hope event you would like to register for and click Submit.

Vendors

Click here for more information regarding summit vendor instructions.

Volunteers

Volunteers play a vital role at Summit of Hope events and lots of assistance is needed to help ensure a successful event. Volunteers can assist in a variety of ways. Most of the volunteers will be needed to guide and assist returning citizens through a maze of services to identify and connect with community providers and resources; these individuals will help participants break the ice with vendors and providers. Volunteers will also be needed to work the registration and exit tables, assist with breakfast/lunch food, assist as door greeters, and more! If there is a specific job you desire, please indicate in the comments section on the form below.

Click here for more information about volunteer job duties/responsibilities and volunteer instructions.