Who We Are: A Legacy of Hope in Waukegan
For over 50 years, the heart of our work has been a simple, powerful conviction: people love serving people.
What began as a small “Meals on Wheels” program at the North Shore Church of Christ grew into a lifeline for Waukegan and our surrounding neighbors. For decades, we operated as “Food for Body and Soul,” providing thousands of hot meals, a reliable food pantry, and a clothing closet for families in need. We became a sanctuary for recovery, hosting Narcotics and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for over 20 years, and a place of growth, partnering with Waukegan Public School District #60 to host the EPIC Pre-K program for a decade.
Our Story: From Crisis to Community
In March 2020, as the world paused under the Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation, our local services faced an unprecedented stoppage. Throughout the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, we remained a steady presence for our neighbors, navigating three years of uncertainty until the state emergency officially concluded in May 2023.
However, the end of the pandemic did not mean the end of the need. In 2024, recognizing that our community’s challenges were growing in both scale and complexity, we knew we had to grow, too.
To honor our history of service while expanding our capacity for lasting impact, we officially incorporated as the Shore of Hope Community Center. We aren’t just responding to a crisis anymore, we are building a foundation for a stronger, more equitable future.