Business Details
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Community Services in Joliet, IL
Daybreak Shelter has dedicated decades to serving individuals and families in need across northern Illinois. Our organization provides comprehensive support through emergency housing, mental health counseling, food assistance, early childhood education, and community outreach programs. Rooted in Catholic social teaching, we prioritize dignity, compassion, and equity while addressing poverty, homelessness, and social isolation. Our team of experienced professionals and volunteers collaborates with local partners to deliver tailored solutions, including crisis intervention, case management, and long-term support services.We maintain rigorous standards of accountability through federal grants and community partnerships, ensuring transparency and measurable impact. By fostering self-sufficiency and advocating for vulnerable populations, we strive to create lasting positive change in the communities we serve.
Services
Emergency Housing
Mental Health Counseling
Mobile Food Pantry
Head Start Programs
Homelessness Prevention
Senior Services
Immigrant Support
Parenting Classes
Volunteer Opportunities
Community Education
Highlights and features
- We operate 24/7 emergency housing services at Daybreak Center
- Our counselors hold advanced clinical certifications in mental health
- We partner with 50+ local agencies for coordinated service delivery
- Our Head Start programs meet federal quality benchmarks
- We maintain strict compliance with federal grant accountability standards
Services
Emergency Housing
Daybreak Center provides 24/7 emergency housing for homeless individuals and families. Our facility offers safe accommodations, case management, and access to employment resources. Participants receive support in securing permanent housing through tailored transition plans and community partnerships.
Mental Health Counseling
Licensed clinicians deliver evidence-based counseling for all ages, specializing in trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. Services include individual, family, and group therapy with culturally sensitive approaches. Our team maintains clinical excellence through ongoing professional development and certification.
Mobile Food Pantry
Drive-thru food distribution delivers nutritious groceries to food-insecure households. The program operates countywide with regular schedules and seasonal adjustments. Clients receive balanced meals through partnerships with local food banks and agricultural programs.
Head Start Programs
Comprehensive preschool services prepare children for academic success with age-appropriate curricula. Programs include health screenings, nutritional meals, and family engagement activities. Certified educators follow federal Head Start performance standards for quality assurance.
Senior Services
Specialized support includes home-delivered meals, transportation, and caregiver assistance. Services promote independence through case management and community-based care coordination. Programs address social isolation and provide respite care for family caregivers.
People
Dr. Corinna House
Division Director of Counseling Services
Licensed clinical social worker with expertise in mental health and addiction counseling. Leads counseling team in delivering trauma-informed care across multiple service locations.
Colleen Conwood
Director of Daybreak Center
Manages 24/7 emergency shelter operations with focus on homelessness prevention and housing transition programs. Coordinates multidisciplinary team for comprehensive client support.
Nicole Estrada
Licensed Social Worker
Provides clinical counseling with specialization in geriatric mental health. Utilizes strength-based approaches to support older adults facing life transitions and chronic conditions.
Lisa Sumrow
Counseling Supervisor
Masters-level social worker specializing in family therapy and crisis intervention. Coordinates counseling services across multiple geographic locations with emphasis on educational and behavioral support.
Brad Dailey
Licensed Professional Counselor
Mental health clinician with 16 years of experience treating severe mental illness. Specializes in trauma recovery and behavioral therapy using evidence-based clinical approaches.
Questions
What populations do Catholic Charities serve?
We assist individuals and families across northern Illinois, with specialized programs for homeless populations, seniors, children, immigrants, and those experiencing mental health crises.
How can I access emergency housing?
Contact Daybreak Center directly at 815-774-4663 for immediate assistance. Our 24/7 intake team will guide you through the eligibility process and available options.
What food assistance programs exist?
The Mobile Food Pantry delivers groceries countywide, and Shepherd's Table provides mid-day meals at our Joliet location for food-insecure individuals.
