Our Mission, Vision & Core Values

OUR MISSION

Our Brothers’ Keepers of Southern Illinois (OBK) is an ecumenical faith-based organization dedicated to the full inclusion of former individuals in custody (returning citizens), into St. Clair County, Illinois community.

OBK assists returning citizens in attaining productive citizenship through an array of reentry services, including counseling, life and employment skills training, and referrals to supportive services in order to build community, family and faith-based relationships. OBK reaches out to all social and human services providers, faith communities and government agencies, and to businesses, to help in the process of full inclusion.

OUR VISION

We aspire to be an organization that honors the talents and contributions of all its stakeholders including clients, employees, volunteers, donors and vendors. As we assist returning citizens in finding real solutions to their critical needs, no one is left behind: we all progress together, care for the welfare of each other, and help each other grow in personal maturity and independence.

OUR CORE VALUES

Accompaniment

Accompaniment is the act of providing emotional, physical and spiritual support to people in need as well as walking in their shoes as a critical part in recognizing the human dignity and experiences of every person.

Capacity to Grow

Growth is the capacity for people to develop their humanity emotionally, physically and spiritually in union with others who provide peer counseling to overcome the traumas of life and give all hope and confidence to succeed.

Respect for All

Respect recognizes all people worthy of high regard and esteem for the human dignity of each as decent and capable of good character behavior.