About Port Ministries
A place of prayer, hope, and community support in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood.
Our Mission
Inspired by St. Francis and the Franciscan Charism, the Port Ministries mission is to provide the fundamental needs of the mind, body, and spirit.
Father Augustin Milon, OFM, opened our first program, a one-room soup kitchen, on May 26, 1985, in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood. From that start, The Port has grown to provide direct service through food distribution, free health care, and youth education. Under new leadership, the organization is rebuilding its programs and systems to better serve the community for years to come.
We operate out of our home at 5013 S Hermitage Ave in the Back of the Yards neighborhood, one of Chicago’s most historically underserved areas. Every program is designed to meet people where they are with dignity, respect, and practical support.
Leadership
Jesús Palafox
Executive Director
jpalafox@theportchicago.org · 773-280-6267
Jesús Palafox serves as the Executive Director of The Port Ministries, bringing more than 18 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and organizational development, along with a lifelong connection to the organization.
His relationship with The Port began as a child, when he participated in its youth programs while his mother attended English as a Second Language (ESL) and GED classes. Those early experiences demonstrated the transformative power of a welcoming community and the lasting impact that education, compassion, and opportunity can have on a family’s future. Returning to The Port as Executive Director is a full-circle moment and an opportunity to give back to the organization that helped shape his own journey.
Jesús earned a Master of Arts in Social Work from the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, and has dedicated his career to strengthening organizations that serve communities with dignity and compassion. Guided by the Franciscan values of hospitality, service, humility, peace, and respect for the inherent dignity of every person, he is committed to ensuring that The Port remains a place where all are welcomed, accompanied, and empowered.
Today, Jesús is leading The Port through a new chapter focused on expanding access to nutritious food, healthcare, youth programming, and community resources while building partnerships that strengthen Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood. His vision is to honor The Port’s Franciscan legacy by walking alongside those it serves, fostering hope through meaningful relationships, and creating opportunities for every individual and family to flourish.
Dayna Garcia
Education Program Coordinator
Dayna is passionate about working with children and fostering creativity through the arts. Having grown up benefiting from the support of nonprofit organizations, she understands the lasting impact they can have on individuals and families. Those experiences have inspired her commitment to giving back and helping strengthen the community that helped shape her.
She is especially dedicated to supporting the Latino community and creating welcoming, inclusive, and safe spaces where everyone feels valued and empowered. Dayna is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree and is excited to grow professionally while serving the community through The Port Ministries. She looks forward to learning, building meaningful relationships, and making a positive difference in the lives of the children and families the organization serves.
Anthony Brown
Bread Truck Coordinator
Anthony Brown coordinates The Port Ministries’ Bread Truck program, leading free meal and grocery distribution six days a week across Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood.
Anthony has been part of The Port for many years. When Executive Director Jesús Palafox was a child, Anthony was the one handing out sandwiches from the Bread Truck, and he continues that work today.
Guided by the Franciscan values that shape all of The Port’s programs, Anthony’s approach to his work reflects a commitment to meeting people where they are, with dignity and care.
Board of Directors
Officers
Dr. Kevin Dolehide, President
Colleen Basile, Secretary
Patrick Tovey, Treasurer
Directors
Christie Cox
Betty Harn
Ed Kowalski
John Lambrecht
Fr. Vito Martinez
Deborah Pyznarski
Oneta Sampson
Your gifts of time, resources, and prayer make our programs possible.