A Place of Prayer, Hope, and Community Support in Chicago
Port Ministries serves Chicago's Back of the Yards community with food, health care, education, and welcome for our neighbors.
What We Do
Our Programs
Three programs meeting people where they are, at no cost, in Chicago's Back of the Yards.
Free Health Clinic
A free clinic every Tuesday evening, plus monthly specialty clinics in primary care, dental care, mental health, and physical therapy. No insurance required.
About the clinic
Bread Truck
Free meals and groceries delivered to residents in need across multiple neighborhood locations. Open to all, no registration required.
About the Bread Truck
After-School Program
Free tutoring, mentoring, homework help, and social activities for elementary-age students.
About After-SchoolA Message from the Executive Director
Welcome to The Port Ministries
For decades, The Port has been a place of welcome, compassion, and service in Chicago’s Back of the Yards community. Guided by Franciscan principles and values, our work begins with a simple belief: every person who comes to us deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, compassion, and care.
For me, this mission is deeply personal. When I was eleven years old, my family benefited directly from The Port. My mom took English classes here. When my dad’s union health insurance lapsed, I received care at the Free Health Clinic. And I still remember getting free sandwiches from the Bread Truck from Anthony, who continues to be part of The Port today.
I could not have imagined then that, years later, I would return to The Port as its Executive Director.
It is a full-circle moment, but more importantly, it is a reminder of why this place matters. The people who come to The Port today are not defined by the moment when they need a meal, health care, support for their children, or simply someone willing to welcome them. I know that personally.
A sandwich can be more than a sandwich. A visit to a free clinic can mean a family does not have to choose between getting care and paying another bill. A program can become part of someone’s story long after they leave our doors.
That understanding shapes how I approach our work today. Through our Free Health Clinic, Bread Truck, and After-School Program, we continue a tradition of meeting people where they are. Rooted in the Franciscan values that have shaped The Port throughout its history, we seek to recognize the inherent dignity of every person, serve with humility and compassion, stand alongside those who are most vulnerable, and build relationships grounded in respect and community.
None of this happens alone. It happens because of our staff, volunteers, donors, partners, and neighbors, and because generations of families have trusted The Port enough to allow us to be part of their lives. My family was one of them.
Now, I have the privilege and responsibility of helping ensure The Port is here for the next family that needs it.
Thank you for being part of our community.
Jesús A. Palafox Valdovinos, MSW
Executive Director, The Port Ministries
Thank You for Making Fall Harvest of Hope a Success!
On September 27, 2026, our community came together to celebrate generosity, connection, and hope at our annual Fall Harvest of Hope.
Thanks to our incredible sponsors, donors, volunteers, and friends, we raised vital funds to support The Port Ministries' Bread Truck, Free Health Clinic, and After-School Program.
Your generosity helps us continue serving families and individuals across Chicago's South Side.
From all of us at The Port Ministries, thank you for being part of our mission!