Celestial Ministries
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Celestial Ministries is a faith-based community development corporation, which (phase I) serves the North Lawndale and its surrounding communities.
Celestial Ministries Association is a nonprofit social enterprise that serves families and individuals from single parent homes, many due to parental incarceration. North Lawndale continues to thrive through the emergence of new construction, renovated homes, and other contributions from organizations such as Celestial Ministries; there remains a dearth of constructive organized performing arts activities for children after school hours. Of 88 North Lawndale based organizations and ministries serving youth (including public, charter and alternative schools), only nine focus on arts/culture. Celestial Ministries is the only one that focuses on performance arts programs for children whose parent or sibling are or has been incarcerated. Stanley and Antoinette Ratliff had a vision to find a way to stay connected and build up the children of the incarcerated as well as other disadvantage children; they saw that they could use music to change the lives of these kids. The Ratliff’s knew the need to serve the age group of 6yrs to 17yrs of age. They then compiled a talented group of artists and musicians from the communities to volunteer to teach children music, drum line,dance, mentoring, tutor them in their studies, and develop their life skills. Nothing like this exists in the North Lawndale or Englewood Communities. Also most of the music and after school programs have been cut due to lack of funding. The Ratliff’s have a passion and calling for reaching out to families in the North Lawndale and Englewood Communities who have incarcerated love ones as well as other disadvantage children. Their work was born of personal struggles with incarceration, and shaped by their involvement with local and national prison ministries, including Prison Fellowship (Angel Tree). After Stanley received a clemency from the state of Illinois after serving two years of a nine year prison sentence, he started a men recovery home for men coming out of prison. Stanley was the Executive Director for many years.
09/23/2026
Let's remember the SUKKAH FESTIVAL...Sunday that starts at James Stone Freedom Square at 1pm until 5pm ..if you're available to help us tomorrow morning at 7am we'll be on Central Park and Douglas..
09/04/2026
🍫😂 “You never know what you’re gonna get in a box of chocolates!” — Forrest Gump
When I received the call to stop by Alderwoman Monique L. Scott’s office, I honestly thought I might be getting some of those delicious Chocolate Turtles she had blessed me with before. 😂🍫
I had NO idea I was about to receive something that would have a much greater impact—these beautiful instruments! 🎶🥁🎺
This isn’t just a gift to CMA. This is an investment in our community and in the lives of our young people. These instruments will give our children opportunities to discover their talents, build confidence, learn discipline, express themselves through music, and experience the power of being part of something bigger than themselves.
One instrument can create a sound, but a community coming together can create an entire symphony of opportunity. 🎶❤️
Alderwoman Monique L. Scott thank you for believing in the vision, supporting CMA, and being a true blessing to our community. Your generosity will reach far beyond today—it will help create opportunities that can impact young lives for years to come.
🙏🏽 NOW IT’S OUR TURN.
Community, this is where YOU come in. If we truly want to change the trajectory of our young people, we have to invest in them—with our time, our resources, our mentorship, our businesses, and our voices.
If you have an instrument sitting in a closet, donate it.
If you have a skill, share it.
If you have resources, invest in a child.
If you have a business, partner with us.
If you believe in our youth, stand with us.
Let's stop asking what our community needs and start asking what we can personally do to help provide it.
🎶 Together, we can turn instruments into music, music into confidence, and confidence into brighter futures.
The blessing has only begun—and there is room for all of us to be part of it! 🙌🏽❤️
And yes… I’m still hoping there are some Chocolate Turtles in that box somewhere! 😂🍫
08/20/2026
Hey North Lawndale Community! 👋
Stop by at 3pm while supplies last for Celestial Ministries Association NFP's Food Distribution!
📍 2149 S. Drake Ave, Chicago, IL 60623
🍗 Grilled/fried chicken, fresh fruits & veggies, uncooked sides
🎒 1 bag per household
🗓️ Every 1st & 3rd Friday through October
08/15/2026
Great morning we're volunteering for Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Sports Camp. They gave away Nike gym shoes, basket balls,Chick fil they had a time playing basketball with Hope Academy basketball team! Also there was a basketball match up with Seth who was one of our summer music camp student against Riley who was one of my ex student from St. Malachy. Riley is on the football team at Hope Academy. Praise God on how He works things out for the good!
Ratliff and I ended the day on the Riverwalk watching the Air n Water show...
08/11/2026
We’re excited that our After-School programs will consist of drumline techniques, Studio initiatives..email us for more information at [email protected]
08/07/2026
The Impact of Serving Families of the Incarcerated ❤️🙏🏽
WOW… what a full day at the Cook County Jail serving alongside with the Angel Tree Program.
Stanley and I had the opportunity to help inmates sign up their children to receive a Christmas gift on their behalf. This ministry is about so much more than a gift — it is about reminding children that they are loved, that they are not forgotten, and that their parents still care deeply about them.
We walked many miles yesterday (and my body definitely reminded me of every step 😅), but even through the pain, God gave us the strength to serve. The opportunity to speak with the men, encourage them, and share hope was truly a blessing.
Families impacted by incarceration need support, compassion, and people willing to stand in the gap. Volunteers make it possible to bring hope, healing, and connection to children and families who are carrying heavy burdens.
We are grateful to serve an AWESOME God who continues to do great and mighty things! 🙌🏽
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…”
Colossians 3:23
Please keep Celestial Prison Ministries, Angel Tree, the incarcerated, their families, and all volunteers in your prayers. There is still so much work to do, and every helping hand matters. ❤️🙏🏽
07/31/2026
What an incredible day of community, unity, and new partnerships! ❤️
CMA's Annual Movie & S'mores Night was absolutely amazing! It brought so much joy to see our youth and teens laughing, connecting, and simply enjoying being together in a safe, welcoming space.
A heartfelt thank you to our CMA family, our talented Drumline students, Kayla Green (Lead Drummer), the Celestial Ministries Celestial Sounds Engineering Team, Hug A Child Nfp Make A Change NFP, our wonderful neighbors, summer camp students, and the interns who helped make this event so special.
Our day began with the Peace March led by Dr. Betty Green and Chicago LAMP, alongside Leonard Moore, Yolanda, the Steans Family Foundation, Y-Men, and many dedicated community partners. We ended the evening gathered around delicious s'mores, nachos, popcorn, candy, and snow cones—creating memories that will last a lifetime.
We are truly grateful for the new collaborations and partnerships that continue to strengthen our community. When organizations, families, and neighbors come together with love and purpose, lives are changed.
"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!" — Psalm 133:1
And yes...the s'mores disappeared so fast, we may need to double the marshmallows next year! 😂🍿🔥
07/30/2026
Celestial Ministries Drumline continues to support our community ...join us this morning with Dr. Betty Green Chicago LAMP
07/29/2026
Come on North Lawndale Family...Let's do this amazing celebration together and support the best community in our city.
We’re expecting a BIG turnout for our End of Summer Celebration, and we need your help to make it a success!
Volunteers are needed to welcome families, assist with activities, and help create a fun, safe, and memorable day for our community.
Whether you can volunteer for one shift or both, your support will make a difference.
📞 Call 773-533-2400 or
📧 email [email protected] to sign up today.
Let’s come together to close out the summer the 24th Ward way!
07/29/2026
Celestial Ministries Association NFP
2149 S. Drake Ave
Chicago IL 60623
✨🍿 Movie & S'mores Night is Almost Here! 🔥🍫
We're excited to welcome everyone to Movie & S'mores Night at Celestial Ministries Association (CMA) in collaboration with Hug A Child NFP and State Senator Lakesia Collins office (Percy and interns).
Bring your family, invite your friends, and come enjoy a fun-filled evening with a great movie, delicious s'mores, popcorn, laughter, and wonderful fellowship!
💺 We do have some available, but we'd love for you to bring your favorite lawn chair for extra comfort!
🍿 Please RSVP if you plan to attend. We want to make sure we have plenty of s'mores, popcorn, and other goodies for everyone!
😂 Remember... the marshmallows are for roasting, not juggling! (Unless you're volunteering to clean up the sticky mess!)
"Let all that you do be done in love." — 1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV) ❤️
We can't wait to spend this special evening with you. Come make memories with your family, community and friends—we'll save a marshmallow for you! 🔥🍫🎬
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2149 S Drake Avenue
Chicago, IL
60623
Opening Hours
| Monday | 12pm - 6pm |
| Tuesday | 12:30pm - 5:30pm |
| Wednesday | 12:30pm - 6pm |
| Thursday | 3:30pm - 6pm |
| Friday | 4pm - 6pm |
| Saturday | 10am - 5pm |
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