Every weeknight, Calvin G. commutes over 10 miles, often by bicycle, to Catholic Charities’ 721 North LaSalle Street building. Why travel so far? 

“To be part of this community,” he says simply. “They inspire me. They make me want to keep going.”

Calvin, who has no permanent home address and stays in Chicago’s East End neighborhood, has been a mainstay of the Catholic Charities Sister Joyce Dura, O.S.F. Supper Program for more than 20 years. Weekdays at this downtown location, about 130 people in need enjoy a nutritious, hot meal thanks to gifts from generous donors. Dozens more people are offered to-go meals. 

“Here, newly arrived migrants, long-time Chicagoans, staff members, volunteers, people without a place to call home, we all are humans with a story,” Calvin says. “This is a community of love and acceptance.”

As a valued part of that community, Calvin tries to extend love and acceptance to others who come through Catholic Charities’ doors for the nightly suppers.  

“The things I’ve been through…I’ve survived against all odds,” Calvin says. “I’m grateful and humbled. Every day the Lord gives me, I’m winning. I can show other homeless people I haven’t given up. I’m still here fighting, and they can do it too.”

Calvin grew up in Chicago’s Robert Taylor Homes, but his mother moved the family to Phoenix, Illinois, to escape gangs. Poverty, trauma, violence, and racism marked his childhood. His adulthood started in prison. 

Standing up to injustice, encouraging others, and educating himself helped him survive incarceration. While incarcerated, Calvin earned his associate degree in automotive technology, graduating with a 4.0. Only one friend surpassed him as highest in their class—the friend Calvin taught to speak English. Calvin says he also was instrumental in advancing racial integration at the prison. When he was released in 1991, Calvin says he yearned to “be the very best version of myself.”

Today, Calvin is known by the team at Catholic Charities for the positive way he sees the world and the people in it. 

“He dresses with flair that shouts joy,” says Noreen Russo, Senior Director, Program Operations for Catholic Charities’ 721 North LaSalle Street building. “He looks out for his neighbors like they are family and gives his heart to everyone.”

Late Tuesday afternoons, in addition to hosting a meal, Catholic Charities offers guests the opportunity to participate in its After Supper Visions program. Launched in 2002, the initiative invites artists to grow in their skills as photographers. Some artists use the cameras on their phones. Others use the digital, disposable cameras they are offered. Participants present their photographic artwork at an annual exhibition and sale, which provides them with broader exposure, and income.

Calvin has been involved in After Supper Visions since the beginning. “I don’t just take pictures. God is working through me, putting images and ideas in front of me,” he says. “It’s a way for me to communicate, to work through some of the trauma I have witnessed and experienced.”

Dedicated volunteers teach photography basics to interested guests. Jody O’Connor is a professional photographer who has been part of the After Supper Visions photo team since its inception. 

“This program gives us the chance to relate in a different way,” she says. “Society tends to focus on our participants’ troubles: poverty, addiction, mental illness, homelessness, or loneliness. This program is about inspiration and joy, developing new friendships, sharing expertise. Calvin epitomizes these aspirations. He has gained self-confidence and has gone on to mentor and inspire others.” 

Describing his work, she explains, “He loves reflections and shadows. He follows the light.”

Yes. In art as in life, Calvin G. follows the light.

Make a gift to support the Sister Joyce Dura, O.S.F. Supper Program. For updates about the 2024 After Supper Visions program and annual photo exhibition on June 14, 2024, visit aftersuppervisions.com or email [email protected]. 

A Tuesday Night Supper Blessing, led by Calvin G.:
Thank you, Father God for another day,
Thank you, Father God for another way.
Thank you, Father God for your grace and mercy and mercy and grace, Father,
Thank you for the immigrants, for the refugees, Father,
Thank you for the orphan and widow, Father,
Thank you for the volunteers, for being the light in a dark world, Father God,
Thank you, Father for the homeless. 
Thank you for all the people who are here today, Father God.
Thank you for the food we are about to receive, Father.
I ask and pray and pray and ask that it be edifying mentally, physically, emotionally, and intellectually. In Jesus Christ’s name I pray. Amen.