Unity Award
Every year, in honor of what is now our Unity Event, we honor an individual or organization who has exemplified the spirit of bringing people together and making the Gospel present - as St. Josaphat gave his life in this effort - with the St. Josaphat Unity Award. The Award, which includes a $10,000 cash prize, is presented at the Unity Event Kickoff Mass.
Guidelines for Nomination
The guidelines for nominations for the Unity Award are that the individual or organization is within the Chicagoland area, is either a Catholic or Catholic-related undertaking, and usually serving part of the under-served members of the community. We invite you to submit your recommendations to the Unity Award Committee. The deadline to submit nominations is Dec 31st each year. Nominations received after December 31st will be considered for the following year.
Congratulations to our 2026 Unity Award Recipient
The Chicago Compassion Project
Congratulations to this year’s recipient of the Unity Award, the Chicago Compassion Project!
School mom and long-time parishioner Jena Valdetero was inspired by our parish’s Hands of Mercy outreach. As a natural follow-up to the 2023 migrant shelter coat drive she co-organized here at St. Josaphat, she has co-founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit designed to continue the mission of supporting people in need in Chicago, through micro-grants or donations of food, clothing, supplies and furniture.
Since they are fully volunteer-led, 100% of the $10,000 prize will go to individuals in need. They largely support migrant neighbors in our community, particularly those struggling with housing or food insecurity. They have also financially supported a family at St. Benedict the African impacted by domestic violence and an SJS scholarship recipient.
Each grant comes with a message of support for their place in our communities. Chicago Compassion Project believes that when the most vulnerable flourish, so does the world.
Unity Award Recipients
2025
The Well of Mercy
2024
Madonna Mission
2023
Precious Blood Ministries
2022
Aid For Women
2021
Little Heroes League
2019
Kolbe House Jail Ministry
2018
Amate House
2017
Franciscans of the Eucharist Community at Our Lady of the Angels Mission
2016
Catholic Office for the Deaf
2015
Harmony, Hope and Healing
2014
Hope Program of St. Pius V Parish
2013
Lincoln Park Community Shelter
2012
Lakeview Pantry
2011
San Jose Obrero Mission
2010
The St. Vincent DePaul Center
2009
Mrs. Patricia Smuck for Her Ecumenical Work
2008
Maria Elena Jonas, Immigration Aid Center
2007
Matthew Lynch and the Chicago Jesuit Academy ($7,500)
2006
Little Sisters of the Poor ($5,000)
2005
Deacon Tom and Rita Lambert (Award only)
2004
Fr. Bruce Wellem (Award only)
2003
The Courage Program and Maureen Shields (Award only)