PEORIA, Illinois — Sophia’s Kitchen is pleased to announce a new partnership with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Peoria. This exciting partnership will support Sophia’s Kitchen as they expand to meet the growing needs of the community while preserving the spiritual mission that has made it a beacon of hope in central Illinois.

For many years, Sophia’s Kitchen has operated out of the Heart of Peoria Catholic Community parish. Guided by the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, the ministry provides daily meals, a food pantry, a pet pantry, support for health needs, spiritual guidance, and a welcoming place where every person is treated with dignity and compassion.

In the last three years alone, Sophia’s Kitchen has experienced an 81 percent increase in the number of individuals seeking assistance. With growing demand, Sohpia’s Kitchen needs a stronger organizational foundation to support its outreach. Catholic Charities will provide the administrative support needed to sustain this vital ministry.

“This partnership is about ensuring that Sophia’s Kitchen can continue serving our community for years to come,” said Bishop Louis Tylka, Diocese of Peoria. “Sophia’s Kitchen is an essential ministry and symbol of hope for so many. This new relationship will ensure our ability to continue the compassionate services that so many depend on.”

For those who rely on Sophia’s Kitchen, very little will change. Meals will continue to be served at the current location next to St. Joseph Church in Peoria. The daily meal program, various pantries, and welcoming atmosphere will remain the same. Gifts designated specifically for Sophia’s Kitchen will continue to be used exclusively to support its mission.

Claire Crone, longtime director of Sophia’s Kitchen who is retiring this summer, expressed great confidence in the ministry’s future and the new partnership with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Peoria.

“It has been a wonderful experience working with everyone at Sophia’s Kitchen,” Crone said. “I am very confident in the new leadership and excited about this partnership. It is a wonderful opportunity for growth that will strengthen Sophia’s Kitchen while preserving the unique character and mission that make it so special.”

Courtney Dozard will serve as the new program coordinator of Sohpia’s Kitchen and lead the day-to-day operations. Crone has expressed confidence in Dozard’s ability to continue serving the community.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Peoria shares a commitment to upholding human dignity, serving those in need, and proclaiming the love of Jesus Christ. Together, these ministries are poised to build upon Sophia’s Kitchen’s remarkable legacy and expand their capacity to serve those most in need.

From its humble beginnings to its growing impact today, Sophia’s Kitchen remains a testament to the “angels among us”—the volunteers, donors, and community partners whose generosity makes this ministry possible. In partnership with Catholic Charities, this mission of nourishing body and soul will continue to flourish for generations to come.

For more information or to support Sophia’s Kitchen, visit Sophia’s Kitchen or Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Peoria.

About Sophia’s Kitchen:

Sophia’s Kitchen is an essential ministry that embodies the Catholic call to serve those in need by providing food, spiritual care, and support for basic health needs. The ministry is dedicated to alleviating hunger while nurturing the dignity and well-being of every person it serves.

About Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Peoria:

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Peoria serves the Diocese of Peoria. Catholic Charities services include the Mother Cabrini Center in Peoria, which operates the St. Bessette Lunch Kitchen, Fulton Sheen Food Pantry, and the St. Gianna Baby Pantry. They also support St. Nicholas Charity on Wheels.

The Diocese of Peoria, led by Bishop Louis Tylka, serves Catholics of Central Illinois, across 26 counties, rooted in its mission to become a vibrant, mission-driven, and sustainable Church. The Diocese lives its mission, embracing the call to “Go Make Disciples.” Learn more at cdop.org.