The Hinda Institute serves three distinct populations through a range of supportive programs.


With three locations across Illinois, we act as the Jewish chaplaincy program for the Illinois correctional system—State, County, and Federal.

We respond to anyone in our community and beyond who reaches out for help. Standing beside families and individuals lost in the isolation of incarceration, we offer guidance, support, and hope. Many of those we serve have been forgotten or cast aside.


Help us ensure that no one in our community is ever alone—or forgotten—no matter their circumstances.
 

1) Jewish Chaplaincy Program

Testimonial
“Chaplains from Hinda Institute visit my son every week... they gave us real support. My son always felt traditional and was happy to see a rabbi visiting with tefillin and arranging kosher food.”

 

 

2) Rebuilding Lives With Purpose

At the Hinda Institute, we walk alongside our clients as they reintegrate into society—and we stay connected for life. Our humanistic and holistic approach fosters transformation, resulting in an extraordinarily low recidivism rate.


By helping others rebuild, we make our communities safer and stronger—for everyone.
Help us guide individuals to become the kind, ethical, and productive human beings
they were meant to be.
 

 

Testimonial

“My son is now getting proper treatment for the first time ever. Through the kindness and help of Hinda institute, I now have real hope for his improvement. I have also enjoyed attending their support groups for mothers and classes.” 

 

3) Healing Families. Restoring Futures.

Incarceration doesn’t happen in isolation—it tears through families. Children feel the ache of absence, loved ones carry shame, and entire households struggle to stay afloat.

At the Hinda Institute, we step in to support those left in the shadows. Our counseling programs, heartfelt interactions, and educational scholarships help restore hope and dignity. For every child weighed down by invisible burdens, we offer a place where people truly care.
We don’t just break the cycle—we build bridges toward healing.

Join us in breaking the cycle—through counseling, heartfelt care, and scholarships that change lives.

 

Families and Children: The Innocent Victims

Almost all of our incarcerated clients are men, leaving behind wives, children, parents, and extended family. Nearly half of our casework is devoted to supporting these families.

We walk with them through every stage of the judicial process and provide counseling and legal assistance during incarceration. We help them navigate stigma and social ostracism in their communities, and work to build bridges between them and their loved ones—reassuring them about their family member’s status and, when needed, helping facilitate religious divorces (“Gets”).

Whether through weekly or monthly check-ins, our support is consistent, heartfelt, and ongoing. We remain by their side for as long as it takes—until stability is restored and they’re back on their feet.

Our Response: Compassionate Care

Hinda offers nonjudgmental support groups, individualized casework, and robust advocacy to help families navigate these challenges with dignity and resilience.

 

 

 

By the Numbers

➢  115 Jewish women currently benefit from Hinda’s family counseling programs and support groups.

➢  61% of families we serve fall below the poverty line, many losing all their assets through the criminal justice process.

➢  Families endure overwhelming legal fees, the financial burden of visiting incarcerated loved ones, and the cost of support both during imprisonment and after release.

➢  Children experience even deeper social ostracism than their parents, along with destabilized family systems and disrupted emotional support.


  Hinda provides a nonjudgmental support group, case work and advocacy for these families. 

 

Learn more about the challenges of families the innocent victims within the criminal justice system