SULLIVAN, Ill. (WAND) — What began as a desperate prayer has grown into a faith-driven mission to restore lives, one family at a time.
Project 61 Ministries, based on a 33-acre campus in Sullivan, Illinois, has breathed new life into abandoned buildings. The goal is to offer spiritual refuge, transitional housing, and a pathway to hope for women and children in crisis.
The ministry, inspired by Isaiah 61:1–3, was launched in 2023 by Jason and Carol Beachy, who now lead the hands-on mission full-time.
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Project 61’s story is rooted in loss. Jason’s brother battled addiction, and Jason told WAND News there was a moment of peace in the battle after prayer.
“I watched him go from going crazy to sitting at the table crying, tears running down his face, saying, ‘The voices are gone.’”
Jason's family did all they could to find a safe space for his brother, but he relapsed and passed away in 2024. Jason said that moment exposed a painful truth: there were too few safe places for people like him.
“My father-in-law just started praying,” Jason said.
They discussed finding land to build a space—but then learned the old Masonic Home was up for sale. Most recently, the facility was a nursing home. It shuttered in 2022, and it was up for sale. The buildings were valued at $1.6 million.
“He [my father-in-law] would pray over it,” Jason explained.
Jason and Carol said it was their faith in God and the power of prayer that led them to the campus. The buildings were ultimately donated to their ministry for just $1, and they would be responsible for all renovations.
The first major project on campus is the House of Ruth—a one-year transitional housing program designed to keep mothers and children together in times of crisis. Participants live rent-free, attend church weekly, take personal development classes, and receive job training and support.
“The first four months are about healing,” Carol explained. “We focus on parenting, nutrition, finances, life skills—everything to help these women thrive again.”
Project 61 has seen overwhelming community support since its inception. Local volunteers have “adopted” apartments and flower beds, transforming spaces into personalized, welcoming environments.
“There’s a woman who makes welcome baskets. Others come just to weed and water,” Carol said. “Even small gestures—like someone bringing us lunch on Fridays—keep us going.”
The support doesn't stop at volunteering. The Beachys told WAND News that local businesses have also donated money for renovations.
“I prayed for one person to give $10,000,” Jason said. “On the last day of June, someone handed me a check for $15,000.”
The ministry is now planning its next phase, a thrift store and coffee shop to provide job opportunities for residents and financial support for the program. The Beachys are also working toward opening a daycare, both for the women on campus and local families. Long-term, they hope to expand services to people struggling with addiction.
Project 61 isn’t just rebuilding buildings—it’s rebuilding lives. The ministry offers not only shelter but a path to healing, dignity, and faith. It runs solely on donations, volunteers, and prayer.
There will be a community open house on Saturday, June 28 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Sunday, June 29 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The facility is located at 1 Liberty Drive in Sullivan.
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