Our Story

Louis Dooley's Story

The Beginning

Our Executive Director, Louis Dooley, began mentoring prisoners when he was incarcerated himself

2012

After His Release

He began working at Set Free Ministries, an adult incarcerated ministry that had served him during his time in prison

2017

Julie Dooley

Louis's wife, Julie, who is our Administrative Director, joined him in the ministry

2019

On Their Own

Louis and Julie were encouraged by the Executive Director at Set Free Ministries to start their own ministry at Cook County Jail (CCJ) in Illinois. They are responsible for managing volunteers for the Bible correspondence process, and Louis now serves as a chaplain

2021

Philemon House Was Born

After starting work at CCJ, Louis was approved to lead a "youth group" at Warrenville's Illinois Youth Center (IYC). It was during this time, and as a result of their interaction with the youth at IYC, that Louis and Julie decided to expand the ministry. They included in-house youth development under the not-for-profit organization Philemon House

For the Future of Philemon House Will

Continue to add more jail units to serve more units to serve more people at CCJ.

Expand the number of Youth prisons served.

Add discipleship houses to serve additional male residents and a female discipleship house.

Add a women’s CCJ ministry.

The average cost of recidivism per person is $151,662 and over 5 years is over 13 billion.*

Philemon House is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our tax ID number is 90-1079379.

Our Story

Louis Dooley's Story

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