Hospitality House is Keim's calling
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The Hospitality House of Chester, Illinois, opened its doors to prisoner families in July of 1986. The Hospitality House is a large, two story house with four bedrooms, three baths, kitchen and lounge space located at 120 Ferry St.,?Chester. The Hospitality House also has living quarters for House Director Mary Kay Keim and her husband Steve.
"My friend Helen Childs was the first director of the house, she had contacted me in 2000 and told me that a director was needed for the house; I prayed about it and had a strong calling from the Lord," said Keim. "Two weeks later I was serving in the position and the rest is history."
The purpose of the house is to provide overnight lodging at a low cost to the guest. Over 90% of the guests are women and children, many cannot afford visits without the Hospitality House. The house is operated soley by contributions from many individuals, churches and organizations. All guests are asked to give a $15 donation per adult and a $5 donation per child.
"We can accommodate up to ten guests at a time," said Keim. "The majority of our guests come and stay on Saturday," she added.
"As guests come to the house I register them, talk with them and pray with them if they request it. The guests also have the opportunity to interact with other guests. My ministry goes far beyond the house as I continue contact with the visitors once they have left. They call me, to talk about things that are going on in their life, good or bad."
Keim said she does not consider the people who come to the house guests, but rather considers them friends and family.
What visitors should know about the Hospitality House when visiting:
Guests are required to be in the house by 10:30 p.m. Bedroom lights out by 11:00 p.m.
No drugs or alcohol allowed.
No smoking in the house
Responsible for their children.
No babysitting services provided.
 No pets or animals are allowed.
Food and drink only in the kitchen or lounge.
No radios or tape players.
Guests are expected at each visit to sign waiver releasing the Hospitality House from any personal and/or property damages, etc.
Responsible for their own possessions.
Clean up after themselves.
Guest refrigerator/kitchen facilities are available.
Pillows and blankets are provided.
Guests must bring their own sheets, pillowcases and towels
Make reservations prior to visit by phone at 618-826-9810 or by letter.
Hours of operation are Sunday, Monday, Thursday,?Friday and Saturday - 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., the house is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.