Our Mission
Learn. Live. Lead.
Living Intentionally
We work with children and teens in urban neighborhoods where the challenges of daily life can make it difficult to pursue healthy and happy childhoods. We develop programs where kids can feel safe, be engaged in wholesome activities, build healthy relationships, expand their self-worth, and develop the life skills they need to move confidently toward a better future.
Since 1972, our mission has remained the same:
to present the living Christ, primarily to unchurched, inner-city children and youth, to disciple them, and to integrate them into a local church.
What we’ve learned from our years in ministry is that to help kids overcome obstacles, you’ve got to do two things: live in the communities you serve and commit to building strong, healthy, and enduring relationships. By immersing ourselves in their world—showing up consistently, listening well, and walking alongside them through challenges—ICI helps kids expand their view of themselves and recognize their own value and potential.
Working to Re-Write the Future
History
Inner City Impact has served children and families in the Chicago area since 1972. That year, Bill and Sandy Dillon stepped into urban ministry by launching after-school and camping programs designed to support children growing up in challenging environments.
As the ministry grew, ICI expanded its reach through partnerships with organizations like Moody Bible Institute, providing college students with hands-on experience in relational, community-based ministry. By the mid-1980s and 1990s, a growing staff and committed volunteers made it possible to serve hundreds of children through after-school programs, camps, and sports leagues.
Over the years, ICI has continued to adapt while remaining rooted in its mission. The ministry expanded into Cicero, a neighboring community just outside of Chicago, and today serves children and youth through multiple programs focused on relationships, life skills, and long-term growth. Under the leadership of longtime staff member and current CEO BJ Bechtel, ICI continues to invest deeply in the communities it serves and looks ahead with gratitude for what God has done—and anticipation for what is still to come.
Financials
We are proud of our fiscal stewardship standards. We always strive to make the most of the resources entrusted to us by our partners. Every donation goes directly to helping make ICI a stronger, more dynamic, and effective force in the communities we serve.
Charter member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA)
Receives an independent financial statement audit annually.
Mobilizes over 500 volunteers each year, including youth groups, college students, small groups, and individuals
More than 17,000 volunteer hours contributed annually
Impact by Numbers
As an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of others to fund the programming our students need. We are pleased that the majority of our expenses are allocated to programming, with over 81% of our budget dedicated to programming costs. With God's provision and direction, we aim to serve over 500 students this year—reaching more children and youth, introducing them to the Gospel, and connecting them to the local church.
In 2024 and 2025, ICI served over 2,500 students across all programs, including after-school programs, camps, sports leagues, and enrichment opportunities.
