Liana started attending ICI in junior high. Now, as a high school student, she has dedicated her life to the Lord and is committed to serving Him. She volunteers at church and mentors younger students at ICI, following the example set by those who invested in her.

Edith grew up in Sierra Leone, Africa. She gave her life to the Lord after finding a tract at a friends. Her faith drew her to Calvary University in Kansas City, where she was connected to ICI.

We always tell our camp staff to remember, “It isn’t over until the last kid has gone home.” Levi, one of our high school leaders, was exhausted and faced the temptation to rest on the ride home from camp, but he used the ride as an opportunity to have more conversations with kids about what they learned at camp. His discussion with Jayden was encouraging.

It was cool to come to ICI, not only to be part of the ministry but to stay overnight because we are plugged into ICI, and our whole week is ICI. It was cool to see your mission and vision, and I fell in love with it. . .

Last year, a close friend of Caleb’s was shot and killed in a gang altercation. His mentor said, "That was a pivotal time, and I have seen Caleb’s growing desire to put distance between himself and that life."

Fourteen years ago, Erick walked through the doors of ICI’s very first club in Cicero. This fall, he stepped up in front of his church family to share what God did in his life before his baptism.

Through our Distance Learning Assistance Program, ICI provided school assistance for eight hours each day while public schools were closed. Providing families a safe place for kids while parents worked and providing a reliable internet connection for students who did not have one at home.

I am realizing as I finish this that I have failed to write a story about my work and have instead offered a story about my life—about our lives.

At camp, my counselor, Reegan, finally got through to me. She just wouldn’t stop loving me, encouraging me, and reminding me that Jesus was waiting to embrace me and change my life. That’s when I finally accepted Him and began to believe what Reegan had been telling me all week.

Alejandra saw this modeled for her at ICI: “When I didn’t believe in my own abilities I remember the difference it made to hear, ‘I believe in you. You can do this.’ Those words are so important when you don’t hear them in other places.”

Along my journey, God put humble leaders in my life. Being around those people made me want to imitate them and I realized leadership isn’t about outward strength but about setting an example for others to follow.

Due to incredible and sudden economic hardship for the families of children we serve in Chicago and Cicero, ICI provided weekly food assistance to 50–70 families in need.

Alejandra's life was changed as ICI helped her redefine her understanding of love and her own self-worth, learning that God loves her unconditionally.

“Till this day I miss ICI so much.”

Chris shares how his life was changed growing up in Humboldt Park and coming to Inner City Impact's youth programs.

ICI was Oscar's refuge as he grew up. ICI staff modeled healthy relationships and plugged him into a local church. Now, he is investing back into the lives of those who grew up in similarly challenging circumstances.

I came into my internship assuming that this summer would be a breeze! I grew up being a staff kid, so I figured that I had basically been “staff-in-training” my entire life and had all of the knowledge and skills to run things.

Before Christ, I had a lot of grudges and felt like everything had to be perfect. I tried to control a lot of things. Now I can leave things in God’s hands. When I am worried, I know I can trust God. I’m not angry anymore.

Joseph was the primary caregiver for his family by age twelve. Family members’ substance abuse and a lack of social support left him lost and alone. Staff at ICI provided support when there was no one else, which changed his life forever.

Sophomore year is when the teaching at ICI really got to me and I gave my life to Christ and changed the path I was on.