Gerald’s Story
Gerald has been involved with ICI for as long as anyone can remember. The oldest of eight kids, he started attending the Humboldt Park programs when he was ten. “I started coming because I liked the camps, games, and especially the candy bars given out for attendance, but stayed because of the leaders who made time to welcome and get to know me. They were always willing to spend time with me.”
Gerald’s younger siblings attended the programs as well. “Our parents loved that we were involved at ICI and would send us to as many of the programs as possible, knowing it was a safe place and a good influence for us.”
Over time, and primarily because of the relationships he had built with ICI staff, Gerald realized he needed to also pursue a relationship with God. He accepted Christ while attending a house church and continued to grow in his faith with the encouragement and support of ICI staff.
After graduation, Gerald joined ICI as a volunteer and has continued to be involved in all of ICI’s K-5th and Junior High programs for over a decade.
“I continue to volunteer at ICI because I want to positively influence the kids just like the leaders were a positive influence on me growing up. I love ICI, and I still love to spend time with the staff because they are different from other people. They are positive.”
“I continue to volunteer at ICI because I want to positively influence the kids just like the leaders were a positive influence on me growing up. I love ICI, and I still love to spend time with the staff because they are different from other people. They are positive.”
