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.”

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.

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.

Deeply hurt by his father’s abandonment, Ricky remembers feeling lost and bewildered, wanting to reach out but having no one to turn to. Trying hard to shield him from the streets and to keep him from making the same mistakes as his father, Ricky’s mother kept him inside most of the time.

Throughout my whole high school experience, I felt like I needed to change. After we got back from my last high school camping trip I was thinking about what the leaders had said. I decided to pray and give my life to Christ.

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.

Juanita grew up in a busy and active part of the city. She says her neighborhood was known for a “lot of violence, brokenness, and dysfunction.” With both parents suffering from mental health issues and unable to care for her, she was adopted and raised by her great-grandparents, already in their 60s.

Dan grew up in Humboldt Park, a west side Chicago neighborhood that is notorious for its crime, gang activity, drug trafficking, and violence. Neighborhood reports income and housing values far below the citywide average; it’s rough, dangerous, and often in the news.

Carlos Borges shares his testimony about how ICI staff influenced his life when he was a kid and how he now reaches out to his community because of what Christ has done in his life!