ICI started as a place where Brian could be a kid—it became so much more.

When you work or volunteer with ICI, you have to be ready to discuss any topic—you never know what the kids will ask! But what’s always true is that kids are curious about spiritual things and will impress you with deep and insightful questions and observations.

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.

Already familiar with ICI’s programs because of her older sister, Mia couldn’t wait to start attending them herself. With both parents working and a younger brother to care for, Mia needed a safe, family-like environment where she could be free to be a kid.

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!