Recently, we had the privilege of visiting one of our long-time ministry partners, New Life Centers in Chicago. New Life Centers was born in 2006, out of New Life Church, when members were given a vision to get outside of the four walls of the Church and love their neighbors.
The organization has grown tremendously since then!
As we walked through the streets with Matt DeMateo, New Life’s Chief Executive Officer, we were struck by the intentionality of relationship. Matt and his family live in the community. Everyone had a smile, a story, and a real relationship with Matt, who easily recalled details about each individual we encountered. We left inspired to love our neighbors in a deeper, more authentic way.
We are grateful for the opportunity to work with New Life in purchasing vans to serve their community. Keep reading for more details & if you live near Chicago, please consider getting involved!
creating the beloved community together
1. MENTORING
New Life engages over 500 youth, ages 12-24, throughout 5 neighborhoods, in meaningful relationships. Staff bring lived experiences and compassion to build life-long relationships.
2. EDUCATION
5 days a week, after school, students are provided a nutritious meal, help with their homework, tutoring, reading instruction, character development lessons, gym time, art, cooking classes, and technology time. The program nurtures a safe environment for all children, recognizing the need of many youth to experience a respite from violence in the neighborhood.
3. SPORTS
Using play to engage young people, over 2500 kids are involved, from baseball to running club to basketball. Play is a way to deal with trauma for kids. In the summer, a highlight is Light the Night, where 300-600 people per night, all week long, for 12 weeks gather for activities, food, and connections.
4. PEACEMAKING
Outreach workers respond to every incident of violence and shootings in the community, show up at hospitals, help with rumor control, calm tensions, and walk with victims and their families through the recovery process.
5. COMMUNITY
Bread of Life or Pan de Vida is a beautiful food distribution center, serving families food rescue items from places like Trader Joe’s.
In May 2020 they served 1,000 families a week. By June that number has grown to 6,000 families a week. In June 2022, a fully remodeled building opened as a full-time food distribution site. Their goal is not only to provide food to families, but to build relationships and connect them to other resources.