“Only God Needs to Love Me”: Maria’s Story
People can be harsh and anywhere people are gathered--including church--can be intimidating to enter. Maria tells her story of being brave and trying church.
“All Green Lights”: Elizabeth’s Story
When the pain is so great, is it possible to turn it into purpose? When Elizabeth lost her son, DJ, she entered a life she never wanted—and found others there.
"God Always Did Show Up": Marena's Story
Marena tells the story of her family's sudden move from Puerto Rico to Chicago and the new family that grew there.
"A Call to Help People": Tamira's Story
Tamira tells the story of surviving the death of her father--and finding a new family and calling at a nearby church community center.
Content note: parental death & suicide.
"We're All Successful": Esmeralda's Story
As one of the inaugural members of New Life Centers’ Arise jewelry creation program, Esmeralda reflects on the lessons, growth, and opportunities that helped shape her journey.
Her message is simple and powerful: “We’re all successful.” A reminder that success can be found in growth, perseverance, and recognizing how far we’ve come.
Stories from New Life Centers
New Life Centers’ alumni, staff, and participants share how faith, mentors, and a welcoming community shaped who they became.
“Be Open-hearted”: Kamila’s Story
Kamila reflects on growing up in Humboldt Park and what her parents and New Life Centers taught her about abundant welcome.
“And God Was Happy Too”: R CITY Dreambuilders Children’s Stories
Children from R CITY’s Dreambuilders program share their faith through a picture book: “And God was happy too.”