Stories from New Life Centers
#written
Some People Behind The Stories
Stories of faith, resilience, community, and lived experience from the Humboldt Park community — shared by alumni and staff of the New Life Centers’ youth program.
Beatriz
Beatriz knows what it feels like to grow up afraid and without someone she could trust. Today, those experiences shape the way she listens to, supports, and cares for children facing difficult circumstances of their own.
Kamila
What does it mean to be open-hearted? Kamila reflects on growing up in Chicago’s Humboldt Park community and the lasting influence of New Life Centers. Through her parents’ example, after-school programs, summer camps, and everyday acts of service, she witnessed what it means to create a safe and welcoming place for others.
Mariah
After losing the grandmother who raised her, Mariah found herself facing grief and the challenges of growing up on Chicago’s West Side. Through New Life Centers, she discovered a church family that welcomed her, supported her and showed her God’s enduring love.
#video
Beatriz’s Story
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdpSFBY0hjM
New Life Centers has partnered with Rich in Faith to share Beatriz’s story of courage, faith, and healing—and how she turned a painful past into a life of purpose.
Kamila’s Story
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d1wscEu0I8
Kamila’s story reminds us that we never fully know what someone else is carrying. Being open-hearted means choosing kindness, listening with compassion, embracing vulnerability, and allowing God’s love to guide how we welcome and serve others.
Mariah’s Story
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vtDBuoHmiU
“They did not give up on me—and I wouldn’t give up on them.” Today, Mariah is a lead teacher at a Christian daycare ministry, pouring that same love into the children she serves.
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 at New Life.
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.
Esmeralda’s Story
As one of the inaugural members of New Life Centers’ Arise jewelry creation program, Esmerelda 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.