"Para mí es un milagro": La Historia de Librada
Una fiel vecina llamada Librada comparte su historia de cómo fue liberada de una enfermedad que había desconcertado a los médicos.
“You Really Do Care for Us”: A Mother’s Story
When he was a baby, everyone said her son was blessed. Where was God when he encountered a mysterious, devastating illness in young adulthood?
“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.
"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.
Across Nine Countries: Miriam’s Story
After political persecution forced her family from their home in Venezuela, Miriam—a wife and mother of four—begins a dangerous journey in search of safety.
“Still the Same God”: Beatriz’s Story
Beatriz grew up afraid. Mountains stood between her and the one she trusted. Today her story of courage, faith and healing shapes how she cares for children in her community.
“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.”
“They did not give up on me”: Mariah’s Story
After losing the grandmother who raised her, Mariah found a church family that never gave up on her — and now pours that same love into the children she teaches.