Youth Empowerment Program Develops Life Skills
YEP is an experiential mentoring program led by Jasmine Aguiar geared toward providing youth with practical hands on experiences including service projects, exploring Chicago, and life skills training. Youth partake in community service projects geared at relearning the nature and functionality of their own neighborhoods.
The community service projects not only allow youth to rebuild and redefine their purpose in their communities but also allows them to empathize and create solutions for those that are less fortunate. Interactive activities are created for youth to become tourists in the city of Chicago. Most youth have not been outside of their neighborhoods nor do they understand how others live that aren’t in their communities. This piece allows them to compare both the implicit and explicit inequality in both economic and social injustices. Lastly, We tie both components with a life skills piece that gives youth a space to better articulate their abilities by giving them resources on job readiness, career building, and overall social awareness.
This group is regularly looking for opportunities to support those without a home - please let us know if you have leads or donations they can distribute to the less fortunate.
Stronger Together: Resilient in Hope
Illinois Youth Centers programming has been halted again (due to Covid cases among staff) but for the 4 weeks we were back, it was water to the thirsty soul…for the youth and for us as providers. After months of web programming, being in person to connect with the youth was life giving. Seeing the smiles, sitting with them for hours to talk and bringing Popeye’s chicken sandwiches for those in the drumming classes was a needed change. We ran a contest for the youth and will be running weekly contests in the future to keep youth busy until we are welcomed back in person. Please pray for the staff, the youth and our program partners as we continue to navigate this season of Covid with our young people at IYC St. Charles.
Stronger Together in Celebration: Celebrating Graduations and Aiming for More!
"Graduating High-school has always been one of my biggest goals and to have accomplished it is definitely something I’m proud of. Now, the next goal is to graduate College in hopes of creating a change in the community that has raised me." - Anahi
"Graduating is my biggest accomplishment and I am excited for the next step. I’ve always wanted to go to college and become something of myself so that I can move my family out of poverty." - Armonte
Anahi and Armonte first joined us at the Vine between the ages of 5 and 8, and now we celebrate their graduations from High School! With years and years of sharing joy, sorrow, and love together, we can’t help but be excited! We are proud of their hard work, learning, and resilience as we have watched them grow from children into powerful young people. The Illinois University of Technology and Rockford University will be better with them there!
Thank you to each of you who have supported us in any way to invest in their young lives.
Even as we celebrate their success, our hearts have been heavy this year as COVID-19 and its impact most viciously affected the education of students living in low-income communities. This injustice to our youth is inexcusable and city-leaders continue calling for policies to address the inequity our students are confronting. For now, the youth deserve that we stand in this gap. Will you join us? We suggest the following:
- Educate yourself on the history of racism and segregation, and then work to start dismantling it in your own heart. Please feel free reach out if you need resources.
- Consider how you might redirect and leverage resources and connections to strengthen disinvested communities.
- Pray, Go, and Do
“I think there are so many possibilities and ways to respond in the coming school year as many students will struggle to catch up, but New Life Centers will be here to continue to support, empower, and help each child learn and grow here.”
– Jessica Quigley, Humboldt Park Site Director
A Confession in the Wake of George Floyd's Murder
A Public Apology and Statement from New Life Centers of Chicagoland
“And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:7-8
We grieve and stand with the black community against the sins of police brutality, racism, and unjust systems of white supremacy that continue to kill and steal black lives. Every black life is the sacred image of God and our commitment to love God and love people requires our persistent demand for justice. A superficial apology is as disingenuous as attempting to justify why it has been delayed, but nevertheless, must be stated with the utmost sincerity. To my dear black brothers and sisters, we’re sorry. These racist, anti-black actions and systems are evil and absolutely unacceptable, and we sincerely apologize for our delay in denouncing them. We commit to solidarity with you in defending black life, amplifying black voices, and denouncing anything that harms you.
We mourn the genocide of the original inhabitants of this land from 1492 and the ensuing dehumanization of black life and life of other people of color, to build many of the systems and structures of our nation in the name and defense of white supremacy. This unequal value of human life is sin, and no words can sufficiently express the tragedy that is the loss resulting from it. Too much of the suffering experienced by the young people and communities we serve is a direct result of these structures. So too are the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Sandra Bland, Rekia Boyd, Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Oscar Grant, and too many black lives stolen by those enforcing white supremacy in positions of power.
And as we grieve, we confess our complicity in these violent systems, known and unknown, through our actions and inactions, and ask for forgiveness. As we confess, we commit to concrete actions against white supremacy and towards justice for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) in our communities, city, and nation.
Our commitment to love God and love people requires of us the faith and work to demand justice. We stand in solidarity with BIPOC in waging peace on violence. This includes but is not limited to standing against police brutality, over-policing of our communities, and racism within and outside our communities. This is also a commitment to the active work of speaking truth, building equitable systems, and amplifying voices of BIPOC. We stand with you.
We are stronger together.
Power of Connection!
Well friends, we are in a new week! We hope that you take time this week to enjoy life and those things that bring peace and hope to you! For New Life Centers, even though we can’t be in person, we are using this time for connection and relationships with youth and their families through other ways – because that never stops! Now more than ever we need each other.
Our La Semilla program, has recently added two instructors to the team which has been a huge blessing! The team is working together to bring online tutoring to the students. Each instructor has students assigned to them for one-on-one tutoring. They also make it fun and have group tutoring too! The youth love interacting with each other during this time. Before every tutoring session, the instructor offers to pray with the youth, plays a game, and then hits the homework! The team has seen the strengthening of relationships with the parents take place. The parents have expressed gratitude as they see firsthand how dedicated the team is to intentionally and creatively care for their children. Many of the youth have shared that they haven’t spoken with anyone outside of their family since the shelter-in-place order has happened. They are grateful for the help, and even more grateful for this time of connection. We look forward to the day where we can reunite in person! Until then, the La Semilla team is in it for the long haul – providing help, support, and care for the youth and their families however we can.
Would you keep our team in prayer? Many of the youth’s parents are essential workers who face exposure to COVID-19 through their jobs. It has been hard on the youth as they have shared with us about the restlessness they feel in this time. Many of them miss their friends and want to get back into their routines. Please also pray for the new members of our team, as they continue to build relationships.
We don’t know how long this will last, but we are grateful for times like these of connection with our community of youth and families. Just as these young people are longing for connection, we acknowledge…we all are. This week text or call a friend, teacher, coworker, or relative. See how they’re doing. There is power in relationships, and when the city becomes alive again and we all come out of this – our relationships can be stronger and healthier as we move forward!
Quiet City, Loud People #StrongerTogether
We look around at our city. There is a quietness we may have never experienced before. We wait in our houses for this to sweep over. These past weeks it has been far from quiet though. There have been many spurred to action to provide hope to those around us. Among the many, we are thankful that Jessica Quigley and the team at Humboldt Park can continue being an encouragement to the children and their families in this community. We asked her a few questions:
What is God doing in your program, the Vine?
God has been building and deepening relationships between The Vine staff and the parents of the youth who attend the program. During the stay at home order, the staff have been reaching out to parents to see what supports and encouragement they need during this time. They have been praying for and with them. Some parents have expressed needs and we have been able to connect them to the resources they need through God's provision. Other parents have been encouraging the staff just as much if not more! They share how they are seeing God work in their lives and are asking how they can help as well!
What is an encouraging story that happened recently?
One of The Vine middle school girls has been building trust again. About a year ago she was struggling with depression and anxiety and had experimented with self-harm. The staff had to report this to the parent which hurt the relationship with the youth. Over the last year, the staff have continued to be a constant presence in her life while God helped her learn how to trust again. This past month she has been intentionally seeking out time to talk with staff, laugh with them, and share how she is doing in honest and open ways. It has been beautiful to see how God remains faithful while we wait for him to continue to work, refine, and care for us in ways that only He can.
What would you say to those reading this?
These are very different times for most of us as our rhythms and routines are completely disrupted. Yet, this does not surprise God. He knew this was going to happen and He has a plan for all of it that will ultimately bring glory to His kingdom purposes. I'm reminded that what we are going through is not new. Throughout the Bible and history, people have encountered much worse. God has called them to wait, to hope, and to worship him through it all. Time and time again, he has proven himself faithful and he will do so again!
In the middle of these uncertain times, we are encouraged by stories of hope and community. What is your story of hope in the middle of this season?
#HERStory - Why Mentoring?
Walking life on life with people is at the very heart of transformation! Mentoring relationships is one of the most meaningful ways we get to be part of lives being transformed, with 337 young people receiving mentoring services through New Life Centers last year. While things have changed to online mentoring for now, the important need for mentoring continues as critical as ever. As mentor and mentee for 3 years, Jasmine and Shea share in their journey the real power of mentoring!
Jasmine became a mentor because she herself was mentored. "I was a softball player. Started playing when I was in 5th grade. Naturally, my coach became my mentor. He told me once , 'you don’t always have to act ghetto. 
You deserve more than what your community has stamped on you.' That was probably the first time someone made me take a look at myself in a new light... that’s what mentoring does. Mentoring has defined my purpose. It allows me to help young men and women who have been in similar shoes with me, teach them that they are more than what their communities have already labeled them to be... their brown skin complexions are enough, though society sometimes says otherwise.
Mentoring to me doesn’t mean that we know everything nor does it mean that we will understand/relate to every youth. They aren’t looking for someone to look like them to build a relationship with, youth are looking for people who know how to be themselves. As a mentor, it’s our job to not only teach, but to also accept teachable moments from youth . It it not our place to judge or inflict our own beliefs onto the kids we walk with, but show them they have options. they do not have to be subjected to the community that wants to define them. Being a mentor means a lot of tough hours and a never ending job. Most importantly, being a mentor, is making sure these youth are put in a better position to succeed, in a better position to feel loved , and in a better position to dream."
GEMS - Young Women Empowered to Lead!
A few of our GEMS young ladies had the opportunity to kayak across the Sea of Cortez in Baja, California through Chicago Adventure Therapy. Due to COVID-19, the trip was cancelled. God’s timing is best, and we are hoping in the near future they will be able to have this opportunity again! In the meantime if you want some uplifting content (and candid moments!) in the midst of all the uncertainty, read below as you get to know a few of our girls and their personal journeys over the years. We are so proud of each of them and love them deeply!
Stephanie (top right) is our first GEMS youth ambassador who started out as a participant of the program and is now on staff here at New Life Centers. Stephanie is a beautiful example of the mentoring work done here - as she passionately helps to lead part of the GEMS initiative on Monday nights. Stephanie is one of many young women from the community of Little Village that feels empowered to lead and be a positive example to those around her.
Diana (top left) has been volunteering in all aspects of the GEMS program for a few years now and is a constant presence at all of our summer events. During the summer, you will find Diana running the tables where individuals sign-up and data is collected for our summer softball season. She is currently a student at a local community college and hopes to one day work as a Social Worker in the Little Village community. We are so proud of her!
Bianca (top left) came to the GEMS program as a shy quiet 5th grader. Eight years later, she is now a freshman at a local community college and currently holds 2 jobs. Bianca has faithfully attended the GEMS program and is proud of how far she has come. She is always open and willing to share her knowledge with the younger participants. This year Bianca has taken on more of a leadership role and loves helping the young ladies at the GEMS program achieve their goals.
Our hope for the young ladies in GEMS is that they would feel empowered, known and loved by us as we continue to support and walk with them through every season of their life. Please continue to keep us and these young women in your prayers!
Arise Creations: Empowering Young Entrepreneurs!
Arise Creations has been busy jumping into a new year of learning and creating! Since January, Richelle Marvé, Arise Assistant Director and middle school teacher, has sustained the Arise program while Hannah Olson (Arise Director) has been on maternity leave. 
The Arise youth recently began learning how to budget! After years of wanting to earn money, like the high school youth, our middle school youth are earning educational stipends for the first time this semester! We are elated to introduce to them a new sense of responsibility and ownership over their hard-work. As a result, we have taught both classes basic principles on how to manage their money and save. During the lesson, many of the young ladies struggled to determine how much was reasonable to save. It was a great lesson to help them be realistic but also intentional about managing their earnings. One of our middle school youth is excited to save money to help her dad buy a new car. Others have plans to use their money to buy gifts and take some financial burden off their families. Our plan is to continue educating the young ladies on good money management practices to empower them to make wise choices and make plans as they grow into empowered women!
Arise News:
- Arise was recently featured on a podcast! Check out this podcast episode by World Outspoken where Hannah Olson shares the mission and heart of Arise, as well as the message behind Arise Creations signature piece, Urban Hope.
- The ROOTED Tassel keychain has expanded into an entire collection. Last fall, we launched the ROOTED MINI tassel necklace & MINI tassel earrings. This month we plan to launch the NEW MAXI tassel earrings. You can find all available lines on the Arise Creations Etsy page!
- Follow us @arisecreations for more Arise news and stories!
Bringing the City Together Through Baseball
There’s a buzz on Friday nights at UIC. Groups from across the city make their way to the Curtis Granderson Indoor Turf Field for the Winter Baseball Clinic put on by New Life Centers, Little Village Little League, Chicago Westside Baseball, and CBEA! 80-100 kids come each week and we have three rules:
1. Have fun,
2. Work hard, and
3. Meet someone new.
It’s beautiful to see neighborhoods that historically are separate coming together and young people meeting each other for the first time. There is a lot of laughter, play, skill building, and community building…all through the game of baseball. This is the beginning of a beautiful partnership with groups across the city and we will build on this for the future.
If you would like to get involved through coaching, volunteering, or giving, let us know!
