New Life Centers of Chicagoland

Community Care: In 2024, El Mercadito, our indoor markets, along with our mobile fresh markets provided food provision to the families in the communities we serve. In 2024, our distribution hubs across the neighborhood served 128,713 individuals. Our food pantry operates 5 days a week throughout our service areas. We offered English literacy classes for community members and case management for families that visit our pantry through partnerships with other community organizations. In response to the migrant crisis, we launched our New Vecinos program and shelter work. Through this program, NLC provides essential support and resources to individuals and families in need, focusing on sustainable housing solutions. In the past year, we moved 3,357 families and 15,116 individuals into apartments through the city. We distributed 345,779 emergency items, including jackets, hygiene kits and diapers within 24 hours of request. We operated three family shelters in the following neighborhoods: Midway, Hyde Park and Little Village caring for 3,855 people, providing programming and resources to help stabilize families to successful exit the shelter.

Peacemaking: NLC continued to provide street outreach, crisis response, mediation, hospital response, violence interruption, victim advocacy, case management, and mentoring services for young people in Little Village, Far East Side, Brighton Park and Humboldt Park. Our team engaged young people in small groups, one on one sessions, and programming. In 2024, 411 youth received mentoring services throughout the year. Approximately, 511 engaged in weekly programming with our restorative justice department. The Street Outreach staff responded to 100% of all critical incidents in our service area and spent 3,683 hours canvassing the streets working with high-risk key individuals. Our victim advocates provided services to 108 individuals that were either victims of violence or family members of those who were killed due to gun violence. They assisted families and victims in submitting 25 victim compensation applications and supported with 37 funerals.