Our Mandate

OUR MANDATE

Our mandate is to strengthen individuals, build families, and serve our community- The West Side of Chicago!

Once a thriving and vibrant part of Chicago, the West Side of Chicago was home to physicians, lawyers, teachers, dentists, and other professionals. However, during the riots of the late 1960's and early 1970's, homeowners and businesses fled the West side communities known as Garfield Park, Austin, Lawndale, and Humboldt Park. In their place came poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, violence, gang activity, and racial segregation. All of which lead to the deterioration of families.

An examination of Garfield Park community schools reveal that in our neighborhood High School 0% of students exceeded the state standards, and only 41% of freshmen graduated within 5 years (CPS Scorecard, 2007-08).
In 2005, the poverty rate on Chicago's Westside was 33%, with an unemployment rate of 15% (American Community Survey, 2005).
In 2005, median household income of the Westside was $29,900 and 65.4% of families were female-headed (American Community Survey, 2005).

We have developed a Faith in Action Initiative to be launched during the next 12 months that is designed to break generational cycles of broken families, poverty, teen pregnancy, and domestic violence.

Family Ministry

Our family ministry will focus on serving families within our community. We will provide free nutritious meals, marriage workshops, community carnivals/plays, and supportive services. C3 volunteers will also prepare and host a luncheon for homeless families.

Youth & Children Ministry

Covenant Kids is a weekly program for elementary school children (Grades 1 thru 5). Bible stories and characters are brought to life in innovative ways. Chicago area children will be invited to create an environment that they can call their own -- a place designed for their spiritual growth and development, that they might develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Friday Night Live (FNL) is a weekly program for youth (grades 6 thru 12). It has elements of worship, drama, video, music, and Biblical teaching, culturally relevant to Junior and Senior High School students. FNL is a safe place for students to share community and meet with their peers. The program is designed as a way for youth to discover together what it means to follow God with their lives and how to handle negativity and the peer pressures they encounter.

Saturday Enrichment

Through our Saturday Enrichment, we will challenge 20 elementary school students (10 boys/10 girls) every Saturday morning to reach for academic excellence. This Academy will assist students in reaching their full potential, equipping them to do what they once thought was impossible. Core components include Mathematics, Human Biology, and Chess.

Component 1: Human Biology- We will discuss the cell and basic human anatomy & physiology (the cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, respiratory, and digestive system). We will also encourage a lifetime appreciation of the practical applications of human biology in maintaining wellness- health, fitness, and nutrition. First aid and CPR training will also be provided. During a few of the sessions we will help students develop problem solving, critical thinking, and team work through CSI like forensic cases while reviewing the scientific method, human anatomy, and physiology

Component 2: Every Day Math- We will discuss how to solve word problems involving time and money and work as a team to solve word problems focusing on addition, subtraction, multiplication, and simple fractions.

Component 3: Chess - Student will learn how to play the game of chess while developing their spatial visualization, geometry, verbal aptitude, and logic

5 Year Goal

It is our goal to open an Oral Health Care Center on the West Side of Chicago, providing scaled services to the underserved and under-insured.

10 Year Goal

It is our goal to open a family entertainment complex (skating rink, bowling alley, and movie theatre) on the Westside of Chicago.