New Life Centers Of Chicagoland Nfp

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.

Mentoring: In 2024, NLC served 2,791 youth through mentoring services and/or weekly programming. Of those 1,074 received one on one mentoring sessions. We provided weekly in-school programming to 5 local schools. We partnered with other agencies to provide cognitive behavioral therapy in the schools as part of our programming. Launched in 2024, The Heart Project supports youth mental health through art-based mentorship. Mentors are available four days a week at the local high school, offering open studio sessions during lunch and free periods. These sessions provide a safe, creative space for students to reflect, express themselves, and heal. NLC also expanded our entrepreneurship mentoring program to serve young ladies in Little Village in addition to Humboldt Park. Participants learn entrepreneurship, marketing, and product creation through jewelry-making, while also building leadership, financial literacy, and faith-based values. The program offers trauma-informed, promoting resilience and self-worth. Girls engage in small group mentoring, leadership, service projects, and creative experiences like workshops and adventure therapy. Youth voice and leadership are central, with girls planning activities and sharing their stories. Ongoing partnerships with schools and organizations help expand outreach and impact.