Family + Individual Support

Bethel New Life believes the clearest vision of our future is in the eyes of our children, and hearts of our families. We believe every child is bright and capable, every individual has potential and every family has a role in helping build West Garfield into a Community of Choice.

Programs:

• Chicago Family Case Management
  We offer assistance and medical care for women and infants. Our services include home assessment and medical appointments and ensure that families, pregnant women, infants and children have access to counseling; healthcare and education; prenatal and child development services.


• Child Development Centers
  We provide comprehensive learning environments for young children (ages 3-5) and grammar school students with interactive teaching methods and life skills; self-esteem and awareness training; and speech and occupational therapy.
  
  
• Emergency Fund
  Bethel New Life assists families and individuals during temporary financial and economic crisis by advocating on behalf of quality housing, affordable utility services, etc. We also provide $250 of assistance, once within a 12-month period, to qualifying individuals.
  

• Employment Services
  The Bethel Employment Center provides unemployed individuals and ex-offenders with the tools and resources to get, keep, and maintain professional employment. The services include job search, training, and placement; resume building and basic computer skills; and career counseling and support.
  


• RightStart Families
  This program targets pregnant women and making sure that they receive proper care during and after pregnancy, assessing the child at three months and after that twice yearly.


• Supportive Housing
  Supportive Housing provides temporary, short-term (4 months) residency for displaced families. During this process, individuals are exposed to life skills and given the necessary training to obtain permanent housing.
  
  
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
  WIC provides supplemental food and nutritional information to pregnant and post-partum women with children up to age 5.
  

Notable Accomplishments:

• Emergency Services provided assistance for food, fuel, security deposits and health care to over 195 persons, thanks to funding from the Emergency Fund and the Owens Foundation

• Supportive Housing - 56% of formerly homeless families moved to permanent housing; 88% employed

From the beginning, Bethel New Life has been a visionary catalyst for change.  Bethel is a leader among community development corporations and is known for its community-directed, holistic approach to development.
   -- Andrew Mooney, Senior program director, LISC/Chicago