Growing up was hard. I am the oldest of the family and have to set the example for my siblings. My parents didn’t like each other, which made things difficult for us. I have been coming to ICI for about 10 years now and they really helped me turn my life around.
At one point I was smoking drugs, selling drugs, drinking—just doing the same things as everyone else. Sophomore year is when the teaching at ICI really got to me and I gave my life to Christ and changed the path I was on. I began studying the bible and learning how to make changes. I felt like before Leaders In Training (LIT) I was going to end up like anyone else: not go to college, drop out of high school, end up a parent at 16, work in a factory like my dad does.
I always doubted myself. But being a LIT intern this summer was amazing! I got to work with my best friend Anthony. I had financial responsibilities. It was awesome to be a part of that and to be trusted with that kind of responsibility. At the end of the summer I hadn’t lost a single dollar, and I feel so proud of that. I accomplished the goal of being responsible.
ICI helped me develop a set of goals for the future. I have a job and get a regular paycheck. I am planning to go to college and have already gotten offers to attend different schools. ICI has opened up opportunities for me.
February 28, 2024
Diego had never even heard of ICI before a friend invited him. Once coming, Diego says he got really attached to ICI and just kept coming back.
February 14, 2024
Liz felt unsettled as Amalia climbed into the van for winter camp, brimming with excitement, she clutched her phone, ready to showcase her latest fight video.
November 22, 2023
While we often see considerable hardship in the city, at ICI, we are time and time again in a position to see God impacting our students’ lives in big ways. Something as small as the gift of a Bible can change someone's life.