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.
October 10, 2017
ICI became a place where Brian could be a kid. Then it became so much more.
December 1, 2020
Along my journey, God put humble leaders in my life. Being around those people made me want to imitate them and I realized leadership isn’t about outward strength but about setting an example for others to follow.
May 1, 2020
Due to incredible and sudden economic hardship for the families of children we serve in Chicago and Cicero, Inner City Impact is providing weekly food assistance to 50 – 70 families in need. Our focus is on ICI families we know have economic hardship and families with which we have a long-standing, gospel-centered relationship.