New Life Centers of Chicagoland NFP, 4101 W 51st St, Chicago, IL 60632, US

HistoryLater incorporated (1997) by Muslim students, community residents and leaders responding to the pervasive symptoms of inner-city poverty and abandonment. IMAN sought to create a community organization driven by the spiritual ideals of community service, social justice and human compassion. Within two short years, a diverse network of students, residents and various institutions throughout the Chicagoland area joined IMAN in working to develop a full-fledged community organization that sought to embody the principles of those lofty ideals. Organizers and volunteers strove to make IMAN a holistic community organization that offered a range of programming and services while organizing to affect positive social change. While led by Muslims, IMAN sought from the outset to work for and along side community residents of all ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds: a commitment clearly reflected in the constituency that IMAN serves and organizes with through its many programs and projects.SpecialtiesIMAN is a community based nonprofit for SOCIAL JUSTICE that actively reaches into our community and works alongside a diverse range of organizations, coalitions and networks. It is our deep conviction that change happens with the tremendous energy and momentum that can be best harnessed at the grassroots, community level. It is in that spirit that IMAN approaches its programming with a three tiered focus: Change | Organizing & Advocacy Serve | Direct Services Inspire | Arts & Culture We are involved in numerous ongoing projects; a small glimpse includes: a free and comprehensive weekly health clinic; leading efforts whereupon the SMART Act (Substance abuse Management Addressing Recidivism through Treatment) was unanimously passed in the Illinois state senate; the Takin' it to the Streets artist festival (2007 featured over 10,000 attendees); career development initiatives; collaborative advocacy for immigration reform; and community cafes as venues for inspirational art and artists.