Bethel New Life, Inc. is a faith-based community development corporation serving Chicago's Westside. Bethel began in 1979 as a housing ministry of Bethel Lutheran Church to rebuild neighborhoods left in ruins during the riots of the 1960's. Bethel soon realized that affordable housing was just one aspect of a sound community. Consequently, services were expanded to over 20 different programs and partnerships over thirty years that lead people toward self-sufficiency. As a result, Bethel has constructed nearly 1,000 units of housing, placed more than 7,000 residents in living wage jobs, and generated more than $110 million in investments for Chicago's Westside. Bethel was under the leadership of Mary Nelson since its inception in 1979 until July 2005 when Steven McCullough became President and CEO after being Chief Operating Officer at Bethel for four years. Our mission statement is the nucleus of our 5-year strategic plan named Community of Choice. A Community of Choice is one that provides existing residents with access and opportunity to services that any other healthy, vibrant community has to offer (i.e., expanding retail, residential and service options, performing schools, and high quality of life, to name a few). At the same time, a Community of Choice is one that also attracts future residents who would choose this community to lay down roots, raise their families, and claim their community with pride.

Realize God's vision of a restored society by empowering individuals, strengthening families, and building neighborhoods through community-driven, solution-orientated, and value-centered approaches.

There are more than 20 programs and partnerships at Bethel, which focus on several community-based needs grouped into four primary areas. First, is the Community Services Division which includes health, nutrition, family case management, supportive housing, and early childhood development. The second programmatic area is named Community of Elders. This division includes independent living, assisted living, adult day services, and in-home services. The third area of programming is called Community Development. This division focuses on real estate development, community organizing, violence prevention, education advocacy, and technology access and training. The final program area is named Family Economic Success. This division focuses on financial products and services that are provided through the Community Savings Center, employment services, financial education and counseling, and homeowner counseling.