Non-Profit Restores Hope On Chicagos West Side
Faith and perseverance was the theme of a spiritual outreach dinner held in the Austin community. Life Development Center (LDC) held its 3rd Year Anniversary Dinner at New Bread of Life Church, 5734 W. Division. The non-profit community organization was founded in 2009 by Pastors Amia Harris and Mary McClinton.
LDCs goal is to establish housing, afterschool and summer programs for youth, literacy campaigns for adults and community resource services focusing on domestic violence and emotional counseling.
McClinton said the evening gave her inspiration to continue Gods will. Its giving me strength to keep going, she told the Chicago Citizen.
Harris tearfully thanked guests for supporting the organizations mission. God called me to be a missionary, she said.
During its three year journey, LDC has refurbished two abandoned buildings and developed them into affordable housing for women and displaced children.
Lynette Grayson, 53, a tenant at one of LDCs housing establishments gave a harrowing testimony during the event, about how the organization helped turn her life around.
At the age of 13, she lost her mother and then found herself addicted to cocaine for 31 years. After being homeless for seven years, Grayson met Harris and McClinton in 2010. The ministers offered Grayson and her son a place to live along with counseling and guidance.
Grayson said because she lived a hard life on the streets, she had grown accustomed to having an aggressive attitude, but Harris and McClinton still spoke to her calmly even when she grew belligerent.
They were so mild mannered, they wouldnt raise their voices at me and wouldnt cuss, Grayson said.
Grayson said today shes a changed woman. She is has written two books about her life that will soon be published. She is also close to earning a bachelors degree.
Thank you doesnt say enough, Grayson told Harris and McClinton. You dont know what youve done for me. You gave me life when I was about to give up.
Harris and McClinton first met while working for the ministerial staff at Ruach Covenant Church International several years ago. The pair decided to found LDC after observing and realizing a dire need for it in the community.
LDC also organizes extensive community outreaches such as clothing drives and counseling services for those in need.
For more information or to donate to Life Development Center please call 773-287-4337.
By Thelma SardinTwitter: @thelmasardin
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