The Pathway of Hope (POH) initiative is an integral part of ministry at the Chicago Irving Park, Ill., Corps, led by Carlos and Kerman Moran. It’s a place where families are finding connection to a community of faith and the resources and tools they need to establish and maintain stability and sufficiency.
“Most of the families come to the food pantry first,” said Maylin Quinones, POH case manager. “The Morans make the connection with them there, and they come to church, and I have them on the other side. So, we are able to connect them with POH.”
The Irving Park Corps is Spanish-speaking and well-placed within the Albany Park neighborhood to minister to immigrants. Many of the families who join POH have recently arrived in the United States, and the corps provides a place for community as well as resources to help them as they start a new life.
“They need help getting established,” said Maylin. “We are able to guide them in how to access resources. My job is to guide them on how they can achieve their goals.”
The corps offers a place to belong in a diverse community of immigrants, many of whom have experienced similar challenges. Families are welcomed to attend Sunday worship and are invited to weekly programs, like women’s ministries and children’s programs, where they connect with one another.
According to Maylin, knowing they are welcomed and accepted at the corps, whether in the food pantry or at a Sunday morning service, helps people feel comfortable engaging in opportunities like POH. Currently, 16 families are participating in POH at the Irving Park Corps, and many have come to be involved in corps programs and activities.
“Families are staying connected with the corps,” said Maylin. “It’s huge. We see them growing. We want to share Christ with people.”
With connections to other organizations throughout the community, Maylin is able to help families find the right resources in an unfamiliar system. She assists them with securing housing and provides vouchers for furnishings, refers them to places to apply as they seek employment, and helps them navigate a new country and culture.
“We work together, establish the course they need to follow, and I meet with them weekly,” Maylin concluded. “They are immigrants, so once they have what they need, housing, food, jobs, they are able to grow. I do my best to help guide them in every way I can.”
Pathway of Hope.