Fostering Economic Empowerment & Community Development
in Chatham
With a deep commitment to uplifting underserved communities, we offer a comprehensive array of programs and services tailored to address the multifaceted needs of Chatham residents. We provide access to resources and opportunities that promote economic stability, community engagement, and personal growth.
Breaking Down Barriers, Building Community
Our mission is to empower families in Chicago's Chatham area by providing comprehensive support and resources for economic empowerment, community development, and personal growth. Through a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, we strive to create a thriving community where every individual has the opportunity to achieve their full potential and contribute to positive change. By addressing systemic barriers and fostering resilience, we aim to build a more equitable and resilient society for generations to come.
L.I.F.E. - Living In Full Expectation
Community-Based
Support Services
Economic
Empowerment
Through our workforce development initiatives and entrepreneurship programs, we equip individuals with the skills and tools needed to thrive in today's economy. From job readiness training to small business support, we're here to help you achieve your financial goals.
Community Development & Engagement
We believe in the power of community collaboration to drive positive change. Our community development projects focus on revitalizing neighborhoods, enhancing public spaces, and fostering meaningful connections among residents.
Supportive
Services
We offer a range of supportive services to address the diverse needs of our community, including housing assistance, food distribution programs, and access to healthcare resources. Our goal is to ensure that every individual and family has the support they need to thrive, not just survive.
Maximizing Our Reach & Impact
“I firmly believe that economic empowerment is the cornerstone of creating sustainable change in underserved communities. By providing residents with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to build financial stability and independence, we not only unlock their potential but also ignite positive transformation throughout the entire community. Economic empowerment isn't just about securing a paycheck; it's about empowering individuals to take control of their futures by breaking the cycle of poverty and violence.”
— Bishop Edwin Walker, President, Founder
Elect Bishop
For General Board
Bishop Walker has not only led our community through times of challenge and change, but has also envisioned and implemented programs that have significantly enhanced our spiritual and communal life.
His initiatives in areas such as community revitalization, youth development, community service, and violence prevention have not only grown our community but deepened our faith and outreach.
Economic Development Initiatives That Work…
We build better communities!
Favors-Walker is dedicated to delivering impactful economic development initiatives aimed at revitalizing prosperity throughout Chicago's South Side communities of Chatham, Auburn Gresham, Englewood, and Bronzeville, to name a few. Through strategic investments, innovative partnerships, and community-driven solutions, we work tirelessly to restore local economies and uplift residents. By fostering entrepreneurship, job creation, and sustainable growth, we aim to cultivate vibrant neighborhoods where opportunities abound and residents thrive.
Meet Our
Founder & President
This initiative is led by Bishop Edwin Walker, Senior Pastor of Friendly Temple Church of God in Christ located in the heart of Chicago’s Chatham area. We are a tax-exempt, 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization committed to transforming the landscape of Chicago by honoring the enduring legacy of the Favors and Walker families. Our goal is to rejuvenate communities by strategically investing in the education and welfare of our residents.
Operating as a grassroots nonprofit entity, we provide an array of resources and assistance aimed at empowering marginalized communities. We believe that investing in communities stimulates economic activity and creates opportunities for local residents and small businesses to thrive. This, in turn, leads to job creation, increased income levels, and improved living standards for our residents.
Bishop Edwin Walker
Our Enduring Legacy
We are a legacy foundation of the Favors and Walker families in Chicago. Our leadership team takes pride in its contributions to the City of Chicago through funding allocated to our affiliated organizations, Houses of Worship, and community-based initiatives. Funding sources include the Justice Advisory Council (JAC), Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Office of Firearm Violence Prevention, FCS Bureau of Violence Prevention Services, FEMA, and the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA).
Our programs encompass a wide spectrum, ranging from Lunch With Law to Alternatives To Violence (ATV), along with our longstanding food pantry at 77th & State in Chicago. Since assuming leadership in 1987, Bishop Walker has spearheaded efforts to enhance economic conditions on the South Side of Chicago. For over four decades, our organization has diligently worked towards fostering better and more resilient communities through initiatives focused on revitalization, job creation, and educational support services.
Grant Funding…
Proud Awardee
Our Alternatives To Violence (ATV) program has received over a million in funding from FEMA for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Violence Prevention Programs, Cook County Justice Advisory Council (JAC), and Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA), to name a few.