Bethel’s mission is to realize God’s vision of a restored society by creating opportunities to individuals and families to invest in themselves and by promoting policies and systems that help communities thrive. West Side Forward> is Bethel's strategic initiative to transform Chicago's West Side by substantially reducing poverty utilizing tactics that will move 63,000 people into skilled work that can sustain their families. To achieve our mission, West Side Forward> focuses on four key tactics: -- Creating 36,000 new West Side Jobs and 90,000 jobs across Chicago in a decade -- Preparing 116,000 West Side residents for jobs in high demand, growth industries that pay a family living wage -- Connecting 63,000 residents to jobs that pay at least $36,000 per year -- Supporting residents once in jobs to ensure a steady state increase of 63,000 in our communities The price of poverty is high. To face the coming economic challenges, the U.S. needs to build a workforce that can compete in the 21st century and enable all of its citizens to contribute their talents and skills. Yet, this is something that we are struggling to do, in large part because tens of millions of Americans live in poverty. And in terms of poverty, Chicago's West Side communities are among the most disadvantaged in the City. -- Bethel support 5 neighborhoods on Chicago's West Side: Austin, East and West Garfield Park, Humboldt Park and North Lawndale -- 210,000 people live in these communities, encompassing 16 sq miles -- Poverty and unemployment rates are more than twice those seen in the City overall -- Per capita income is less than half of that of Chicago -- More than 60% of residents have a HS education or less Transforming the West Side of Chicago will take substantial, focused investment in getting West Side residents employed in skilled jobs. We need your help to achieve the goals of West Side Forward>. Visit our website (www.bethelnewlife.org) to learn more.