VISION
Stronger People. Stronger Families. Stronger Communities.
Our vision is to see underserved individuals, families, and communities empowered with the opportunities, resources, relationships, and support needed to thrive.
We envision communities where young people can reach their full potential, families can access the resources they need, residents feel safe and connected, and organizations work together to create lasting positive change.
PURPOSE
Creating Pathways to Opportunity and Community Advancement
ICE CDC exists to help communities turn needs into action. We identify gaps, connect people and organizations, and develop practical responses that expand opportunity, improve quality of life, and strengthen the communities we serve.
As a community convener and development partner, we help bring the right people, resources, and ideas together to address shared challenges and create sustainable solutions.
MISSION
Equip Underserved People for Success and Advancement in Life.
We fulfill our mission through responsive programs, community outreach, resource connections, and strategic partnerships that help individuals and families overcome barriers, develop their potential, and move toward greater stability and long-term success.
About Us
Serving the Underserved. Strengthening Communities.
Inner City Empowerment Community Development Corporation (ICE CDC) is a nonprofit community development organization serving Chicago Heights, Park Forest, Sauk Village, Richton Park, and surrounding South Suburban communities.
We work at the intersection of direct service and community collaboration—responding to local needs, connecting people with resources, and helping organizations and community stakeholders turn shared priorities into coordinated action.
Our approach is rooted in relationship-building, community voice, practical solutions, and the belief that lasting change happens when people and organizations work together.
OUR PROGRAMS
ICE CDC organizes its work around five interconnected areas of community impact:
Youth Empowerment & Development
We create opportunities for young people to develop confidence, leadership, life skills, career awareness, creativity, and positive relationships with caring adults. Our youth initiatives incorporate mentoring, educational and enrichment activities, the arts, career and life preparation, community engagement, and experiences that help young people recognize their potential and prepare for their future.
Violence Prevention & Community Safety
ICE CDC works with residents, community organizations, violence-prevention providers, municipalities, schools, law enforcement, behavioral-health partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen local violence-prevention efforts. Through community convening, outreach, planning, coordination, and resource connection, we help communities work together to address violence, improve safety, and create healthier environments for young people and families.
Community Outreach & Resource Connection
We meet people where they are and help connect residents with information, programs, services, and community resources. Our outreach includes community events, neighborhood engagement, resource-sharing, family support initiatives, and partnerships designed to help residents access assistance when they need it.
Mental Health, Wellness &
Trauma Support
Recognizing the impact that violence, trauma, stress, and other life challenges can have on individuals and families, ICE CDC works with qualified community partners to increase awareness, provide education, and connect residents with appropriate mental health, behavioral health, and supportive services.
Community Partnerships
& Collaboration
We believe lasting community change requires collaboration. ICE CDC brings together residents, nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, businesses, schools, faith communities, and service providers to share information, identify gaps, coordinate resources, and develop solutions that respond to community priorities.
Our programs and partnerships continue to evolve in response to the priorities, challenges, and opportunities identified within the communities we serve.
OUR HISTORY
A Legacy of Service. An Expanding Vision for Community Impact.
The work behind Inner City Empowerment Community Development Corporation did not begin with the creation of a grant-funded organization. It grew out of more than two decades of community service and outreach led through Kingdom Church International Ministries and Empowered People Church, where our leadership, volunteers, and partners worked to respond to the practical needs of children, youth, families, and underserved communities.
Over the years, that work has included youth mentoring and empowerment programs, performing arts and cultural initiatives, school-supply and backpack distributions, holiday assistance for families, food and clothing support, educational activities, community events, and other efforts designed to encourage, equip, and strengthen people.
As the needs of the community grew, so did the vision. In 2023, the work expanded significantly through violence-prevention and community-convening efforts, creating stronger relationships with residents, municipalities, service providers, violence-prevention organizations, behavioral-health partners, and other community stakeholders.
In 2025, ICE CDC began operating more fully as the vehicle through which this expanding community-development work could be funded and delivered. This allowed the organization to broaden its reach, develop partnerships and programming outside of primarily religious activities, pursue governmental and philanthropic funding, and serve the community through an intentionally inclusive nonprofit platform.
Today, ICE CDC builds upon that longstanding foundation of service while addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing our communities. Our work now encompasses violence prevention, youth development, community outreach, mental health and resource connections, collaborative planning, and community capacity building.
The methods have expanded, the partnerships have grown, and the organization has evolved—but ICE CDC remains grounded in the same commitment to service, empowerment, and community advancement that inspired the work from the beginning.
Executive Leadership — Executive Director
Dr. Kisia L. Coleman
Executive Director
Dr. Kisia L. Coleman is an executive leader, author, entrepreneur, and community-development strategist with decades of experience in leadership, administration, outreach, and organizational development. She holds a Master’s Degree in Ministry from Midwest Christian College & Seminary and was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from the Institute for Christian Works Bible College and Seminary. She is also a Certified Life & Leadership Coach, published author, and former college leadership instructor. Her accomplishments include helping secure a $9 million contract for an international women’s business, spearheading community and international outreach initiatives, developing youth and women’s empowerment programs, and building partnerships designed to expand opportunities for underserved communities.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. D. John Coleman
President
Isis Nelson-Berrien
Leslie Rohwedder
Assistant Treasurer
Sarita Gray
Secretary
Carla Bolorunduro
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