In January, the Chicago Community Loan Fund (CCLF) celebrated 34 years of bringing much needed capital and resources to low- and moderate-income communities throughout Chicagoland.

The first quarter saw significant and rapid change at the federal level, but one thing hasn’t changed locally: CCLF remains committed to standing strong alongside the communities and people it serves.

When others have stepped back in times of uncertainty, such as during the Great Recession or the pandemic, CCLF always has stepped forward. Today is no different. CCLF’s Board of Directors, leadership and staff have reiterated that CCLF remains committed to working with grassroots partners to help create communities that thrive and expand opportunity for all in Chicagoland.

That commitment includes becoming even better at our place-based, customer-focused, mission-driven lending. During the first quarter, CCLF launched its new four-year strategic plan, which is focused on becoming stronger, faster and better as an organization. Given CCLF’s tremendous growth over the last few years, our new plan calls for streamlining our internal systems and strengthening external partnerships so that we can better serve our customers and our communities.

On January 1st, the word “Interim” fell away from my title, and I became CCLF’s third President since its founding. I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from CCLF’s Board of Directors, staff, funders, investors, and partners. They know our work matters, and it has a lasting impact. They also know that I am blessed with a brilliant, dedicated, and talented team to advance our ambitious goals.

Although I have big shoes to fill, those shoes are pointed in the right direction. As CCLF stays the course, thank you for being there with us. Thank you for believing in and trusting us.