STRONGER COMMUNITIES
ADVANCING
THROUGH COLLABORATION, OPPORTUNITY & LASTING IMPACT
Since 1994, Advance Northern Illinois Community Development Corporation (ANI-CDC) has worked collaboratively with regional nonprofits and Houses of Worship (HoW’s) to uplift communities across Northern Illinois through outreach and engagement, job training and workforce development, youth development, food pantries, and economic development.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to strengthen communities, expand opportunities, and create lasting economic and social impact throughout Northern Illinois. Through strategic partnerships, we connect individuals and families to essential resources, workforce development and job training, youth enrichment, food assistance, and economic advancement opportunities.
People. Partnerships. Progress.
At ANI-CDC, partnerships are the foundation of our approach. We work alongside nonprofits, Houses of Worship, businesses, government agencies, and community organizations to combine resources, share expertise, and coordinate services that achieve more together than any organization could accomplish alone. From joint initiatives and funding opportunities to program implementation and community outreach, we help our partners expand their reach, strengthen their capacity, and maximize their collective impact.
Community-Centric
Programs & Services
Workforce Development & Career Training
At ANI-CDC, we help individuals build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to succeed in today's workforce. Through partnerships with employers, training providers, and community organizations, ANI-CDC supports job readiness, vocational training, skilled trades, career exploration, and pathways to sustainable employment. Our focus is on removing barriers to economic mobility and connecting residents to meaningful career opportunities.
Community Outreach & Family Support
Strong communities begin with meeting people where they are, understanding their challenges, and responding with meaningful solutions. ANI-CDC works to improve the quality of life for individuals and families by expanding access to essential resources, food assistance, youth enrichment, family support services, and programs that promote stability and self-sufficiency. Our approach goes beyond addressing immediate needs by identifying service gaps, reducing barriers to access, and creating opportunities for continued growth and personal development. Through coordinated outreach, resource distribution, community events, and direct engagement, we strive to reach underserved populations, strengthen well-being, and ensure that every individual has an opportunity to thrive.
Economic Development & Community Revitalization
Thriving neighborhoods depend on strong local economies, sustainable investment, and opportunities for growth. ANI-CDC works with businesses, community leaders, government agencies, and development partners to advance neighborhood revitalization, entrepreneurship, small business support, and equitable economic development. Our collaborative approach helps strengthen local economic infrastructure, attract resources, and create lasting opportunities throughout Northern Illinois.
Connecting Resources. Expanding Possibilities.
ANI-CDC serves as a catalyst for meaningful change by bringing together the expertise, resources, and shared vision needed to address challenges across Northern Illinois. We help transform ideas into action, strengthen local initiatives, and open doors to new possibilities for individuals, families, and neighborhoods. Our commitment is to create measurable progress that extends beyond individual programs and delivers lasting benefits for generations to come.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Bishop E.M. Walker
Founder, Visionary
& President
Bishop Walker is the foudner, visionary, and President of ANI-CDC, bringing decades of faith-based leadership and community service. He serves as Senior Pastor of Friendly Temple Church of God in Christ and Prelate of the Historic Northern Illinois Jurisdiction (NIJ). He also founded the Favors-Walker Family L.I.F.E. Foundation and Alternatives to Violence (ATV) program. His longstanding commitment to community advancement includes food pantry operations, annual health fairs, violence prevention, and family support initiatives to uplift underserved areas.
Elder Calvin Brown
Senior Director of Funding & Operations
Elder Brown brings decades of experience in business leadership, operations, and community development. He is the CEO of Crystal Clear Window Washing & Janitorial Services (CCWWJS), established in 2012. Previously, he served 29 years as an Engineer with Cook County. Under his leadership, his grants team has secured over $3.5 million in funding from IDHS, ICJIA, JAC, and FEMA to support community-based initiatives. Through ANI-CDC, he focuses on expanding funding opportunities and advancing economic development throughout Northern Illinois.
JOIN US IN
Advancing Illinois
Together
Whether you're a community partner, volunteer, donor, or supporter, there are many ways to help advance lasting change in Northern Illinois.