We understand that children living in Chicago’s underserved urban communities possess incredible compassion, gifts, and raw talents. These children are a precious national resource but often do not have the opportunity to reach their full potential due to the effects of urban poverty and limited access to higher educational opportunities. Many of our Chicago inner city children grow up in stressfu
l conditions. Yet even in these conditions, there are particular students who stick out as diamonds in the rough1
We seek out these diamonds, the future leaders and agents of change in their Chicago communities, while they are still in elementary school. We utilize the lenses of the teachers, who are the heroes working tirelessly day in and day out to serve the children in these communities. Teachers recognize the students in their classes who show leadership and are exceptionally compassionate. These students are intelligent, patient, hardworking, kind, and exhibit self-control. They are the future leaders of the world. Their teachers see this potential played out everyday. Through this MEF program, MEF desires to serve our Lord, Jesus Christ by caring for those in need. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. (1 John 3:17-18 ESV)
We aim to be the catalyst connecting the people who “has the world’s goods” to “see his brother in need” and therefore motivate them to action. All funds collected from membership, donations and sponsorships are directly used to recognize teachers, start college savings programs and provide motivational incentives for MEF Scholars. Our hope is that everyone involved in this program: Members, Ambassador Teachers, Nominees, Scholars, families, Sponsors and donors will take part in positively transforming the neediest inner-city communities of Chicago.
“Diamonds in the rough:” someone (or something) that has hidden exceptional characteristics and/or future potential, but currently lacks the final touches that would make them (or it) truly stand out from the crowd.
