Our History

Strengthening communities through compassionate service,
advocacy, and empowerment since our founding.

The Wallace Chance Center was originally founded in 2018 as the Chance Center by New Life Covenant Church Southeast.

An ivy-covered brick building with multiple windows and an overcast sky.

In 2024, it was renamed to honor Pastor Terrance Wallace, a devoted advocate for youth and families. From its inception, the vision has been clear: to establish a dedicated hub that meets critical needs for individuals and families in Greater Grand Crossing.

Black circular logo with the white handwritten-style text 'Never Lite' and the smaller capitalized text 'SOUTHEAST' below.

Through New Life Church, programs such as workforce development, legal support, housing assistance, and food access have already been touching lives across the community.

Families have been served weekly through the food pantry, dozens have received legal guidance each month, and many have been connected to housing resources. New Life has also collaborated with local agencies and civic organizations to host impactful community events.

Announcement for Southeast Legal Clinic, held on the 1st Saturday of each month from 9 am to noon CST, featuring a gold balance scale and the New Life Southeast logo.
A flyer for a food pantry at New Life Southeast in Chicago, Illinois, showing fresh vegetables and fruits like tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, cauliflower, avocado, and bell peppers, with event details and address.
visit newlifesoutheast.org

Community Impact

(2018-Current)

Food Insecurity

Served hundreds of families weekly through our food pantry and community garden.

Housing Resources

Connected families to transitional and permanent housing resources weekly.

Legal Support

Provided legal advice to dozens of families monthly.

Community Engagement

Partnered with local agencies and civic organizations to host annual community events serving thousands.

Meet Our Team

  • Portrait of a smiling man wearing a blue suit, checkered shirt, and blue tie outdoors.

    Terrance Wallace- Board Advisor

    Chance Center Co-Founder

  • Portrait of a woman with curly hair, red lipstick, and a beige scarf, dressed in a black blazer, outdoors with blurred trees in background.

    Jessica S. Nash

     Executive Director

  • A smiling man in a blue suit, white shirt, and yellow tie, standing outdoors with blurred trees in the background.

    Thomas Hurley - Board Chairman

    Chance Center Co-Founder

  • A smiling man with a beard and a bald head, wearing a light blue dress shirt and a tan blazer, standing outdoors with a blurred background of trees and greenery.

    Shammrie Brown - Board Advisor

    Chance Center Co-Founder

  • Portrait of a smiling woman with short hair, wearing a black blazer, outdoors with blurred green trees in the background.

    Tiffany Cyrus

    Board Secretary

  • A man with a beard and eyeglasses standing outdoors with blurred greenery in the background.

    Calvin J.D. Taylor

    Board Member

  • A smiling woman with glasses, earrings, and a beige shirt smiling outdoors with a blurred natural background.

    Karlyn Boens

    Board Member

  • A smiling man with a shaved head and beard, wearing a navy blue suit and tie, standing outdoors with blurred green trees in the background.

    Lawrence Love

    Board Member

  • A woman with short, curly brown hair and glasses, smiling outdoors with a blurred background of trees and greenery.

    Jessica Oliver

    Board Member

  • Professional woman with curly hair in a black suit and tie outdoors.

    Geraldine Bates

    Board Advisor