Decades of civil war in the Sudan – and the recent genocide against residents of Sudan’s Darfur region – have killed hundreds of thousands, left millions homeless, and caused the flight of thousands of others as refugees, many in Illinois. Many Illinois residents know the story of the murders in Darfur and of the “Lost Boys” who heroically travelled thousands of miles without food, water, shelter or adults to guide them in order to flee a civil war that had destroyed their villages and killed their family members. Most Illinois residents do not know that many of their neighbors are survivors of these tragedies who have conquered adversity and are working to build a new life for their families in our state.

Advocates and donors now have a unique opportunity to help the Sudanese community that has already legally established itself in the Chicagoland area. Local residents of Sudanese descent, a large number of whom fled murder, war, rape and genocide to find a better life in our community, benefit from the work of the Sudanese Community Association of Illinois.  The Sudanese Community Association of Illinois helps these residents assist each other and acclimate to life in Illinois.

Although these newer residents work hard, they still face challenges in an unfamiliar environment. They need to share successes, build a sense of community, adapt to cultural differences, identify services and provide support for their families. Currently many Sudanese gather at local churches, such as the Wheaton Evangelical Free Church in DuPage County and St. Paul’s Church by the Lake in Chicago. Sudanese of all faith traditions have showed tremendous self-sufficiency and a dedication to improving their communities. With a population growing in size and diversity, Illinois’ Sudanese also need and deserve an active and vibrant community organization, open to Sudanese of all tribal, religious and ethnic backgrounds, in order to meet their unique human service needs.

Sudanese Community Association of Illinois leaders work to link Illinois residents of Sudanese descent with social services available to them in the community.  They help make referrals for day care, adult education, job training, health care, transportation, financial literacy courses and English as a Second Language courses.  They work hard to identify services that are provided in a culturally sensitive manner.  Association representatives also deliver presentations to schools, churches and community groups about Sudanese issues in order to raise funds for local projects.  The Association serves as a hub for the Chicagoland area’s humanitarian efforts geared towards ending the suffering of the people of the Sudan, and helps organize Chicago-area projects for Save Darfur.

Supporters of the Sudanese Community Association of Illinois come from many different fields. Our team of supporters includes Illinois state legislators, government affairs experts, media strategists, philanthropists, lawyers, NBA stars and, of course, the “Lost Boys” and Sudanese community leaders in Illinois.

Leaders of the Save Darfur Coalition, an alliance of over 170 faith-based, advocacy and humanitarian organizations, work closely with Illinois’ Sudanese community. The Coalition’s member organizations represent 130 million people of all ages, races, religions and political affiliations united together to help the people of Darfur. Local leaders of the coalition have also worked closely with Illinois’ Sudanese community on relief efforts in Sudan. The Sudanese Community Association of Illinois is a registered State of Illinois not-for-profit corporation directed by accomplished community leaders from many different backgrounds.

Please donate now to build a better future for those in our community who have fled war and genocide in the Sudan.