Our Stories, Your Impact campaign starts with Phase 1 of West Side Forward's timeline.

Phase 1 of our timeline culminates in August 2019 with the official formation of West Side Forward — but it all began months earlier, in May 2019.

This phase marks the crucial development period from May to August 2019, when West Side Forward emerged from Bethel New Life, a momentous shift that laid the foundation for everything we do today.

May 2019 – West Side Forward meets with Business Start Up Alumni Benjamin Avyor of Avyor Pryor regarding government contracting opportunities.

May 2019 – West Side Forward leadership attends the inauguration of Chicago’s first black woman Mayor, Lori Lightfoot.

June 2019 – West Side Forward celebrates the graduation of its Business Start Up cohort.

August 2019 – West Side Forward is founded.