It’s on the back of every dollar bill! – E Pluribus Unum – Out of Many, One.
America’s diverse cultures unite into one nation, under God. And in today’s increasingly complex world, we do not have a single person to spare. Every individual needs to be fully capable of contributing to our country’s economic and social vitality.

By the year 2908, the State of Illinois is projected to need some 7 million workers, primarily in professional and technical fields such as: engineers, business manager, and information technology. The only way we are going to fulfill those needs is through childhood education that truly leaves no child behind.

Intellectual Development
Canaan Academy, our elementary school is in its seventh year of operation and is meeting the needs of students academically, emotionally, and socially. The Academy graduated its first 8th grade class May, 2003, and has proven to have effective educational outcomes for students from all backgrounds and is successfully connecting them to academic achievement while helping them attain skills in creative and critical thinking. Test Scores show that Canaan Academy students are in the 97th percentile nationwide! The Academy is a tuition-based institution that is currently serving students in Pre-Kindergarten through grade 5. The Academy has absorbed the cost of families in need; therefore, no child is denied admission because of economic status.

Social Development
The separate male and female SAFE Houses (Substance Abuse Free Environment) have successfully enabled individuals from all walks of life to break free from the controlling addictions and economic plague of drugs and alcohol. The programs empower men and women to live productive, self-sufficient, and responsible lives. And, we know the program works. In ten years, our recidivism rate has been only 14%. Local law enforcement and judicial officials support our efforts and recognize that the programs provide a welcomed community resource.

Economic Development
We know the power of small businesses in driving growth. Given America's increasing diversity, it is vital to our nation's economic well being that minorities participate at greater levels in entrepreneurship, as well as thriving business sectors. Canaan Credit Union is the first step in our economic revitalization plan. Providing full access to financial resources, professional development, mentoring, and economic education in a small business development center is our vision. We are committed to, and actively working towards supporting and creating new sources of economic value in our city and surrounding communities.