The Cornerstone Fund walks with Imani Village: the subject of a new documentary

A new documentary called “Walking the Journey with You” shares the work of Trinity Chicago United Church of Christ’s Imani Village and the Cornerstone Fund support that made the planned community development possible. The film is available for screenings at UCC churches and in communities that are interested in learning more about this type of urban planning, and the kinds of projects that Cornerstone can finance.

Imani Village is a multi-phased effort designed to create an eco-friendly, mixed use, green intergenerational community committed to lifelong education, health and economic development. It addresses four foundational pillars: economic justice, environmental justice, health equity, and mass incarceration. Imani Village is the first holistic, sustainable and green community sponsored by a faith-based entity in the city of Chicago.

The Rev. Otis Moss III, is the senior pastor of Trinity Chicago UCC, and he is pleased with the message the documentary sends. “This film highlights what a faith community can do. This is a vision of more than 15 years, fulfilled,” he shared. “I think that it’s important for professors teaching architecture and environmental issues to share this film as an example of what can happen when community groups with a shared value system and vision for a neighborhood come together. It is great story telling, and would be important to be shown in a variety of academic settings, to share best practices.”

Patricia Eggleston is the Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Imani Village, and has also served on the Cornerstone Board of Directors. She said she believes this documentary can show others that they do not need to be afraid to do things differently. “Take the vision, if you will, and take the commitment of people who are willing to be a part of it and allow them to develop it. They don’t have to be afraid. People say, I don’t know how to do that. Yes, you do. Let me show you how you do this. Faith based communities can do this work.”

The Cornerstone Fund has a long-standing relationship with Trinity UCC. Eggleston said Cornerstone was one of the “do or die” funders that helped jumpstart the project, and gave them credibility with other lenders. Imani Village was the biggest project Cornerstone had funded up to that point in time.

The first phase included bringing healthcare to the neighborhood, and they partnered with Advocate Health to build a medical center in what was once a healthcare desert. The village also has a food market, an early childhood center, a youth engagement program, and a career readiness program for those who are incarcerated and working to become returning citizens in their communities. There is a renewable energy program, multigenerational housing, and a newly dedicated senior housing complex that just had its grand opening in the fall of 2025.

“Cornerstone was more than a financial investor,” said Moss. “It has been a spiritual investor, a partner with us on this journey.”

Those who would like to share a screening of the documentary can send an email to: marketing@cornerstonefund.org. You can watch a short preview of the 31 minute long documentary HERE:

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