Isf Bank

thirteen african-american men, and their many supporters, had a dream to establish a savings and loan association sensitive to the needs of black residents of chicago. the story begins in the early 1930's when it was all but impossible for people of color to obtain mortgage loans. there has always been an undeniable connection between "where" one lives and "how" one lives. as a rule, access to quality housing and a good neighborhood also translates to improved educational and employment opportunities. in the 30's, the future looked quite bleak due to a lack of access to better housing for black citizens. however, "no" was not an option the founders of illinois service federal were willing to accept. from the beginning, they worked closely with the federal home loan bank of chicago, drawing heavily on the experience and advice of that federal agency. the founders also enlisted the counsel of savings and loan executives with "general market" experience who were sympathetic to the cause.