MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Life Decisions is to build a Tribe of Mentors by investing in the lives of overlooked and undervalued youth, ages 15-23.

WHAT WE DO

Everything we do is Relational Mentoring. We help young people to get back on track, stay out of trouble, and reach healthy adulthood.

HOW WE DO IT

We do this by equipping people and creating opportunities for Relational Mentoring.

ABOUT US

LIFE ON LIFE

RELATIONSHIP

RELATIONAL MENTORING

At the heart of everything we do is relationships. We’re building a tribe of mentors, leading and serving one another in relationship. We define relational mentoring as authentic, life-on-life relationships where each of us comes together to learn and give.

TYPES OF RELATIONAL MENTORING

Group Mentoring

A structured opportunity where mentors and mentees engage in an activity together. Most mentoring relationships begin here through intentional, planned, and scheduled activities.

Individual Mentoring

One or two mentors engage with one or two youth in a more focused setting. These sessions may be scheduled in advance or happen organically, such as during group activities, transport, or impromptu moments when a youth reaches out for support.

Life-On-Life Mentoring

A mentor invites a youth to join them in day-to-day activities—whether running errands, fixing a project, or working in the yard. This provides a deeper, more practical mentorship experience.

Peer Mentoring

Youth participants grow into greater responsibility as they continue in Life Decisions. Older participants mentor younger ones, embodying the "Tribe of Mentors" philosophy.

OUR VISION

We imagine a Rockford where every person is seen, known, and valued. At-risk youth no longer lead our streets destructively but are empowered and inspired, through relational mentoring. Serving together, barriers begin to be broken down and new relationships built - extending beyond things like age, race, culture, socioeconomic status, and belief systems. We have a vision for restoration: restoration in the lives of individuals. A Tribe of Mentors, that grows into a community of life-on-life relationships -together, bringing Restoration to Rockford.

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6 PILLARS OF SUCCESS

SUPPORTING THE WEIGHT OF LASTING CHANGE

The 6 Pillars of Life Decisions are interdependent, and crucial, for providing the intensive support necessary to set at-risk youth up for success, with a foundation that can sustain the weight of lasting change. These pillars provide the missing structure and accountability while equipping and creating opportunities for relational mentoring, through blending relationships, biblical truth, and clinical best practices from the social work field.

Safe & Stable Housing

A safe place that provides the missing structure and accountability for youth to learn how to successfully live independently and responsibly.(Residential Housing is not yet an option, but remains an important part of our vision for LDs. Currently, we are working towards this.)

Self Care

A safe place to address mental and physical health through training the body and mind.

Serve Now

Creating opportunities for youth to give back and invest in their community; building a sense of purpose, value, and well-being, while learning new skills and responsibility.

Work Now

Provides healthy, legal, opportunities for youth to gain financial support for themselves and families, through on-the-job mentoring while developing the skills and resources to become employable.

Leadership

Empowers youth with opportunities to develop healthy leadership skills, while raising expectations and challenging youth to their God-given potential

Internship

A Tribe of Mentors learn and help with administrative, coordinating, and facilitation of relational opportunities - while growing personally, spiritually, & professionally. (This can be to fulfill college requirements or personal enrichment.)

KEYS TO SUCCESS

The key to success will not be because of programs or Life Decisions as an organization, but through the relationships built. The 6 Pillars of Life Decisions are holistic, addressing the most critical areas for at-risk youth. Without the necessary support in every one of these areas, justice-involved youth frequently receive “chances” that keep setting them up for failure.

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MEET THE TEAM

Coming together from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, our skilled team of professionals is the backbone of Life Decisions.

Their ideas help shape the direction and mission of our organization as it continues to develop.

JAKE & ALI ROGERS

FOUNDERS

FOUNDING

MENTEES

Founding Mentees are the reason we exist as an organization! These individuals are the ones who helped launch Life Decisions.

Amaya Castanon

ABOUT ME

Hi, My name is Amaya and I am 22. I have served on the Youth Leadership Council. Prior to that, Ali was my mentor and introduced me to Life Decisions back when it was just an idea on paper and now I have had the wonderful opportunity to contribute to it and see it coming to fruition.

My dream for this tribe of mentors is to build a better and stronger community. To empower youth minorities to help them find their voice and power now, So later they can lead Rockford.

Raheem Swift

ABOUT ME

Hello, I’m Raheem Swift like most youth in the community of Rockford. I had a lot of things in my life that were at risk. Dealing with most problems young people deal with all the time I eventually had a chance to transform myself. I joined Life Decisions in 2021 helping them with some of their early serving projects and from those times on I just kept coming around and helping them with the many thingsthey needed help with.

I also started to go to church with the tribe as well. It was a good experience to be in a church for the first time other than to go to funerals. I love the church and I am even a cameraman and camera director there and I'm proud of myself for it.

My dream for the tribe is that there will be youth with changed lives other than youth with no hope or desires to have a great life at all. I dream of a better future forall youth everywhere.

Jadarius Hardy

ABOUT ME

Hey, I’m Jadarius. I grew up not having the best of life. Eventually, something broke inside of me. I stopped caring; I stopped being kind & I respected no one. This led to violence. When I was just 15 years old I served eight hard months in the JDC (Juvenile Detention Center). This is where I met Jake.

My life has changed drastically. Today, I have hope & my faith is growing. I went from doing drugs to doing stuff I never thought of- like visiting Colorado to see a group helping kids, like I was, to meet their God-given potential.

I feel my life, my story, and everything I’ve been through is pushing me to help others. I want to help those who are in the same predicament as I was to give them the help & hope to change and better their lives.

STAFF

Our Staff is full of individuals that lead with love, grace and compassion, while guiding volunteers and youth in a positive and impactful way.

Jake Rogers

Chief Visionary Officer

ABOUT ME

It began as a dream. For the past three years, I have been a Juvenile Justice Ministry (JJM) Director, working with youth inside, and out, of our local Juvenile Detention Center. I've become increasingly burdened by the number of youth, who were highly motivated to change, yet continued to return to lockup in just a few weeks or months of their release. The level of care they need to sustain lasting change simply is not available to them in our county.Recently, by God’s divine providence, I began to sense my call to launch Life Decisions, focusing on providing that higher level of care, while working alongside existing likeminded ministries. The vision has been refined and influenced by experts in the field of Juvenile Justice, my previous observations and experiences working as a County Detention Officer, Recovery Home Specialist, and the last three years with YFC as a JJM mentor, Director, and the development of the Next-Steps Aftercare Site. Most important of all has been the direct input from the young people I've had the privilege of getting to know, particularly Jadarius, who began co-launching Life Decisions with me in October of 2020.

"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." Ephesians 3:20

It began as a dream. For the past three years, I have been a Juvenile Justice Ministry (JJM) Director, working with youth inside, and out, of our local Juvenile Detention Center. I've become increasingly burdened by the number of youth, who were highly motivated to change, yet continued to return to lockup in just a few weeks or months of their release. The level of care they need to sustain lasting change simply is not available to them in our county.Recently, by God’s divine providence, I began to sense my call to launch Life Decisions, focusing on providing that higher level of care, while working alongside existing likeminded ministries. The vision has been refined and influenced by experts in the field of Juvenile Justice, my previous observations and experiences working as a County Detention Officer, Recovery Home Specialist, and the last three years with YFC as a JJM mentor, Director, and the development of the Next-Steps Aftercare Site. Most important of all has been the direct input from the young people I've had the privilege of getting to know, particularly Jadarius, who began co-launching Life Decisions with me in October of 2020.

"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." Ephesians 3:20

Ali Rogers

Chief Dev. & Operations Officer

ABOUT ME

After spending 10+ years serving in student ministry within the church, I remember having an honest conversation with God about feeling like a fish out of water. I was not a ‘church’ kid growing up and it wasn’t until I started serving at-risk teens in 2014, when I was overcome with the feeling, “This is home.”

My heart is burdened for the young person that has lost all hope because I have been there.I used to dream of being a world-changer; making a big difference in a mighty way, until I realized that the most profound way to change the world is one life at a time; free one prisoner from darkness, and their entire world is flooded with light. If I can help just one person know Jesus through a consistent lifelong friendship, I will have made a difference.

My life has been forever changed by seeing firsthand the gospel lived out in mentoring relationships and one of my favorite things to witness, as a mom, is when the youth that I am working with, take my own two daughters under their wings and share Christ's love with them, also. My dream for this tribe of mentors is to see lives changed in our community; people who used to feel lost and alone, now seen, known, loved and purpose-filled.

After spending 10+ years serving in student ministry within the church, I remember having an honest conversation with God about feeling like a fish out of water. I was not a ‘church’ kid growing up and it wasn’t until I started serving at-risk teens in 2014, when I was overcome with the feeling, “This is home.”

My heart is burdened for the young person that has lost all hope because I have been there.I used to dream of being a world-changer; making a big difference in a mighty way, until I realized that the most profound way to change the world is one life at a time; free one prisoner from darkness, and their entire world is flooded with light. If I can help just one person know Jesus through a consistent lifelong friendship, I will have made a difference. My life has been forever changed by seeing firsthand the gospel lived out in mentoring relationships and one of my favorite things to witness, as a mom, is when the youth that I am working with, take my own two daughters under their wings and share Christ's love with them, also.

My dream for this tribe of mentors is to see lives changed in our community; people who used to feel lost and alone, now seen, known, loved and purpose-filled.

Xan Jarl

Officer Manager

ABOUT ME

Hi, my name is Xandra. My friends and family call me Xan.I started volunteering with Life Decisions since we began and I love it!

Watching the growth within our youth-learning new trades, seeing daily personal growth and development to becoming a healthy independent adult has been a wonderful experience. Working with youth as a mentor has brought a new purpose to my life. To see the pride that they find in themselves is so rewarding. It only made sense that I joined the team in a staff role as The Office Manager. Now I am spending even more time at the Day Home with youth and it has been true joy.

My dream for this Tribe of Mentors is to see the Tribe impact the lives of others, to help restore Rockford into a safe and positive growth community.

Hi, my name is Xandra. My friends and family call me Xan.
I started volunteering with Life Decisions since we began and I love it!

Watching the growth within our youth-learning new trades, seeing daily personal growth and development to becoming a healthy independent adult has been a wonderful experience. Working with youth as a mentor has brought a new purpose to my life.
To see the pride that they find in themselves is so rewarding. It only made sense that I joined the team in a staff role as The Office Manager. Now I am spending even more time at the Day Home with youth and it has been true joy.

My dream for this Tribe of Mentors is to see the Tribe impact the lives of others, to help restore Rockford into a safe and positive growth community.

Lisa Coen

Development Manager

ABOUT ME

A graduate of Rock Valley College and Rockford University with a Bachelor of Science in Management Studies, I bring a wealth of experience from the corporate, education, and nonprofit sectors. Passionate about community engagement and collaboration, I am dedicated to empowering underserved and underrepresented individuals.

Beyond my professional pursuits, I am an active community member. I am committed to supporting Family Counseling Services, having served on their fundraising committee for the past four years. I am committed to community betterment through my involvement in Next Rockford, and am a champion for IRIS, and Bridges to Prosperity Northern Illinois.

My dream for this Tribe of Mentors is to cultivate and grow Life Decisions' resources to provide our mentees with the tools and support they need to reach their full potential.

“Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can.” John Wesley

A graduate of Rock Valley College and Rockford University with a Bachelor of Science in Management Studies, I bring a wealth of experience from the corporate, education, and nonprofit sectors. Passionate about community engagement and collaboration, I am dedicated to empowering underserved and underrepresented individuals.

Beyond my professional pursuits, I am an active community member. I am committed to supporting Family Counseling Services, having served on their fundraising committee for the past four years. I am committed to community betterment through my involvement in Next Rockford, and am a champion for IRIS, and Bridges to Prosperity Northern Illinois.

My Dream for this Tribe of Mentors is to cultivate and grow Life Decisions' resources to provide our mentees with the tools and support they need to reach their full potential.

“Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can.” John Wesley

Amaya Castanon

Assistant Project Coordinator

ABOUT ME

Hi, My name is Amaya and I am 22. I have served on the Youth Leadership Council. Prior to that, Ali was my mentor and introduced me to Life Decisions back when it was just an idea on paper and now I have had the wonderful opportunity to contribute to it and see it coming to fruition.

My dream for this tribe of mentors is to build a better and stronger community. To empower youth minorities to help them find their voice and power now, So later they can lead Rockford.

Hi, My name is Amaya and I am 22. I have served on the Youth Leadership Council. Prior to that, Ali was my mentor and introduced me to Life Decisions back when it was just an idea on paper and now I have had the wonderful opportunity to contribute to it and see it coming to fruition.

My dream for this tribe of mentors is to build a better and stronger community. To empower youth minorities to help them find their voice and power now, So later they can lead Rockford.

Gail VanRavenswaay

Project Coordinator

ABOUT ME

Hi! I'm Gail and I kind of came to life decisions through the back door. My husband has volunteered since they started. I never saw myself as having a place here but God had other plans. So when our paths crossed and I was open to becoming involved here, I began to see the draw. The people I work with are amazing; volunteers, staff, mentees and mentors. And the kids are just awesome. There really is no good way to describe the Life Decisions experience~you just need to stop by and see for yourself. Not just once but a couple times and you'll be hooked! One of my favorite things is walking through the door and hearing Amaya call out "hello!"

HI! My name is Paula and I am the Volunteer Coordinator at Life Decisions. I have worked with other non-profit organizations in the area and I have a servant's heart and a passion for working with youth.

I have known Jake & Ali for a number of years and I am honored that I get the opportunity to work alongside them. I am dedicated to building strong, authentic relationships with our young people, guiding them towards positive life choices. With a vision of building a tribe of mentors, I strive to foster a sense of belonging and offer support to youth, ensuring they feel seen, valued and empowered.

Paula Campbell

Volunteer Coordinator

ABOUT

HI! My name is Paula and I am the Volunteer Coordinator at Life Decisions. I have worked with other non-profit organizations in the area and I have a servant's heart and a passion for working with youth.I have known Jake & Ali for a number of years and I am honored that I get the opportunity to work alongside them. I am dedicated to building strong, authentic relationships with our young people, guiding them towards positive life choices. With a vision of building a tribe of mentors, I strive to foster a sense of belonging and offer support to youth, ensuring they feel seen, valued and empowered.

HI! My name is Paula and I am the Volunteer Coordinator at Life Decisions. I have worked with other non-profit organizations in the area and I have a servant's heart and a passion for working with youth.

I have known Jake & Ali for a number of years and I am honored that I get the opportunity to work alongside them. I am dedicated to building strong, authentic relationships with our young people, guiding them towards positive life choices. With a vision of building a tribe of mentors, I strive to foster a sense of belonging and offer support to youth, ensuring they feel seen, valued and empowered.

Peter Getter

Day Home Specialist

ABOUT ME

Hi, I'm Peter. I started with Life Decisions first on their prayer team, then I volunteered for 3 years as an adult mentor before coming on staff. I see the value in our youth, that they want a deep relationship that they may not get anywhere else. A bond that makes them feel better about themselves where they can let go of the hurt.

Nyla Smith

Youth Coordinator

ABOUT ME

COMING SOON!

Hi, My name is Amaya and I am 22. I have served on the Youth Leadership Council. Prior to that, Ali was my mentor and introduced me to Life Decisions back when it was just an idea on paper and now I have had the wonderful opportunity to contribute to it and see it coming to fruition.

My dream for this tribe of mentors is to build a better and stronger community. To empower youth minorities to help them find their voice and power now, So later they can lead Rockford.

HI! My name is Paula and I am the Volunteer Coordinator at Life Decisions. I have worked with other non-profit organizations in the area and I have a servant's heart and a passion for working with youth.

I have known Jake & Ali for a number of years and I am honored that I get the opportunity to work alongside them. I am dedicated to building strong, authentic relationships with our young people, guiding them towards positive life choices. With a vision of building a tribe of mentors, I strive to foster a sense of belonging and offer support to youth, ensuring they feel seen, valued and empowered.

HI! My name is Paula and I am the Volunteer Coordinator at Life Decisions. I have worked with other non-profit organizations in the area and I have a servant's heart and a passion for working with youth.

I have known Jake & Ali for a number of years and I am honored that I get the opportunity to work alongside them. I am dedicated to building strong, authentic relationships with our young people, guiding them towards positive life choices. With a vision of building a tribe of mentors, I strive to foster a sense of belonging and offer support to youth, ensuring they feel seen, valued and empowered.

Hi, I'm Peter. I started with Life Decisions first on their prayer team, then I volunteered for 3 years as an adult mentor before coming on staff. I see the value in our youth, that they want a deep relationship that they may not get anywhere else. A bond that makes them feel better about themselves where they can let go of the hurt.

BOARD & LEADERSHIP

Our Board & Leadership Team are committed to serving and leading Life Decisions in a way that builds relationships with staff, volunteers, youth and our community.