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.
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.
RELATIONAL ENGAGEMENT MODEL
The goal of transformational change is something no program or policy could ever guarantee. Transformation occurs in relationships, and ultimately, the final result goes beyond our control, but this is not to minimize our responsibility. Our responsibility goes far beyond that of planting, or merely, scattering seeds. We are responsible for the groundwork. The work of cultivating the ground is hard and laborsome. Watering and fertilizing is critical. It’s a long, slow process that requires a commitment and patience, from us, daily.
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.
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 each of us comes to give.
RELATIONAL MENTORING
Is where both show up to give & both show up to learn; where life & leadership skills intersect. With the support of a primary mentor and peer leaders, youth work towards:
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Personal, Professional, & Educational Goals
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Job-Readiness Training
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Leadership & Service Opportunities
Youth commit to making challenging changes:
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Breaking ties with gangs
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Stop using drugs
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Education, & Work Ethic
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Likewise, mentors make a commitment to youth. They will remain consistent and supportive through these life developments.