Testimonials

"Growing up, I didn’t have a role model or mentor I could trust and feel safe with. It wasn’t until my freshman year in high school, when I met the very outspoken, humble and friendly Jodi. She pushed me to be a leader by supporting my ideas. But she also motivated me to pursue my dream career and be the Social Worker that I am today."

"Marlon has had an immeasurable impact on my life. Words cannot express the growth I have experienced as a young man navigating this world. He has taught me valuable tools to better myself, such as the importance of respect and knowing when certain situations do not require a response. As a soon-to-be college graduate, I am grateful for the lasting impact of Marlon's teachings. I am truly appreciative of every single thing he has done for me."

"I have had the pleasure of knowing Marlon since the young age of 5 and he has taken on the role as a father figure since the moment that I first came in contact with him. Due to his positive influence on me in my younger years I have decided to join the field of social work so that I can have a positive impact on individuals who come from communities that resemble mine. My ultimate goal in life is to touch the lives of others so that they will grow to be our future leaders just as Marlon Finley was to me."

"Jodi was someone that helped me during times of uncertainty. When I missed out on a scholarship, she was there to encourage and guide me. As a first generation going to college, her mentorship was invaluable when I was lacking support. Jodi is funny and kind and is an excellent person all around."

"I met Jodi when I was around 7 yrs. old and as Jodi would soon find, I became her new found shadow. Jodi was fun, happy and loud. She was someone we all gravitated to. She was firm but spoke with kindness, she listened and never judged, and
her words of encouragement were so powerful it was hard not to feel motivated. As I started going
through this dark phase in my life, Jodi was the light that gave me hope, she never gave up on me or
allowed me to give up on myself."

"Marlon has been an amazing mentor to me . As a young man now at 18, being around Marlon in my younger years helped me become the man I am today. I run a clothing business named Lost Hearts and my whole purpose started from Marlon pouring into me as a young boy. Every boy needs a positive masculine role model and Marlon did that for me and I can't thank him enough."

 "Mentor, Father and Real are 3 words that come to mind when anyone mentions Marlon. I’ve known Marlon for over 14 years, and over those 14 years Marlon has exhibited the definition of an extraordinary Mentor. Marlon was there for me at my lowest points in life, and also there for me at the highest moments in my life. I can confidently say Marlon is a part of my success today. As time has passed I have had the pleasure of adding Jodi to my mentor circle. If Marlon can’t help me (which is rare) I know Jodi will! It gets no better than these 2!"

 "I’d like to start off by saying that Marlon was my first, real role model, especially growing up as a minority in Chicago. He taught me life long lessons from the moment I met him at age 12. Now, at 25, I still incorporate essential lessons he has taught me at this age. He has always been someone I wanted to be like. He has inspired me in different aspects than he knows. Marlon has always been an influential person and I owe him for keeping a hand out no matter what happens. He has helped tremendously in shaping me and making me the man I am today. The lessons he has taught me are the same lessons I plan to teach my son when he starts to grow up. I plan on making sure Marlon is able to meet my son so he can also see who helped his father when he was in need at a young age. I am forever thankful."

 "Jodi was someone that I viewed as a positive mentor growing up. Jodi was always so full of energy and I remember having a lot of fun when she was around. Jodi introduced me to yoga which I am very grateful for. Jodi was also present when I needed support and was a cheerleader in my academic success from high school to college. Having a mentor like Jodi influenced me to want to help others and in my current role as a behavioral health counselor I am doing some of the work that Jodi inspired me to do. "

 "Jodi has always spoken life into me! Having someone like Jodi there to support me and give encouragement has been fueling to my fire. Even from a distance, Jodi has managed to spur on my endeavors through her constant support, her ability to lift me up, and more importantly, her friendship. Through my collegiate and professional journey as an artist and Actor, to my personal walk with God, Jodi has been at the sidelines cheering me on. To have that in my corner is priceless. Plus, I know I can count on Jodi whenever a brother needs a prayer. I am forever grateful."

"Throughout my childhood, growing up in a community where hardship was an everyday reality, I was fortunate enough to encounter a mentor who profoundly altered my perspective on life. Marlon Finley's influence was instrumental in shaping the person I have become, and I am deeply grateful to him for instilling in me the belief that we should always strive to do our best, no matter how difficult the circumstances may seem."