“If we don’t get the next generation, we’re going to have big problems in the future”.
When Aaron Clark returned to Kankakee from living in Atlanta, his first stop coming into town was Kankakee City Life’s Youth for Christ, a ministry which nationwide seeks to reach young people through the gospel of Jesus Christ and locally seeks to empower indigenous leaders. Through teaching high-schoolers practical life skills and belief in the restorative power of community, Youth for Christ and most recently, Kankakee Forgives, have seen the positive ripple effects of their service to the community.
Through Youth for Christ and Kankakee Forgives, Aaron Clark aids in positioning community youth into places of healing and excellence with the intention of redirecting youth towards success. As Aaron has seen through experience, investing in youth is a long-term investment. Those who were in the programs years ago return with their success stories and thanks to the programs years later.
Tune in to the conversation with Aaron Clark, Dr. Jeff Williamson and Brian Prairie as they hear Aaron Clark’s story of becoming a local community leader and the stories of success with Youth for Christ and Kankakee Forgives.
Meet Your Guest
Aaron Clark
Aaron Clark grew up in the Kankakee area, but moved to Atlanta after high school until 2005. Aaron Clark credits much of his development as a leader and believer to the mentorship of Pastor Wayne C. Thompson in Atlanta. Additionally while in Atlanta, Aaron served with JUMP, Just Using My Power, an organization which served community youth. When Aaron moved back to Kankakee, he recognized the need for a similar community program in the Kankakee area.
Aaron Clark serves as City Life Director for Youth For Christ and leads the movement Kankakee Forgives, which seeks to reduce youth violence through the act of forgiveness. Kankakee Forgives connects with local schools and organizations to teach the power of forgiveness.
About the Leadership LevelUp Podcast
Being a boss and a leader are very different. A boss tells you what to do and a leader partners with you in the process. Jeff, being a leader of leaders, has a vast knowledge of best practices and exercises to discover leadership traits. Brian shares stories with Jeff about the ups and downs of his leadership quest while talking to business and community leaders to discuss their personal leadership journey. Who influenced them? What do they do when they have a bad day? What gives them inspiration? Do french fries or tacos or ice cream make them feel better after a bad day? Through laughter and casual conversation, Brian and Jeff explore all aspects of good leadership.
Meet Your Hosts
Jeff Williamson
Brian Prairie
Show Sponsor
Pathfinder: A full-service creative & marketing agency with a mission to provide strategic storytelling to our clients. There is no greater impact in this world than a story. Storytelling is how we learn, remember, and feel. The world has used storytelling since the beginning of time to entertain, teach, inspire, and innovate. Pathfinder’s mission is to provide strategic storytelling for our clients. How? Through inventive business services and pioneering campaigns that help organizations find their own path and carry out their vision.
