Mission & Vision
ForeverU is a 501(c)(3) youth development agency on a mission to provide hope and belonging to youth on their mental health journey by connecting them to supportive mentors, uplifting peer communities, and evidence-based program experiences tailored to their life story.
Since our organization's founding, we have envisioned a world where no young person living with a mental health condition would have to endure the battle alone. The innovative program model we have created in response to COVID-19 aims to positively impact a young person's academic performance and retention, social and character development, self-esteem, and desire for personal achievement.
We envision a world where no young person living with a mental health condition must endure the battle alone.
BOard of Directors
Gwendolyn Sterk
Attorney and Team Leader
Sterk Family Law Group, P.C.
Erik Maranto
Development Manager
American Lung Association of Chicago
Shetal Patel
Owner, Director of Operations
Aesthetica Day Spa
Amber Schnepp
School Psychologist
Bradley-Bourbonnais High School
Ryan Hesslau
Founder and Executive Director
ForeverU
Troy Griffiths
Certified Public Accountant
Troy W. Griffiths LLC
Dan McGonigle
Vice President
ORA Dental Partners
Kendra Zantingh
Professor of Human Resources
Trinity Christian College
Christina Skrip
Director of Assessment and Referral
Silver Oaks Behavioral Hospital
Emily Shayman
Assistant Professor of Social Work
Lewis University
Scott Hullinger
Chief Executive Officer
Silver Oaks Behavioral Hospital
Christian Perry
State Director of Community Development IL Criminal Justice Information Authority
Richard Hesslau
Senior Project Designer and Specialist
Sargent & Lundy LLC - Nuclear Div.
Dan Borowski
Central US Territory Manager
3M Commercial Solutions Division
Nathan Lagacy
Licensed Professional Counselor
Mental Edge Counseling