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.

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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. 

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Erik Maranto

Development Manager

American Lung Association of Chicago

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Shetal Patel

Owner, Director of Operations

Aesthetica Day Spa

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Amber Schnepp

School Psychologist

Bradley-Bourbonnais High School

Ryan Hesslau

Founder and Executive Director

ForeverU

Troy Griffiths

Certified Public Accountant

Troy W. Griffiths LLC

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Dan McGonigle

Vice President

ORA Dental Partners

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Kendra Zantingh

Professor of Human Resources

Trinity Christian College

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Christina Skrip

Director of Assessment and Referral

Silver Oaks Behavioral Hospital

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Emily Shayman

Assistant Professor of Social Work

Lewis University

Scott Hullinger

Chief Executive Officer

Silver Oaks Behavioral Hospital

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Christian Perry

State Director of Community Development IL Criminal Justice Information Authority

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Richard Hesslau

Senior Project Designer and Specialist

Sargent & Lundy LLC - Nuclear Div.

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Dan Borowski

Central US Territory Manager

3M Commercial Solutions Division

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Nathan Lagacy

Licensed Professional Counselor

Mental Edge Counseling