“No matter how often you fall from grace, what matters most is how many times you get up.”
~ Taraji P. Henson
Theodore Carter - Community Mentor and Restoration Leader
Theodore Carter brings spiritual grounding and practical wisdom to his dual roles as Founder of Helping Hands 4 U and Program Director at the Woodlawn Restorative Justice Hub. His leadership creates pathways from survival to stability, ensuring young people and families receive both the support and structure needed to thrive.
Youth-Centered Programming Excellence
As Program Director, Theodore leads transformative initiatives grounded in: • Restorative Justice Implementation - Creating accountability frameworks that promote healing • Leadership Development - Building next-generation leaders through mentorship and skill-building • Family Strengthening - Supporting entire family systems through challenges and transitions • Community Partnership - Bridging stakeholders to create comprehensive support networks
Philosophy of Transformation
Theodore's approach is distinctly relational, hands-on, and action-oriented. He believes leadership begins at home and that strong families form the foundation of thriving communities. His work intentionally bridges faith, responsibility, and real-world application, creating environments where healing, discipline, and growth flourish simultaneously.
Ms. Lola Rogers - Parent Liaison
Community Advocate and Family Support Executive
Ms. Lola Rogers brings exceptional family engagement expertise and a proven commitment to restorative justice principles to Chicago's Woodlawn community. Currently serving as Parent Liaison for the Woodlawn Restorative Justice Hub, she leads critical initiatives to strengthen family support systems and foster community healing through compassionate, hands-on engagement with children, families, and young leaders.
Family Empowerment and Community Support
In her role as Parent Liaison, Ms. Rogers has established herself as an indispensable bridge between families and vital community resources. Her daily contributions include: • Coordinating comprehensive support activities that address the multifaceted needs of children and families • Providing consistent emotional support and mentorship to parents navigating complex systems • Connecting individuals and families to essential resources that promote long-term stability and growth • Building trust-based relationships that foster open communication and sustainable community partnerships • Implementing restorative practices that strengthen family bonds and neighborhood cohesion
Professional Excellence and Community Leadership
Ms. Rogers exemplifies service-centered leadership through her purpose-driven approach to community work. Her expertise in family engagement and youth development has positioned her as a trusted voice in restorative justice practices. She demonstrates: • Exceptional ability to balance multiple responsibilities while maintaining personal connections • Creative problem-solving skills that address complex family dynamics • Consistent application of empathy and reliability in high-stakes situations • Commitment to lifelong learning that enhances her professional capabilities
Vision and Commitment
As a dedicated community advocate, Ms. Rogers brings an authentic understanding of family needs paired with sophisticated support strategies. Her unique combination of grassroots wisdom and professional expertise positions her as a vital connector who transforms community challenges into opportunities for growth and healing. Through her leadership, she continues to champion innovative approaches to family empowerment and neighborhood sustainability, making lasting contributions to the development of healthy families and thriving communities. Her work embodies the principle that strong families are the foundation of strong neighborhoods, and her daily practice demonstrates that consistent care and connection can transform lives.
Bernard’s Adam Bio
Bernard brings a strong background in community safety, team leadership, and customer service, along with a genuine passion for creating positive and supportive environments where young people can learn, grow, and succeed. Throughout his career, he has developed the ability to build meaningful relationships, communicate effectively, and foster trust with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
His approach is grounded in structure, consistency, compassion, and accountability. These values allow him to help youth develop confidence, responsibility, resilience, and important life skills. Bernard believes that every young person deserves encouragement, guidance, and access to positive role models who can help them navigate challenges and reach their full potential.
Daphne Lecesne, LPC, is an Illinois Licensed Professional Counselor, trained Restorative Justice Circle Leader, and retired School Psychologist. She is an active member of the Church of the Good Shepherd, UCC, and serves as an officer with Toastmasters International.
Daphne has a deep commitment to helping young people discover their strengths, creativity, and voice. She currently directs ACT-SO, a major youth achievement competition through her local NAACP unit.
As a volunteer with the Woodlawn Restorative Justice Hub, Daphne combines restorative justice practices with creative expression. Through art, circle activities, and meaningful conversation, she helps teens and emerging adults build connections, uncover hidden talents, strengthen confidence, and support emotional healing.
An artist herself, Daphne enjoys working in pastels and charcoal. She also enjoys Zumba, line dancing, Pilates, and yoga. Her warmth, creativity, and commitment to youth bring an important dimension to the healing and leadership work of the Woodlawn Restorative Justice Hub.
Lauren Phillips
Alumni Community Restorative Justice Facilitator
Operations Leader and Program Graduate
Lauren Phillips brings unique perspective and professional excellence to her role as Administrative Assistant for the Woodlawn Restorative Justice Hub. As a proud graduate of the organization's programs, she combines lived experience with strategic thinking to foster positive, organized, and inclusive environments that advance the mission.
Operational Excellence and Program Support
Lauren's contributions ensure seamless organizational functioning through: • Administrative Leadership - Providing essential operational support for daily activities • Strategic Alignment - Ensuring initiatives support program goals and participant development • Inclusive Environment Creation - Fostering spaces where all stakeholders feel valued and heard • Mission Advancement - Contributing to organizational growth and impact
Restorative Justice Practice
Her professional development includes: • National Association of Community and Restorative Justice Conferences - Active participation in national dialogue • Restorative Love: Human Rights of a Child Camp - Key planner positively impacting 30+ participants • Peace Circle Training Certification - Strengthening knowledge and application of restorative principles
Professional Philosophy
Known for her strategic, thoughtful approach, Lauren ensures that operations serve as a foundation for transformation. Her journey from program participant to staff member exemplifies the organization's commitment to developing leaders from within and creating sustainable pathways for community members.
MEET OUR SPECIAL CONSULTANTS
Rev Julian DeShazier, University Church
Rev. Jessie Knox, Good Shepherd Church Congregation,
Rev Michelle Day Nehemiah Trinity Rising
Lauren Phillips
Alumni Community Restorative Justice Facilitator
Operations Leader and Program Graduate
Lauren Phillips brings unique perspective and professional excellence to her role as Administrative Assistant for the Woodlawn Restorative Justice Hub. As a proud graduate of the organization's programs, she combines lived experience with strategic thinking to foster positive, organized, and inclusive environments that advance the mission.
Operational Excellence and Program Support
Lauren's contributions ensure seamless organizational functioning through: • Administrative Leadership - Providing essential operational support for daily activities • Strategic Alignment - Ensuring initiatives support program goals and participant development • Inclusive Environment Creation - Fostering spaces where all stakeholders feel valued and heard • Mission Advancement - Contributing to organizational growth and impact
Restorative Justice Practice
Her professional development includes: • National Association of Community and Restorative Justice Conferences - Active participation in national dialogue • Restorative Love: Human Rights of a Child Camp - Key planner positively impacting 30+ participants • Peace Circle Training Certification - Strengthening knowledge and application of restorative principles
Professional Philosophy
Known for her strategic, thoughtful approach, Lauren ensures that operations serve as a foundation for transformation. Her journey from program participant to staff member exemplifies the organization's commitment to developing leaders from within and creating sustainable pathways for community members.
MEET OUR SPECIAL CONSULTANTS
Rev Julian DeShazier, University Church
Rev. Jessie Knox, Good Shepherd Church Congregation,
Rev Michelle Day Nehemiah Trinity Rising
Can you Imagine a Community That is Free of Violence and Supports Our Young Leaders?
Our Young Leaders are living on the margins of unthinkable health disparities, violence, and
mental health trauma. Since its establishment in 2015, WRJH has significantly impacted over 150 youth and families within our community. Through various initiatives, including community groups, school projects, and volunteer efforts, we have provided transformative experiences to those we serve.
You can help our vision of peace become a reality by supporting us on Giving Tuesday 2024.​
GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. This year Giving Tuesday falls on December 3rd, and we invite you to join hands with us in making a difference. Our community, including all of you, faces daily trials, but it's important to embrace our emotions and struggles. With this in mind, we'd like to introduce you to the Woodlawn Restorative Justice Hub and shed light on the services we offer.
Our Theme for Giving Tuesday is
Embracing Our Humanity
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This theme is a reflection of the trauma and drama that our community, especially our young leaders, encounter daily. Life presents us with challenges, obstacles, and opportunities, and even on our best days, our emotions can take us by surprise. We want you to know that it's okay not to be okay every minute of the day.
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Our Young Leaders for Peace Program (YLPP) combines mental health components with cultural awareness, embodying the philosophy of "Ubuntu." meaning “I am because we are” Anything that affects you, affects me and my community. Building on our successes, in 2022-2023, last year we engaged 63 youth participants while maintaining a 100% commitment from them, despite challenges such as addressing safety concerns and trauma within families.
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Your donation will help us expand Young Leaders for Peace to 15 participants per cohort, with a total of 7 cohorts, to better serve the young leaders in our community, particularly those between the ages of 14-24, with programming focusing on behavioral and mental health, civil engagement, leadership skills, restorative justice, economic employment, and more.