“No matter how often you fall from grace, what matters most is how many times you get up.”
~ Taraji P. Henson
MEET OUR SUPPORT TEAM
MARCUS GILL
Community Development Consultant & Mentor
Marcus Gill is an entrepreneur, workforce development leader, and community development consultant dedicated to economic empowerment and community transformation. As Vice President of Dust Em Clean Maintenance Company, Inc., and founder of the Leaping Hurdles™ Employment and Resource System, he has helped create employment opportunities for underserved communities.
Through his leadership, Marcus has trained and employed more than 1,000 individuals and supported young leaders impacted by trauma and violence through his partnership with the Woodlawn Restorative Justice Hub. His work focuses on workforce training, entrepreneurship, and building sustainable economic pathways.
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Marcus also serves in leadership roles with the Woodlawn Chamber of Commerce, Southside Together, the Woodlawn Economic Development Board, and the Woodlawn Public Safety Alliance. His work continues to strengthen families and communities through opportunity, mentorship, and economic growth.
Preston Allison Jr.
Behavioral Health Leader and Youth Development Specialist
Preston Allison Jr. brings over 20 years of transformative mental health expertise to his roles as CEO of PAJ Associate – Building a Better You and Mental Health Consultant for the Woodlawn Restorative Justice Hub. As a dynamic speaker, trainer, and motivational coach, he champions personal growth, emotional wellness, and leadership development across Chicago's communities.
Clinical Excellence and Community Impact
Preston's extensive career encompasses: • Youth Counselor - Providing direct therapeutic support to young people navigating challenges • Behavioral Health Specialist - Implementing evidence-based interventions for emotional and behavioral wellness • Community Mental Health Practitioner - Bridging clinical services with community needs • Crisis Intervention Expert - Delivering immediate support during critical moments
Program Development and Training
His professional contributions include: • Designing and facilitating therapeutic groups • Providing individual and family support systems • Mentoring youth impacted by violence and trauma • Training staff in culturally responsive, trauma-informed approaches • Developing emotional regulation and conflict resolution programs
Leadership Philosophy
Known for practical wisdom, motivational leadership, and compassionate engagement, Preston strengthens systems that promote healing, accountability, resilience, and long-term success. His work at PAJ Associate – Building a Better You extends his impact through speaking engagements, workshops, and coaching that transform lives and communities.
Mental Health Consultant
Daphne Lecesne, LPC
Volunteer | Art Therapy Instructor
Daphne Lecesne, LPC, is an Illinois Licensed Professional Counselor, trained Restorative Justice Circle Leader, retired School Psychologist, and Art Therapy Instructor who volunteers with the Woodlawn Restorative Justice Hub. She is a member of Church of the Good Shepherd, UCC, and an officer with Toastmasters International. Daphne is passionate about working with youth and directs the ACT-SO youth competition for her local NAACP chapter.
Through art circles and creative expression, she helps young people discover hidden talents, build confidence, and experience healing. Daphne enjoys drawing in pastels and charcoal and stays active with Zumba, line dancing, Pilates, and yoga.
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.