GET INSPIRED!
Welcome to the Lifeforce Development Institute recent graduates page, On the page you will find great insights. You can watch and listen to fellow students who have journeyed through the LDI program.
Get inspired to take the next step with LDI! Learn about the RHA faculty and staff and the steps to help you to enrich your life. Through teaching, coaching, training, and community outreach, these students gained the skills to take their life to a next level of opportunity. With the constant encouragement and support of their instructors, they found new ways of looking themselves and seeing the world in a new light.
If you don’t know what to expect or how to get started, these videos will be very helpful. The RHA team recently had the pleasure of sitting down for a conversation with the new graduates of LDI which you can see below. See what they learned, how they feel, and what they now know about themselves and their future.
HERE’S WHAT FOLKS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE LIFEFORCE DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
“It is a second chance to start something new. After LDI I am going into the Section 3 program and getting into finance. Thank you to LDI for helping me to understand my worth and supporting me along the way.”
LDI Summer 2023 Graduates!
On June 29th, the Lifeforce Development Institute, all women, Summer Class of 2023 walked the stage and received their certificates! The graduation ceremony featured multiple guest speakers including Mrs. Odessa Walker, RHA COO, Karen Hoffman, 8th Ward Alderman – City of Rockford, and Ms. Canice Bookers, RHA Jobs Plus Employment Specialist.
The Keynote Speaker of the afternoon was RHA’s own, Carandus Brown, RHA Human Services Manager. He gave a powerful speech filled with guidance on moving forward and reminded the students that you are on the right path and to keep following your goals no matter what life hands you.
RHA and the LDI instructors are so proud of the Summer 2023 Graduates!
Congratulations to Myasia Fuller, Aaliyah Hodges, Deztine Dowthard, Stephanie Jackson, Virginia Wright, Takiesha Foster, Keyana Coleman, Kristen King, Ernestine Barnes!
LDI Spring 2023 Graduates!
On March 30th, the first LDI class of 2023 walked the stage and received their certificates! The graduation ceremony featured multiple guest speakers including former LDI Graduate, Breanna Bailey, and words of encouragement from Mr. Elias Soria.
The Keynote Speaker of the afternoon was RHA’s own, Odessa Walker, Director of Human Services. She read a powerful speech filled with guidance on moving forward and reminded the students that you are your own person and to never compare yourself and your journey to anyone else’s.
RHA and the LDI instructors are so proud of the Spring 2023 Graduates! Congratulations to Janae Brown, Maranda Boolman, Margie Curtiss, Elena Hernandez, Marwan Hamza, Quintin Banks, Hezekiah Childress, Robert Porter, Giovanni Parks, and FSS Graduate, Erica Glover!
LDI FALL 2022 GRADUATES
It was a great opportunity; all the instructors were really patient and encouraging. The fact that they believed in me, kept me going.
My biggest takeaway was learning more about myself and being the youngest in the class, I learned a lot from everybody.
I learned more about myself. I thought at my age it was over, but I want to work and be full of life again. They really care about you and I am a new person because of LDI.
I joined to work on my positivity and financial literacy. I plan on majoring in business, and I want to open my own credit company.
I learned how to communicate with people and also how to start my cleaning business.
I was looking for more skills to add to my resume to bring me forward. We all had so much fun while learning and they never gave up on me, they saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself.
My biggest takeaway was learning about finances and budgeting. The skills you learn affect you in every aspect of life.
LDI FALL 2022 GRADUATION
PREVIOUS LDI GRADUATES
Sharon Green
I did learn a lot in LDI, but the program enhances your knowledge about job readiness. I am going to take that knowledge and continue my education in medical billing and coding.
Abria Mathis
I enrolled to change my future. Joining LDI would be the best option out of any option to learn
how to be professional. I am going to keep pushing to give my children the best future, just like I imaged.
Vachel Cumberlander
Joining the LDI class helped me gain perspective and helped build work ethic. It talks about a lot of areas that employers don’t usually talk about. I am going to take this and start a transitional shelter.
Jasmine Glover
The biggest thing I learned from LDI was to never give up, ever. After LDI I am going to go to
school to be a CNA and then go into medical assisting.
Lori Tresemer
I joined LDI because before the class I didn’t have very much hope left or anything to look forward to. I learned a lot form my classmates and instructors. LDI helps you find a career suited for you personally.
Gerri Hood
Before LDI I was consistently unemployed, but I knew I wanted more.
LDI offered me an opportunity to enhance my skills within my degree in Human Services. The most important thing I learned from this program was to take a chance on myself. LDI gives you that one on one to get you the help you need to get out of poverty, they give you the resources to succeed. I’m looking forward to getting involved in the community more and eventually working in the city government.
Toyie Starling
Before LDI, man life was hard for me.
I had lost loved ones, got diagnosed with mental health illnesses, and was going into a little “black hole.” I felt like this was the time to change my life and get back to my happy place. LDI has helped me so much not only with job readiness but with finding out the person and woman I am and want to be. I’m looking forward to working with the community and signing up for my CDL license and building my credit.
Sydney Hood
I was trying to get back on my feet before LDI.
Once I entered LDI, the motivation, and vibe, there were so many people motivating me to do better in life. They saw the potential in me that I couldn’t see myself. I was in a depressed state and they really helped me keep my head up and stay positive. I am a full-time esthetician student and after graduation, I hope to have my own salon as well as helping the youth in the community. I am so grateful that LDI gave me the support to bounce back.
Shameka Hawkins
I was basically working and going home before LDI, recovering from addiction.
The number one thing LDI taught me was about procrastination and being prepared. LDI was an amazing experience and I now I am enrolled in a nursing program and can’t wait to apply the things LDI has taught me to my professional career.
Remondo Hodges
Before I enrolled in LDI I was helping my daughter raise her child.
I started volunteering for different churches, companies, and organizations. After COVID hit things slowed down, so I enrolled in LDI. What I learned from LDI was Bridges out of Poverty and that we are all together in this and have our own story. It is a second chance to start something new. After LDI I am going into the Section 3 program and getting into finance. Thank you to LDI for helping me to understand my worth and supporting me along the way.
Sam Clark
Before LDI I was facing a number of different, difficult things that led me into a depressive state.
I found that I needed to find something outside of myself to allow me to start to clear things within myself, and LDI gave me that. I am thankful that I was with a group that inspired a recommitment to those things in life, like managing yourself and your finances. Learning to reinvent myself through the help and support of the class and instructors led me to receive a job opportunity that I will be starting soon.
Ken Oliver
I have had an 18-year career in social work, working at a group home in Rockford.
I would be the in-between for doctors, caseworkers, and residents. I’ve spent the last few years on the Resident Advisory Board for RHA and also, I am the president of the Council. The biggest thing LDI taught me was the financial aspect because that is something that they didn’t teach us in high school. I learned about smart investments and also how to get out of poverty. RHA will help you get out and then support you in getting a job with a livable wage. After LDI I will be working with RHA as a job coach, informing the residents about jobs here at RHA.
Jennine Bradley
I feel like I’m in school again and look forward to the day of completion!! I decided to go back to school to get my GED. LDI has been exciting for me. Before LDI If someone was asked me about going back to school, I would have said, “Are you out of your mind?” school was the very last thing on my mind. But going back has been the best part of my life. Thank you, God, for putting LDI in my life!
Sammie Carter
I was very happy with retirement but all of a sudden I found myself doing nothing! I was bored and depressed, sleeping and watching TV and playing dominoes which wasted the whole day.
Mr. Marcus convinced me to try out LDI which would lead me to part-time employment. I feel empowered because I’m being educated, and wouldn’t you know….I went to a job fair and got a call to work again!!! Everything began to change while attending this class. I started helping residents in the high-rise I live in to keep their house very clean and also my attitude is better towards people.
Tamara Donald
Before I entered the RHA Lifeforce Development Institute, I couldn’t see past my depression and everything I lost. Not having a home or job kept me down; I couldn’t understand why I couldn’t get a job and continue to beat myself up about my situation. While in class it has lifted my spirits I learned new skills and refreshed all skills that I have. I have learned what it takes to promote and maintain positivity in the workplace how to conduct myself in an interview and what employers expect out of their employees.
Cheri Frykholm
I was a part-time home caregiver. Coming to LDI, I have learned skills which will carry over to a job or possibly a career. With LDI I have developed more confidence in myself.
Johnny Jones
Before I attended and completed the RHA Lifeforce Development Institute; my days consisted of what I thought was a healthy routine. I went walking all day and was in service to my family and friends. I did a lot of researching information that I FELT would take me to the next level in life. You would see me with headphones sometimes playing music other times watching an interview of my favorite entertainer. I had too much free time. This was a problem because I began to do more for others than myself. I was introduced to LDI by Roots & Wings Angelic Organic Gardens.
Attending LDI made me realize the problems at hand that was not helping me transform into who I wanted to be. I learned a lot about myself as well as decision-making and critical thinking and where I was stuck in life. LDI taught me a lot about communication, verbal and non-verbal, which all are important factors in the workplace now I feel I have tools I did not have before LDI. I’m able to make decisions and stick with it without going back. LDI has really benefitted me.
Dante McAfee
Before I started at LDI, I was just sitting around and not motivated. Not even motivated enough to get outside and do things. I sat at home all day.
Ms. Eunice convinced me to signup for RHA Lifeforce Development Institute. I learned a lot of things in LDI; it helped me to get up and get involved. LDI even helped me to go back to school to earn my high school diploma equivalency. LDI has educated me about what I need to do on the job how to be successful on the job. LDI helps me to problem solve. I participate more and communicate better. Thank you!
Calvin Redmond
Before LDI, I was pretty much at a standstill. I was waiting for time to past. Considering my past and, moving from Chicago to Rockford, I expected to meet some roadblocks from getting into the workforce and landing housing.
Coming to class has allowed my mind to shift from running a household to getting back into the workforce with people in the professional fields. Much has changed since I last attended a job readiness class. Being here has changed and refreshed my abilities to be effective in the workplace and daily living.
Damita Taylor Dryden
When I was told about the LDI class I was excited to know that there was a class to help me to get me a career change. Being on the job for 11 years I needed a new start. LDI information in this class is very useful for someone who is trying to get in the workforce. Highlights for me was the resume building and job fairs along with resources to start you off in preparing for a job. I know it will get better as I continue to put effort into finishing my goals.
Jennine Bradley
I feel like I’m in school again and look forward to the day of completion!! I decided to go back to school to get my GED. LDI has been exciting for me. Before LDI If someone was asked me about going back to school, I would have said, “Are you out of your mind?” school was the very last thing on my mind. But going back has been the best part of my life. Thank you, God, for putting LDI in my life!
Sammie Carter
I was very happy with retirement but all of a sudden I found myself doing nothing! I was bored and depressed, sleeping and watching TV and playing dominoes which wasted the whole day.
Mr. Marcus convinced me to try out LDI which would lead me to part-time employment. I feel empowered because I’m being educated, and wouldn’t you know….I went to a job fair and got a call to work again!!! Everything began to change while attending this class. I started helping residents in the high-rise I live in to keep their house very clean and also my attitude is better towards people.
Tamara Donald
Before I entered the RHA Lifeforce Development Institute, I couldn’t see past my depression and everything I lost. Not having a home or job kept me down; I couldn’t understand why I couldn’t get a job and continue to beat myself up about my situation. While in class it has lifted my spirits I learned new skills and refreshed all skills that I have. I have learned what it takes to promote and maintain positivity in the workplace how to conduct myself in an interview and what employers expect out of their employees.
Cheri Frykholm
I was a part-time home caregiver. Coming to LDI, I have learned skills which will carry over to a job or possibly a career. With LDI I have developed more confidence in myself.
Johnny Jones
Before I attended and completed the RHA Lifeforce Development Institute; my days consisted of what I thought was a healthy routine. I went walking all day and was in service to my family and friends. I did a lot of researching information that I FELT would take me to the next level in life. You would see me with headphones sometimes playing music other times watching an interview of my favorite entertainer. I had too much free time. This was a problem because I began to do more for others than myself. I was introduced to LDI by Roots & Wings Angelic Organic Gardens.
Attending LDI made me realize the problems at hand that was not helping me transform into who I wanted to be. I learned a lot about myself as well as decision-making and critical thinking and where I was stuck in life. LDI taught me a lot about communication, verbal and non-verbal, which all are important factors in the workplace now I feel I have tools I did not have before LDI. I’m able to make decisions and stick with it without going back. LDI has really benefitted me.
Dante McAfee
Before I started at LDI, I was just sitting around and not motivated. Not even motivated enough to get outside and do things. I sat at home all day.
Ms. Eunice convinced me to signup for RHA Lifeforce Development Institute. I learned a lot of things in LDI; it helped me to get up and get involved. LDI even helped me to go back to school to earn my high school diploma equivalency. LDI has educated me about what I need to do on the job how to be successful on the job. LDI helps me to problem solve. I participate more and communicate better. Thank you!
Calvin Redmond
Before LDI, I was pretty much at a standstill. I was waiting for time to past. Considering my past and, moving from Chicago to Rockford, I expected to meet some roadblocks from getting into the workforce and landing housing.
Coming to class has allowed my mind to shift from running a household to getting back into the workforce with people in the professional fields. Much has changed since I last attended a job readiness class. Being here has changed and refreshed my abilities to be effective in the workplace and daily living.
Damita Taylor Dryden
When I was told about the LDI class I was excited to know that there was a class to help me to get me a career change. Being on the job for 11 years I needed a new start. LDI information in this class is very useful for someone who is trying to get in the workforce. Highlights for me was the resume building and job fairs along with resources to start you off in preparing for a job. I know it will get better as I continue to put effort into finishing my goals.