Pledge for Life Partnership
Piecing together a safer and healthier community
Who We Are
The Pledge for Life Partnership is dedicated to enhancing education, fostering growth, and nurturing potential, in Kankakee and Iroquois counties. For over three decades, members have worked to combat challenges and uplift local communities through innovative programs and collaborative efforts specifically addressing school failure, substance abuse, juvenile delinquency and other life-compromising behaviors.
​
The partnership is governed by a 24-member board of directors comprised of parents, community members and representatives from education, business, government, law enforcement and other health and social service agencies.
Our Values
-
Help parents address behavior expectations and consequences with their children regarding destructive behaviors and negative influences, particularly underage alcohol use.
-
Reduce underage access to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
-
Reduce violence in the home, schools and community through communication and conflict resolution training.
-
Provide greater access to out-of-school opportunities for all school age youth.
Our Team
Director: Brenda Wetzel
Drug-Free Communities Grant Project Coordinator: Jim Schreiner
Administrative Assistant: Jolene Huddlestun
Life Education Center Educator: Rhonda McKinstry
Life Education Center Educator: Lori Mollema
Life Education Center Educator & Parent Communication Campaign: Betsy Keigher
Life Education Center Educator & Communication Specialist: Casi Brace
Pledge for Life Board
President: Sarah Winkel
Vice-President: Lorenia Lara
Treasurer: Frank Petkunas
Secretary: Jackie Hass
​
Members:
Stacy Barclay
Dr. Debra Baron
Michelle Barrie
John Bevis
Esmeralda Elvir
Ex-Officio:
Carole Franke
Patricia High
Dr. Kay Pangle
Jim Schreiner
​
Johnnie Graham-Wicks
Evan Gregg
Mark Hodge
Barb King
Sandra Knight
​
​
​
Marshall Shearer
Brenda Wetzel
Ricardo Zarate
​Vurnice Maloney
Dr. John Palan
Jeannette Tetreault
Clayt Wolfe