In this episode, Joseph interviews Jacque Stefanik, the Executive Director and Co-founder of Serving People with a Mission (SPM). SPM is a leadership development program that focuses on providing young people, particularly teenagers and those in their twenties, with the tools and resources to become servant leaders in their communities.

Jacque explains that the mission of SPM is to seek and provide people from all walks of life with the knowledge and resources they need to make a positive impact in their communities. Jacque shares the story of how SPM was founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a college student at Loyola University of Chicago at the time, Jacque felt the need to continue giving back to his community even when student organizations were unable to operate. Along with two friends, he co-founded SPM with the goal of empowering young people to become servant leaders.

The core program of SPM is called the Hand in Hand Leadership Program, which focuses on mentorship, teaching the principles of servant leadership, and providing exposure to different community-based nonprofits. The program includes workshops, field trips to organizations like Loyola University of Chicago and Grant Thornton, and a philanthropy project where students are given a budget to make decisions for the greater good of their community.

Jacque emphasizes the importance of teaching students fiscal responsibility and the skills needed to become successful professionals. SPM partners with various schools and organizations, including Loyola University of Chicago, Noble Schools, and Chicago Public Schools, to deliver their programs. They also have partnerships with environmental justice organizations like Plant Chicago and Grow Greater Englewood.

Jacque mentions that SPM is grateful for the support of funding partners such as The Chicago Community Trust and Grace Lutheran Church and School. In terms of measuring impact, Jacque states that SPM has seen around 55 students graduate from their programs so far, with a goal of expanding their alumni network and running simultaneous programs at different schools.

They also collect data through testimonials from students and parents, highlighting improvements in confidence, professionalism, and college readiness. Looking ahead, Jacque envisions SPM growing to have more staff and support to make it a full-time job for their leaders. They aim to expand their programs and partnerships, reach more schools and colleges, and continue making a positive impact in the community.

To engage with SPM, Jacque invites people to visit their website, follow them on social media, subscribe to their newsletter, and consider donating financially or donating clothes. He also encourages potential partners to reach out to collaborate on promoting servant leadership and making a difference in the community.

Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?

• Donate: https://www.servingpeoplewithamission.org/donate

• Phone: 17737932810

• Email: jacque@servingpeoplewithamission.org

• Website: https://www.servingpeoplewithamission.org

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SPMLeads?mibextid=ZbWKwL

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spm_leads?igsh=YXJsM2ZlYW5rcTBs

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spmleads/

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@servingpeoplewithamission6554?si=y1ULUkMNsgs3BIb5

Guest Information

• Guest Name: Jacque Stefanic

• Guest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waryjt?mibextid=ZbWKwL

• Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spm_leads?igsh=YXJsM2ZlYW5rcTBs

• Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquestefanic