About Us
Harry Pena Founder of Life Impacters Foundation (LIF)
A locally renowned 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with expertise in advocating for and assisting economically disadvantaged individuals within underserved communities, Pena discovered himself back in his original neighborhood after spending decades in prison. Here, he personally confronted the very challenges that most individuals face upon release from incarceration. It became evident to him that there was a significant absence of sustained support and guidance for those who had learned from their past mistakes and genuinely aspired to alter the trajectory of their lives. Drawing upon his personal journey and his fervent desire to assist others confronting similar obstacles, the Life Impacters Foundation (LIF) was established.
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Pena is acutely aware that the concept of offender "re-entry" is gaining prominence within the corrections realm—an overdue revolution. Re-entry entails the process by which incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society following a period of confinement in a prison, jail, or detention facility.
However, it signifies more than merely "releasing" them; it implies that offenders are not adequately prepared for release. It underscores that their circumstances upon release are no better than when they first entered the correctional system.
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Pena emphasizes, "Countless individuals are sent to correctional facilities on a daily basis. Yet, upon completing their sentences, they encounter a multitude of challenges as they regain their freedom. These challenges encompass, but are not limited to, securing housing, obtaining identification, finding employment, and grappling with substance abuse issues. Regrettably, many former prisoners revert to their prior criminal lifestyles upon release."
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To counteract this troubling trend, while individuals are still incarcerated, staff members develop comprehensive, realistic, and long term re-entry programs to facilitate their successful return to society.
Yolanda Pena Co-Founder of Life Impacters (LIF) & Director of Operations
Yolanda Peña stands as a beacon of compassion and resilience, dedicated to driving social change and empowerment as the Co-Founder & Director of Operations at Life Impacters Foundation (LIF). Rooted in her upbringing in the Hermosa community, Yolanda draws from her own life experiences, having overcome immense challenges, including surviving sexual abuse, domestic violence, kidnapping, and rape. Her journey, including time spent in a women’s correctional facility, has fueled her determination to be a voice for women from all backgrounds who have endured trauma, understanding the profound and lasting impact of such experiences.
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Since assuming her role at LIF in 2020, Yolanda has been instrumental in pioneering transformative initiatives, particularly focused on immigration, violence prevention, and domestic violence programming. Her leadership is marked by an unwavering commitment to creating holistic solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term healing for individuals affected by violence and immigration challenges.
Yolanda's advocacy extends far beyond the walls of LIF, as she actively engages with stakeholders, policymakers, and community members to effect positive change on a broader scale. Her passion for helping returning citizens, both men and women, has led to the establishment of free construction training programs, entrepreneurship certifications, cognitive behavior/anger management courses, GED classes and temporary housing programs with a pathway to permanent housing.
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In addition to her work in re-entry, Yolanda is renowned for her dedication to supporting recent New Vecinos (new neighbors), providing essential resources such as housing, clothing, food, ESL classes, and access to medical care. Collaborating with Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson and Pastor John Zayas through The Unity Initiative, she has facilitated shelter for arriving migrants, securing safe housing for over 600 individuals since late 2022.
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Yolanda's tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed, as she and her husband Harry Peña were honored with the 2023 Advocate of the Year award by the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus. Through her leadership and advocacy, Yolanda continues to be a driving force behind LIF's mission to create thriving communities where individuals not only survive but flourish, embodying a profound commitment to social justice and community empowerment.
Our Team
We take pride in our team, as it is exclusively composed of individuals who call the community home, fostering a deep connection that enables us to tailor our services to the specific needs and values of the people we are honored to serve.
