Endorsements

So many teens are in a bad spot these days. Loneliness, depression, and anxiety are rampant. I love Purposed Generation’s heart and plan to invest deeply in young people. At Heart of Illinois Youth for Christ, we are excited to partner and send teens their way.

Dan Learned, Heart of Illinois Youth for Christ Executive Director

“As a Christian school educator, I see firsthand the real battles our students face. In a world shaped by social media, comparison, and shifting values, it’s easy for teens to base their worth on the opinions of others rather than the truth of who they are in Christ.

Scripture reminds us that our identity is not self-created. It is God-given. We are made in the image of the Triune God, and our value comes from understanding who we are, why we were created, and the purpose God has for our lives.

Purposed Generation is doing important work by helping students see their God-given value in a tangible way. Through photography, they are guiding teens to view themselves through a lens of truth, purpose, and identity in Christ.

In today’s culture, that kind of impact is not only meaningful, it’s essential.”

Dr. Angie Lyons, Peoria Christian School Superintendent

As a licensed social worker who provides child and adolescent mental and behavioral health services- and as a mom of two boys- I understand how vital it is for young people to feel truly seen and supported. Through both my own personal and professional experiences, I have witnessed firsthand how meaningful connection, creative expression, and genuine affirmation can positively shift a young person’s internal narrative. 

Purposed Generation offers something truly impactful: a space where young people are reminded of their inherent worth, celebrated for who they are, and invited to see themselves with fresh, hope-filled eyes. 

Their donation-based portrait sessions do more than capture an image- they help teens reconnect with parts of themselves they may have lost sight of. Spaces like this matter deeply; our young people deserve them. Purposed Generation is leading the way in creating a place where they can truly thrive.

Katy Kamp, MA, LSW, QMHP

As a mom to a little girl and a mental health therapist working with teens, I see firsthand the struggles so many young people face. Having someone invest meaningful, one‑on‑one time with a teen can make an incredible difference—helping them feel seen, valued, and truly cared for. Too often, teens feel lost in the crowd, lonely, or “less than.”

Charisa has a remarkable gift for recognizing the unique beauty in every individual. Purposed Generation brings that gift to life by creating a space where teens can focus on themselves in a positive, uplifting way. This kind of support can be exactly what a young person needs to build confidence and realize they are a one‑of‑a‑kind, extraordinary human being.

Elizabeth Whitecotton, LSW

My fourteen-year-old daughter had been struggling with severe acne for some time, even with medication. Her self-esteem was at a low point, and when her acne would flare up, it was sometimes a struggle to get her to leave the house. As her parents, this was so hard to watch. We looked at her and saw the beauty underneath the scars and pimples, but she could not see it herself.

I reached out to Charisa when I heard that she was doing portraits for young people who were struggling with how they saw themselves. Charisa was great to work with, not only during the session, but beforehand, as she encouraged my daughter to bring things to her session that she was proud of and that made her feel accomplished.

At the studio, she was kind and personable, and she spoke the truth of God’s love and care over my daughter. When we received the files from the session, my daughter was almost scared to look at them. But when she saw that Charisa had edited them to remove the redness and acne, while still leaving everything else about her the same, her demeanor changed. Today, one of the pictures hangs on her bedroom wall, a daily reminder that she is beautiful and precious and loved by her Creator. Thankfully, her face is clear now, and her self-confidence is improving more and more. The photo session with Charisa helped her see what could be at the end of a long journey, and our family is grateful.

Michelle H., Parent