Growing up in Niles, Ohio, Brooke Henderson had a tough and challenging childhood.
Some members of her family were caught up in the criminal system, and she had parents who were addicts, as well as a sister who suffered from mental illness and took her own life in 2007.
Henderson had her own struggles, too, as a child born with cerebral palsy. But as a person who embodies the phrase, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade,” Henderson said that all of her life struggles have been key elements that led her to her career.
“Yes, life has been pretty crazy, but I keep busy, and I’ve learned to never give up,” Henderson said.
Henderson moved to the Rockford area in 2013, leaving behind her parents and her two brothers in Ohio. She wanted a change of scenery, so she and her best friend, who already lived in Rockford, bought a house together. They live there with their dogs Ginger and Gaia.
Henderson works as a youth specialist at Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois. She mentors young people, teaching them job-readiness skills such as resume writing and how to conduct themselves in an interview. Originally, Henderson’s goal was to become a juvenile probation officer, and she received a degree in criminal justice from Ashland University. But what she found was that teaching and mentoring, especially youths who are struggling, is very fulfilling.
“I have a huge passion for our youth and making sure that they have all the skills necessary to succeed,” Henderson said.
Henderson’s mission in life is to touch a million lives.
“I get to use the challenges I’ve faced — my disability and my experiences — to connect with people and show them that they can do anything and they can be successful,” Henderson said, adding that it’s an honor when students come back years later and tell her how well they are doing.