Welcome
Make a Difference in the Life of a Child in Your Community
Supporting youth in Southern Illinois with mentorship and resources.
Dakota's VISION
Our Mission
Our mission is to support and uplift youth through mentorship, confidential access to basic personal care items, positive extracurricular experiences to reduce cell phone and screen time, academic and emotional encouragement, and the simple but powerful presence of a caring friend.
The organization leadership will advocate for the development of community youth centers across Southern Illinois to provide programming and a safe environment for the underserved and disadvantaged children of Southern Illinois.
Dakota Barnes - Founder and Executive Director
"Before the age of 15, my youth was spent in and out of juvenile detention —driven there by a broken home, neglect, and the overwhelming belief that no one cared whether I sank or survived. That kind of pain doesn’t disappear when you grow up; it follows you, shapes you, and demands to be understood. For years, I couldn’t silence the voice inside me that kept saying, You went through this for a reason. You understand because you lived it.
That voice became my purpose.
I’m now committed to helping every community in Southern Illinois create youth centers where kids have somewhere safe to go—somewhere they can find mentors, grooming and personal supplies, tutoring, motivation, or simply a hug on the days they need one most. No child should ever feel invisible. No child should ever believe they have no one who cares. If I can change that for even one kid, then everything I went through has meaning."
Despite the painful challenges of his childhood, Dakota has worked hard to heal, grow, and build a life rooted in stability and purpose. Today, he is happily married to his wife, Ashley Barnes, who serves alongside him as Vice Chair of the organization. Together, they are raising three beautiful children and showing them the love, guidance, and support Dakota once wished for himself. Dakota is an active member of his community, a dedicated father, and a successful business owner. His journey from hardship to hope is not only a testament to his resilience, but also the driving force behind his passion to ensure no child feels forgotten or unsupported.
Strong Organization Strong Leadership
The Southern Illinois Youth Movement is grounded in the belief that strong mentorship begins with strong leadership. Dakota intentionally built a diverse "Dakota's Team" a committee of volunteers and subject matter experts—representing different backgrounds, skills, professions, and communities across the region—to ensure the organization meets the needs of youth from all walks of life.
Dakota's Team brings together individuals with deep roots in rural Southern Illinois alongside professionals with expertise in youth development, finance, education, business, and nonprofit leadership. Their varied lived experiences create a well‑rounded, thoughtful leadership team capable of understanding the challenges local youth face—whether those challenges stem from limited economic opportunity, lack of resources, or the growing digital isolation affecting today’s youth.
By combining practical knowledge, professional skills, and genuine passion for uplifting youth, the committee provides:
- Strategic direction shaped by the realities of rural life
- Financial and legal guidance that protects the organization
- Connections to local schools, businesses, and community leaders
- Insight into modern challenges like online isolation and declining in‑person support systems
- A commitment to offering youth meaningful opportunities, mentorship, and positive life experiences
Together, the board and Dakota's Team are united by one mission: ensuring every child in Southern Illinois has a trusted mentor, a community that believes in them, and access to opportunities that help them grow into a confident, capable adult.
OUR BOARD
Dakota Barnes, Chairman
Zachary Langford, Secretary/Treasurer
Ashley Barnes, Vice Chair
Ashley Barnes, Vice Chair
Zachary Langford, Secretary/Treasurer
Ashley Barnes, Vice Chair
Zachary Langford, Secretary/Treasurer
Zachary Langford, Secretary/Treasurer
Zachary Langford, Secretary/Treasurer
Volunteers
Make a difference and become a volunteer. Because we are committed to creating a safe and secure environment for every child, take 5 minutes to complete. Currently seeking future tutors and lots of Prayer Warriors.