OUR PRIORITIES
“The mission of Life Focus is to produce hope-filled multi-platform programs featuring powerful and engaging stories that inspire people to explore faith in Jesus Christ.”
Life Focus is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry established in 2007. We are able to create and air programs through the generosity of sponsors and donors. As an ECFA accredited organization, we adhere to the strictest financial accountability standards. A common misconception is that secular television stations pay for our faith-based programming. They do not. Life Focus is responsible for raising the funds to create, produce and distribute all of our programming.
We carry out our mission in two key programming areas: transformative programming and trauma healing programs.
Transformative Programming: Inspiring Series and Documentaries
This is where it all began. Life Focus Communications asked PBS decision makers to consider broadcasting our original program series entitled Life Focus. To our surprise, given the faith-based nature of our programs, they granted our request. As our Life Focus series gained ratings, so did PBS’s respect for our ministry.
Encouraged by our success with PBS, we continued developing programs that aired not only on PBS but other networks including CBS and ABC, filling a void for quality religious programming for secular audiences. In addition, Life Focus and subsequent programs have aired and continue to air on secular and religious stations throughout the world.
Our international presence includes: SAT-7 Kids (Middle East, North Africa, Europe), Revelation Television (UK), Middle East TV (Israel), Australian Christian Channel, Shine TV New Zealand (SKY digital and Freeview Satellite). Alfa OmegaTV, Romania (Europe, North Africa and the Middle East), Family 7 (Netherlands).
Nationally, we air on PBS stations (major markets include Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington D.C.). Our programs also air on CBS affiliates throughout the United States, including major market areas. Christian Stations carrying Life Focus programming include: NRB, TCT, TLN, GOD TV and Inspiration Network. Our newest partner is TBN, starting in 2024.
Trauma Healing: Programs to Address and Overcome Trauma
Trauma haunts individuals and generations, rendering entire societies hopeless and destined to repeat the cycle. Trauma can originate from racism, poverty, war, persecution, abuse, and much more. Our multi-platform programs (radio, television, and web-based) weaves story-telling with clinically and theologically sound trauma healing principles to help individuals recognize and deal with their pain. Our series are based on curriculum created by the American Bible Society’s Trauma Healing Institute. Our most recent series is Healing Hearts for children, and we are currently working on a series for women.
In addition, we produce feature-length programs that shine a light on the presence of trauma and the hope offered through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Aired on secular stations, our one-hour Emmy-nominated Unchained and Hope Rising shows introduced audiences to the pain of trauma and the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to bring comfort and healing to individuals, families, and communities.
RECOGNITION AND AWARDS
2018 The Communicator Awards Best Documentary, Religion
UnChained: Racial Trauma and Healing
2017 National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Emmy Nominee
UnChained: Racial Trauma and Healing
2015 National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Emmy Nominee
Hope Rising: Stories of Trauma and Healing in the Congo
2013 National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Emmy Award
The Wit, Wisdom and Wickedness of Alice Cooper, Life Focus
2012 National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Emmy Award
One in Five, Life Focus
2011 National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Emmy Nominee
A Symbol of Forgiveness, Life Focus
2010 National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Emmy Award
Education Under Fire, Life Focus
2009 National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Emmy Award
Living by the Book, Life Focus
2008 National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Emmy Award
A New Kind of Normal, Life Focus
Our President & CEO
Mona Hennein
President & CEO
Mona Hennein holds a Master’s in Communications from Wheaton College in Illinois. A multiple Emmy© award recipient and winner of numerous television recognitions, Hennein’s vision is to bring hope to a digital audience through powerful stories. She has also produced for and overseen national productions including Page Two, ESPN Sports, Inside Edition, American Journal, Primary Focus, Billy Graham Specials, and Good Morning America. Whether speaking, writing or producing, Mona travels extensively around the world to bring insight and inspiration to viewers through the power of stories.
Our Board
Ron Oldenkamp
Chairman
Ron Oldenkamp provides the senior leadership for Genesis Marketing Group outside the Chicago area. His areas of competence include the marketing and selling of investment products and services. Recognized for his successes as a third-party marketer and a product developer, Ron’s clients benefit from over 30 years of in-depth experience. His diverse background has contributed to the profitable growth of leading financial service firms and has been of great benefit to Life Focus Communications.
Reverend Roderick N. Williams
Board Member, Pastoral Advisor
Rod Williams is the Senior Pastor of Fellowship Community Church of Chicago. He is the President & CEO of Norman Fay & Associates, LLC, a counseling and consulting practice, and developer of Convicted 2 Change, a ministry designed to mentor support groups for men and youth. Rod was the Executive Director of Prison Fellowship over a three-state region – Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin – responsible for leading staff and volunteers in the restoration of prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their families. He served for several years as an elder on the ministerial staff of Apostolic Faith Church under the leadership of Bishop Horace Smith M.D. Rod is the former Mennonite Pastor of Community Christian Fellowship of Detroit.
David Hoover
Board Member
David Hoover is the founder and Executive Director of Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative (NIMEC). David has a degree in Business from University of Colorado (cum laude) and an MBA from Arizona State University. Beginning in 1980, David was employed with large, multinational banks in Chicago (now JP Morgan Chase and Standard Chartered Bank) in the field of Corporate Lending. In 1992, David started the Glenview Consulting Group. From 1992 to 2007, Glenview provided utility consulting services to corporate and municipal clients. Glenview Consulting assisted over 200 clients, achieving recurring savings of $1,000,000 per year for its clients.
Case Hoogendoorn
Board Member
Case Hoogendoorn is a Senior Partner at Hoogendoorn and Talbot in Chicago, IL, a law firm focused on representing families, closely-held businesses entities, and charitable and religious organizations. In addition to his practice, Case authored a number of articles on topics including tax planning, law reform, law and ethics, and law and religion and has also lectured at the University of Chicago Law School. A sought-out speaker, Case lectures at the Chicago Bar Association Probate Practice Committee, the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, the Chicago Estate Planning Counsel and the Christian Legal Society.
Annalee R. Ward
Vice-Chair
Annalee Ward is the Director of the Wendt Center for Character Education at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. She also teaches Spiritual Formation and administers Masters of Divinity and Masters of Arts in Mission Christianity degrees for its Distance Education program. Before serving in Dubuque, Annalee founded and headed the Communication Arts Program at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, IL. Annalee provides wisdom to Life Focus staff as she consults and lectures in media, film, and ethics and co-authored the book, Mouse Morality: The Rhetoric of Disney Animated Film.
Tom Bruns
Board Member
Tom Bruns brings significant investment and entrepreneurial experience to the Life Focus Board. His leadership roles have included President of Kemper Retirement Plans, Divisional Vice President of Manulife/John Hancock and Partner/Owner of Geneva Advisors. He holds a degree from Northwestern Kellogg Graduate School of Management. As an investor, Tom helped his son Brian start a restaurant, Flat & Point in Logan Square which garnered a Michelin award in its first year. His philanthropic work includes leading annual missions trips to Honduras for twenty years and co-founding Heart for Honduras, a Christian based non-profit serving impoverished Hondurans in the name of Jesus and spreading the Gospel.
Katherine Brody
Board Member
Katherine Brody holds a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Purdue University. Since 1984 she has earned top marketing and product development positions for major pharmaceutical companies, including Eli Lilly and Company and Searle Pharmaceuticals. Additionally, Katherine has held leadership roles for various organizations that promote God’s love and healing. For over 21 years, she has sponsored children through Children’s International and Compassion International. Bible Study International chose Katherine as a Leader and Class Administrator for 16 years. Also, she was a Children’s Leader (seven years) and small group leader (six years) at Parkview Church in Orland Park, Illinois. Katherine helped organize children’s summer camps at Agape Therapeutic Riding for five years. She was the head of the MorningStar Mission Women’s Mentoring program for three years. Furthermore, she’s a trained Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for foster children in the court system and served as such for two years. Katherine is married to David Brody and is the proud mom of two adult sons.
Grace J Kreulen, PhD
Board Member
Grace Kreulen is a public health professional with a research Ph.D. from University of Arizona Tucson and over thirty years of experience as a public health nurse, university faculty member, researcher, and international health program consultant. She has a broad knowledge and experience base in health, research, and evaluation; in the collection, analysis and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data; in leading teams; and in writing reports and publications. Her research, program evaluation and consulting focus are on promoting access to quality care for the underserved poor. In 2006 she began consulting with NGOs in the development, implementation, and evaluation of community-based maternal and child health, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, and trauma healing projects primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Birgitte Santaella
Board Member
Birgitte is the Major Gifts Officer for Calvin College. She was formerly the President of Arizona Aerospace and Defense Association (over 9 years). She was a Major Gifts Officer for Museum of the Bible, Director of Advancement for Phoenix Seminary, Vice-President of Catalyze Limited, a UK-based decision science consulting firm, and Vice President of Business Development; Program Manager for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, for the Arizona Commerce Authority.
Birgitte has a Master’s in Education from Arizona State University, and a Bachelor’s in Theology and Religion from Calvin University. She has expertise in Aerospace & Defense, Healthcare, Education, and Immigration.
Birgitte provides wisdom with direction and vision for Life Focus projects. She serves as a consultant for Development and nurtures key relationships with foundations and TV networks.