Our Story
In 2009 Kory & Ali Lantz moved to the northwest side of South Bend and started building relationships with their neighbors. Their passion for youth, hospitality and culture drove their decision to put roots down in the Keller Park neighborhood. They quickly fell in love with the youth and families of South Bend. They spent countless hours eating together, laughing together, and learning from one another.
After about a year of living and learning from their neighbors they decided to start a youth leadership program called Iron Sharpens Iron (ISI). The first year consisted of 6 boys and 6 girls. They ate together and talked openly about real life issues. This became a family for Kory and Ali, as well as the students. They began to walk closely with one another - holding each other accountable and bearing one another's burdens. It was beautiful.
Since then God has continued to grow ISI as well as the other programs of Transformation Ministries. And while the programs may continue to grow and change, the purpose will always remain the same - to see youth and families in South Bend encouraged and transformed.
Our Mission
We seek to transform the hearts and minds of youth and their families while connecting others to the city in a positive way.
Our Vision
We desire for our entire Transformation community to know God, value their lives and have hope leading to an abundant life.
Our Beliefs
- We believe Jesus is Good News for everyone: The radical love of Jesus changes lives.
- We believe that every student matters: Every student has gold inside them and deserves our best resources.
- We believe that we all need each other: Every person - staff, students, parents, volunteers, donors - need each other.
- We believe relationships come first: True transformation occurs in the context of relationships.