WHO WE ARE + WHY WE DO IT
A non-profit childcare center in Bloomington-Normal.
We serve children who have faced or are in danger of facing hardship and trauma – offering quality childcare, before-after school programs, and wrap-around family support.
4,000+ Kids
There are more than 4,000 children in McLean county currently living in poverty.
Family Support
When parents are supported, children flourish. We help families find stability so kids can grow with hope.
To encourage, guide, and train them to grow + thrive.
As an educator of 20 years, I’ve seen generational poverty first-hand in my students and their families. It is an endless cycle of survival; where the basic needs of safety, love and physical wellness are often not met. Our heart is to partner with children and families and begin to encourage, guide, and train them to grow and thrive, breaking the grasp of generational poverty. Poverty, in society, does feel daunting. However, if we can think about poverty one family at a time, they are well within our reach of impact.
MISSION
Providing an environment of love, identity, safety, and Jesus.
VISION
Empowering families to break free from the grasp of generational poverty.
Our Values + Pathway
Our values are more than ideals — they chart a pathway of transformation, meeting practical and spiritual needs in a way that is both Biblical and research-based*.
1
LOVE
THE SEED
Love opens the door. Many families living in poverty have experience judgement, rejection or neglect. To break cycles, they first need to feel genuinely loved and welcomed.
Outcome: Love softens hearts and builds trust so transformation can begin.
2
SAFETY
THE SOIL
Once love is established, people must feel safe – physically, emotionally and spiritually. Without safety, growth can’t happen.
Outcome: Safety reduces fear, stabilizes children, and helps parents breathe again, and walls come down.
3
IDENTITY
THE ROOTS
In a safe and loving environment, individuals can rediscover who they are – beyond poverty, trauma, or labels.
Outcome: Children and parents alike begin to believe they can dream, belong, and rise above generational poverty.
4
JESUS
THE FRUIT
Jesus is both the destination and the sustainer. In Him, families discover lasting freedom — not just relief from poverty, but true transformation of heart and life.
Outcome: Jesus breaks the chains of generational poverty at the root and offers new life.
Our Board
Our board provides wisdom and guidance, offering spiritual, organizational, and financial oversight to help Joshua Tree stay true to its mission.
Shelley Leman is the Founder and Executive Director of Joshua Tree Ministries. With over 20 years of experience in education, she has devoted her life to walking alongside children and families in high-poverty communities. Shelley holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Instruction, with endorsements in Reading and Early Childhood Education. She is passionate about building relationships and creating safe, loving environments where families can begin to heal and grow. Grounded in her faith in Jesus, Shelley believes true transformation comes through love, hope, and consistent support—one small, meaningful step at a time.
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” — Isaiah 1:17
Chris Leman brings over 30 years of experience in funeral service, where he served families with compassion and integrity as a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. After retiring from the funeral profession, he transitioned into sales with Trinity Stone and Landscape Supply, where he continues to build strong client relationships and support local development. Chris studied Mortuary Science at Worsham College and offers steady, servant-hearted leadership to Joshua Tree Ministries. His background in both care-centered service and business development makes him a valuable asset in advancing the mission to empower families and build lasting hope. Chris has been an integral part of the foundation of Joshua Tree Ministries since 2023.
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:14-17
Abby Conrad is a licensed Occupational Therapist with 20 years of experience serving the pediatric population. She is passionate about helping children grow in independence through developmentally focused interventions and currently works with PK–12 students in a school setting. Abby brings a nurturing, child-centered perspective to the Joshua Tree Ministries board, drawing on her clinical expertise and deep commitment to strengthening families. A supporter of Joshua Tree since 2023, she is honored to help advance its mission of providing hope, healing, and holistic care to children and those who love them.
“And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground.” – Isaiah 42:16
Audrey Rawlins is a Speech and Language Pathologist with experience in public schools, clinical settings, and in-home early intervention—serving children and families with care, expertise, and a commitment to communication development. She holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and is a homeschool mom of four, a preschool teacher, and a board member at a local co-op. Audrey brings both professional insight into child development and a heart for family-centered ministry. She is deeply passionate about reflecting God’s heart through her work—believing in the power of His light to bring transformation in places of darkness. Audrey has been a Joshua Tree supporter since 2023.
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Isaiah 60:1-3
Dave Rawlins is the Chief Creative Officer at Clear Design Group, bringing 20 years of leadership in brand strategy and creative direction. He has helped shape brand experiences across nonprofit, faith-based, and commercial sectors—leading teams that deliver high-level design marked by clarity, consistency, and strategic alignment. Since 2023, Dave has partnered with Joshua Tree, offering his expertise in communications and outreach. He has a passion for building relationships and meaningful storytelling—amplifying overlooked voices and shining a light on people and places close to the heart of God, yet often left in the margins.
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 1 Corinthians 1:27
Mary Leman retired after more than 20 years of service in healthcare administration, most recently as a Regional Director with OSF Medical Group. She brings extensive nonprofit board experience to Joshua Tree Ministries, having served in roles such as Board Secretary and Board Chairman. Mary offers strong operational insight with a focus on budgeting, systems development, and policy and procedures. A committed supporter of Joshua Tree since 2023, she is passionate about using her leadership experience to help create sustainable impact for children and families in need.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Susan Stella brings over 40 years of expertise in accounting with a distinguished career spanning multiple sectors including logistics, healthcare, and education. Most recently, she served as the Accountant for District 11, where she was recognized for her commitment to ethical bookkeeping, comprehensive budget preparation, transparent financial reporting to the Board of Education and preparation of the annual audit. Susan is passionate about upholding the highest standards of integrity in financial management and is dedicated to ensuring balanced budgets and the fair, effective allocation of resources. She previously served on the Board of Directors at Mid-Illini Credit Union, where she contributed her financial expertise and strategic insight. A dedicated supporter of Joshua Tree since 2023, Susan is honored to help advance their mission and vision of fostering love, hope, and support for families in need.
But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:14
