Jared Bohland

Age: 33 Occupation: Client services coordinator for the Dove, Inc. Domestic Violence Program Family: Wife, Katie; sons, Judah (2), Micah (1), Malachi (1)

Career highlights and/or accomplish

ments: Working in the domestic violence movement as a certifi ed domestic violence professional and domestic violence trainer has been a highlight in and of itself, but probably my greatest accomplishments were being selected and graduating in the fi rst cohort of the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence Leadership Academy, and subsequently currently serving as co-chair of the ICADV Leadership Development Committee. Being involved locally and on the state level has been incredible. more young people to the area? I think young people truly looking to lay down roots need both sustainable career opportunities on one hand, coupled with family-friendly entertainment options and strong school systems.

Community involvement: Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Macon County Continuum of Care Homeless Advisory Council, Set Free Movement Macon County (anti-human tra cking), Central Illinois Human Tra cking Task Force and victim services subcommittee, Family Violence Coordinating Council, founder of Man Up Men’s Ministry.

What should the community do to attract

What are three things most people don’t know about you?

1. Started my professional life in the music industry in Nashville. 2. I have self-published several poetry and ministry books and love playing bass guitar in bands. 3. I love playing recreational sports of all kinds including years of playing kickball in Nashville.

What is the best and worst piece of advice

you have ever received? Best advice, hands down, was to always live life above board, doing what’s right even when nobody is looking.

Lehman

daunting a task may look or seem, do your best and just tackle it one step at a time.” Almost 10 years later, I still have that yellow piece of paper and that same quote has helped me get through many hectic times.

Worst: When anyone in general tells me I can’t do something because of my age, gender, or size. If people underestimate your abilities or say that your dreams are crazy and can never be reached, those aren’t your people and you probably shouldn’t listen to them.

SARAH JANE PHOTOGRAPHY

Who inspires you to be better? Sincerely, my faith in Jesus Christ is at the core of my inspiration to be the best version of myself. I would argue that most of the people I admired in life were also trying to live up to that same person. Jesus wasn’t just a dude on a cross or the fi gurehead of a religion to me, but rather a real human being that spent years under a microscope modeling how to be the best version of yourself possible.

What would your perfect Saturday be like?

It’d be exactly what I’d normally be doing on Saturdays, if it weren’t for Corona. I would ref a full day’s worth of youth basketball or soccer at the Y. While there, I would spend time with some of my favorite kids and their families and Abby Lowe, the sports program director at the Y, who’s become one of my closest pals. At the conclusion of the games, I’d head straight to Taco Bell to grab a Baja Blast Freeze (anyone who knows me knows that’s my go-to drink). It may sound like a simple or boring day to some, but not to me! I usually fi nd the most enjoyment and happiness in the simple things of life. Who inspires you to be better? My parents! Without them, I wouldn’t be who or where I am today. They love me no matter what, they show me how to genuinely care for people — in big and little ways, and they’ve instilled in me a solid work ethic paired with a feisty and determined spirit. By seeing fi rsthand how they live, I’ve learned the importance of “Don’t quit. Once you start something, you better fi nish it,” and the value of prayer, wisdom, and thoughtfulness when making decisions. Their support is unmatched — they’ve cheered for me during great times and held my hand during di cult times. Even at age 25, if a problem (big or small) comes up, I’m getting ahold of dad or mom…and without a doubt, I know they’ll always answer. They’ve sacrifi ced a lot for my success, and they never fail to make me feel special. They’d never make their deeds the focal point, but it was their prayers, hard work, fi nances, and excitement of seeing where life would take me that gave me and got me through a K-12 private school education as well as a degree earned from a 4-year university. I’ve inherited many traits, quirks, and sayings from them, but the most special to me are: 1) Keep God No. 1. Stay close to Him in good AND bad times. 2) If you’re going to love people, love them hard (especially your grandparents because they’re a treasure). 3) Life is short. Be passionate, make memories, and laugh a lot (even at yourself). 4) There are times to speak up and there are times to keep quiet. Know the di erence. 5) If you want something, go after it…and then work hard to keep it. 6) God made no mistake when He created you the way you are. Don’t let anyone tell you di erently. Be unashamedly you. My parents have made me a better person and because of them, I know there’s always room to DO better, BE better, and LIVE better, and they inspire me to do just that.