About Us

Natividad Mendoza - Executive Director

I was a gang member myself until the Lord Jesus Christ transformed my life on June 20th 2003. In 2004 I completed the Teen Challenge program in Bakersfield, CA, followed by an internship with God's Gang in Santa Ana. I went through the bible college offered by Teen Challenge Ministry Institute where I was blessed with the opportunity to help start a program called Won-by-One God Squad. It was in 2006 that I made the faith based journey to Phoenix, AZ. I began volunteering at Neighborhood Ministries and helped implement a program called Strong Hold. Additionally, I taught Responsible Fatherhood at Victory Outreach, all while maintaining a secular job at Ashley Furniture. Then after being contacted by Cliff Porter I was enlisted to help him start a program called A Cord of Hope where we would help young men via construction work. However, with the fall of the economy we needed to change so in 2008 we started From Gangs to Jobs and the rest is history.

Mark Lastovica - Developement Committee Chairman

Mark is the President and one of the Founders of WeekendMissions.com. He has 5 sons, which consist of 2 sets of twins. Adam and Ryan are 26, Cole is 16, Alec and Riley are 11. He enjoys spending time with his sons, which consists of golf, hiking, hockey, cub scouts, cooking, rocketry, motor home trips, and most importantly, mission trips to Mexico. Mark and his sons reside in Phoenix (Ahwatukee area since 1994) and has been a business owner most of his adult life. He currently owns and operates Benefits USA, LLC, BenefitsUSAonline.com and Magic Touch Carpet Cleaning, LLC, MagicTouchSteamClean.com, both based in Tempe, AZ. Benefits USA markets supplemental health insurance products to the pre-existing condition population. From 1982-1994 he was a multi-owner/operator of several Godfather’s Pizza franchises in TN, KY, IN & GA. He lived in Nashville from 1982-1994. He grew up in Omaha , NE and graduated with a business degree (emphasis in accounting) from the University of Nebraska.

Debbie Speck - Chairman

Tom Keck - Vice-Chairman

Tom and his wife Jane have been married for 31 years and have two adult sons and wonderful daughters –in-law. Having worked for the past 13 years in the commercial estate industry, Tom has participated in several development projects and land acquisitions throughout the Phoenix Metro Valley. Prior to entering real-estate he had spent time as an officer in the US Army and as a Regional Sales Manager for SC Johnson Wax. Currently, Tom is an elder in his church and a Bible Study leader of an adult class that meets weekly on Sunday mornings. Tom and Jane enjoy mountain biking and visiting extended family in Pennsylvania, as well as spending time with their sons and their wives.

Cliff Porter - Vice-Chairman

John Steigerwald - Treasurer

John Steigerwald, CPA, CMA, EMBA has over 20 years of experience in public accounting and general management. John began his career in public accounting specializing in tax before moving to private industry. He then worked in management accounting for a manufacturing company before taking a position as General Manager for an industrial distributor. John is married and has four children with ages from 9 to16. In his spare time John enjoys coaching youth sports.

Craig Frank - Secretary

Craig has served as Executive Minister for the Arizona Association of the Church of God since 2005, serving 27 affiliated congregations in the state. Prior to that, he was a local church pastor for 30 years. He is a graduate of Anderson University, has a Master of Divinity from Anderson School of Theology, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Asbury Seminary. He has been married for 36 years to his wife, Leatha. They have two married children, and two grandchildren. His heart is to serve and equip those who are in Christian leadership, and is honored to serve this ministry that touches and transforms at-risk young men.

John Cavness - Board Member

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