For Goodness Sake
Foundation
Ryan Sieja
Vice President and Founder
For Goodness Sake Foundation
James Daniel Slinker
President and Founder
For Goodness Sake Foundation
The team that runs the For Goodness Sake Foundation...
Team For Goodness Sake Foundation
President and Founder of the For Goodness Sake Foundation (FGSF)
James was born November 1, 1986. He grew up in Eastpointe, MI, a suburb of Detroit. He was raised to be a man of great integrity by the strength of his mother, Michele Liss (business owner, and vice president of the Eastpointe Enhancement Commission EEC). James attended and graduated from the East Detroit public school system before volunteering himself for the U.S. armed forces.
James served in the United States Navy from 2004 to 2008, completing two overseas deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). James served the Navy as an Operation Specialist and through his hard work and leadership he obtained the rank or Second Class Petty Officer (E5).
Following an honorable discharge from naval service, James attended Macomb Community College (MCC) where he was a member of Phi Theta Kappa for his academic achievement. James completed an Associates Degree from MCC in General Studies and he is now a student at Wayne State University (WSU). James is pursuing a Bachelor's of Social Work, so he can make a career of serving his community and the people in it. In addition to his position as a student he is also a member of the Student Veterans Organization (SVO) of WSU and he acts as the liason between the student veterans and the WSU Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
James is very committed to the principles that the For Goodness Sake Foundation stands for. He is currently volunteering his time at the Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan, and he has registered with the Detroit4Detroit organization and will be actively working on a project through DAPCEP (Detroit Area Pre College Engineering Program).
His philosophy has always centered around empathy, gratitude, and balance. His mission is to continue to give his energy and compassion to those that live under less than fortunate circumstances. The focus in James' life is to leave the world a better place than he came into it as...and he is only just begun.
Vice President and Founder of the For Goodness Sake Foundation
Ryan Sieja was born on November 6, 1984. He grew up in Eastpointe Michigan where he attended East Detroit Public Schools until graduating in 2002. He worked through high school and continued on after with a job in a print and embroidery factory until the automotive slump began to slow the business down.
Ryan joined the Marine Corps in 2004, where he served for four years of worldwide service as a Combat Engineer. Within his service, he was promoted to Sergeant and designated as an Urban Assault instructor in charge of all his unit’s logistical needs. When he left the Marine Corps in 2008, he continued his education in Arts at Macomb Community College. In 2010 he received an Associate’s degree in both Arts and General studies, and was asked to join the Phi Theta Kappa honor society for academic achievements. That fall he moved on to his current path at Wayne State University in Exercise Sports Sciences.
Since entering the University, Ryan has joined the Golden Key Honor Society for academic success, worked with the Student Veterans Resource Center which aids student veterans in academic success, held an elected position as the Vice President of Camaraderie with the Wayne State University Student Veterans Organization, and volunteered with the Wayne State University Strength and Conditioning Athletics Program. Ryan has now become the Vice President of the SVO for his continued efforts in the organization. Ryan will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and moving on with his masters and certifications program to become a professional Strength and Conditioning coach within an athletics program.
Ryan’s dedication to the For Goodness Sake Foundation stems from all the good he has seen within his worldly experiences and wishes to see continue within his life. He will continue to serve those that act out of goodness and selflessness because that is what he believes all people should do who wish to live a complete, happy, and healthy existence.
Board Member
John Liss was born March 9, 1955 and grew up in St. Clair Shores MI where he attended St. Lucy's Catholic School. John lost his mother when he was only eight years old. His family fell apart, and as a result, he ended up spending his adolescent years at Starr Commonwealth in Albion, Michigan.
At Starr Commonwealth, John became a favorite of Floyd Starr, founder of the school. Mr. Starr played major role in John's upbringing by teaching him about love, forgiveness and humility.
At age 17, John joined the United States Navy and served in Vietnam as a combat photographer where he was frequently behind enemy lines and occasionally took part in rescue missions.
After his service to this nation, John returned to Michigan and worked in many different trades. He is truly the Jack of All Trades. He continued to work until his retirement in 2012, but still stays busy helping his wife run their business, J Cola Hair Salon in Roseville, Michigan. John also volunteers his services for the Eastpointe/Roseville Chamber of Commerce and the Eastpointe Enhancement Commission, where he's helped with the Farmer's Market and Urban Gardens.
By far, his greatest source of pride is his family, including two grandsons, Steven and Stoney, and two chauhauhas, Louis and Owen. John is always looking for ways to help his family and community. It was clear that John was a natural fit for the For Goodness Sake Foundation because of his unyielding optimism and amazing knack for finding the good in all.
Board Member and Advocate
Erin was born April 13th, 1975. She grew up in Ferndale, Michigan, where she attended Ferndale public schools through graduation in 1993. After high school Erin attended Oakland Community College (OCC) for six months before enlisting in the United States Navy.
While in the Navy, Erin visited Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. In that time, she observed deplorable living condition, oppression, and discrimination. These experiences helped her to solidify her decision to pursue an education and career in social work to do her part to rid the world of these conditions.
Upon her return home, Erin continued to furture her education at Oakland Community College, where she received a degree in Liberal Arts in 2011. Following her success at OCC, Erin was accepted as a student at Wayne State University (WSU).
Erin is now a Student in the School of Social Work at WSU as well as a very active member of the Student Veterans Organization (SVO). Erin's presence in the SVO was made clear through her hard work and dedication to the organization. The SVO has now appointed Erin the position of Secretary and Officer.
Erin has a strong sense of service to others and she feels that the For Goodness Sake Foundation is a positive, productive, and healthy medium through which she can continue to give her energy. Erin is also currently a volunteer at the Michigan Veteran's Foundation (MVF).
Erin is committed to the notion, "you have to be a part of the change in order to accomplish change" and believes wholeheartedly that everyone has self-worth and dignity. She will continue to recognize the people that dedicate themselves to this principle and advocate for others to reach their potential...for goodness sake.
John Liss
Board Member
Erin Koepke
Board Member and Advocate