meet the team

derek polansky

founder

Derek, a Chicago-land native experienced a troubled father-son relationship which led to anger and uncertainty early in life. After being kicked out of high school, Derek turned to a wild lifestyle full of adrenaline and drugs. Derek's life changed after a serious accident that left him hospitalized. Following this, he turned to Jesus Christ and followed spiritual mentorship which led to his involvement in youth ministry, particularly in local prisons and jails. Seeing himself in many of the young men he was working with, Derek realized that by offering them a pathway to God, access to the outdoors, and adventure activities, they could be guided toward a different outcome.

Justin is a dedicated and experienced leader who recently joined Created For More Ministries as the Chief Operating Officer. With a strong foundation in Biblical and Theological Studies from North Park University and a Master of Divinity from Liberty University, Justin deeply understands faith-based principles and their application in a ministry context.

Called to full-time youth ministry, Justin has spent years guiding, counseling, and restoring young people's and their families' lives. His passion for building meaningful relationships and serving communities has been evident throughout his career as a youth pastor. Justin has a proven track record of positively impacting the lives of those he serves at various locations throughout the Midwest.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Justin is a devoted family man. He and his wife, Sarah, are proud parents to twin daughters, Maia and Ariana, and a son, Noah. Justin's commitment to his family and his dedication to his faith are integral parts of his life, as well as his approach to leadership and community outreach.