Denice Rhodes
Denice Rhodes is a caregiver advocate, nonprofit founder, and wellness leader whose life’s work is rooted in more than 38 years of hands-on caregiving experience. As a special needs mother, she has dedicated her life to supporting her son and family while quietly carrying the emotional weight that often comes with caregiving. Through those experiences, Denice developed a deep understanding of the unseen challenges caregivers face—particularly the stress, guilt, and isolation that are rarely discussed. Today, she uses her voice and platform to help other caregivers prioritize their own mental health and break the stigma around seeking support.
As the founder of Caregivers Safe Space and You Belong Foundation, Denice has transformed her personal journey into a mission-driven movement that provides resources, connection, and healing for caregivers. She leads monthly support groups, organizes wellness-focused events like nature walks, and creates safe environments where caregivers can share openly while also having moments of joy and community. A certified health coach, she integrates nutrition, exercise, and holistic wellness into her work, reinforcing her belief that caregivers must take care of themselves in order to continue caring for others.
Denice’s background also includes a successful 30-year career in banking, where she developed the leadership and organizational skills that now support her nonprofit initiatives. Whether she is guiding a support session, advocating for caregiver mental health, or building community partnerships, her work is grounded in compassion, lived experience, and purpose. She remains committed to empowering caregivers to feel seen, supported, and valued—reminding them that they cannot pour from an empty cup, and that their well-being matters just as much as those they care for.
• Health and wellness certification
• Health coach certification
• Institute for Integrative Nutrition
Health Coach Certification, Nutrition Sciences
• Chicago Vocational High School (CVS)
High School Diploma, Accounting
• Page Awards 2025 - You Belong Foundation Nonprofit Organization
• Chicago Southland Chambers of Commerce
• Arc of Illinois
• Former board member of Sacoma Star Services
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to decades of hands-on caregiving experience, perseverance, and my willingness to lead by example. Through every challenge, I’ve remained committed to showing other caregivers that they are not alone and that their work has value. Being a visible role model has allowed me to turn my personal journey into something that uplifts and supports others.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If this work is truly your passion, I encourage you to go for it wholeheartedly. Nonprofit work is incredibly rewarding, but it also requires resilience, dedication, and a strong sense of purpose. Be prepared to work hard for what fulfills you, and don’t be afraid to explore entrepreneurship as a meaningful way to create impact and build something of your own.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges right now is securing consistent funding and sponsorships to sustain and grow our programs. At the same time, there is a powerful opportunity in the support we receive from committed volunteers and mental health professionals who generously give their time and expertise. Their involvement allows us to expand our reach and provide meaningful resources to caregivers in need.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me are compassion, advocacy for mental health, and ensuring caregivers are recognized and supported for the work they do. I also believe strongly in prioritizing self-care, because we cannot effectively care for others if we are not caring for ourselves. These principles shape everything I do, both personally and professionally.