A Documentary & National Movement
Confronting the silent mental battles we hide.
Exposing the lie that pain disqualifies us.
Awakening purpose that transforms lives, families, and communities
Living in Purpose is a community-built organization dedicated to empowering youth, strengthening families, and transforming lives through mentorship, education, and holistic support services.
10000+
Lives Changed
15+
Years of Experience
3
Purpose Fueled Organizations
Based in
Georgia
Operating Nationwide
Watch The Trailer Now
YANNIK MCKIE
Yannik McKie’s story is not one of comfort; it is one of redemption. After losing both of his parents to AIDS before the age of sixteen, he found himself navigating grief, instability, and identity without a roadmap. Years later, facing federal gun charges that could have altered his future permanently, he experienced what he describes as a defining encounter with God’s mercy and purpose. Instead of allowing pain to define him, he chose to let it refine him.
What began as a personal journey of healing became a calling to help others confront their own silent battles. Over the past decade, Yannik has founded and led Living in Purpose, a 501c3 nonprofit equipping youth, strengthening families, and transforming communities both locally and globally. What Pain Left Behind is an extension of that mission. It is a movement designed to help people understand that pain does not disqualify you. It prepares you for purpose.
Author, Pastor & Non Profit Founder
Speaker and Community Leader
Featured in Hundreds of Media Outlets
"Pain is the doorway where purpose begins to reveal itself." - Yannik McKie
Up to 9X
Source: National Mental Health Research on Trauma & Depression Risk
More likely to Develop Major Depression
People who experience unprocessed trauma or chronic stress are 2.5 to 9.4 times more likely to develop major depression. The pain isn't going anywhere on its own — it needs a pathway.
What We Do
Our Purpose
We help you make your home look and feel amazing. Whether you want to change one room or your whole house, we’ll work with you to design a space that fits your style. We help with picking colors, furniture, layout, and decorations—so everything comes together beautifully.
The Mental Health Crisis is Real
40%
of High School Students
Report persistent sadness or hopelessness — a generation in pain and searching for answers.
CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2023
#2
Cause of Death (Ages 10-24)
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people in the United States.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
49,000+
Lives Lost in 2023
In a single year, more than 49,000 people died by suicide in the United States alone.
CDC 2023 National Data
Behind every statistic is a story. A person questioning their value. A family searching for hope.
A generation looking for identity.
What Pain Left Behind was created to meet that moment.
About Living In Purpose
Empowering Youth. Strengthening Families. Transforming Community.
At Living In Purpose, we exist to create opportunity and hope for youth and families by offering mentoring, educational support, life skills development, conferences, and family empowerment programs.
15+ Years of Leadership, Coaching & Community Impact
Mentoring & youth development that supports academic success and life skills growth
Free After-school programs, entrepreneurship training, leadership development & enrichment opportunities
Community partnerships, workshops, and events that build purpose-driven connections.
About Us
Empowering Youth. Strengthening Families. Transforming Community.
At Living In Purpose, we exist to create opportunity and hope for youth and families in the Augusta community by offering mentoring, educational support, life skills development, and family empowerment programs.
15+ years of design expertise in residential and commercial spaces
Mentoring & youth development that supports academic success and life skills growth
After-school programs, leadership & enrichment opportunities
Community partnerships, workshops, and events that build purpose-driven connections.
Serving the Augusta, GA and Metro Georgia community with heart and intention
Get Involved
How Can I Get Involved?
Turning Pain into Pathways
Mentorship & Leadership Development
Structured mentoring programs guiding young men and women toward discipline, identity, and purpose — the things no statistic can give them alone.
Workforce & Life Skills Training
Financial literacy, career exposure, entrepreneurship, and personal development initiatives that build the next generation of purpose-driven leaders.
Faith-Based Discipleship & Healing
Spiritual growth, community accountability, and healing-centered programming that addresses trauma at its root and points toward lasting transformation.
Portfolio
Our Work
Process
How Do We Work?
Here’s a quick look at how we bring your space to life
1: Discovery & Consultation
We start with a one-on-one conversation to understand your style, needs, and goals for the space. This helps us align on vision and budget before moving forward.
2: Design & Planning
Next, we create a custom design plan — complete with mood boards, color palettes, layouts, and material selections — so you can visualize every detail before implementation.
3: Execution & Styling
Once the design is approved, we bring it all to life. From coordinating with contractors to adding the final decorative touches, we handle it all to ensure a stunning result.
Process
How Do We Work?
Here’s a quick look at how we bring your space to life
1: Discovery & Consultation
We start with a one-on-one conversation to understand your style, needs, and goals for the space. This helps us align on vision and budget before moving forward.
2: Design & Planning
Next, we create a custom design plan — complete with mood boards, color palettes, layouts, and material selections — so you can visualize every detail before implementation.
3: Execution & Styling
Once the design is approved, we bring it all to life. From coordinating with contractors to adding the final decorative touches, we handle it all to ensure a stunning result.
Testimonials
Don't Just Take Our Word For It
"He uses the pain he experienced to help others who suffer through disease, abuse and depression."
Charisma Magazine
"Yannik's story...will inspire everyone."
Chris Norwood
Huffington Post
“A powerful reminder that our deepest pain can reveal God’s greatest purpose.”
Pastor Steve Davis
True North Church
“What Pain Left Behind is the story of how struggle reveals strength and ignites purpose. I couldn’t look away.”
Dr. Michael Perry, Ph.D.
Founder of Katalis
“I know this story personally. And if God can turn this kind of pain into purpose, He can do it for anyone.”
Mizan Barnes
Young Adult Entrepreneur
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when I hire you to design my home?
First, we talk about what you like and what you need. Then we make a plan to help your space look better and work better for your life. We show you ideas, help pick things like colors and furniture, and take care of the little details so you don’t have to worry.
Do I need to redesign my whole house, or can we do just one room?
You can start with just one room if you want! Many people begin with a room that needs the most help, like the living room or bedroom. Later, we can work on more areas when you’re ready. We make each space feel fresh and connected to the rest of your home.
How do you decide what styles and colors to use?
We learn about your taste, what colors make you happy, and how you want your home to feel. Then we create a design that fits you perfectly. You get to see pictures and ideas before anything is bought, so everything feels just right.
Can you work with what I already have in my home?
Yes! We love using your favorite pieces and making them shine. We can mix your old things with new ones to give your space a fresh look without starting from scratch.
How much does it cost to work with you?
We have different packages depending on what you need. Some people just want help picking colors or arranging furniture, while others want a full makeover. We’ll talk about your budget and help you get the most value out of every dollar.
How long does the design process take?
It depends on the project. A simple room update can take a few days or weeks, while a full-home design takes longer. Don’t worry—we’ll give you a clear timeline and keep you updated every step of the way.
Do I need to be involved in every decision?
Only if you want to be! We’re happy to guide you and handle the hard parts. You’ll get to see choices and give feedback, but we’ll take care of the heavy lifting so you can relax and enjoy the results.
What if I’m not sure I’ll like the final design?
That’s okay! We show you ideas, colors, and layouts before we start, so you can feel confident. If something doesn’t feel right, we’ll adjust it. Our goal is to make sure you’re 100% happy with your space.
Ready to Join the Movment?
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