In Rockford, a haunted mansion offers more than scares: it offers a new start

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Once a crumbling relic of the past, a historic Rockford home has been transformed into a spine-tingling spectacle by the very youth it will one day shelter.

With cobwebs, creaky floorboards, and eerie echoes, the Enchanted Mansion, at 2415 E State Street, opened its doors this weekend, not just as a haunted house, but as a beacon of hope for young people rebuilding their lives through the nonprofit Life Decisions.

“There’s about eight different rooms that we have done in the different themes of spookiness,” said program coordinator Amaya Castanon.

The home was donated to Life Decisions last year, inspiring the launch of its Rebuild, Relaunch, Restore campaign. The fundraiser is raising money to support transitional housing for youth. The kids planned, decorated, and perform in the mansion.

“Some of our kids are in school and some of them are out of school looking for alternative schools, but it’s been many mornings days and nights that they’ve been here and put in the effort and they definitely love to come here because it’s definitely something to get their mind off of real life struggles that they have going on,” explained Castanon. 

The project is providing the group with an opportunity to develop leadership and teamwork skills. 

“I’m good at following directions. I’ve gained a lot of teamwork skills, working with people, help decorate each room,” said youth member Kaleb Williams.

Williams has been a part of Life Decisions for two years. As someone who endured a tough childhood, he said it’s nice to see others making progress. 

“It’s really cool to see people that I know that have had really struggling come-ups in their life and how far they’ve come. It brings the spirit out in people, I’ve seen the most antisocial people laugh, like have a real gut laugh,” shared Williams.

It’s a spooky house at the moment, but it will soon provide housing for those who need it.

“We’ve been up and running for five plus years, and our goal was always transitional housing. Just to see that we have this house and that we’re raising money to actually have youth live in it, it is just amazing to see,” said Castanon.

To support the fundraiser, tickets can be found here.