Representative Projects

Westside Ministers Coalition

Developed comprehensive tool to assess local churches’ and faith-based organizations’ capacity to engage in comprehensive community planning and affordable housing development
Conducted workshop on developing faith-based community housing development organizations (CHDO’s) for a cohort of pastors from Chicago’s Westside, Bellwood, Maywood and Broadview, IL
Will provide ongoing technical assistance and capacity building in the areas of community and organizational development, structuring financings, packaging financing applications and project management as needed

Habilitative Systems, Inc.

Prepared needs assessment and community involvement narratives for HUD Section 202 Application for Supportive Elderly Housing
Proceeds used to finance $10,000,000 Enola Dew Apartments
Conducted primary and secondary research including interviews of key stakeholders, development of local resident survey, review of internal documents, demographic data and other relevant industry data
Presented evidence demonstrating sustained effective demand for supportive housing for that population in the market area to be served
Assessed the types of supportive services arrangements currently available in the area; and the use of such services as evidenced by data from local social service agencies or agencies on aging.
Prepared competitive analysis assessing the strength and challenges of Habilitative Systems Inc. programs versus alternative programs and senior living arrangements in the community
Utilized results of interviews and surveys to inform design of the Enola Dew Apartments

Millennia Consulting Group (Tilton School)

Currently providing technical assistance to Tilton School in the development of their School Improvement Plan and related activities (new project)

Heather Parish (LaCasa Norte/Teen Living Programs)

Partnered with Heather Parish and Lisa Marie Pickens to prepare business plan for joint venture between LaCasa Norte and Teen Living Programs to provide employment training programs for homeless youth in Humboldt Park and Bronzeville
Assessed funding opportunities; analyzed market demand; prepared first year cash flows and 3 year projections for new program; outlined programmatic activities for the new program during business plan period; analyzed fiscal and legal implications; prepared roadmap for launch of pilot and full implementation

After School Matters

Assisting After School Matters and Local Initiatives Support Corporation in aligning After School Matters programming with New Communities Strategies throughout Chicago as it relates to truancy, fitness and nutrition

Quad Communities Development Corporation

Implemented comprehensive capacity building strategy outlined by board of directors
Reviewed by-laws and recommended updates
Automated financial system
Developed financial policy and procedures manual
Reviewed personnel policies and procedures manual and made recommendations for revisions
Created staffing plan
Created fundraising plan
Developed budget and provided technical assistance to staff
Participated in board retreat and provided recommendations for further capacity building

University of Illinois at Chicago

Great Cities Institute (Pending)

Will provide technical assistance to established organizations seeking government funding

Chicago Area Project

Assessed organizational capacity of affiliate organizations with respect to fundraising, finance, staffing, governance and technology
Prepared comprehensive capacity building plans tailored to individual organizations
Currently conduct board development and provide other technical assistance on demand

Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance

Assessed capacity of NCP program to spin off as a separate tax-exempt entity
Created and administered assessment tools for staff and Garfield Park Community Advisory Council Members
Developed plan for comprehensive capacity building process, including board and staff development, fundraising, strategic planning and site selection
Provided technical assistance in developing structure for the Garfield Park Community Advisory Council
Provided workshop on roles and responsibilities of council members versus staff, and expectations during transition to board members
Developed “job” descriptions for council members

Greater Chicago Food Depository

Provided board training for member organizations, including Power Point presentations on roles and responsibilities
Wrote case studies tailored to individual organizations’ issues
Developed and administered assessment tools based on organizations’ issues
Provided free and low-cost resources for follow up

University of Illinois at Chicago

Great Cities Institute

Assisted in development of North Lawndale Capacity Co-Op Pilot for emerging North Lawndale nonprofits
Designed and taught course in proposal writing for emerging nonprofits; ensured delivery of course in technology
Assessed capacity of North Lawndale nonprofits to thrive in their funding environments
Staffed community-based advisory council

Lawndale Alliance (Volunteer)

Analyzed impact of Ogden-Pulaski TIF upon local North Lawndale residents
Conducted Town Hall meeting to share results of analysis
Assessed financial impact of North Lawndale TIFs with respect to job creation for local residents, assistance to local businesses and home improvement programs
Advocated for changes to the local TIF ordinance to reduce the number of homes included in the Housing Impact Study for the Ogden-Pulaski TIF
Coordinated workshop linking at risk homeowners with housing resources