Our Mission
Solution-oriented executive advising, for nonprofits that want to change the world.
Our Vision
Our vision is to serve and strengthen 200 local non-profit organizations and the eco-systems which they are a part of, in the next 10 years with a focus on making Chicago a safer and more economically equitable city.
Our Story
Sunshine Cove
Our journey in organizational leadership began here. At a beautiful 90 acre camp in Union, Michigan. Owned by Sunshine Gospel Ministries, but having fallen into utter disrepair, we took on the role of Camp Director. The organization needed everything except a better view! Finances, facilities, staff, fundraising, program design and evaluation and even a new name. Leading through what was essentially re-starting an organization, honoring its legacy, but pointing to a new future was a 10-year journey. Then came among the most challenging leadership decisions of all time: it was time to sell the facility and put the resources to better use. Transitions are hard. Sacred cows sometimes must be slain. Leadership finds ways to affirm legacy while moving on, if the mission requires it.
Sunshine Gospel Ministries
Sunshine Gospel Ministries needed a restart. In 2001 Sunshine was located in Cabrini-Green public housing community, and the city announced Cabrini would be torn down. As Executive Director we relocated everything to the Southside. Following the philosophy of the Christian Community Development Association, we moved our homes, our ministry and our lives into the neighborhood. We bought an abandoned building and spent 8 years rebuilding it to become the new home of Sunshine. Ministry in disinvested communities is like “plowing concrete”. If you don’t plan to be there for at least 10 years, don’t bother starting. Our time at Sunshine was two decades of struggle, joy, re-birth and resurrection. Learn more about Sunshine Gospel here.
Sunshine Enterprises
Sunshine Enterprises was born out of the realization that there is a correlation between the absence of work opportunity and the presence of violence. We decided we would identify entrepreneurs in low-income communities and find ways to support them to grow small businesses. A revelation happened when we met Alex and Alpha from Rising Tide Capital. They not only did what we hoped to do, but they knew how. They were 10 years ahead of us. A dear friendship ensued, and SE became the first replication of their work in New Jersey. SE exploded in growth. More than 1500 of these incredible entrepreneurs have now been served in Chicago and SE continues to grow. As Founders of a new organization, one that was a replication of a proven model, this was a season of birth, transformation and wealth-creation. Learn more about Sunshine Enterprises here.
Greenline Coffee
Greenline Coffee was a social enterprise. Like many non-profits, we worked to start a business that was beautiful, thereby transforming what had become a derelict corner on 61st Street. We also hoped to break even financially, providing employment opportunity and a safe place. We succeeded in every way but financially. You can see the story of Greenline in this TedX talk.
Chicago Fellowship
The Chicago Fellowship grew from being handful of men gathering weekly at a boardroom table, to a total of more than 300 men interacting annually around Friday Fellowship gatherings and an annual Retreat. We provided structural support through administrative, fundraising and board coordination. Establishing programmatic goals, budgetary needs, fundraising structure and reporting allowed the organization to enter it’s next season in a healthy and strengthened manner. Learn more about Chicago Fellowship here.
Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative
The Obama Foundation was coming to the Southside. It would be built in Jackson Park, surrounded by three communities that have had 50 years of disinvestment. In order to take advantage of the opportunity, community members came together with city officials, representatives from the University of Chicago and the Obama Foundation to create a new organization focused on local economic development. We provided foundational board leadership and fundraising, positioning Emerald to hire its first CEO. Learn more about Emerald South here.
The University of Chicago
Serving as the Interim Vice President for Civic Engagement and External Affairs and an Officer of the University, Joel led a staff of 50 providing services to students and community stakeholders. In this position Joel also oversaw Commercial Real Estate Operations, the Office of Federal Relations, The Office of Business Diversity and State Relations.
Coach Houses are solutions!
Behind our 115 year old graystone on the Southside of Chicago is an equally old brick structure. Built as a horse stable and hay loft in the early 1900s, this small two-story structure provided a place for the most common transportation of the day. The change to motorized vehicles led to a changed use. Chicago’s over-crowding meant that the hayloft could be transitioned to a great little apartment.
When we purchased the property the coach house was a total loss. The only thing of value were the exterior brick walls. Everything else had collapsed! Paula got to work designing and Joel got to work demolishing and then constructing (with a big assist from the kids!). With big windows and bright paint, hardwood floors and cozy accommodations, the coach house has come back to life!
The coach house has become a symbol of our work together and the inspiration for the name of The Coach House Solutions Group.
