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ABOUT US
WHAT WE DO
We disrupt cycles of poverty by providing income-sensitive transitional housing. We live alongside young men, building financial literacy, vocational opportunities, healthy community life, and holistic development that cultivates dignity and empowers self-sufficiency.
MEET THE TEAM
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & PRESIDENT OF BOARD
Dan is the lead dreamer and system implementor. He co-leads the life coaching efforts. He is the primary bridge builder and strategic partner, connecting the community to holistic resources. Passionate and driven to bring his entrepreneurial acumen to the art of helping others, he's mapping new avenues to further perpetuate "the economy of good."
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & SECRETARY/TREASURER OF BOARD
After graduating from Cornell, and unicycling from Canada to Mexico, Adam was then invited to live with people experiencing homelessness in Uptown Chicago. Six months into his journey within the local tent community, he saw the need to create spaces conducive to growth. Adam now leads the life-coaching and space-making methods to restore people to themselves.
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & ENGAGEMENT
With a BA & MBA, Trisition hails from Chicago's Southside. Previously facilitating group therapy and coaching at Heartland's Readi program. He supported Chicagoans at risk of gun violence. In 2022 he saught to continue his healing work through Collective's holistic housing model. He is a true community developer who "leads with love." He is also the team-lead on trauma-informed curriculum, as well as our grant cultivation team.
"IT'S ALL ABOUT MUTUALITY."
Launched in Uptown, Chicago November of 2018. A small group of passionate community developers began creating a space for young men with a history of homelessness to change their trajectory.
At Collective Chicago we are all held to the same standard of self-betterment. From staff to new residents, we all operate with equality, thus restoring and empowering dignity with each step of the journey. This unique environment is an organic, team-driven movement towards self-sustainability.
We believe patient persistence in the same direction creates positive change. We invite you to read up on the team who is disrupting systems and cycles of poverty with dignity.
HOLISTIC LIFE COACH
VP OF BOARD
BOARD MEMBER
With 2 Master's degrees in Psychology and Human Environmental Science. Dom joins us from The University of Alabama's basketball program where he was an assistant coach. Prior to that he was a two-sport, D1 athlete at the University of Buffalo. He brings his expertise as strengths-based, holistic approach. He lives alongside Collective guys during their residency, and also assists coordinating our marketing efforts.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
- MARILLAC ST. VINCENT FAM. SERVICES -
After 16 years as founder of the fastest growing endurance charity in the US, Michael left World Vision (which raised over 100 million dollars since its inception). Michael went on to leads fundraising strategy and partnerships locally at Marillac St Vincent in Chicago.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
- BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER -
Born and raised in Chicago, Jackie arose a distinguished actress, singer, director, playwright and founder of the first ever black theater in the north side of Chicago. She currently runs the 20 million dollar theater to creating change through art and opportunity.
BOARD MEMBER
MANAGEMENT
- THE BUDLONG -
An Uptown, Chicago native, Jason is a powerful advocate for the Collective approach. Unjustly incarcerated for 20 years, he came back to Uptown to find work, housing and re-write the systems that wronged him. Jason inspires this team by experience and drives insights for continued growth.
BOARD MEMBER
LEAD MAINTENANCE MECHANIC
- CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD -
A local native of Chicago, Johnny is a lead player in guidance around addiction recovery and reentry. Intimately aware and passionate about the life change possible, he oversees guidance of the board and for our young men to introduce and implement new modes of coping, accountability and healing.