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
PRESIDENT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
- COLLECTIVE CHICAGO -
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."
VICE PRESIDENT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
- NAOMI'S HOUSE -
Simone leads a residential home for women who have suffered from commercial sexual exploitation. She has created a comprehensive residential program offering a trauma-informed approach to integrated healing that leads to life-transformation.
SECRETARY & TREASURER
COFOUNDER & DIRECTOR OF OPS
- COLLECTIVE CHICAGO -
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.
"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.
BOARD MEMBER
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
CHIEF PHILANTHROPY OFFICER
- OPPORTUNITY INTERNATIONAL -
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). In 2022, he now leads fundraising strategy and partnerships initiatives at Opportunity International.