I have always believed in the power of stories to transform people. Storycatchers Theatre embodies this belief by providing young people with the tools they need to express themselves, change, and grow; this mission is the reason I joined the organization in July 2016 as Executive Director. One thing I have learned is the importance of a committed Board of Directors – something that Storycatchers is so lucky to have.
Today, I’d like to share with all of our friends what our Board means to us. As a result of their expertise, ideas, and passion, we have seen our growth nearly double in just two years’ time. The Artistic and Administrative team joins me in thanking each member of our incredible Board for their enduring support, dedication and strategic vision.
Our Board members have made Storycatchers Theatre’s ongoing success a priority in their lives while balancing multiple commitments. They have contributed time and resources, stepped up to meet our challenges, and offered innovative solutions. By truly connecting with the young people who create and present our performances, Board members have served as ambassadors for our cause, helped to inspire and secure investors such as Chicago Beyond, sparked interest from distinguished professional service organizations like Deloitte, and exemplified the impact we are having on members of our community. Finally, through our new partnership with University of Chicago’s Urban Labs, we now have the opportunity to prove what our Board has known all along: our work is important and the stories our young people have to tell can change the world.
As Storycatchers moves forward, we continue reaching out to the community, to schools, to the justice system, and to investors. We are creating new partnerships, building bridges, and innovating and refining our model to fit the community’s needs. We are creating history and leading the way to use theatre to tell the unique, powerful stories about our youth and their experiences – stories that others haven’t told and far too many haven’t heard.
Our Board has played a key role in helping us reach this critical moment in the organization’s history. Every member will play an even more important role in our future as we grow and expand statewide so that we can make a difference in the lives of these at-risk youth and empower them to shape the future.
I want to personally thank my Board for everything they have done. The entire team at Storycatchers appreciates and deeply values their invaluable input and endless support.
Board Members at Annual Benefit and Brunch 2017. (L to R standing) Marty Behn, Yvonne Lange, Barbara Blumenthal, Carla Goldstein, Rhoda Reeling, Kendra J. Freeman, Lael Johnson, Richard Nilles, Cathy Williams (L to R sitting) Iris Witkowsky, Meade Palidofsky, Jonith Breadon