• Chicago Lights

The Board of Chicago Lights has oversight for the financial and programmatic effectiveness of the Center for Older Adults (now Center for Life and Learning), Center for Whole Health, the Elam Davies Social Service Center, Tutoring and Scholarship, Summer Day, and Near North Magnet Cluster. Operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting Fourth Church, Chicago Lights continues the legacy of the church’s service to its urban neighbors.

During 2006, the board oversaw the implementation of the Center for Whole Health’s Near North Healthy Heart project for women in Cabrini-Green; the completion of a long-range planning process for the Center for Older Adults (COA); and the growth of youth development projects for Tutoring and Scholarship students. They also helped the Elam Davies Social Service Center and Fourth Church take a leadership role in Interfaith Homes, a collaboration with the City of Chicago and Interfaith Council for the Homeless to move families from homelessness to being housed and independent. Throughout the year, the board increased the visibility of Chicago Lights among Fourth Church members and attracted new foundation and corporate funders, while early in the year they oversaw a Mission Benefit that exceeded results of all previous years. They helped to close the digital divide through expanded teaching hours for children and adults in Chicago Lights’ four computer labs, and they participated in the Fine Arts Festival of the Heart in the Cabrini-Green schools and celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Summer Day program. In the spring, they sponsored the Festival of the Artful Spirit, with a spring art exhibition showcasing both the work of COA members as well as the nationally acclaimed NARSAD work for and by persons affected by mental illness.

Board members: Mark Bereyso, Betty Bergstrom, Jeanette Bitter, Vern Broders, Marilynn Cason, Frederick Chisolm, Bob Doak, Jay Frey, Lisa Guynn, Rob Holben, Gunnbjorg Lavoll, Ed Miller, Mark Nelson, Sandra Nelson, Cris Ohr, Ken Ohr, Jennifer Tretheway, Linda Valentine

Staff liaisons: John M. Buchanan, Pastor; Beth Truett, Executive Director, Chicago Lights

Reprinted from the Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago 2006 Annual Report