Dear Christopher House Friends, Families, and Supporters,
It is with immense gratitude and excitement that I would like to introduce myself as the new Chief Executive Officer of Christopher House.
It has been nearly 20 years since I joined this incredibly special organization, and over that time, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing Christopher House’s remarkable growth and transformation. From the expansion of our Early Head Start Program to the opening of our Logan Square campus, and groundbreaking of Belmont Cragin’s Stewart Campus – ultimately completing our birth through 8th grade model – Christopher House has continually demonstrated its unwavering commitment to excellence, and the transformative ripple effect we have on the lives of our scholars and their families.
I’ve also witnessed the resilience and grace with which Christopher House adapts to adversity, including through the pandemic that disrupted every facet of education. Our capacity to navigate these challenges while remaining steadfast in our mission to close the opportunity gap through educational excellence showcases the strength of this organization and the unwavering dedication of our staff, families, and supporters.
In fact, while I’ve witnessed Christopher House evolve over the last two decades, one thing has remained constant: the unwavering commitment and support of this community. Together, we have built something truly special, and I am excited to guide the next chapter of our journey.
I am eager to collaborate with our Board of Directors, leadership team, dedicated staff, and our families to cultivate learning environments that truly embody CH’s core values of excellence, respect, and equity. We have a remarkable foundation to build upon, and our mission is clear: to provide every scholar with access to high-quality education from birth through 8th grade. Equally important is our commitment to actively engage parents and caregivers in this journey, empowering them to support their children in reaching new heights.
I am excited to navigate this new chapter and look forward to connecting with each of you in the months to come.
Warmly,
Julie
Julie Dakers
Chief Executive Officer, Christopher House
