Cabbage Patch Settlement House, Louisville, KY

May 18, 2016

The Cabbage Patch Settlement House is a Christian service ministry that has focused on the needs of inner-city children and families since it’s founding in 1910. Almost 60% of the children in the program live in poverty and are at high risk for teen pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse and continued poverty. The Cabbage Patch leadership team realized that continued success would be dependent upon their ability to think strategically about the future of the ministry. The Covenant Group was able to help The Cabbage Patch develop a strong strategic plan and conduct a feasibility study. In addition, The Covenant Group provided capital campaign consulting and management services.

“I really supported Dr. Moisan’s involvement in our strategic planning process because his approach encouraged ‘staff-based support with board buy-in,’ and I felt that was important given what we were trying to achieve,” stated Jennifer Scott, Director of Administration & Development. “Len really broke down barriers and understood what our staff was struggling with. At the same time, he was able to relate to our board – to inspire them. He was effective in getting a plan developed that gave us a clear sense of direction – so effective, that we decided to use him for our next two projects, the feasibility study and the capital campaign.”

Ms. Scott continued, “Len did not use a cookie-cutter approach. He focused on our specific needs and situation. He helped alleviate the volunteers’ fears with regard to fundraising, he pushed our board’s boundaries, developed them by elevating their sights, and always responded within the framework of the direction we were giving him. His thinking was highly strategic.”

The Cabbage Patch is a stronger ministry today because of The Covenant Group’s involvement. Mr. Tracy Holladay, Executive Director, related, “My sense is that Len has a strong appreciation for our ministry, and it showed in his work. I would recommend The Covenant Group; our money was well-spent.”

Results

Developed a strong, coherent strategic plan

Organized campaign, engaged the Board and helped manage campaign process

The Cabbage Patch has achieved their $4.5 million goal

“I really support The Covenant Group’s strategic planning process because their approach encourages staff-based support with board buy-in, and I felt that was important given what we were trying to achieve. The outcome is an effective plan that builds consensus and provides a clear sense of direction.”
- Jennifer Scott, Director of Development - The Cabbage Patch Settlement House

“The Covenant Group is highly competent, very experienced and knowledgeable. They provided a broad perspective by equipping us with useful data…and best practices in the field. All in all, they are excellent.”
- Dan Jones, CEO - 21st Century Parks

“The campaign has truly been a miracle. People were committed from the beginning, but…even raising $650,000 seemed like a stretch. To nearly double that amount is incredible! When the plan they developed allows you to hit a goal like that, it builds such a sense of community. The momentum built by the campaign is spilling outside the walls of our church and benefiting others in the process.”
-Father John Hollowell - Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church

“For those of us who don’t do this everyday, The Covenant Group instilled confidence in us. They helped us get through the fear and apprehension by providing us with a process, training and motivation. They taught us and helped us plan in a way that was for the better. We have built lasting relationships with donors and we will continue to steward these relationships long into the future.”
- Sue Finke, Director of Institutional Advancement - Covington Catholic High School

“No one anticipated we could raise this amount. Even the Archdiocese is surprised. The funds raised represent about 15 times our annual giving. But it’s not just the financial results. People stand around talking more than they did before the campaign. There is also a renewed and energized spirit among the parishioners. It’s the most exciting thing to happen in our parish in the last 100 years.”
- Gary Libs, Campaign Co-Chair - St. Mary of the Knobs Catholic Church

“The Covenant Group’s process involved a lot of people in our congregation doing small tasks … that built ownership. They took our vision and put it into a concrete plan. They helped us understand the importance of making our vision clear and laid out the steps to make the vision a reality. Their process built consensus and showed people how they could help. Their methods are based on a solid theological foundation that includes key documents, prayer support, and requisite training … all of which were invaluable.”
- Daniel Montgomery, Pastor - Sojourn Community Church

“Everything The Covenant Group did to help us…in the initial stages was helpful…the development of the case statement; our materials; the training of our Board members; strategies; all these steps laid the foundation for eventual success. They brought such a high level of professionalism, a wealth of experience and a strong track record of integrity and success… just being associated with The Covenant Group helped us.”
- Nancy Doctor, Development Director - Wellspring

“The structure The Covenant Group provided was excellent. It allowed our members to use their God-given talents to benefit the church community They helped us develop a plan and identify key leadership candidates to chair the effort, as well as engaging between 80 to 100 people to carry out the work of the campaign. It was truly a whole congregation effort and The Covenant Group helped facilitate that. They helped us reach our full potential as a congregation.”
- Ron Poisel, Pastor - Christ Lutheran Church

Cabbage Patch Settlement House, Louisville, KY

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