Brooklawn Child & Family Services, Louisville, KY

February 1, 2011

Brooklawn Child and Family Services faced a challenge. The organization, which provides residential treatment programs that help severely emotionally and behaviorally troubled boys, experienced an 80% increase in referrals from state agencies between the years 2004 and 2006. Also, over the previous four years, the number of children served daily in residential care programs increased from 65 to 107. Brooklawn was out of space and something had to be done.

The Board and staff knew they needed new facilities, but they were a bit uncertain as to how to proceed. That’s when they turned to The Covenant Group for help. The first step was to conduct a feasibility study and they combined it with a development audit. Mike Schultz, Vice President of Development, recounted the key role this approach played in the overall success of the campaign. “These processes were very helpful. The outcomes gave us a good idea of who we were as an organization and what we would be capable of achieving in a campaign.”

The Horizons of Hope campaign, set out to fund three major projects. Schultz explained, “We needed options (group homes) for placing older kids who completed treatment but had no where to go. We also wanted to begin an intensive treatment program for young girls (aged 6-18) which would be the first in the state. However, we needed a place for the girls to live. Finally, most of the buildings on campus were built in 1961 and were badly in need of renovations.”

As a result of the feasibility study, the Brooklawn Board set a basic needs goal of $3 million and a visionary needs goal of $5 million. Schultz credits much of the campaign’s success to the strong, pre-campaign Board and staff training process. “The Covenant Group helped us develop a volunteer structure that would be the most beneficial to the campaign. They were very helpful in educating the staff and Board about what needed to be done in various phases of the campaign. They laid out the plan, processes, training and materials that helped our volunteers make successful solicitations.” Schultz remarks that Dr. Moisan’s (Len) presentation and training skills are one factor that sets The Covenant Group apart from other firms. “Len comes across as enthusiastic, experienced, professional and motivational. He truly excels in this area.”

During the campaign Schultz used both “accessible” and “helpful” to describe The Covenant Group. “The associates were easily accessible, willing to help and advise on all of the campaign specifics and always available to meet with the volunteers and Board.” Schultz commented that even though the “contractual period” is over, he still “feels comfortable calling Len for advice or support.”

Today, more than $8 million has been raised. Schultz mentioned that the campaign, has “taken on a life of its own and has been even more successful than we anticipated.” In addition to being able to serve more of the state’s most needy children, through its increased capacity in residential programs, Schultz notes that Brooklawn has also increased public awareness, broadened its donor base, experienced more Board ownership and increased staff excitement as a result of the campaign. Schultz would “absolutely” recommend The Covenant Group to other organizations seeking campaign counsel. “They are experienced in knowing what makes campaigns work … their experience in campaign management was extremely valuable to a rookie like me.”

“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