Home of the Innocents, Louisville, KY

June 5, 2016

The Home of the Innocents offers hope for children, youth and families in crisis by providing care, shelter and support. Unfortunately, demand for their services has continued to grow. At a time when the Home was landlocked and overcrowded at its main facility and three other facilities across Louisville. In order to meet both the immediate and future challenges, the Home desperately needed a new location.

That’s when The Covenant Group got involved. Thanks to a strong capital campaign, the vision for a new facility has been realized. Gordon S. Brown, President & CEO, stated it this way, “We called on Dr. Moisan’s company to help us plan and manage a successful campaign, and we believe their involvement was critical to our success. We have already raised over $23 million and we will definitely exceed our $25 million goal … The more than 1,000 kids we serve every year will have a new home. It is an exciting new beginning.”

According to Mr. Brown, the campaign launch was remarkable. “From the beginning, Dr. Moisan was responsive to our needs. I clearly remember our first board meeting when we announced the plan. Len made a moving and dynamic presentation to our board. I believe the campaign’s success was defined at that moment. Len was upbeat, enthusiastic, professional and fun all at the same time. He really set the tone for the entire campaign. As a result of that meeting we achieved 100% board involvement, which led to board-level contributions of over $650,000! That meeting, that beginning, was really a stellar moment in our campaign.”

The Home purchased a 20-acre site for their new 129,000 sq. ft. children’s village, which will be completed by December, 2002. It will include five residential cottages, two transitional living homes, the new Kosair Charities Pediatric Convalescent Center, medical and aquatic therapy service areas, dining facilities, classrooms and administrative offices. Mr. Brown noted that it is already becoming their home. “We’ve begun moving in and we are on schedule and on budget!”

Mr. Brown concluded with several laudatory remarks about The Covenant Group’s knowledge of the local community. “Len’s knowledge of the right people in Louisville really helped us. He has a thorough understanding of the local business, political and non-profit landscape, and that expertise was highly valuable. The bottom line is that this project means that kids who have had inadequate living and therapy space will be able to have a more pleasant and healthy quality of life. That is the essence of what we do.”

RESULTS
Successful $25 million campaign (exceeded original goal of $17 million)
Over 1,000 kids/year will be served at the new 129,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility
100% Board involvement (over $650,000 in contributions)

“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