Annual Membership Assembly 2024

"Love is the force driving us to dream and create a better world, to dismantle systems of oppression, and to build bridges instead of walls." – Rev. Avalon Betts-Gaston

At the 142nd Annual Membership Assembly (AMA), our keynote speaker, Rev. Avalon Betts-Gaston, challenged us to reimagine what’s possible when we stand together for change, whether through advocacy, community engagement, or financial support.

As you read our Annual Report for the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year, we want to thank you for being part of the CRS family. Together, we are building a world that reflects the values of justice and compassion.

Annual Report
2023 — 2024

CONTENTS

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2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Faith in Action Assembly

This virtual event centered on the wisdom of Dr. King, with a panel of diverse speakers who shared statements and testimonies related to his prophetic language. With over 150 participants, Community Renewal Society (CRS) drew upon the life and legacy of Dr. King to inspire, shape, and drive our ongoing work in the pursuit of racial healing and racial justice. 

Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference​

CRS hosted a booth for three days, where the team worked tirelessly to educate attendees about CRS’s mission and engage with partners. ​CRS also co-hosted and sponsored MSNBC commentator and author Joy Reid, and we honored Dr. Yvonne Delk and Dr. Curtiss DeYoung, hosting their book signings with a drop-in by Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright.

Migrant Advocacy Work

CRS amplified its support for migrant rights through partnerships and community engagement. Our team worked on campaigns to address systemic barriers and provide resources to immigrant communities, aligning with CRS’s commitment to justice for all.

Jerusalem Cultural Immersion and Conference

Under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Middleton, CRS organized a groundbreaking cultural immersion and led a delegation of 13 thought and faith leaders to Palestine and Jerusalem during an ongoing war.​ The delegation engaged in educational workshops and community discussions, gaining first-hand insight into the struggles faced by Palestinians. ​Evening debrief sessions were co-facilitated by Dr. Middleton and one of four CRS workshop presenters. Dr. Linda Thomas encouraged participants to translate their experiences into actionable advocacy. ​This immersion positioned CRS as a key player in faith-based global justice initiatives and underscored the organization’s dedication to addressing systemic oppression on an international scale.

Building Beloved Community

Watch the full 141st Annual Membership Assembly video.

Financials

Expenses

  • Program Services: $1,330,122

  • Support Services: $569,260

Total Expense: $1,899,382

Contributed Revenue

  • Individual Contributions: $66,575

  • Member Congregation Dues, Nonprofit Donations: $46,392

  • Corporate and Nonprofit Contributions: $7,875

  • Foundation Grants: $350,080

Other Revenue

  • Endowment Distributions: $1,998,243

  • Interest designated for Operations: $41,919

  • Gain from extinguishment of debt: $356,952

  • Publication Sales: $246

Total Revenue: $2,868,284

Thank You to Our Partners!

Coalitions & Community Organizations

  • Chicago Theological Seminary, Rev. Dr. Brad Braxton

  • Coalition to End Money Bond

  • Communities United (GOC)

  • CPD Consent Decree Coalition

  • Empowering Communities for Public Safety Coalition

  • Grassroots Alliance for Police Accountability

  • McCormick Seminary

  • Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center

  • Sanctuary Working Group

  • Wellington United Church of Christ

  • Women’s All Points Bulletin, Crista Noel

Foundations and Funders

  • Chicago Community Bond Fund

  • Field Foundation

  • GAPA Coalition Funders

  • MacArthur Foundation

  • Foundation to Promote Open Society

  • Woods Fund of Chicago

Thank you to our member congregations and individual donors.
We could not accomplish what we do without your financial support.

Become a CRS Sustainer by donating monthly and consider including CRS in your estate plan.

Community Renewal Society Staff Members

EXECUTIVE

Rev. Dr. Waltrina N. Middleton
Executive Director

ADMINISTRATION
Liz Kloster
Cassandra McClendon
Marian McKinney
Bria Taylor
Artaisha Thompson
Pateska Woods

HUMAN RESOURCES AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Rev. Dr. Ebony Only
Jim Trapp

DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS

Tatum Causey
Franchelle Brown
Tyla Gross
Chris Groza

POLICY AND ORGANIZING
Keron Blair
Allena Bradley
Biliah Castleberry
Kwyn Townsend Riley
Brian Young Jr.

THE CHICAGO REPORTER

Hugo Balta
Relana Johnson
Cecilia Milmoe
Glenn Reedus
Katherine Schulder-Battis
L. Nicole Trottie

INTERNS

Nour Al Hajjeh
Katie Masano Hill
Zachary Leiter
Mackenzie Tatananni

Community Renewal Society Board of Directors

  • Ibiyinka (Ibi) Aboyade-Cole

  • Rev. Avalon Betts-Gaston

  • Juanita Bradley 

  • Glenn Brewer 

  • Dr. Ulysses Burley III 

  • Rev. Dr. Lillian Daniel 

  • Rev. Dr. Carmin A. Frederick-James

  • Rev. Dr. Aaron J. McLeod

  • Rev. Dr. Terrill Murff 

  • Rev. Brandyn Simmons

  • Rev. Anthony W. Sullivan Jr. 

  • Carrie Thomas 

  • Kevin Tyson

Community Renewal Society Member Congregations

  • Bethel United Church of Christ, Elmhurst

  • Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church

  • Christ Church United Church of Christ, Des Plaines

  • Clair-Christian United Methodist Church, Chicago

  • Congregational United Church of Christ of Arlington Heights

  • First Baptist Congregational Church

  • First Church of Lombard United Church of Christ

  • First Congregational Church of La Grange

  • First Congregational Church of Wilmette

  • First Congregational United Church of Christ of Naperville

  • First Congregational United Church of Christ of Waukegan

  • First Unitarian Church of Chicago

  • First United Church of Oak Park

  • First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights

  • First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple

  • Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago

  • Glenview Community Church

  • Grace Lutheran Church, Evanston

  • Grace United Church of Christ

  • Highlands Presbyterian Church

  • Kenwood United Church of Christ, Chicago

  • Lincoln United Methodist Church

  • Luther Memorial Church

  • North Shore Unitarian Church

  • Northfield Community Church

  • Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Arlington Heights 

  • Pilgrim United Church of Christ, Oak Park

  • Prince of Peace United Methodist Church, Elk Grove Village

  • San Lucas United Church of Christ, Chicago

  • Second Presbyterian Church of Chicago

  • Second Unitarian Church of Chicago

  • Southminster Presbyterian Church, Arlington Heights

  • St. Paul United Church of Christ, Barrington

  • Third Unitarian Church of Chicago

  • Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago

  • Unitarian Church of Evanston

  • Unity Temple, Oak Park

  • University Church of Hyde Park, Chicago

  • Urban Village Church, Chicago and River Forest

  • Westchester Community Church

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