
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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