When I joined the Robert Crown Center for Health Education as a consultant in 2011, I could never have anticipated the remarkable journey my career would take over the next 14 years. Progressing through various roles—from Special Events Coordinator to Development Associate, Director of Operations, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Director, and finally, CEO—I’ve worn many hats along the way.
I entered the organization during a pivotal moment. Established in 1974, the center had become a rite of passage for over six million students in the Chicagoland area. However, as the educational landscape evolved, we recognized the urgent need to reinvent ourselves to better align with modern school environments and technological advancements. In 2016, we embarked on a comprehensive strategic plan that would be crucial for our future. Engaging with our schools and community revealed the necessity to adapt our programs, incorporating technology and enhancing social-emotional skill-building.
The transformation of our programming was a multi-year endeavor, meticulously planned and executed. With the support of our partner schools, we piloted new initiatives, and our exceptional education team continuously refined the content. We introduced two additional sex education programs, a substance abuse prevention initiative, and three other offerings to meet the evolving needs of our students. By implementing pre- and post-activities through an online learning management system, we extended student learning time by an additional hour.
In light of the financial pressures schools faced regarding transportation, we made the strategic decision to sell our building and focus entirely on in-school program delivery. Nearly 80% of our clients were already utilizing our services within their classrooms, making this transition not only practical but also financially sound. The sale provided us with a much-needed cash infusion, positioning the organization for innovation and growth.
Recognizing that Crown Family Philanthropies were interested in removing their name from the organization, we decided to explore a rebranding process that would reflect our new program delivery format. We began this journey in 2019, and despite some concerns from the community, our school partners overwhelmingly expressed their commitment to our programs, regardless of our name.
During our annual board retreat in March 2020, we finalized our new name and began investigating virtual program delivery. Little did we know that a global pandemic was just around the corner, fundamentally changing our world. Although the initial months were challenging, the crisis compelled us to innovate rapidly. We now offer our programs in virtual formats and have reached over eight hundred students beyond the Chicagoland area.
My journey at Robert Crown and Candor has been nothing short of extraordinary. Throughout it all, one constant remains: the unwavering excellence of our Health Educators. Our superior programming has earned us a reputation across the Chicagoland area and beyond, positioning us for continued success for the next 50 years.
Written by: Barb Thayer, Chief Executive Officer