The Renaissance Collaborative

Formerly known as the Wabash “Y” Renaissance Corporation, The Renaissance Collaborative (TRC) is a nonprofit organization committed to the revitalization of Bronzeville on Chicago’s south side. TRC was formed by four area churches whose first project was to redevelop the former YMCA on South Wabash Avenue and convert it into supportive, affordable housing and a community learning center. In early 2001, the Renaissance Apartments and Fitness for Life Center was opened in the renovated building, offering 101 residents a comprehensive program of housing, education and job training, and health and wellness activities.

The Challenge

Because the TRC Board of Directors oversaw day-to-day operations before a staff was hired, it needed to transition to a governing body more focused on setting policy. Despite their skill in working together toward a common goal — including raising more than $10 million for the restoration — the four churches behind TRC needed more direction in their board role. ESC was contracted to help enhance the effectiveness and productivity of the board as well as provide guidance on TRC’s future direction.

ESC’s Response

Besides attending all of TRC’s board meetings for a year, the ESC consultants conducted in-depth interviews with all of the board members and the executive director. They also reviewed the bylaws, charter agreement, financial reports, and previous board minutes.

An ad hoc committee of the board and the ESC consultants rewrote TRC’s bylaws to more clearly define the board’s governing role and accommodate recommendations that ESC would be proposing. These recommendations included transferring the bulk of the board’s work to committees, thus freeing up time during meetings to discuss major issues; encouraging better attendance at board meetings and TRC functions; recruiting board members from outside church circles; assigning more fundraising responsibility to individual board members; and more actively promoting TRC’s accomplishments.