Darst Center Staff Transitions

"Before coming here, my hope was that I would have some sort of positive influence in the city of Chicago, just enough to make me feel good and move on. Now, in closing, I realize that direct influence was never the point, but rather, influence in myself..." (CBHS student, 2026)

For the past 24 years, the Darst Center has been walking with young people as they explore the realities of social justice and how they themselves might help bend the arc of the moral universe just a little bit more toward justice. From our humble beginnings at 2834 S. Normal to virtual programming through the Covid-19 pandemic, to borrowing spaces for programming until our move three and a half years ago to 6336 S. Kilbourn, the mission of the organization has been to "provide transformative social justice retreats and immersion experiences grounded in the Lasallian tradition and Catholic Social Teaching.” That mission is not changing; in fact, we are committed to it more than ever.

Operating a small non-profit takes the dedication of amazing staff members and the Darst Center has been blessed with some very committed people since its founding. Br. Denis, Sister Pat, and Sr. JoAnn, who were all instrumental in the founding and shaping of the organization in its early days, have all passed from this world to the next, leaving a legacy for the organization to uphold. They hired Mindy Rueden who served as Executive Director for 10.5 years and built an immersion program that has been modeled in other places since. As Mindy departed, Keith Donovan took up the reigns as Executive Director for the last 10.5 years and has seen the organization through the loss of its first property, the pandemic, a property search, and a move into its current home while continuing to welcome groups from across the country, sometimes as the only staff member. As we embark on the next chapter of the Darst Center’s history, the time of transition is upon us once again and we need your help.

While Keith’s commitment to the mission has assured that there has been a welcoming facility, well-trained staff, strong relationships with our partner agencies, and excellent programming, the Darst Center needs to begin to focus on long-term sustainability through fundraising. With that priority in mind, beginning July 1,2026, Keith will be transitioning from Executive Director to Associate Director, assuring that the mission of the organization remains front and center. The board of directors is beginning a search for a new Executive Director whose focus will be on fundraising so that this mission can sustain in the long-term.

As we embark on the next chapter of the Darst Center, you can help us in several ways. First, please share with your friends, family, and co-workers the value of the Darst Center – its programs, facilities, and mission – and help us to find the next Executive Director to help us grow into the future. The job posting will be shared widely in the coming weeks. Second, please consider making a gift to the Darst Center as we conclude our fiscal year at the end of June. We rely on donations from people just like you in order to sustain this mission. Your gift will have a lasting impact on the retreat participants entrusted to our care. Finally, please consider keeping us in your prayers that this mission will live on for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Keith Donovan
Executive Director
Br. David Darst Center

John Tubbs
Chair, Board of Directors
Br. David Darst Center