REALIZING
DREAMS 2 0 2 1
A N N U A L
R E P O R T
Realizing Dreams Around the World
Overcoming challenges and looking forward Dear Friends Christel House works! While I have always been able to say that with confidence, never have I been more certain that the model Christel DeHaan created can deliver remarkable results under virtually any circumstances. I hope you find our 2021 Annual Report as compelling as I do. I am grateful to have had a front row seat to witness the inspiring achievements of our schools. In every Christel House school, students, teachers and staff have persevered through seemingly endless – and unpredictable – challenges. Following strict Covid protocols, schools welcomed our students back for in-person learning. But plans changed weekly (and in some cases, daily) throughout the year. Through it all, teachers and school leaders have continued to display amazing dedication, care, and compassion for our students. Our newest school, Christel House Jamaica, opened in 2020, but a pandemic-delayed ribbon cutting ceremony was held in 2021. The Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, joined students in the celebration, offering strong praise for Christel House: “If you are going to break the inequity in society, you need to get the students from the poorest communities, from the poorest households, into the best schools.”
In South Africa, students returning for in-person classes follow strict pandemic protocols.
BART PETERSON PRESIDENT AND CEO CHRISTEL HOUSE INTERNATIONAL 2 - A LETTER FROM BART
Jamaica’s Prime Minister, The Most Hon. Andrew Holness, visits Christel House. “Anywhere you go in the world, this school would meet the highest standards.”
The passing of Christel in 2020 left everyone in our organization with a profound sense of responsibility for carrying her vision forward and transforming even more lives around the globe. The Christel House International Board of Directors has created a new Strategy Planning Committee to consider the best ways to expand impact and build upon the expertise developed over the past 23 years. The committee’s work will ultimately guide expansion of new Christel House schools as well as creative programs to extend our reach beyond each school’s walls. I will keep you informed as our exciting growth agenda evolves. Christel House transforms the lives of children by breaking the cycle of poverty. All of us thank you for your generous support. Best,
A LETTER FROM BART - 3
Realizing Academic Gains
Alumni give back as tutors for next generation
Christel House India – Bangalore graduates are volunteering to tutor and mentor students at Christel House India – Atal Nagar. “The students in Atal Nagar have been severely challenged due to school closure,” says Jaison C Mathew, Christel House India CEO. While the school has now reopened for in-person classes, the Alumni Tutoring Program (ATP) was launched as part of the remote learning program to provide young students with role models and online math and literacy support. It has delivered over 2,500 hours of tutoring services. “These kids are where I was when I was a kid myself. Now it’s my turn to help the same way I received help back then,” says Priyanka Devaraj, 2015 grad and now a Threat Analyst at Sophos. For Shamli S., a 2011 grad and content analyst, it’s also about setting examples and boosting the confidence of young students. “I encourage them to ask questions and guide them to develop study skills.” All participating graduates were grateful to give back. David Simon T., class of 2019, sums up the experience. “The bonding has become so strong…I want to give the best to my little brothers and sisters.”
“You wouldn’t believe how delightful it is to be part of their learning journey.” - Nagashree Hanumanthappa 2019 Christel House India graduate
4 - REALIZING ACADEMIC GAINS
Technical Honors Diploma introduced in Indianapolis A new Technical Honors option at Christel House Watanabe High School adds Career and Technical Education Courses (CTE), which allows students to develop important 21st century skills and gain a strong academic base. “We’ll offer CTE programming such as welding, design processes, computer science, and business courses,” says Paige Pittman, Principal. The program will also offer opportunities for students to earn industry-based certifications. “The Technical Honors diploma option will open up doors for students,” says Pittman. “Students will have an honors distinction and can pursue higher education. But they will also have workforce readiness skills that will allow them to immediately enter a career field if they choose.”
Graduates excel with university acceptance Jayalakshmi S., was accepted to KREA University. But the high-achieving 2021 Christel House India graduate faced a dilemma – she didn’t have the resources to attend the prestigious university and scholarships were not available. College & Careers financial support would help, but not be sufficient to cover all the costs of tuition, and books, and living expenses. Then a team of donors stepped forward to make her dream to study biology come true. “I will work hard and become a successful person,” she promises her supporters. “One day I will help others and give back to the community.” Christel House South Africa (CHSA) celebrated as 78.5% of the Class of 2021 earned a Bachelor’s Pass, qualifying to go to college. Valedictorian Asekho N. plans to study Law at Stellenbosch University. She persevered when her mother passed away in 2019 and then lost her grandmother in 2021. “I faced many challenges including not being able to study at home because electricity was an issue,” she says. “I am really thankful for the onsite accomodation and support provided by Christel House.”
REALIZING ACADEMIC GAINS - 5
Realizing Growth
Welcoming the youngest students More than 60 Grade RR (pre-k) students received a warm welcome as Christel House South Africa (CHSA) opened three new classrooms for 4-year-olds. “CHSA turns 20 this year and adding this crucial phase to our Early Childhood Development program has long been a dream for us,” says Adri Marais, CEO. Getting children into preschool leads to better life outcomes for youngsters. “Research has proven that the formative years of a child’s life are the most important and early intervention is key in removing the many barriers to success that our students face,” says Carol Kriel, CHSA Junior School Principal.
Building a high school in Atal Nagar Christel House India – Atal Nagar received formal approval from the Government of Chhattisgarh and Nava Raipur Atal Nagar Vikas Pradhikaran for Phase Two construction to add classrooms and equipment for grades 7-12. “This investment indicates a commitment to the development of economically challenged families in Atal Nagar,” says Jaison C Mathew, Christel House India CEO. The new addition will measure 56,800 square feet and government support includes furniture, fixtures, and classroom technology. Construction is underway with a projected opening towards the end of 2022.
6 - REALIZING GROWTH
Creating a communityserving campus Through an innovative partnership with Indianapolis Public Schools, Christel House Indianapolis moved to the underutilized Manual High School facility on the Southside of Indianapolis where it now serves nearly 1,400 K-12 and adult high school students. “We’re excited to have four schools on one campus,” says Dr. Sarah Weimer, Executive Director. “For us, a communityserving campus means being a resource, creating opportunities, and reducing barriers in order for all members of the community to thrive.”
Drop-in daycare service provides support With the support of Glick Philanthropies and the Rowley Family Foundation, Christel House DORS at Manual is providing its adult students with a new drop-in daycare service. Parents can bring their preschool age children with them and more easily concentrate on their studies knowing their kids are nearby and safe. “It makes it easier to pursue my education goals,” says Merary G., a new mom studying at the adult high school.
Coming in June 2022 A new Early Learning Center Thanks to donors and a $1 million matching grant from the United Way of Central Indiana, Christel House Indianapolis has partnered with Early Learning Indiana to create a new Early Learning Center for infants to five-year-olds on the Manual campus. The center will fill a void on Indianapolis’ Southside and offer a crucial opportunity to ensure the city’s most vulnerable children receive a great start in life. Special thanks: Airbnb Community Fund Christina Dennis Anne N. De Prez Efroymson Family Fund - A CICF Fund Dr. Harvey and Phyllis Feigenbaum Glasscock Family Foundation
Herbert Simon Family Foundation Judy Kleiner Kenneth and Debra Renkens Gene Tanner Ed and Kathy Wall
See a full list of Early Learning Center donors at www.christelhouse.org/ELCsupport
REALIZING GROWTH - 7
Realizing
The Christel House Vision
Christel House transforms the lives of children by breaking the cycle of poverty.
6,688 93% Students currently enrolled including College & Careers
8 - REALIZING THE VISION
Annual K-12 retention
98%
Students passing graduation exams
92%
Graduates continuing studies or employed
SOURCE: CHRISTEL HOUSE DATA DASHBOARD
Our holistic model focuses on the “whole child.” We don’t just educate, or provide nutritious meals, or provide health care - we do all these things plus provide character education, family assistance, and career support. Our comprehensive model starts the day students enter our doors and continues for five years after they graduate from high school. Through our unique College & Careers program, we help students define a career path that will lead to meaningful employment. This may include college, technical training, or apprenticeships.
With five years of College & Careers support after high school graduation,
We invest 18 years in each child! REALIZING THE VISION - 9
Graduate success stories
Realizing their dreams! Emily Perry
2016 Graduate Christel House Indianapolis Pediatric Nurse Riley Children’s Hospital
Watching family members deal with health issues while growing up inspired Emily toward a career taking care of others. Her sister was diagnosed with a serious medical condition that impacted the whole family. “It was very difficult to watch my role model go through something so hard.” Today, Emily and her sister are both nurses. Emily says Christel House pushed her to work hard for her goals. “I learned a lot of my determination and dedication through Christel House which helped me succeed at college.”
Christel House grads are more likely to complete post-secondary studies than their peers.
3x
SOURCE: CHRISTEL HOUSE DATA DASHBOARD
Jonathan Hernández Muciño 2008 Graduate, Christel House Mexico Corporate Law Attorney
Jonathan admits he arrived at Christel House Mexico “at a complicated time in my childhood.” But he says with the support of the school, he was able to excel. “My thanks to the Founder for her great vision, support and affection, and to my teachers!” Having completed a specialization in corporate law, Jonathan is now working on his master’s degree. Reflecting on his time at Christel House, he remembers the little things. “A delicious memory was the ice pops they gave us for dessert,” he says smiling.
10 - REALIZING THEIR DREAMS
Nadine Caryn Khotoo 2009 Graduate Christel House South Africa 4th Grade Teacher Christel House South Africa
360
“Growing up, I had many challenges,” Nadine says. Most nights she went to bed hungry. “Both my parents didn’t finish school, so I had to study and do homework without much help.” Then, Nadine started at Christel House South Africa in grade 5. “I had the best experience. The help we got was beyond what I expected. The teachers were more than teachers – they went above and beyond and I’m forever grateful.” Nadine was inspired to become a 4th grade teacher at the school. “Christel House taught me to dream big, go big and always keep pushing. Even if we fall, we get back up and we try again.”
Graduates around the globe earned diplomas in 2021.
SOURCE: CHRISTEL HOUSE DATA DASHBOARD
Brittany Phillips
2021 Graduate, Christel House DORS Construction Worker, Pepper Construction Brittany has big plans for her future. “I want to be a journeyman. I love the trade I’m in.” She landed her job after graduating from the adult high school. Hard work isn’t a new concept for Brittany. She’s working full-time, taking classes at Ivy Tech community college to earn her associates degree, and she’s enrolled in apprenticeship classes. “My goal is to build a career in construction.”
Vimal Raj
2012 Graduate, Christel House India Senior Risk Analyst, Amazon
“Christel House was and is my second home,” says Vimal. “I was especially touched by the care and love the teachers shown towards us.” He says the College & Careers program was “a guiding star” offering support, coaching, and career guidance. Completing college, Vimal was recruited to join Amazon. He’s received promotions at work and hopes to eventually become a Human Resources Manager. “I have learned many values from Christel House that have helped me become what I am today.”
REALIZING THEIR DREAMS - 11
Melvin Brown III
2015 Graduate, Christel House Indianapolis Senior ICT Help Desk Technician, Christel House Academy West Melvin says Christel House opened a door he thought would be closed to him – a chance to go to college. “Finances really played a major role in my life,” he says. Crediting the support received from the College & Careers program, Melvin earned a B.S. in Information Technology from Indiana State University. “A program following graduates five years post-graduation got me where I am today,” he says of College & Careers. “I greatly appreciate it!”
94%
of Christel House graduates stay in regular contact with their College & Careers coordinators. SOURCE: CHRISTEL HOUSE DATA DASHBOARD
Mitzi Salinas
2012 Graduate Christel House Mexico Entrepreneur, Vogma
Mitzi says the high academic standards at Christel House motivated her to earn a communications degree in college. “Christel House has allowed me to know that everything that I dream can be done.” When she was only 18 years old, Mitzi launched her dream – shoe sales. Saving money working as an assistant at a law firm, she sold sandals online making a profit. “I started little by little, I had to be patient and hardworking.” With her mother’s help, she got a bank loan and created Vogma. Working with a local manufacturer, Mitzi now sells her own shoe designs online. “Christel House gave me a solid basis in my life, empowered my skills, and made me a confident woman,” Mitzi says. “Thanks for everyone who makes this wonderful school possible.”
12 - REALIZING THEIR DREAMS
Xolisa Wulana
2012 Graduate Christel House South Africa Supply Chain Management “Christel House was the place where I felt most safe,” says Xolisa. He and two siblings were raised by a single mother in a gang-infested neighborhood. “Every afternoon when I left I couldn’t wait to be back at school the next morning. That led to me having 100% attendance at school from grade 2 right up to grade 12.” Xolisa was an excellent student, recognized with the Christel Award his senior year. He received an Honours in BCOM Information Systems at the University of Western Cape. “I don’t know where I would be if it weren’t for the opportunity many of my peers back home missed out on,” Xolisa says. “Thank you Christel House for taking a burden off my mom and providing me a quality education.”
Divya Rashi
2017 Graduate Christel House India Graduate Engineer Trainee, Daimler Trucks Divya says it was hard growing up in a single parent home. Joining Christel House in kindergarten changed her life. “At Christel House, every student is encouraged to be independent individuals who can bring a difference in our communities.” She credits the College & Careers program helping her choose a college. “I graduated with a B.E. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology.” As a trainee, she is learning the operations at Daimler. Divya calls Christel DeHaan, the late Founder of Christel House, her fairy godmother. “No words can express how grateful I am for everything she has done for the world.”
Lamar D. Trice, Jr.
2021 Graduate Christel House DORS Real Estate Sales
Lamar calls his time at DORS, our adult high school, a great experience. “It was like a family. Everybody wants to see you succeed.” A College & Careers scholarship allowed him to take real estate classes and the required state exam. He offers strong advice to anyone considering DORS – “Go - it’s one of the best opportunities. They really care and will motivate you to get your diploma.”
REALIZING THEIR DREAMS - 13
Board of Directors Steve Ross - MAINE Former CEO of Edcon, Republic of South Africa; Board Chair, Christel House International Olivier Chavy - FLORIDA President, Panorama Nancy Gillespie - FLORIDA Retired Human Development Economist, World Bank
Transparency and Accountability Combined and Consolidated Financial Statements of Christel House International Inc. and its Affliates 1 Breaking the cycle of poverty requires tenacity and determination. It requires adherence to rigorous educational and business practices, high measures of accountability and complete transparency. Every Christel House entity’s financial statements are audited annually.
2021 Combined Revenue
Gordon Gurnik - FLORIDA Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Hilton Grand Vacations
Judith A. Kleiner - NEW YORK Former Senior Vice President, KBC Financial Products
5,272,000
13%
Corporations/Foundations
9,298,000
22%
Individuals/Board Members
1,870,000
4%
468,000
1%
Virtual Walk/Events
Donald Knebel - INDIANA Of Counsel, Barnes & Thornburg
TOTAL
Martha Lamkin - INDIANA Retired President & CEO, Lumina Foundation for Education, Inc.
$42,480,000
100%
2021 Combined Expenses
Gail Shiel Mahoney - ILLINOIS Principal, Shiel Design Company
Education & Other Program Services
$33,829,000
80%
Nutrition
1,565,000
4%
Health, Outreach & Social Services
1,706,000
4%
37,100,000
88%
Education
Lucas Montarce - INDIANA Senior Vice President and Controller & CFO LRL, Eli Lilly and Company Guido Neels - INDIANA Operating Partner, EW Healthcare Partners Marc Nichols - NEW YORK Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Company Secretary, Saab, Inc.
General & Administrative 4
Bart Peterson - INDIANA President & CEO, Christel House International Dennert O. Ware - TEXAS Retired Executive Chairman, Board of Directors, CeloNova BioSciences, Inc
Matt Will - INDIANA Director of External Relations, Associate Professor of Finance, University of Indianapolis
60%
2
Endless Success Foundation 3
Donald Harrill - FLORIDA Retired Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Orange Lake Resorts
Cheryl Wendling - INDIANA Senior Vice President, Christel House International
$25,572,000
Government
Management & General
2,653,000
6%
Fundraising
2,423,000
6%
5,076,000
12%
TOTAL
$42,176,00
100%
1. Financial data is unaudited; when completed, audited financial statements will be available on our website. 2. Primarily U.S. State and Federal charter school funding. 3. Endless Success Foundation, Inc. (“ESF”) contributions released from restrictions in support of general and administrative (including fundraising) expenses and operating shortfalls. ESF is a supporting organization established by Christel DeHaan, the Founder of Christel House. 4. Management & General and Fundraising expenses are covered by ESF. Note: Christel House International is a registered 501(c) public charity, number 35-2051932. Christel House schools are registered not-for-profit entities in their local countries. The Christel House registration number with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services is SC 10875.
In Memoriam Christel DeHaan - INDIANA Founder, Christel House International Jaswant S. Gidda - INDIANA Chief Executive Officer and Director, Anagin, Inc
14 - FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY
Celebrating Our Supporters A generous grant of $500,000 from The Charles and Lucille King Family Foundation will be utilized to support the Christel House College & Careers program. As part of the grant, Christel House will also create an endowment to be known as The Charles and Lucille King Family Foundation Arts Fund. The fund will be designated to provide scholarships and/or stipends to graduates pursuing the arts, which are core to the Christel House model. Thank you to our Dean’s List and special gift donors: Airbnb Community Fund
Doug and Angela Braly Family Foundation Glasscock Family Foundation IKEA Neels Family Foundation
The Amy and Bart Peterson Foundation Anne N. De Prez
Rowley Family Foundation Craig and Janet Duchossois
Kenneth and Debra Renkens Dennert O. Ware
Michael O. Hilton
Steve Ross
Dr. Margaret Watanabe
THE WALK AROUND THE CHRISTEL HOUSE WORLD 765 walkers participated in the 2nd annual virtual event presented by RCI.
Alessandro Franchi and Jan Barnes, Tim and April DeHaan & Family, Evelin and Gerhard Klemm, Don Knebel, Judy Kleiner, Steve Ross, Ann Schneider, Joe Schneider See a full list of donors online at www.christelhouse.org/2021donors
REALIZING
DREAMS It all began with the dream, passion, and dedication of our Founder. Now, their futures are bright because of YOU. Christel DeHaan left a legacy gift that will cover administrative and fundraising expenses in perpetuity.
100% of your gift
supports programs and services for students. BECOME A CHRISTEL HOUSE DONOR TODAY. www.christelhouse.org/donate
Christel House International 10 West Market Street, Suite 1990 Indianapolis, IN 46204-2973 Phone: 317-464-2030 Fax: 317-464-2039 Email: children@christelhouse.org www.christelhouse.org
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