Dupage Easter Seals

“It really made a difference. The effects are still with us a year later and the energy I’ve seen since the retreat is something we haven’t had before.” These are the comments of Mary Alice D’arcy, Executive Director of DuPage Easter Seals, regarding the results of a Visioning and Strategic Planning Retreat for their 15-member Board of Trustees facilitated by Jim Yunker of Smith Beers Yunker & Company. “Not only did Jim give our board members a much-needed shot in the arm,” continues D’arcy, “but he also presented materials that were very instructive in terms of helping board members better understand their role in fund-raising and overall board development.”

DuPage Easter Seals is a medical service agency providing outpatient therapy for physically handicapped children as well as child development and childcare services. Recognizing the need to re-energize their Board of Trustees following a lengthy capital campaign, Director of Development Susan Mchabcheb recommended the services of Smith Beers Yunker & Company, based on previous experience with two principals of the company.

Susan recalls that Mary Alice was a little skeptical at first, having worked with other consultants and having been disappointed, but, says Susan, “I knew that Jim Yunker’s personal style and professional manner would be a good match for us. As I expected, it turned out to be a wonderful experience. As I watch our Board members in action now, I see much more due diligence in their approach to new Board members and prospective donors. They are able to let people know exactly what is expected and look for very specific qualities in the people they ask to get involved. They approach donors with a much more clear understanding of our vision and values. This is all a result of what they learned during the retreat. They are definitely re-energized and re-invested in our organization.”