Dear Friend,

Thank you for allowing me to introduce myself and Goodcity to you and to tell you briefly about the important opportunity we have to work together to improve lives right here in Chicago.

In 2001 I joined Goodcity as its president, after having served more than a quarter of a century in Chicago as a Catholic priest. As a priest, I actively pursued quality of life issues to enhance communities. I soon realized the enormous power of people, working together with a common vision, to effect societal change. By joining well-recognized business, church, civic, and community leaders, such as Mayor Richard M. Daley and Joseph Cardinal Bernadin, with those who live in the neighborhoods, many things were accomplished to improve the quality of life in the city.

In the spring of 2001, I was approached by Goodcity's predecessor organization, MidAmerica Leadership Foundation, to succeed Bud Ipema, the Foundation's founder and president. We discovered that we shared a common philosophy for enhancing lives and building communities. Our approach was also similar in that we believed in supporting neighborhood visionaries, providing training and technical assistance, to help them establish independent, accountable and sustainable programs, services, or other initiatives. As president of Goodcity, I feel the city is my parish and Goodcity is a pulpit where God's love is proclaimed and alive.

Quoting an African proverb: A dream not shared, remains just a dream. A dream shared by many, becomes a reality.

I hope that we share a common vision for Chicago, and that you will join with me to make that vision a reality.

May god's Blessings be upon you.

Sincerely,

Michael T. Ivers
President