Ross Taproot works with Casa Central

Starting in May, The Ross Alumni Club of Chicago has teamed up with the Taproot Foundation on a project for Casa Central. We are creating a new brochure to be used for fundraising and general program information. The current brochure was created 16 years ago! The project will conclude in November before the holidays.

Casa Central Kickoff – July 12

Our team met to kickoff the project with the client. We got a tour of their campus and met several of their program leaders. Even knowing how big they were beforehand, the breadth of their services, the depth of knowledge and their passion for helping the community was very impressive.

Ross Team Kickoff – June 14

The team met for the first time. After introductions, Kevin briefed everyone on the project and walked through Milestones, Communications Plan, Responsibilities, Timelines.

Site Visit – May 14

Hugh met with the leadership of Casa Central including the President, Ann Alvarez, to verify readiness and approve the grant. Her team is very impressive and very educated – many with experience in for-profit business. They had a prior Taproot team complete a Branding and Key Messaging project. A top recommendation was to update their brochure.

Meet the Team
Like all good teams, each person has a defined role but also pitches in create stronger strategy, ideas and deliverables.
Hugh Jedwill (MBA 2004) is Account Director
Kevin Williams (MBA 1986) is Project Leader
Paras Parekh (BA 1994) is Marketing Manager
Lakshmi Bhargrave (MBA 2009) is Copy Editor
Gretchen Samuelson is the Graphic Designer

Why partner with Taproot?
The Taproot programs are consistent with the core equity of Ross, Leading in Thought and Action. We use the brain power of our alums to create positive change in Chicago non-profits. The programs are designed similar to the MAP
programs that most all Ross grads have experienced. Think of it as a non-profit MAP….post-bschool.

More about Casa Central
Casa Central is the largest Hispanic-oriented social service agencies in Chicago with over 450 employees and a budget of $16 million.

• Mission: Transform lives and strengthen communities with a special focus on Hispanics
• Child/Youth programs reach 500 children pre-elementary, 175 grade school and 100 teens
• Seniors programs reach 150 for wellness activities and 1500 are provided home care services
• Adults/Families reach 70 homeless families, 500 victims of domestic violence and 800 get free computer classes