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The Brother David Darst Center, located in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago, was founded in August, 2002, by Br. Denis Murphy, a De La Salle Christian Brother, in collaboration with Thomas and Claudia Thomas. The Darst Center and its mission were developed in response to the growing need for youth and young adults to be educated on issues of social justice and inspired to be intentional about their own just living.
In the fall of 2002, the Darst Center received recognition as an Illinois non-profit corporation, establishing its 501c3 federal and Illinois state tax-exempt status. At the same time, a Board of Directors was organized, comprised of Christian Brothers, Mercy Sisters and lay members. This Board has served as the consistent support of the Darst Center’s development.
The Center’s efforts during its first year extended primarily to facility improvements and program development. Once established, the Darst Center held its first immersion retreat in February 2003, under the direction of Br. Denis Murphy and Tom Thomas, the first Darst Center Directors.
During the summer of 2005, the Board of Directors hired the current Executive Director and partnered with the Amate House Archdiocesan Volunteer Program to provide a second full-time staff presence. Immersion retreats continue to be the primary program, with workshops, speaking engagements and publications serving as supplemental methods of education. |
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