Dynamic and mission-driven leader with over 40 years of progressive experience at Off The Street Club. Proven track record of driving impactful youth programming, leading capital projects, and steering high-profile fundraising initiatives. Adept at strategic planning, community engagement, program development, and organizational leadership. Recognized for a lifelong commitment to empowering youth through education, mentorship, and opportunity.
Hi, I’m
Arnett Morris
OAK PARK,Illinois
Summary
Overview
45
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Off The Street Club
Executive Director | Board Member
01.1981 - Current
Job overview
- Career Progression: Junior Leader → Administrative Assistant → Program Manager → Executive Director → Board Member
- Key Contributions & Achievements
- Crisis Leadership During Historic Challenges
- Provided steadfast leadership and operational stability for Off The Street Club during two of the most turbulent periods in recent history—the Chicago civil unrest of 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Navigated the Club through significant disruptions, ensuring continued support, safety, and engagement for at-risk youth and families.
- During the 2020 riots, maintained a calm, strategic presence amid citywide uncertainty, safeguarding Club facilities, staff, and youth while reinforcing the Club’s role as a safe haven in the community.
- Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, led swift adaptations to programming, including the launch of remote learning support, wellness checks, and emergency outreach to meet the evolving needs of members and their families.
- Advocated for and secured resources, partnerships, and technology to continue delivering essential services, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to the Club’s mission.
- Program Development:
- Time To Read / Time To Excel (1988–Present): Founded and led the Time To Read program (now Time To Excel)—one of Off The Street Club’s most enduring and transformative academic initiatives. The program continues to serve as a cornerstone of academic support, promoting literacy, educational excellence, and personal growth among youth.
- Teen Leadership Work Project: Developed a structured teen leadership program that provided job training, work-readiness skills, and leadership development opportunities for young teens, preparing them for future academic and career success.
- Choral Development Program: Launched and directed a youth choral program that gave Club members opportunities to perform locally and nationally—including appearances on WGN-TV and at events supported by local businesses—promoting self-confidence, artistic expression, and public engagement.
- Capital Projects Leadership
- 1992: Served as Assistant Project Manager for the construction of a new boys’ dormitory, recreation hall, and additional facilities at Camp Mathieu, significantly expanding the Club’s residential and program capacity.
- 1995: Assisted in managing the planning and construction of a new girls’ dormitory and dining facility at Camp Mathieu, supporting greater inclusivity and improved accommodations for female members.
- 1992: Collaborated with McClier Corporation as Assistant Project Manager on the renovation of the 25 North Karlov building, ensuring safe, modernized facilities for Club operations in Chicago.
- 1998–2000: Played a key role as Assistant Project Manager in the successful completion of a $6 million capital project to build Off The Street Club’s new activity center, a major milestone in the Club’s history that expanded programming and engagement opportunities for youth.
- 2004: Served as Project Manager for the successful design and construction of a brand-new swimming pool at Off The Street Club’s Camp Mathieu, enhancing summer programming and providing a safe, recreational resource for hundreds of youth each year.
- 2010: Played a key role in the design, fundraising, and acquisition of two new buses for Off The Street Club, enhancing transportation safety and accessibility for youth attending year-round programs and Camp Mathieu.
- Fundraising & Events:
- 1990-2008: Played a pivotal role in the creation and success of the Bozo Ball, a premier fundraising event, serving as a key fundraiser and leader, helping raise critical funds and awareness for Club programs.
- 2008: Played a key role in the development and launch of “SOS – Save Our Summer,” a strategic fundraising initiative designed to ensure continued access to Camp Mathieu for hundreds of youth. The campaign generated critical support during a time of financial uncertainty, preserving the summer camp experience as a vital part of the Club’s mission.
- Donor Development
- Donor In-Person, Written, and Social Media Communications
- Donor Database
- Grant Writing
- Filing, Labeling, Organizing Donor Files
Aratex Accounting
Assistant Accountant
06.1985 - 09.1985
Job overview
- Managed accounts payable and receivable processes to ensure timely and accurate financial transactions.
- Assisted in preparing monthly financial statements, enhancing accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
- Streamlined data entry processes using advanced accounting software, improving efficiency across the department.
- Conducted regular reconciliation of bank statements, identifying discrepancies and ensuring prompt resolution.
Education
University of Illinois at Chicago (UICC)
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
University Overview
Harry S Truman College
Associate of Arts (A.A.)
University Overview
Skills
- Non-Profit Leadership
- Youth Program Development
- Project & Facilities Management
- Fundraising & Donor Relations
- Event Planning & Execution
- Community Engagement
- Strategic Planning
- Team Leadership & Staff Development
- Efficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint)
Accomplishments
Accomplishments
Organizational Growth & Impact
- Increased annual fundraising revenue by 20% over three years through major gifts, grants, and donor engagement strategies.
- Grew program reach from 600 to over 1,000 participants annually, expanding access to services across new communities.
- Developed and executed a 10-year strategic plan focused on sustainability, program expansion, and equity.
- Built and managed a high-performing team of 11 staff and 500+ volunteers, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.
- Launched a staff professional development program, leading to 90% improvement in employee retention.
- Balanced a $2.2M annual budget while increasing reserves by 10%.
- Successfully secured multi-year funding from local foundations for program innovation and capacity building.
Affiliations
Affiliations
Publicis Media
Leo Burnett
Ogilvy
DDB Chicago
Talman Consultants
Uniting Voices
Havas Chicago
ARC
Mid-America Sports
Spirit of Truth Church
St. Catherine St. Lucy School
St. Ignatius High School
Spark Chicago
Zeno Chicago
Edelman Chicago
Certification
Not For Profit Professional
Food and Sanitation
Life Guard
CDL
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Interests
Golf
Bowling
Travel to new countries
swimming
basketball
football
Timeline
Assistant Accountant
Aratex Accounting
06.1985 - 09.1985
Executive Director | Board Member
Off The Street Club
01.1981 - Current
Harry S Truman College
Associate of Arts (A.A.)
University of Illinois at Chicago (UICC)
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
COMMUNITY & BOARD SERVICE
COMMUNITY & BOARD SERVICE
Off The Street Club, Board Member, Advisor, Time To Excel Program, Community Liaison for Youth Empowerment InitiativesLeadership & Mentorship
Leadership & Mentorship
- Mentored generations of youth, many of whom returned to contribute to the Club as volunteers and staff.
- Built and sustained strong community partnerships, donor relationships, and volunteer networks.
Availability
See my work availability
Not Available
Available
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Lifelong advocate for youth education and development
- Extensive experience in cross-functional leadership and inter-organizational collaboration
- Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of programming and leadership
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeQuote
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
Software
Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint, Bloomerang, Charity Proud