The Catholic Initiative became aware that the oldest Catholic young women high school in the city Chicago was looking for a partner to help secure the real estate of the school, as the school would no longer be able to operate on that land as of Summer 2025. Josephinum Academy has a historic past and an even brighter future ahead. Josephinum is led by Richard McMenamin, an inspired and determined advocate of Josephinum. It became clear early on in the conversation that Josephinum is poised for dramatic growth. The leadership team and Board of Trustees are focused on delivering a unique and exceptional high school experience to every student. The Catholic Initiative wants to be part of that future, side-by-side with the leadership team and students. Negotiations with the current land owners (the Sisters of Christian Charity) took place over the course of 2+ years. An agreement in principal is in place for The Catholic Initiative to acquire the land in summer of 2025, and The Catholic Initiative will provide the majority of that funding. The teams from the Josephinum Academy and The Catholic Initiative are now working together to raise the remaining money required to complete the purchase of the school property.  The Catholic Initiative is also committed to supporting the school’s long-term sustainability by helping to establish an endowment, restoring the iconic building, and partnering with the School to develop strategic community programming that will strengthen Josephinum’s role within its resurgent neighborhood. Through this collaboration, we aim to ensure that The Jo remains a thriving institution dedicated to academic excellence, faith formation, and community service for generations to come.