Blue House Closing

Dear Friends,

We write this letter with both sadness and joy. After much research, thought, discussion, and prayer, it is time to close Catholic Youth Ministry Center at Morgan Park High School more commonly known as The Blue House.

The impact of the pandemic was felt by many youth programs as we all struggled to recruit and interest young people in programs before and after the Covid shut-down. As you know, there are now a multitude of programs, organizations, and extracurricular activities available for our young people which offer quality programs in a variety of areas we cannot. The student participation in our programs during the last two years has decreased dramatically. Despite our efforts to change, transform, adapt, and refocus our programs, it has become clear that this model is no longer meeting the needs or interests of young people in a post-Covid world.

This realization, coupled with the impending retirement of the Blue House Director, resulted in the unanimous decision by the Board of Directors to close our doors at the end of this school year. As stewards of the generosity of others, we have always been committed to spending donations wisely. It is no longer fiscally responsible to maintain our programs and the needs of the house.

We are sad to end our work with young people but are joyful in the knowledge that The Blue House provided direction to thousands of MPHS students since 1979. We are sad to leave a community of supporters who helped us in hundreds of ways but joyful to have known such generosity. We are sad to say goodbye to our staff with a combined 79 years of service but joyful to know they are people who will prosper and grow wherever they go.

In the next few months we will host two parties: an Open House at the Center for those who want “one last look around” and a Thank You to all who have kept the Blue House alive. Invitations will be sent ASAP. Please let us know if you would like to join us in celebrating!

In the words of the very wise Winnie-the-Pooh, “Don’t be sad it’s over, be happy it happened.”

Peggy Goddard, Jean King, John Cook and the Board of Directors
of Catholic Youth Ministry Center at Morgan Park High School AKA The Blue House