For longtime Cristo Rey St. Martin supporters Justin and Erin Foley, giving back has always been about creating lasting, generational change. Their journey with CRSM began years ago through friendships and faith, and has grown into a deep, personal commitment to transforming lives through education.
“We first heard about Cristo Rey through our parish, St. Mary’s,” recalls Erin. “It was something that was on our radar, but once I visited the old school, I knew I wanted to get involved.”
At that time, Cristo Rey St. Martin was still operating in its old, aging facility. It was a place where the school’s spirit shone bright despite serious challenges. “There were lockdowns due to shootings in the neighborhood,” Erin remembers. “The building itself wasn’t safe. Chair legs were literally going through the floor. Yet, even then, there was something magical happening there.”
Not long after that visit, the Foleys became active supporters, and Erin joined the school’s Board of Trustees, serving for eight years. During this time, she also spent many years on the CRSM event planning committee. Her leadership and creativity on the committee played an important role in elevating the school’s events and expanding their impact during key moments of growth.
Through Justin’s firm, the Gelber Group, the couple has continued to support Cristo Rey St. Martin’s mission both personally and professionally. “Every time Erin came home from a board meeting, she had stories about the students, their drive, their hope, their determination. That is what kept us invested,” Justin says.
They were involved long before the move to the new Waukegan campus, at a time when a new school was still only a dream. “To see where the school is now, compared to where it started, is incredible,” Justin reflects. “It is proof that this model works. Cristo Rey changes lives, not only for students but also for their families and communities.”
Justin also notes that sustaining the model is more important than ever. “The Corporate Work Study Program was once the main source of funding, but that is no longer the case,” he explains. “Individual giving and annual support have become essential. The mission still works. It simply needs all of us behind it.”
For Erin, the reason to stay involved remains clear. “There are so many ways to help people,” she says. “But education, especially for students who might not otherwise have access, is the most powerful way to make real, generational change. It changes everything for siblings, for parents, and for entire communities.”
The Foleys’ belief in education’s ripple effect has guided much of their philanthropy. Justin also serves on the board for the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund, continuing his work to open doors for young people. “When a student experiences success, they often turn around and help the next generation,” he says. “That is how transformation happens.”
From the early, humble beginnings of Cristo Rey St. Martin to the thriving, state-of-the-art campus that stands today, the Foleys have witnessed and supported a story of hope, resilience, and faith in what is possible.
“It is about showing these kids what they can become,” Justin says. “When you invest in education, you are investing in the future of entire communities. That is something we will always stand behind.”