In the 40’s Robert “Pablo” Adams, his brothers, and some friends founded a softball team called “The Crusaders”. The Crusaders played in The Daddy O’Daily tournament and many other competitions. Softball back in the day was more than just a game: it helped young men display their talent and pride. Many of the members of that team went on to become outstanding citizens.
The team was reborn in the mid 80’s again with Pablo’s leadership and Denard Jacox by his side. One day while discussing the grit and determination of a few of the young men they were mentoring, they coined the phrase “Faithful Few”. Denard Jacox and two schoolmates from DeVry Institute of Technology filed a charter for the “Crusaders’ Faithful Few (CFF)” in 1986. The mission was to mentor young men by using softball as a training tool. They wanted to use the sport and the skills it cultivated to help young men develop character and honor.
Faithful Few continues under the leadership of Denard Jacox and has grown to include sports, arts and community programming created between families, schools, sponsors and a variety of committed partners.
Denard Jacox, Sr.
He is a true native Chicagoan. Denard graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree from DeVry University in 2002. Denard accepted Christ at an earlier age. Recognizing the anointing and calling upon his life, he became an ordained minister who has provided spiritual leadership and counseling to youth and families in the underserved communities. The organization that was founded by Denard in 1986 was called the “Crusaders Faithful Few” now known as the “Faithful Few”. Denard is dedicated to facilitating teaching and counseling, which empower him to reach others with humor. Denard is a proud father of many biological and spiritual children. His definitive desire is to see people fully embrace God’s love. He is supported in his ministry by his wife of over 30 years.
Elder Jacox has dedicated himself to a life of servanthood.
Catherine Sullivan
Was born and raised in Los Angeles and moved to Chicago in 2006. She is film and theater artist and Associate Professor in the Department of Visual Arts at the University of Chicago. Catherine started the Think it! Make it! Screen it! program with the Faithful Few as a program supported by the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts in 2012.
Charles Patterson
He is currently working as a Senior Counselor and Community Liaison for Geo Abraxas Interventions Southwood Intake Department. He has over twenty years of experience in the addictions field as Certified Addictions and Drug Counselor, Certified Red Cross Instructor trainer for HIV/AIDS prevention and CPR/ First Aid Instructor from 2000 to present. He also currently works as a consultant for Men & Women In Prison Ministries and is serving as a volunteer on the Northwestern Community Advisory Board from 2003 to present.
Chad Syverson
A George C. Tiao Distinguished Service Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He has been on the faculty of the university since 2001. He and his wife “Genaya” have four children. They live in the Beverly neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side.
Haneefah Madyun
Haneefah Madyun has served as a board member of Faithful Few since 2025. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and is deeply passionate about supporting individuals and communities in need. Haneefah supports the Faithful Few as well as other community organizations, driven by her strong belief that “it takes a village to train a child up.” Her own children have participated in many Faithful Few programs, giving her a personal connection to its mission and impact. In addition to her community involvement, Haneefah has been employed with MOBILITYWORKS for over 10 years, where she provides support to the disabled community. She also volunteers as a mentor with the Jihad Bashir Support Foundation, dedicating her time to guiding, empowering, and uplifting others.
Jean-Pierre Dubé
Jean-Pierre Dubé is the James M. Kilts Distinguished Service Professor of Marketing at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Professor Dubé is also director of the Kilts Center for Marketing at the Booth School, a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research and an academic fellow at the Marketing Science Institute. From 2008‐2010, he was a research consultant for the Yahoo! Microeconomics Research group. He has been working as a research consultant with Amazon since 2018. Dubé earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto in quantitative methods in economics in 1995, a master’s degree in economics in 1996, and a PhD in 2000 from Northwestern University. He joined the Chicago Booth faculty in 2000.
Marion Jimerson
Marion Eiland Jimerson has a distinguished career in community involvement and healthcare. After nine years as a Rehabilitation Technician at LaRibada Children’s Hospital, Marion made significant contributions at Misericordia Home Heart of Mercy for 15 years as a Rehabilitation Assistant for mentally disabled individuals. Additionally, Marion served as a High School Cheerleading Coach for Chicago Public Schools and was the Local School Council President for five years. With experience as a Substitute Teacher in private education and as an Administrator for Humanity Homes Plus Assisted Living. Marion currently volunteers in parent programs at her grandchildren’s grammar school and previously served as the Parent Advisory Council President for two years. Passionate about advocating for children, Marion remains dedicated to their well-being.
Doug McDade
(Actor, Director, Singer-Songwriter, Teaching Artist) serves the Faithful Few as an Advisory Board Member. He is the Founder of The Doug McDade Studio of the Performing HeArts and The Gurnee Theatre Company. Well-known in Chicago’s theatrical community, Doug is an award-winning actor and film director who’s acting credits include The Goodman and Steppenwolf Theatres. He is a founding ensemble member of Shattered Globe Theatre. He received the Volunteer of the Year 2006 award for developing an acting program for the Developmentally Disabled at Northpointe Resources/Aspire.
faithfulfew.org 