THE PRO DEO STORY
OUR BEGINNINGS
In 2002, Henry and Karen Pritchett, the founders of Pro Deo Foundation, formed the Pritchett Foundation with the proceeds of the sale of one of their investment real estate holdings. With gratitude for God’s grace, this Foundation was formed with a mission to address the needs of children at risk. The focus was primarily concerned with the needs of poor, destitute and orphaned children through ministries providing a holistic care model, including food, shelter, education and spiritual formation. Evangelism of young and old alike continues to be a significant part of the Pritchett Foundation’s mission.
From 2012-2018, the founder’s philanthropic interests were primarily overseas. In more recent years, they became aware of a sense of call to also address the needs of children at risk at the local level through programs and partnerships in Southern California. This sense of call led to the formation of the Pro Deo Foundation in 2018. The founders formed this Foundation as an operating foundation to actively participate in the work of helping children at-risk locally. In this way, the founders and staff of Pro Deo seek to grow personally in their faith and desire to come alongside others to lead productive kingdom oriented, spirit-filled lives.
Henry & Karen Pritchett | Founders
Henry and Karen Pritchett were married in Wheaton, Illinois in 1976. Shortly thereafter, they decided to pull up roots and move to Southern California. Henry wanted to get into commercial real estate and California gave him the opportunity to realize his goals. Henry launched a successful real estate career with Karen as a very productive partner in the business. In 1979, they welcomed their son Christopher to the family who turned out to be their greatest joy and blessing. Karen and Henry continued to work hard in their business as they began developing self-storage properties. God continued to bless them and their business which allowed them to fulfill their real desire of sharing what they have received.
They started the Pritchett Foundation in 2002 and most recently Pro Deo Foundation in 2018.
OUR FUTURE
While we cannot possibly know what the future holds, we will continue to pray, plan, and prepare for a future that includes Pro Deo and our work. We are eager to engage with the public, private, and religious sectors to create meaningful partnerships, to implement impactful programs, and to lead change. There is so much to do, and we believe that operating foundations like Pro Deo are uniquely positioned to bring about much needed social innovation.
We know that these changes won’t happen overnight.
We plan on being around for a long time.