Jeanne Schroer, the real estate leader who helped anchor Life Learning Center in its Covington home nearly two decades ago, will be honored at the Northern Kentucky nonprofit's annual fundraising gala this fall.
Life Learning Center announced Sunday, July 26, that Schroer, president and CEO of The Catalytic Fund, is the 2026 honoree for its Light the Way Gala. The event is set for Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at MegaCorp Pavilion in Newport.
The gala raises money for the center's work helping adults facing poverty and unemployment build new lives through life skills training, career readiness programs, and job placement.
Why Schroer
Schroer's connection to the nonprofit runs deep. She used her real estate expertise to help the organization secure its facility at 20 West 18th Street in Covington, where it has operated since its founding in 2006.
Beyond Life Learning Center, Schroer has spent more than 45 years in commercial real estate. The Catalytic Fund, a Community Development Financial Institution she leads, manages a $33 million investment fund and has backed more than 100 projects totaling over $600 million across Bellevue, Covington, Dayton, Ludlow, and Newport since 2013, according to the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.
In a November 2025 NKY Tribune profile, Chuck Scheper, chairman of Bexion and recently retired chair of the Catalytic Fund board, described Schroer's trajectory at the organization: "I have watched Jeanne since being hired by the Catalytic Fund in 2008 first build capacity then manage the myriads of projects since then," Scheper said.
The center's impact
Life Learning Center reported putting more than $15 million back into the local economy in 2025, according to its press release. The organization said its recidivism rate stood at 3.82% that year, compared with what it called a national average of 83%.
The center's core program, Foundations for a Better Life, addresses five areas: physical, financial, spiritual, emotional, and relational well-being. The organization also received a $2.7 million federal appropriation for fiscal year 2026 to expand its sites across Kentucky.
What to know about the gala
The Light the Way Gala will feature a VIP reception, cocktails, dinner, and entertainment at MegaCorp Pavilion, a multi-level venue on the Ohio River in Newport. Ticket prices and a public registration link have not been announced. Residents can contact Life Learning Center at (859) 431-0100 or visit lifelearningcenter.us for details.
