Putting Family and Faith First: Henne Jewelers and Imani Christian Academy

By Vanessa Orr

At this time of year, we often reflect on the importance of family. And while some families are related by blood, just as important are those families who may be unrelated, but that are formed through the bonds of love and support.

The Henne family and Imani Christian Academy are two such examples. For the past 121 years, four generations of the Hennes have worked together to run the family business, Henne Jewelers. Imani Christian School, established in 1993, has made it its mission to provide love and support to at-risk children in a family-oriented atmosphere. Working together, the Hennes and the school have brought together individuals from all walks of life to create an even larger family that looks out for, and helps raise, the next generation of Imani graduates.

“My brother, John, first got involved with Imani seven years ago, and it was a life-changing event,” explained Meg Henne Gibson, who works with her brother at their family’s Shadyside store. “When he’d come back to the store after one of their meetings, he’d have tears in his eyes talking about the conditions that these kids came from, and the hope that they’d been provided through Imani. What the school has accomplished literally shakes the foundations of what you believe can be done.”

Following John’s example, even more members of the Henne family became involved with Imani. Patriarch Jack Henne serves on the school’s advisory board, and his wife, Nancy, is a constant ‘prayer warrior’ and fundraiser. “Both Jack and Nancy have consulted with me on many matters concerning the school, and I value their input,” said Elder Milton Raiford of Imani Christian Academy. “I consider John not just a board member, but a brother of mine; I feel that I am a member of the Henne family, and they are all members of the Imani family.”

The idea of inclusion is nothing new to the Hennes. Even when the children were young, they wanted to become part of the family legacy. “We twisted our dad’s arm to be allowed to start in the business,” said Henne Gibson, who is raising her own family in Seven Fields. “We began by doing little things like wrapping packages; after a while, we were able to come into the business as professionals.” Both Meg and John work in the store, and their other sister is a stay-at-home mom. Though retired, Jack Henne still serves as a business consultant, and mom Nancy works on the sales floor and provides consulting services.

In addition to this experienced workforce, one of the reasons that the business has lasted so long, according to Henne Gibson, is that they ‘bend over backwards’ to please their clients. “Our tag line is ‘Henne Jewelers. Jewelers for Life,’ and we mean that,” she explained. “We are a part of our clients’ lives. I can’t tell you how many times a person has come in and told us that we worked with his granddad, or that we provided the engagement ring for his parents.

“We are also known for employing people with incredible talent,” she added. “Our buyer, Nina, is phenomenal at selecting jewelry that is fashion-forward and unique. Our staff also includes certified master watchmaker Chris Travelstead and watch aficionado Chad Rickicki. We also carry the designs of a number of artists whose work is not saturated in the market; their pieces are exquisite and often one-of-a-kind.”

Having been a landmark in the community for so long, Henne Jewelers is able to use its name as a draw for Imani fundraisers, which greatly benefits the school. Because it is a faith-based academy, Imani receives no public school funding. “Almost every child who is here has had their education subsidized through individual donations, board support, foundation grants and money raised through fundraisers,” said Elder Raiford. “We credit much of our success to generous benefactors in the community.” He added that a number of North Hills’ churches have been very supportive of Imani, most notably, New Community Church and Orchard Hill Church.

With the funds raised, Imani Christian Academy is able to help at-risk students. “Some of these kids might not have been in school for a while, and almost all of them know at least one person who has been shot or killed. Before we can begin teaching them, we first have to heal their spirits,” said Elder Raiford. “We do this by working one-on-one with students to assess their physical, social and emotional conditions, and to help them let go of the bitterness they hold.

“Everything we do is through our shared love of Christ; we don’t just talk about God, but show them in many ways how God is there for them,” he added. “Through His love, children come to trust and love us; once their spirits are healed, the learning comes quickly.”

So does success. Imani Christian Academy boasts a zero dropout rate, and many of its students have gone on to become teachers, writers, corporate leaders and entrepreneurs. “Our creed is that all students are developed into service for others; no task is too large or too small,” said Elder Raiford. “We want our students to embrace what God has called them to do, and to become ‘whole’ adults who turn into meaningful producers in society.

“Through the help of people like the Hennes, we are able to show that these kids are not bad or unable to learn,” he added. “We are able to care for God’s most treasured gift—children.”