MPC: Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community

Revitalize Milwaukee: Helping Neighbors Stay Safe at Home This episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community explores what it truly means to have a safe place to call home and what happens when essential home repairs become financially out of reach. Host Jill Economou is joined by Melanie Roach, CEO of Revitalize Milwaukee, a nonprofit helping low-income seniors, veterans, and people living with disabilities remain safely and independently in their homes. Melanie shares how critical home repairs, from installing grab bars and railings to addressing unsafe steps and deteriorating roofs, can make a life-changing difference for homeowners who want to remain in the places and communities they know and love. She discusses the difficult choices some homeowners face when necessary repairs compete with medications and other basic needs, as well as the dangers that can develop when home maintenance is delayed for years. The conversation highlights Revitalize Milwaukee’s Older Adult Home Modification Program, its network of trusted contractors, and Revitalize Projects that bring community partners and volunteers together to complete critical repairs. Melanie also shares powerful stories illustrating the housing challenges facing neighbors throughout Milwaukee and Waukesha counties and explains why experiencing these conditions firsthand can change the way people understand the need. Listeners will learn how Revitalize Milwaukee is working to preserve safety, independence, and dignity for vulnerable homeowners, along with ways individuals and businesses can support the mission through donations, volunteering, advocacy, and hands-on service. Episode Highlights: 0:24 | What “home” means and why safety and independence matter 4:59 | Who Revitalize Milwaukee serves and its critical home repair mission 6:42 | The Older Adult Home Modification Program and identifying safety hazards 8:21 | A homeowner story illustrating the consequences of deferred repairs 10:43 | The high cost of roofing and other critical home repairs 12:36 | Serving homeowners throughout Milwaukee and Waukesha counties 14:18 | Revitalize Projects and completing critical repairs with community volunteers 16:12 | What Milwaukee’s “Year of Housing” means for Revitalize Milwaukee 18:34 | The real-life housing challenges facing local seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities 21:04 | The biggest challenges facing homeowners and limitations of available resources 24:21 | How individuals and businesses can support Revitalize Milwaukee 26:00 | A vision for Milwaukee as a model for helping vulnerable homeowners stay safely at home 27:25 | How to connect with Revitalize Milwaukee and get involved REVITALIZE MILWAUKEE Revitalize Milwaukee is a nonprofit organization providing critical home repairs for low-income seniors, veterans, and people living with disabilities in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties. Through home safety modifications, critical repairs, trusted contractors, volunteers, and community partnerships, the organization helps homeowners remain safely and independently in the homes and neighborhoods they know and love. Website: Visit Revitalize Milwaukee ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the MPC Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website:

Latino Arts: Celebrating Culture, Creativity and Community Through the Arts This episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community explores the role art can play in preserving cultural heritage, building connections, and creating a sense of belonging. Host Jill Economou is joined by Jacobo Lovo, Managing Artistic Director of Latino Arts, a Milwaukee nonprofit that has spent more than 40 years providing accessible arts programming while showcasing the work of Hispanic and Latino artists. Jacobo shares how Latino Arts approaches its mission through two complementary goals: preserving and celebrating the diverse cultural heritage of Hispanic and Latino communities while building cultural bridges that invite people of all backgrounds to experience and learn through the arts. Through visual art exhibitions, live performances, cultural workshops, and educational programming, Latino Arts creates opportunities to experience the breadth and diversity of Latino culture. The conversation highlights the organization’s commitment to artists at every stage of their careers, from emerging local artists to national and international performers. Jacobo also discusses signature programs and events, including the Latino Arts Strings Program, the annual Día de los Muertos celebration, Noche de Gala, student matinees, cultural workshops, and virtual programming. Listeners will also hear how these experiences can create meaningful connections to cultural heritage, particularly for young people, and why Latino Arts wants the broader community to know that its programming is for everyone. Jacobo shares ways to experience the organization firsthand, support its mission, and celebrate the artists and cultures that enrich Milwaukee and beyond. Episode Highlights: 0:23 | Introduction to Latino Arts and its more than 40 years in Milwaukee 1:24 | Latino Arts’ mission and its role in Milwaukee’s near south side 2:09 | Preserving Hispanic and Latino cultural heritage while building cultural bridges 2:49 | Showcasing visual and performing artists from Milwaukee and around the world 3:18 | What a typical year of performances, exhibitions, workshops, and programming looks like 4:27 | The diversity of artists featured by Latino Arts 5:28 | Supporting emerging artists and providing opportunities to showcase their work 7:14 | Celebrating more than 40 years of Latino Arts in Milwaukee 8:05 | Serving an intergenerational community and helping people connect with their cultural roots 9:09 | The Latino Arts Strings Program and combining classical training with cultural traditions 9:57 | Classical Guitar Fest and opportunities for young musicians 10:37 | The annual Día de los Muertos celebration and honoring its cultural roots 12:04 | How Día de los Muertos creates opportunities for healing, remembrance, and community 13:51 | Educational programming, student matinees, artist workshops, and community engagement 14:36 | Noche de Gala and supporting music education for more than 200 students 15:25 | The impact of private and group instruction through the Latino Arts Strings Program 16:35 | Why access to culturally relevant arts programming matters 16:48 | A student’s powerful experience connecting with her Mexican heritage 18:51 | Extending Latino Arts programming beyond Milwaukee 19:23 | Using virtual programming such as Lotería to connect audiences around the world 20:20 | How community support and philanthropy sustain Latino Arts’ work

Helping the Helpers: Building Supportive Cultures in Nonprofit Organizations This episode of Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community explores how nonprofit leaders and teams can continue serving others without sacrificing their own well-being. Host Jill Economou is joined by Jen Marr, founder of Showing Up and bestselling author of Showing Up and Lifting Up, for a thoughtful discussion about burnout, workplace culture, leadership, and the human need for connection. Drawing on more than a decade of research and experience supporting communities through times of crisis and change, Jen shares insights into how people respond to stress, overwhelm, and suffering. Beginning with her work in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook tragedy, she explains how even the most well-intentioned support can miss the mark and why organizations must develop practical skills for showing up effectively for one another. The conversation explores the unique challenges facing nonprofit professionals, who often dedicate themselves to serving clients, donors, and communities while neglecting their own needs. Jen discusses the growing impact of workplace stress, the erosion of personal connection in a screen-driven world, and the critical role leaders play in creating supportive environments where employees feel seen, heard, and valued. Listeners will learn practical strategies for recognizing burnout, improving communication, conducting meaningful check-ins, and shifting from transactional leadership to relationship-centered leadership. Jen also shares actionable ways organizations can strengthen workplace culture through simple, intentional behaviors that foster trust, connection, and resilience. Episode Highlights: 0:23 | Why caregivers, nonprofit professionals, and helpers often struggle to care for themselves 0:56 | Introduction to Jen Marr and her research on support, stress, and human connection 2:01 | How Jen's work began in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook tragedy 3:34 | Why nonprofit professionals are especially vulnerable to burnout and exhaustion 4:06 | Understanding the difference between caring and carrying 4:26 | How technology and screen-based work have reduced meaningful human connection 6:17 | The "barbell" concept and balancing clinical care, self-care, and organizational support 7:32 | Why organizations and leaders share responsibility for employee well-being 8:47 | What gets lost when mission-driven work overshadows human connection 9:31 | The critical role leaders play in supporting overwhelmed employees 10:58 | Signs that high-performing team members may be experiencing burnout 11:55 | Understanding the "awkward zone" and common leadership blind spots 13:24 | Why compassion alone is not enough without practical leadership skills 14:58 | Why caring people often struggle to ask for help themselves 15:25 | The three biggest reasons people avoid seeking support 16:41 | The difference between a kind culture and a truly supportive culture 18:08 | Practical first steps for nonprofit leaders who want to create healthier workplaces 19:39 | Simple daily behaviors that help people feel valued and appreciated 20:38 | The power of fast, frequent check-ins between leaders and employees 22:07 | Creating space for honest conversations without making them overwhelming 23:32 | Helping employees prioritize work during periods of stress and overload 25:23 | Supporting the mission without sacrific...

Casa Segura de Dios: From Darkness to Hope and Second Chances This episode of Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community explores the power of redemption, recovery, and second chances. Host Jill Economou is joined by Praxedes Reyes-Burgos, Founder of Casa Segura de Dios, whose remarkable personal journey transformed him from a life of addiction, crime, and incarceration into one dedicated to helping others overcome similar struggles. Praxedes shares his story of growing up in Puerto Rico, where violence, drugs, and crime became a normalized part of daily life at an early age. Drawn into the streets as a child, he eventually became involved in drug trafficking and addiction, leading to multiple prison sentences and a federal indictment in 2013. What seemed like the end of his story became the beginning of a profound transformation. While incarcerated, Praxedes witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of addiction, hopelessness, and overdose among fellow inmates. Through his faith and personal reflection, he discovered a new purpose: helping individuals trapped in addiction find healing, restoration, and hope. That calling ultimately led to the creation of Casa Segura de Dios, which translates to "Safe House of God." The conversation highlights the organization's mission to provide transitional housing, mentorship, recovery support, and practical life resources for individuals struggling with addiction and life-controlling challenges. Praxedes discusses the importance of addressing the root causes of addiction, extending grace instead of judgment, and helping people rebuild their lives with purpose and dignity. Listeners will learn how Casa Segura de Dios is working to create pathways to recovery for individuals who often feel forgotten, as well as how volunteers, donors, and community members can support the organization's growing mission. Episode Highlights: 0:56 | The importance of second chances and refusing to let past mistakes define the future 1:23 | Praxedes' early life and growing up surrounded by violence, crime, and addiction 3:48 | How environment and circumstance shaped his path into the streets 6:30 | The federal indictment that became a turning point in his life 7:55 | Who Praxedes was before becoming a pastor and community leader 8:43 | Addiction, emptiness, and realizing the need for change 11:07 | The experiences in prison that inspired the vision for Casa Segura de Dios 12:34 | Witnessing addiction, overdoses, and hopelessness behind prison walls 13:19 | Receiving the vision for a "Safe House of God" during incarceration 14:22 | Returning to the community and launching a ministry focused on recovery and restoration 15:47 | The mission of Casa Segura de Dios and helping individuals rebuild their lives 16:59 | Supporting people struggling with addiction, hopelessness, and life challenges 18:12 | Becoming a "hope dealer" and the impact of offering second chances 19:03 | Why many people facing addiction are carrying unseen pain and trauma 19:33 | A powerful story illustrating the importance of compassion over judgment 22:38 | What makes Casa Segura de Dios unique, including bilingual support services 23:51 | Transitional housing, mentorship, financial accountability, and long-term recovery support 25:05 | Plans to launch the organization's first recovery house 26:01 | Volunteer opportunities and ways the community can get involved 27:44 | A message of hope for families and individuals affected by addiction

This episode of Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community addresses one of Wisconsin's most pervasive yet often hidden challenges: human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Host Jill Economou welcomes Krista Hull, Founder and Executive Director of Redeem and Restore, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women heal from trauma, reclaim their identities, and build lives of dignity, purpose, and hope.Krista shares her deeply personal story of overcoming childhood abuse, abandonment, rejection, and trauma. Those experiences ultimately led her to create Redeem and Restore, an organization that walks alongside women who have experienced exploitation, trafficking, addiction, and profound emotional wounds. Through safe housing, mentorship, community support, life-skills training, and trauma-informed care, the organization helps women move from surviving to thriving.The conversation explores the realities of trafficking in Wisconsin, challenging misconceptions that these issues only occur in large cities or faraway places. Krista explains how trafficking impacts communities of every size and socioeconomic background, often hiding in plain sight. She discusses the importance of awareness, compassion, and recognizing that many individuals struggling with addiction, mental health challenges, or destructive behaviors may be carrying the weight of unresolved trauma.Listeners will learn how Redeem and Restore's residential program and outreach efforts are creating pathways toward healing and restoration. Krista also shares how volunteers, donors, educators, businesses, and community members can become part of the solution through advocacy, education, service, and simple acts of kindness.Episode Highlights:0:46 | Understanding the scope of human trafficking throughout Wisconsin1:34 | Krista's personal story of trauma, abuse, and finding purpose through service4:34 | Why Krista chose to focus on helping women impacted by exploitation and trafficking5:19 | The mission of Redeem and Restore and its relationship-centered approach6:22 | Why trafficking remains hidden despite its prevalence in communities statewide7:28 | How family relationships are often connected to trafficking and exploitation8:57 | Why awareness matters and how trafficking can affect families and neighbors10:17 | Recognizing that exploitation can happen closer to home than many realize11:52 | How celebrity trafficking cases help bring broader awareness to the issue14:15 | Inside Redeem and Restore's residential healing program for women survivors15:57 | The lasting effects of childhood abuse and trauma on adult survivors18:20 | The importance of compassion, understanding, and authentic human connection19:55 | Working with schools and educating youth about exploitation and online dangers21:11 | A survivor success story and the power of long-term healing support22:33 | How paying attention, asking questions, and showing kindness can make a difference24:09 | Volunteer opportunities and ways community members can share their skills26:06 | The role financial support plays in sustaining recovery programs27:02 | Community education, speaking engagements, and awareness initiatives28:23 | Stories of resilience, hope, and transformation among program participants29:26 | How to volunteer, donate, and support Redeem and Restore's missionREDEEM AND RESTORERedeem and Restore is a Wisconsin-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women impacted by exploitation, trafficking, abuse, and trauma. Through residential recovery services, outreach programs, mentorship, life-skills training, and community support, the organization helps participants heal, rebuild confidence, and discover lasting hope. By partne...