This week on Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community, host Jill Economou sits down with Kelly Lemens, founder of A Place to Be, a nonprofit spirituality center dedicated to helping people find connection, belonging, and purpose. Kelly shares her inspiring personal journey and discusses how creating safe, welcoming spaces for authentic relationships can help combat isolation and build stronger communities through fellowship, meaningful conversations, and shared experiences.

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities often face a difficult transition after leaving the school system, navigating complex services, funding programs, and community resources with little guidance. This week on MPC, host Jill Economou is joined by Dr. Samantha Bear, Executive Director of Blossom IDD, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities build lives filled with connection, purpose, independence, and belonging.

Strong, confident, and connected girls become strong, confident, and connected women. This week on Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community (MPC), host Jill Economou welcomes back Tina Jones, Executive Director of Girls on the Run Southeast Wisconsin, to discuss the ongoing youth mental health crisis and how early intervention, positive relationships, and physical activity can help girls build the resilience they need to thrive.

Wisconsin is home to nearly 288,000 veterans, yet many are unaware of the benefits, services, and resources available to them. This week on MPC, host Jill Economou is joined by Quentin Hatfield, Executive Director of Wisconsin Veterans Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting veterans and their families with the support they need through a collaborative statewide network of more than 300 partner agencies.

A healthy smile does more than improve appearance. It builds confidence, supports overall health, and opens doors to opportunities that many of us take for granted. This week on MPC, host Jill Economou is joined by Scott Marshall, CEO of Community Smiles Dental, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to quality oral healthcare for underserved families and individuals throughout southeastern Wisconsin.

When life takes an unexpected turn, having a safe place to land can make all the difference. This week on MPC, we're joined by Major Rachel Stouder of The Salvation Army Milwaukee to discuss how the organization supports individuals and families experiencing homelessness, housing instability, medical challenges, and other unexpected crises.

Healing from metastatic breast cancer requires more than treatment. Co-founders Alyssa Tsagong and Megan Monday discuss how Temple of Kinship creates connection and community through free retreats for women with stage IV metastatic breast cancer and their closest friends.

For millions of people in rural Africa, a simple pair of shoes can mean access to school, employment, health, and dignity. Hear from Diane Studer, founder of Soles for Jesus, a Wisconsin nonprofit sharing Christ’s love through shoe distribution and partnerships across Africa. 

More than 8 million Americans live with an intellectual or developmental disability, yet many still face barriers to full participation in community life. Balance, Inc. empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live meaningful, connected lives as active members of their communities.

Most people don’t realize that the salt they spread in winter can end up in our lakes. John Macy from Lake Country Clean Waters is here to explain how everyday actions like that can impact water quality, and what each of us can do to protect these lakes for future generations.

Chris Muellenbach, President of the Whitefish Bay Civic Foundation, shares how this volunteer-led organization brings people together through traditions like the Fourth of July parade, Sounds of Summer, the Great Pumpkin Festival, and community ice cream socials.

What does it really mean to “be the village” for foster and adoptive families? Hear from Fostering Community, an organization working to build connection, support, and belonging for foster, adoptive, and kinship families across southeastern Wisconsin.

At Mount Mary University, everything starts with one belief: when women thrive, communities do too. From three-year degree programs, to expanded healthcare and nursing labs built for hands-on, integrated learning, MMU is rethinking how education meets students where they are.

What if your next night at the theater included a sunset, a picnic, and a stage nestled in the heart of nature? Dustin Martin, Artistic Director of Summer Stage of Delafield, shares how an outdoor theater company is bringing performing arts to life in Lapham Peak State Park.

40% of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Donelle Hauser, President and CEO of Lad Lake, shares how Lad Lake is helping young people in crisis stabilize, rebuild confidence, and find a new path forward.

In Racine, one free after-school program is helping students catch up and believe in themselves again. Directors Darci Green and Julie Kamphaus share how John 23 is helping students build confidence, strengthen academic skills, and develop resilience.

Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) is investing in the future workforce of Waukesha County. Executive Director Robyn Ludtke shares how the Foundation supports students through scholarships, emergency grants, campus food pantries, career closets, and more. 

Ready for more conversations from Ellenbecker Investment Group? Explore our other podcasts Money Sense and The Wealth Seed to learn, grow, and stay connected to what matters most.