If It's For the Community, It's With the Community
The ThriveOn Collaboration is built on the premise that the way to serve and support our communities is to communicate, collaborate and embrace them as vital, essential partners. That’s why in 2019, the Collaboration began its journey by engaging with individuals in the Harambee, Halyard Park and Brewers Hill neighborhoods to help clarify our vision, shape our goals, and guide our actions. And throughout our process and progress, our connection with the community has been continuous and productive.
How we Connect
The Collaboration stays in touch with the views and values of the community through continuous dialogue and interaction with residents, organizations and other community leaders, which includes:
- Neighborhood Resident Visioning Sessions
- One-on-One Interviews
- Meet & Greets
- Community Festivals & Events
- Neighborhood Association Meetings
- Virtual and in-person office hours
We have also established a Community Advisory Council, which integrates community perspective and advises on the use of space and resources, including recommending grants in our communities.
Historic Halyard Park
Halyard Park has been a great Milwaukee neighborhood and a good place to live for a very long time. Built on a foundation of perseverance and commitment established by community residents decades ago, this small enclave has done well. Halyard Park is located between Interstate 43 and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive; and, North Avenue and Walnut Street. The neighborhood was first settled in the mid-1800s by mostly German immigrants.
From the 1920s to the 1930s, African-Americans became predominant in the neighborhood. It was during this period that Ardie and Wilbur Halyard came to Milwaukee, and founded the Columbia Savings and Loan Association in 1924. The neighborhood continued to grow healthy and vibrant in commerce and culture. Unfortunately, the mid-1960s brought serious disruptions, including the building of Interstate 43 which ripped through the heart of Halyard Park and other parts of the Milwaukee Bronzeville community. But Halyard Park and its residents proved to be resilient.
In the mid-1970s, The United Realty Group, Inc., led by Beechie Brooks, purchased land from the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee with plans to build a subdivision with new ranch style houses. The Halyard’s Columbia Savings and Loan Association financed some of those first homes in the neighborhood and many of them still stand along the tree lined streets of Halyard Park.
One of the many reasons Halyard Park is still such a special place today is the strong attachment its people have to the neighborhood. Longtime Halyard Park resident, Ms. Lennie Mosley, talks fondly about the area. “We watch out for our neighbors. When someone goes out of town, we keep an eye on things. And when someone moves into the community, we often send over flowers or a fruit basket to welcome them.” For those who live in the neighborhood, that feeling of belonging is distinct and ever-present.
Health Equity Scholars Program
COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS
The ThriveOn Collaboration is continually investing in its vision and priorities.
of ways.
So far, over $1.5 million in loans has been distributed to over 30 small businesses, all owned by people of color. Nearly 80% of the businesses are located in the Halyard Park, Harambee and Brewers Hill neighborhoods. Recipients also receive access to ongoing technical assistance to advance businesses’ long-term success. This is the third round of funding the Greater Milwaukee Foundation has issued through the ThriveOn Small Business Loans program, which launched in 2021.
Other commitments to the community have included:
- Helping to prevent resident displacement through partnership in the MKE United Anti-Displacement fund.
- Approving approximately $100 million for joint investment in new building improvement and development, including streetscaping, exterior art and green design.
- Providing more than $13.2 million in grants through the Foundation and Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment in support of COVID-19 relief, response, and recovery related to food, shelter, health, education, economic stabilization and more.
Past Events
The ThriveOn Block Party
We’d like to express our deep gratitude to all who attended the ThriveOn King Block Party on September 20! It was a joy to come together and celebrate the amazing progress we've made with our community partners, our future neighbors and their families, and all who have supported the ThriveOn King project. We shared delicious food, great music, and ideal weather. It was truly a party we will always remember!
ThriveOn King Cladding Removal
On Thursday, June 30, 2022, construction crews began work on the exciting transformation of the old department store/warehouse to the new ThriveOn King building, by removing metal panels covering the red brick structure. A modest gathering of partners, colleagues, and community members assembled to observe, support and celebrate this significant milestone.
THRIVE ON COLLABORATION NEWSLETTERS
Contact communityengagement@greatermilwaukeefoundation.org to be added to the mailing list for the ThriveOn Collaboration newsletter.
ThriveOn Collaboration Newsletter Fall 2023 (PDF)
ThriveOn Collaboration Newsletter Summer 2023 (PDF)
ThriveOn Collaboration Newsletter Spring 2023 (PDF)
ThriveOn Collaboration Newsletter Winter 2022-23 (PDF)
ThriveOn Collaboration Newsletter Summer 2022 (PDF)
ThriveOn Collaboration Newsletter Fall 2021 (PDF)
Meet The Community Engagement Team
Debra Nevels | Program Manager
Debra R. Nevels, MSHCM, currently works with the Medical College of Wisconsin as the Program Manager for Community Outreach and Engagement for Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center. Most recently she worked as Health Systems Manager for the American Cancer Society for seven years.
She is also currently adjunct faculty at Concordia University in the College of the Health Services Administration program.
Throughout her educational career, she strived to take advantage of opportunities to learn from and share knowledge with others. Debra considers herself to be a lifelong learner even though she has completed her educational pursuits. Her experience is extensively rooted in health care, but main interest is in educating others. he has worked with a variety of populations in the following areas: Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Texas.If you have any questions, feel free to contact her.
Contact information:
dnevels@mcw.edu.
Zipporah (Z) Turnbull | Community Engagement Fellow
Z is a liaison between the Foundation, the community, and council members. She identifies businesses and organizations open to collaborating and hosting events and facilitates informational sessions. Z also engages with the community to build relationships and provide grant information system training.
Z’s career includes mobilizing voters, providing resources to the community, and hosting neighborhood/community association meetings. She has worked with Common Ground and Citizen Action of Wisconsin organizing volunteers and offering voter education. Z is grateful for the experience of living outside her hometown of Milwaukee, which has provided Z with opportunities and knowledge to better understand and service her local community.
Z is a University of Wisconsin, Stout graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Social Science with a concentration in Sociology and Anthropology and a Minor in Applied Peace Studies. She received the Alec Kirby Memorial Award for Leadership in Social Justice and the Building Opportunities for Leadership Development Award.
In her personal life, Z enjoys gardening, walks by the lake, tennis, and spending time with her loving, playful dog, Jazzy.
Office Hours
With Office Hours session, visitors have the opportunity to chat with Community Engagement Fellow Zipporah (Z) Turnbull and learn information about neighborhood programs, resources and organizations in the ThriveOn King building.
If you have questions regarding Office Hours, please reach out to Zipporah Turnbull, Community Engagement Fellow, at zturnbull@greatermilwaukeefoundation.org