MPC: Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community

Ellenbecker Investment Group
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Non-Profit
  • Updated Bimonthly

MPC: Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community is a podcast by Ellenbecker Investment Group that celebrates philanthropy and community impact in Wisconsin. Hosted by Jill Economou, Director of Community Relations, MPC highlights Milwaukee-area nonprofit organizations, inspiring stories of giving, and practical ways listeners can make a difference. Each Thursday, new episodes feature leaders of local nonprofits, changemakers, and individuals passionate about creating positive impact. Learn how to give back, discover the joy of philanthropy, and explore opportunities to support causes that matter in Milwaukee and beyond. Join us to uncover the value of giving, connect with the Milwaukee philanthropic community, and find your own path to making a difference.

  1. 3d ago

    Latino Arts Inc

    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

  2. Sep 14

    Showing Up LLC

    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...

  3. Sep 8

    Casa Segura de Dios

    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

  4. Sep 3

    Redeem and Restore

    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 Wisconsin 1:34 | Krista's personal story of trauma, abuse, and finding purpose through service 4:34 | Why Krista chose to focus on helping women impacted by exploitation and trafficking 5:19 | The mission of Redeem and Restore and its relationship-centered approach 6:22 | Why trafficking remains hidden despite its prevalence in communities statewide 7:28 | How family relationships are often connected to trafficking and exploitation 8:57 | Why awareness matters and how trafficking can affect families and neighbors 10:17 | Recognizing that exploitation can happen closer to home than many realize 11:52 | How celebrity trafficking cases help bring broader awareness to the issue 14:15 | Inside Redeem and Restore's residential healing program for women survivors 15:57 | The lasting effects of childhood abuse and trauma on adult survivors 18:20 | The importance of compassion, understanding, and authentic human connection 19:55 | Working with schools and educating youth about exploitation and online dangers 21:11 | A survivor success story and the power of long-term healing support 22:33 | How paying attention, asking questions, and showing kindness can make a difference 24:09 | Volunteer opportunities and ways community members can share their skills 26:06 | The role financial support plays in sustaining recovery programs 27:02 | Community education, speaking engagements, and awareness initiatives 28:23 | Stories of resilience, hope, and transformation among program participants 29:26 | 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...

  5. Aug 27

    A Place to Be

    This episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community explores the power of connection, belonging, and authentic community. Host Jill Economou is joined by Kelly Lemens, founder of A Place to Be, a spirituality center dedicated to creating welcoming spaces where people can gather for fellowship, meaningful conversations, personal growth, and fun. Kelly shares her personal journey of overcoming rejection, isolation, and the search for belonging, and how those experiences inspired her vision for A Place to Be. She discusses the importance of creating safe, inclusive environments where people can show up as their authentic selves, build genuine relationships, and find support through life's challenges. The conversation highlights how meaningful connection goes beyond simply being around others and instead focuses on creating spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, valued, and accepted. Listeners will learn about the organization's diverse offerings, including book studies, Bible studies, art nights, drumming circles, game nights, potlucks, and virtual programming that connects participants from across the country. Kelly also discusses how spirituality can be expressed through everyday relationships and activities, the importance of accessibility and inclusivity, and why reducing barriers to participation is central to the organization's mission. Episode Highlights: 1:03 | Introduction to A Place to Be and its mission of connection and belonging 2:30 | Kelly's personal story and the experiences that inspired the organization 3:57 | Creating a safe space where people can simply be themselves 4:39 | The impact of isolation and the importance of community connection 5:29 | Why being surrounded by people doesn't always eliminate loneliness 6:20 | What it means to be an authentic community 7:00 | Supporting members through life's challenges and changing needs 8:28 | What attracts people to A Place to Be 9:09 | Creating safe spaces for difficult conversations about world events 10:02 | Understanding spirituality beyond traditional religious frameworks 11:29 | Inclusive approaches to faith, spirituality, and personal beliefs 12:24 | Partnerships with faith communities and local organizations 14:50 | Programs that bring people together through learning, creativity, and fun 15:18 | Popular book studies and opportunities for deeper discussion 15:18 | How art nights help participants discover creativity and confidence 16:10 | The contemplative practice and community experience of drumming circles 18:43 | Social activities, potlucks, game nights, and community-building opportunities 19:20 | How virtual programming connects participants across the country 20:42 | Building meaningful relationships and vulnerability through online communities 22:04 | Ensuring financial barriers never prevent participation 23:47 | The organization's annual fundraiser and celebration of local artists 24:51 | Ways community members can get involved, volunteer, and participate 25:34 | The importance of simply showing up and making connections A PLACE TO BE A Place to Be is a nonprofit spirituality center that creates welcoming, inclusive spaces for people seeking deeper connection, belonging, and purpose. Through book studies, discussion groups, art experiences, drumming circles, social gatherings, spiritual exploration, and community events, the organization hel...

  6. Aug 19

    Blossom IDD

    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 ID, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities build lives filled with connection, purpose, independence, and belonging. Drawing from her background as a special education educator, Samantha shares the inspiring origin story behind Blossom ID and explains how one family's search for answers after their daughter graduated from a post-secondary program led to the creation of an organization that helps individuals and families bridge the often overwhelming gap between school-based services and adulthood. She discusses the challenges families face when navigating disability resources, the importance of community integration, and why belonging is just as important as participation. The conversation explores misconceptions about independence for adults with disabilities, the organization's innovative approach to creating social, recreational, wellness, and travel opportunities, and the power of partnerships that help participants connect more deeply with their communities. Samantha also shares inspiring stories of individuals who have built meaningful, independent lives through the support of Blossom ID and their broader community. Episode Highlights: 2:38 | The origin story behind Blossom ID and the family that inspired its mission 5:43 | Samantha's personal connection to the disability community 7:26 | Understanding the size and diversity of the disability community 8:47 | What happens when students with disabilities leave the school system 11:58 | How Blossom helps families navigate the "transition abyss" after graduation 13:26 | Where support systems break down the most for adults with disabilities 17:02 | Common misconceptions about independence and intellectual disabilities 20:01 | Why choice and self-determination matter for adults with disabilities 21:13 | How Blossom's brand personality reflects its values and mission 25:42 | What makes Blossom unique among disability-serving organizations 27:33 | "We don't compete, we complete" and the power of collaboration 29:05 | Blossom's vision for a world filled with purpose, meaning, and connection 31:19 | A day in the life of a Blossom participant 32:43 | Building community through partnerships and inclusive experiences 33:20 | Travel opportunities and supporting independence through real-life experiences 35:12 | Liam's story: from isolation to independent living and community connection 38:34 | How partnerships expand opportunities for participants 41:11 | The difference between participation and true belonging 43:43 | What's fueled Blossom's growth over the last five years 44:25 | Why community celebration is at the heart of Blossom's annual fundraiser 46:01 | Plans for sustainability and growth over the next three to five years 48:25 | Current needs and opportunities for business and community partnerships 51:07 | The best ways to connect with Blossom ID BLOSSOM ID Blossom ID is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities create fulfilling lives through connection,...

  7. Aug 13

    Girls on the Run

    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. Tina shares how the conversation around youth mental health has evolved since her first appearance on MPC in 2019, what research is teaching us about anxiety, loneliness, confidence, and belonging, and why protective factors like caring adult mentors, movement, and community support are more important than ever. She also explains how Girls on the Run goes far beyond running by combining evidence-based social-emotional learning with physical activity to help girls in grades 3-8 develop confidence, healthy habits, and life skills that last well into adulthood. The conversation explores powerful findings from a new Girls on the Run alumni study, the importance of keeping sports fun for young participants, inspiring success stories from program graduates, and the many ways volunteers, donors, coaches, and community members can help empower the next generation of leaders. Episode Highlights: 2:19 | Protective factors that help girls navigate today's mental health challenges 3:02 | Tina's personal connection to the Girls on the Run mission 4:14 | Parenting lessons and the importance of caring adult role models 5:30 | Why Girls on the Run is about much more than running 6:35 | Mental health awareness versus prevention and early intervention 7:37 | Why the program focuses on girls in grades 3 through 8 8:14 | The link between physical activity and emotional well-being 10:58 | How Girls on the Run plants the seeds for lifelong healthy habits 11:06 | Inside the eight-week after-school program experience 12:11 | Goal-setting, teamwork, community service, and training for a 5K 13:08 | The powerful life lesson behind finding your "happy pace" 14:48 | One of the biggest reasons girls drop out of sports today 16:06 | What Girls on the Run learned from its new alumni study 16:46 | Alumni data showing the program's lasting impact 18:04 | Skills former participants still use years later 19:48 | Ava's story: building confidence and finding her voice 22:05 | How the organization serves more than 150 schools across southeastern Wisconsin 24:52 | Recruiting, training, and supporting volunteer coaches 27:11 | What Tina has learned during 14 years of leading the organization 29:37 | What greater community investment in girls could mean for the future 30:49 | Volunteer opportunities, fundraising events, and ways to get involved 31:40 | The SoleMates program and combining fitness goals with philanthropy 32:16 | How to connect with Girls on the Run Southeast Wisconsin GIRLS ON THE RUN SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN Girls on the Run Southeast Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident through a research-based program that integrates running and physical activity with social-emotional learning. Serving girls in grades 3-8 across seven counties in southeastern Wisconsin, the organization helps participants build confidence, develop healthy relationships, strengthen emotional well-being, and discover their...

  8. Aug 4

    Wisconsin Veterans Network

    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 (WISVETS), 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. Quentin shares how Wisconsin Veterans Network serves as a trusted navigator in an often confusing landscape of veteran services. Rather than duplicating existing programs, WISVETS works alongside nonprofits, government agencies, and community partners across the state to help veterans address challenges related to housing, employment, food insecurity, benefits, and more. He also discusses the growing demand for services, the importance of collaboration, inspiring veteran success stories, and how the organization is preparing to support future generations of veterans, including National Guard and Reserve members. Episode Highlights: 2:50 | What Wisconsin Veterans Network does and how it collaborates with more than 300 partner agencies 3:58 | Why collaboration is essential when veterans face multiple interconnected challenges 4:54 | Building trusted relationships with veteran service organizations throughout Wisconsin 6:02 | A real-life example of agencies working together to prevent a veteran family's eviction 7:29 | What makes Wisconsin Veterans Network different from other veteran-serving nonprofits 9:05 | The challenges veterans face when navigating a confusing service landscape 9:52 | Why WISVETS does not accept federal funding and how that expands who it can help 11:02 | How a small team creates statewide impact through collaboration 13:38 | Changes in veteran services and increased collaboration with the Veterans Administration 14:46 | Veteran suicide prevention efforts and community partnerships 15:31 | Funding challenges facing veteran-serving nonprofits across Wisconsin 17:58 | How United Way partnerships help support veteran families in crisis 19:23 | Cameron's story: helping a veteran overcome job loss and regain stability 21:20 | Fred's story: a World War II veteran receives life-changing support during a summer heat wave 24:04 | The future of veteran services and the needs of National Guard and Reserve members 27:02 | How veterans can get help and how community members can support the mission 29:32 | WISVETS' guiding promise: "Any Veteran. Anytime. Anywhere in Wisconsin." WISCONSIN VETERANS NETWORK Wisconsin Veterans Network (WISVETS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting veterans, service members, and their families with the resources, benefits, and support they need to thrive. Through a collaborative network of more than 300 partner organizations across Wisconsin, WISVETS helps individuals navigate challenges related to housing, employment, financial hardship, healthcare, benefits, and overall stability. Guided by its mission of serving "Any Veteran. Anytime. Anywhere in Wisconsin," the organization works to ensure that no veteran faces life's challenges alone. Website: wisvetsnet.org 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 charita...

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About

MPC: Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community is a podcast by Ellenbecker Investment Group that celebrates philanthropy and community impact in Wisconsin. Hosted by Jill Economou, Director of Community Relations, MPC highlights Milwaukee-area nonprofit organizations, inspiring stories of giving, and practical ways listeners can make a difference. Each Thursday, new episodes feature leaders of local nonprofits, changemakers, and individuals passionate about creating positive impact. Learn how to give back, discover the joy of philanthropy, and explore opportunities to support causes that matter in Milwaukee and beyond. Join us to uncover the value of giving, connect with the Milwaukee philanthropic community, and find your own path to making a difference.

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