Member News Archives | Page 2 of 30 | Greater Green Bay Chamber

HSHS Honors Wisconsin Market Chief Nurusing Officer, Isabelle Garibaldi with Prestigious DAISY Lifetime Achievment Award

Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) is proud to announce that Isabelle Garibaldi, Chief Nursing Officer for the HSHS Wisconsin Market, has been honored with the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award.

The DAISY Award is a recognition program that celebrates and recognizes nurses by collecting nominations from patients, families and co-workers to thank nurses for the care and kindness they provide. The program has been adopted by thousands of health care organizations, including HSHS, in the U.S. and around the world. The rare distinction of DAISY Lifetime Achievement recognizes nurses who have dedicated more than 25 years to the nursing profession, demonstrating a career-long commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate patient care.

Isabelle joined HSHS in March 2024 as the Chief Administrative Officer of HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay. Later that year, she was appointed Chief Nursing Officer for the Wisconsin Market. In this role, she oversees nursing functions, best practices, and operational efficiencies across all HSHS hospitals in Northeast Wisconsin: St. Vincent, St. Vincent Children’s and St. Mary’s Hospitals in Green Bay; St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan; and St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls.

“This recognition reflects a career defined by unwavering compassion, exceptional leadership, and a deep commitment to advancing nursing practice,” said Kelley Kostich, Chief Nursing Executive of HSHS. “Her impact is felt not only in the outcomes we achieve, but in the countless nurses she has mentored and the lives she has touched. She truly exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, serve with heart, and inspire excellence across our ministry.”

In addition to their excellence in nursing practice, recipients of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award are selected for their role-model status and their dedication to the professional development of others. For Isabelle, this leadership is reflected in the culture she builds on the front lines. Colleagues under Isabelle’s leadership describe her as a “no-nonsense” yet “empowering” leader, the kind of mentor they aspire to emulate.

“Isabelle’s leadership is a constant source of strength and inspiration,” said one nurse who has worked under her guidance. “I am deeply grateful for her mentorship and unwavering support. She inspired me to grow as a leader, to advocate for my teams, and to never lose sight of the impact we have on patient care every day.”

Bob Erickson, President and CEO of the HSHS Wisconsin Market, noted that Garibaldi’s influence extends far beyond administrative duties.

“Isabelle is a true servant leader who has demonstrated a lifetime of excellence in leadership, clinical care, and making a positive impact in the lives of so many people,” said Erickson. “She always has the right priorities in putting the patient first and elevating the professional practice of nursing to build a culture of high reliability. She has humbly created a legacy that will never be forgotten and always appreciated.”

By celebrating Garibaldi’s contributions, HSHS continues its commitment to fostering an environment where clinical expertise and compassionate service are at the forefront of the patient experience. Isabelle and her DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award serve as a testament to the influence one dedicated individual can have on the health and wellness of an entire community.

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About Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS)

Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) is a nonprofit Catholic health care ministry founded in 1875. Dedicated to our Mission to reveal and embody Christ’s healing love for all people through high-quality Franciscan health care, HSHS clinicians provide exceptional care centered on the whole person. Based in Springfield, Illinois, HSHS employs nearly 11,000 colleagues who provide care in 13 acute-care, children’s and critical access hospitals and home health and hospice programs in Central and Southern Illinois and Eastern Wisconsin. HSHS is aligned with more than 1,000 primary and specialty physicians and advanced practitioners through its owned affiliates HSHS Medical Group and Prairie Cardiovascular and its partnership with Prevea Health. For more information about HSHS, visit hshs.org.

Green Bay Hosts 38th Annual Statewide Water Industry Conference at Resch Expo

More than 1,300 water professionals from across Wisconsin will gather in Green Bay for the Wisconsin Rural Water Association (WRWA) 2026 Annual Technical Conference, taking place March 24–27 at the Resch Expo.

The conference brings together water and wastewater operators, municipal leaders, engineers, and industry experts for four days of training and collaboration focused on protecting Wisconsin’s drinking water and environment.

Attendees can earn more than 20 continuing education credits while participating in sessions covering key issues such as lead service line replacement, PFAS treatment, infrastructure planning, cybersecurity, and groundwater protection. State and federal agencies, including the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, and USDA Rural Development, will provide updates impacting communities across the state.

The event also features an exhibit hall with more than 230 booths showcasing the latest technology and services in the water and wastewater industry. The exhibit hall opens on Wednesday, March 25, and continues through Thursday, March 26.

Additional highlights include pre-conference workshops on March 24, a water taste test competition, a K9 leak detection demonstration, and an annual awards banquet.

About WRWA

The Wisconsin Rural Water Association is a nonprofit organization supporting water and wastewater utilities across Wisconsin through training, technical assistance, and advocacy.

St. Norbert College announces 2026 Chu Distinguished Lecturer: Dr. Francis Collins

St. Norbert College announces that Dr. Francis Collins, internationally renowned physician‑scientist and former director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will serve as the 2026 Chu Distinguished Lecturer. Dr. Collins will present Friday, April 17, 2026, at 7 p.m. in Walter Theatre in the Abbot Pennings Hall of Fine Arts.

His lecture, “The Laboratory and the Cathedral: Both Can Be Places of Worship,” explores the relationship between science and faith, drawing from his own journey from atheism to Christianity and his distinguished career in biomedical research. Dr. Collins is best known for leading the Human Genome Project and serving as the longest‑tenured NIH director under three U.S. presidents. The lecture is free and open to the public, with advance registration required. A reception and book signing will follow in Michels Ballroom. For more information on the day of events visit here.

Earlier that day, St. Norbert College will host the 2026 Chu Lecture Student Research Forum from 2-4 p.m. on the first floor of Mulva Library, featuring student research from St. Norbert College and the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Media are welcome to attend both the research forum and evening lecture. Media must RSVP in advance to Morgan Bobinski at morgan.bobinski@snc.edu or 920‑403‑3048. As a private institution situated on private property, St. Norbert College requires all media inquiries and campus visits to be coordinated through the Office of Marketing and Communications to protect the privacy and safety of students, faculty and staff. Members of the media should first report to SNC Campus Safety to sign in and receive a media pass. Media will then be escorted onto campus.

Bank First to Host Free Shredding Event on Saturday, April 4, 2026

Bank First (NASDAQ: BFC) will host a FREE Shred Event at 2747 Manitowoc Road in Green Bay on Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. While this event is free and open to the public, Bank First is requesting that participants bring a non-perishable food donation in exchange for each bag of personal documents shredded. All food donations will go to area food pantries.

Shred Events are a great opportunity to protect your identity while giving back to the community. With the risk of identity theft and fraud becoming more prevalent today, Bank First is proud to offer community residents a way to properly dispose of personal documents while also giving back to local food pantries. All types of sensitive documentation, including old tax returns, bank and credit card statements, medical records, etc., will be accepted for shredding.

Confidential Records, an AAA-certified shredding company, will provide a mobile shredding unit to destroy all personal and confidential documents. The company employs licensed and bonded document destruction specialists and guarantees the secure removal of destroyed documents.

Businesses are asked to refrain from participating in this event to ensure enough shredding space is available for the public. The event will be held rain or shine.

For more information about Bank First, visit www.bankfirst.com.

Good Neighbor WEek Applications Now Open across Greater Green Bay

Applications are now open for the 7th Annual Good Neighbor Week, a community initiative providing no-cost home repairs to eligible homeowners across Green Bay, Allouez, and De Pere.

Led by NeighborWorks Green Bay in partnership with Green Bay Neighborhoods, the City of Green Bay, the Village of Allouez, and the De Pere Area Chamber of Commerce, Good Neighbor Week mobilizes volunteers to complete essential exterior home projects for neighbors who may not have the resources to do so themselves.

Projects may include exterior painting, minor repairs, gutter cleaning, landscaping, and small tree trimming.

Many homeowners face physical, financial, or logistical barriers that prevent them from maintaining their homes. Good Neighbor Week helps bridge that gap while strengthening connections between neighbors and communities.

“The repairs not only improved the structure of my home, but they also brought a renewed sense of security for my grandchildren and me. I am now able to focus more on creating a safe, warm environment for my family, knowing that the generosity of others has eased some of my burdens.”

Angie Cadena, 2025 Good Neighbor Week homeowner

Application Details

Homeowners may apply for themselves or be nominated by others. To qualify, applicants must:

Own and occupy the home as their primary residence
Live in Green Bay, the Village of Allouez, or the City of De Pere

Applications are open now through May 1, 2026.

2026 Project Weeks

Allouez: August 16–22
Green Bay: September 20–26
De Pere: October 5–9

Get Involved

Community members and businesses can also support Good Neighbor Week through sponsorships or by donating materials to help expand the number of homes served.

Applications, nominations, sponsorship information, and a video showcasing Good Neighbor Week in action are available at:
👉 www.nwgreenbay.org/good-neighbor-week

Good Neighbor Week also encourages neighbors to build stronger connections in their own communities. Neighborhood associations are invited to organize activities that foster meaningful relationships and celebrate what it means to be a good neighbor.

Green Bay COnverting CEO Issues Statement, Thanks Firefighters and First Responders for REsponse to FIre

Green Bay Converting CEO Jonathan Dyer, has issued a statement following a major fire in one of their buildings: “We want to sincerely thank the firefighters, first responders, and safety personnel who have worked through extremely difficult conditions—heavy winds, snowfall, and snow-covered ground. We’re also grateful to the local agencies and community partners who have supported these efforts and our company over the last several days.

This is a major event for our company. Our primary focus right now is building and executing a recovery plan that puts our employees and their families first, while also ensuring we support our customers with clear communication and a path forward. We will share additional updates as soon as we have confirmed information to provide.”

Read more about the incident from the Green Bay Metro Fire Department here.

PCM Credit Union Announces New Branch Location

PCM Credit Union is excited to announce plans for a new branch in Bellevue, Wisconsin, with a projected opening in the first half of 2027. This expansion reflects the many requests PCMCU has received over the years. The new construction on the east side of Green Bay will be PCMCU’s fourth branch, adding to their main office in Green Bay (Ashwaubenon), Howard, and Marinette. As Bellevue continues to grow, PCMCU is thrilled to become part of that growth and bring their people-first approach to even more members in the community.

PCMCU’s President/CEO, Shelly Mellenberger says, “This is a significant milestone for our credit union and one that reflects our continued growth and confidence in the future. This expansion will help us better serve our existing members in that area, welcome new members to our cooperative, and thoughtfully address space needs at our main office as we continue to grow.”

With recently expanded membership eligibility across Brown, Door, Kewaunee, Marinette, Oconto, and Shawano counties, PCM Credit Union is able to serve even more individuals and families throughout Northeast Wisconsin. The Costco/Target retail area is a destination area for those that visit Green Bay, offering convenient highway access.

More details about the branch timeline will be shared as the project progresses. PCM Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA and is a equal housing opportunity lender.

Greater Green Bay COmmunity Foundation Awards $236,700 in Grants

The Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, along with its fundholders, has awarded $236,700 in Funds for Greater Green Bay grants to 31 nonprofit organizations working to address a diverse range of community needs—from health and education to the arts, the environment, and community improvement.

Funds for Greater Green Bay is a collection of funds held at the Community Foundation dedicated to improving the quality of life in Brown, Kewaunee, and Oconto counties. Grants are awarded twice a year. In each cycle, the Community Foundation invites its fundholders to co-invest in applications that align with their giving goals. This round, fundholders contributed $31,200 to increase available grant dollars through co-investment.

Grants awarded this cycle are supporting the following nonprofit programs:

Achieve Brown County | Collective Impact Partnership: Funding will support the coordination of community-wide action using shared data, aligned strategies, and accountability to improve reading outcomes for all Brown County third graders.
Aging & Disability Resource Center of Brown County | Grounded Café: Funding will help strengthen and elevate Grounded Café by expanding its job training program and replacing outdated kitchen equipment.
Ampact | Evidence-Based Tutoring: Funding will support tutoring for 150 kindergarten through third-grade students in Brown County who are below grade level in reading and math.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin | Youth Mentoring Program: Funding will help sustain and strengthen Big Brothers Big Sisters core mentoring programs serving children and youth in the Greater Green Bay area.
Brown County United Way | HubCAP Initiative: Funding will support the collaborative HubCAP (Community Access Partnership) Initiative, which connects individuals to vital resources where they live, work, and gather.
CASA of Brown County | Youth Advocacy: Funding will support volunteer recruitment, training, supervision, and case oversight so that, as the need for advocacy grows, children have a consistent, caring advocate and feel safe, valued, and equipped with the tools to thrive.
Center for Suicide Awareness | General Operating Support: Funding will maintain 24/7 HOPELINE crisis text support, prevention education, and community partnerships so individuals receive timely support before a crisis escalates.
Curative Connections | General Operating Support: Funding will help support Curative Connections to continue helping people with disabilities and seniors achieve their goals for independence.
Ducks Unlimited | Wetland Conservation: Funding will help conserve 200 acres of Green Bay coastal wetlands through restoration and permanent protection.
Encompass Early Education and Care | Tuition Assistance Program: Funding will support Encompass’ tuition assistance program so families pay no more than 15% of household income for care.
Friends of Crescent Beach | Greenspace Restoration: Funding will restore Olson Park in Kewaunee County using nature-based solutions and native habitat restoration, all while improving public recreational access for residents and visitors.
Golden House | General Operating Support: Funding will support Golden House’s operations to provide continued support for individuals and families experiencing domestic violence.
Green Bay Area Public Schools | Eye Care We Care: Funding will allow 25 uninsured students to receive a comprehensive eye exam and, if necessary, glasses.
Green Bay Fringe | Technology Upgrades: Funding will support the annual downtown arts festival including upgrading technology for ticket scanning and door sales.
House of Hope | General Operating Support: Funding will help House of Hope sustain comprehensive services for youth and young families experiencing homelessness.
Jackie Nitschke Center | Jackie’s Legacy Financial Assistance Program: Funding will help offset the cost of treatment for clients who are uninsured or underinsured.
Legal Action of Wisconsin | Outreach and Legal Services: Funding will provide legal services for low-income households in Greater Green Bay in housing issues and other legal issues affecting financial stability.
Literacy Green Bay | Summer Language Lift: Funding will support summer English Language Learning (ELL) classes.
Lovin’ the Skin I’m In | Youth Development and Mentorship Program: Funding will support school-based mentorship groups, leadership workshops, and cultural celebrations that help Black and Brown girls build confidence and stay connected to caring adults.
Machickanee Players | General Operating Support: Funding will support continued operations of the Machickanee Players, an Oconto County theatre group of varied ages from young children to senior citizens.
myTEAM TRIUMPH | Addressing Loneliness and Inactivity: Funding will support up to 40 people with disabilities in Greater Green Bay with weekly training and race day experiences that boost health, confidence, and meaningful connection.
Northeast Wisconsin Nonprofit Advocacy Coalition Group | General Operating Support: Funding will support the Nonprofit Advocacy Coalition, which is a group of 10 nonprofit organizations in Northeast Wisconsin that advocates throughout Wisconsin for people with disabilities.
Oconto Falls Community Library | Accessible Text: Funding will allow the library to update and enhance its large print book collection.
One Wrightstown | Summer Lift Program: Funding will support Summer Enrichment Field Trips which are designed to provide low-income students in the Wrightstown Community School District with meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and connect during the summer months.
Oneida Nation | Oneida Reads: Funding will support work that ensures 100% of Oneida kids read on grade level by third grade.
Rainbow House Domestic Abuse Services | General Operating Support: Funding will sustain Rainbow House’s essential Oconto County services, ensuring no survivor is turned away.
Salvation Army Green Bay | One Stop School Shop: Funding will support the one-day event providing 5,000 students the opportunity to “shop” for folders, notebooks, pencils, and other school essentials.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace | No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town: Funding will be used to provide beds to Brown County children in need.
St. John’s Ministries | Women’s Shelter Expanded Services: Funding will respond to a community gap in shelter and affordable housing options by offering six months of program-based shelter for women beyond the emergency shelter season.
Suring Public School District | Sensory Paths: Funding will be used to create a painted, colorful, interactive sensory path for the playground to improve students’ physical coordination, focus, and emotional regulation.
Unity Hospice | Grief Services: Funding will support Unity’s community-wide grief services provided at no cost to residents throughout Northeast Wisconsin following the death of a loved one.

About the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation

Established in 1991, the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation inspires and encourages charitable giving in Northeast Wisconsin by providing simple and smart giving tools, impactful grants, and collaborative leadership to address critical community needs. Since inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $224 million in grants supporting a broad range of organizations and initiatives. In the last fiscal year, together with its donors, $19.4 million was distributed. Today, the Foundation manages more than 800 charitable funds with assets exceeding $193 million. www.ggbcf.org

Run for the Roses Wine Walk Offers a Sip-and-Shop Experience in the Broadway District

Don your best Derby gear and head to downtown Green Bay’s Broadway District for the annual Run for the Roses Wine Walk, Saturday, May 2 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. This event will feature more than 15 wine stops offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage samples and light snacks.

Wine Walk participants are encouraged to dress in their Kentucky Derby best, especially those well- recognized hats or fascinators. As you stroll through the Broadway District, we encourage participant to shop for the latest springtime trends at the many boutiques and retail shops along the route.

“The Run for the Roses Wine Walk has grown into a favorite annual tradition for many,” said Mary Rhode, vice president of marketing and communications for On Broadway, Inc. “After a long Wisconsin winter, it’s the perfect cure for that cabin fever, giving people a chance to spend time with friends while enjoying a fun afternoon of spring shopping in the Broadway District. Events like this make a meaningful impact for our small businesses, encouraging people to shop local, explore new stores, and support the entrepreneurs who help make this district such a vibrant place to visit.”

NEW THIS YEAR:

VIP Package – After the success of an upscale offering at our Winter Wine and Beer Walk, we are continuing that by offering a VIP option for this year’s Run for the Roses Wine Walk! This package offers all the general admission ticket amenities PLUS:

Fast pass line at check-in: no waiting in line!
Complimentary glass of champagne
Mini horse photo op
Swag Bag Station access
Flower bouquet upgrade
DIY VIP sash station
Entry into the Grand Prize raffle

More non-alcoholic beverage samples – We heard the positive feedback following our Winter Wine & Beer Walk, which was the first time a non-alcoholic sample was offered at each walk stop. This year’s Run for the Roses Wine Walk will also offer a non-alcoholic sample at every stop! Attendees can choose between an alcoholic sample or non-alcoholic sample at the more than 15 stops.

Ticket prices for this event are as follows:

Early Bird ticket sales run March 16 through April 2 and are for the General Admission ticket only (alcoholic and non-alcoholic: $30 each
General admission ticket prices will increase on April 3 to $ 35 each
VIP Package: $70 each
Day-of tickets will also be available until sold-out but prices will be higher than buying your tickets in advance.

Courtesy: OnBroadway
Courtesy: OnBroadway
Courtesy: OnBroadway

General Admission Tickets (alcoholic & non-alcoholic) include:

1 Souvenir wine glass
1-ounce wine or non-alcoholic tasting at each stop
Light snacks at select stops
Build-your-own fresh flower bouquet provided by Petal Pusher

Attendees must be 21 and over to participate, and tickets can be purchased here and stay tuned to
our website and Facebook event for up-to-date information.

About On Broadway, Inc.
The historic Broadway District is the vibrant, engaging business and residential urban center of Northeast Wisconsin focusing on strategic marketing and staffing, funding and sustainability efforts, event development and coordination of promotions, business and residential recruitment and retention.

On Broadway, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, community-based organization dedicated to strengthening the Green Bay community through economic development, historic preservation and promotion of downtown Green Bay’s Broadway District and the overall downtown community.

Nonprofit Organizations Receive OVer $129,000 in Funding to IMpact Women, Girls in Northeast Wisconsin

The Women’s Fund of Greater Green Bay is proud to announce the grant recipients from the Fund’s winter grant cycle. Grants are awarded twice per year, and in each cycle, the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation invites fundholders to co-invest in applications that align with their giving goals. During this cycle, fundholders contributed over $55,000, significantly boosting the total amount awarded.

The Women’s Fund awards funds to organizations with programs and services that positively impact women and girls in our community. Grants are awarded based on a competitive application process which includes a review by a grants team of community volunteers. Learn more about the grant funds at https://womensfundgb.org/what-we-fund/.

Members of the media interested in scheduling an interview with a representative from the Women’s Fund of Greater Green Bay and one of the grantees about the impact of the grant funding should contact Amanda Gay at amandagay@ggbcf.org.

About the Women’s Fund Winter 2026 Grant Recipients:

Bridge the Gap/BTG Girls Connect | A Girls’ Night Out Program: Bridge the Gap provides support for individuals with autism and all special abilities throughout Brown County. Funding will support a Girls Night Out program at Bridge the Gap’s Green Bay center. This program creates a safe, supportive space where girls with diverse abilities can build friendships, confidence, and essential social and life skills.
CASA of Brown County/Speak-Lead-Thrive Fostering Futures Summer Program: Funding will develop and implement the Fostering Futures Speak-Lead-Thrive summer program for youth involved in the child welfare system that builds agency, voice, and self-advocacy. Through consistent, relationship-centered programming, the summer group is designed to create a supportive peer environment where girls can practice using their voices, build leadership skills, and develop healthy relationships.
Center for Suicide Awareness/Women Veterans Peer Support & Resilience Group: Funding will support approximately 20 women veterans from Brown County through a peer-led support and resilience group. Funds will cover program supplies, facilitation materials, outreach, and connection-building activities that reduce isolation and strengthen coping skills. This women-centered space will provide consistent monthly sessions and optional check-ins to build community, increase well-being, and connect participants to local supports.
Golden House/Domestic Violence Prevention Education: Golden House provides safety and support to victims of domestic abuse, while leading community efforts to end domestic violence in Brown County. Funding will support the Domestic Violence Prevention Education program that helps young adults prevent victimization in their intimate partner relationships through evidence-based and innovative relationship-building programming. By equipping youth and young adults with knowledge about healthy relationships, Golden House helps individuals identify and avoid harmful patterns long before they escalate into abuse.
Greater Green Bay YMCA/Strong & Safe Girls | Self-Defense and Confidence Building in Afterschool Programs: The Strong & Safe Girls program will provide age-appropriate self-defense and personal safety instruction for female students in all six YMCA 21C afterschool programs at Green Bay Area Public School District elementary schools. Led by a trained martial arts instructor, the program focuses on age-appropriate self-defense techniques, situational awareness, boundary-setting, and self-confidence. Girls participating in the program will also be encouraged to reflect on what makes them feel strong and safe, fostering self-esteem and leadership at an early age.
GRIT 920/Girl GRIT Yoga: Girl GRIT Yoga is an inclusive wellness program for girls and young women ages 12-25 that brings together participants with and without disabilities. Through accessible yoga, mindfulness, and guided discussion, the girls in the program build resilience, mental health, confidence, and belonging. Girl GRIT offers a supportive space where differences are normalized, strengths are celebrated, and participants build empathy and grit together. Funding will support the program launch and adaptive resources.
Hmong Autism Neurodiverse Disability Support/Empowered Voices | Asian Women in Leadership: HANDS was started in 2024 to support children with special needs including autism, disabilities, and mental health struggles in the Hmong community. Empowered Voices: Asian Women in Leadership is an eight-week on-site program for high school girls in Brown County, with a focus on Hmong girls and girls who are neurodivergent or have disabilities. The program builds confidence, leadership identity, and career awareness through guest speakers, hands-on activities, reflection, and field trips.
Legal Action of Wisconsin/Legal Aid to Victims of Domestic Violence: Legal Action is a non-profit law firm providing free civil legal services to low-income people. The Domestic Violence Legal Aid program in Brown and Kewaunee Counties provides critical legal support to survivors of domestic violence. In partnership with local domestic violence agencies, this program offers free legal representation, advice, and resources to help victims navigate family law issues, restraining orders, and more. Trained attorneys work closely with victims to ensure they have the legal tools necessary for safety, justice, and empowerment.
Literacy Green Bay/Removing Barriers to Learning for Immigrant and Refugee Mothers: Funding from this grant will support Literacy Green Bay’s free onsite childcare program. Onsite childcare provides the opportunity for mothers to attend English Language Learning classes without the worry of finding and affording childcare elsewhere. Many female ELL students were unable to pursue education in their home countries because motherhood was considered their primary responsibility. By offering safe, accessible childcare, Literacy Green Bay opens the door to educational and economic opportunities that may not have been an option before.
Rainbow House Domestic Abuse Service/Healing Trauma, Empowering Women | Therapeutic & Legal Support for Oconto Survivors: Rainbow House is a comprehensive domestic violence advocacy organization serving Oconto County. Funding will support their art therapy program and civil legal representation for Oconto County women escaping domestic violence. Many women cannot afford the attorney retainers to escape abusive relationships and existing legal aid excludes elderly survivors and childless women. Grant funding will provide weekly art therapy sessions and paid attorney services for women who fall through the cracks and provide pathways to healing, justice, and independence.
Safe Families for Children/Programming Development: Safe Families for Children’s mission is to keep children safe and families together by preventing child abuse and neglect, reducing the number of children entering the child welfare system, and stabilizing families in crisis. They empower communities to surround isolated mothers with compassionate, informal support networks and dedicated volunteers who provide temporary housing for children, coaching, babysitting, transportation, and resource assistance. Funding will help Safe Families continue to build strong community connections, ensuring mothers in crisis receive the support they need to stay together and strive.
St John’s Ministries/Women’s Shelter Expanded Services: Responding to a community gap in shelter and affordable housing options, funding will allow St John’s Ministries to extend services to offer six months of program-based shelter to women beyond its emergency shelter season. Women will participate in one of four need-based cohorts combining female-only shelter, personalized staff support, and community partnerships. This approach strengthens recovery, mental health stability, employment readiness, and pathways to housing, helping women move toward stability and self-sufficiency.
Third Space/Third Thursdays with Third Space GB: Third Space is a local nonprofit dedicated to creating collective community care space “to just be.” Founded in 2023, they are rooted in equity and belonging, centering BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities while welcoming all who seek inclusive community connection. Third Thursdays are free monthly community gatherings designed to build belonging, reduce isolation, and strengthen relationships among women, girls, and their allies. Each month centers on a unique theme, ranging from storytelling to mutual aid to collective healing, and provides opportunities for creativity, dialogue, and care. With Women’s Fund support, Third Space will expand access to inclusive, equity-focused programming that uplifts women’s voices while fostering health, safety, and connection.
UWGB Foundation/LeadGB Girls Youth Leadership Summer Camp: The goal of LeadGB Girls Youth Leadership Summer Camp is to host 400 female campers each year to learn life skills that help them be resilient problem solvers, develop relationships and communication skills, become more attuned to their physical and mental health and empower them to succeed now and in the future. Activities include challenging hands-on activities, guest speakers, and education on healthy choices. At a time when our nation’s girls are facing unprecedented challenges, programming like LeadGB helps them on their path to becoming strong, capable leaders who will guide us going forward. Funding will support scholarships for girls who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend.
We All Rise/Queens on the Rise | Black Women’s Wellness: Funding will support We All Rise to continue and strengthen Queens on the Rise, a culturally specific healing and leadership space where Black women in Greater Green Bay are able to breathe, be seen, and heal in community. Building on prior Women’s Fund support, this request deepens facilitation, training, and evaluation capacity to sustain weekly group spaces and ensure this vital work continues to be held with safety, consistency, and care for Black women and their families.
YMCA of Greater Green Bay/TechGYRLS@Camp Downtown: Funding will expand YWCA’s TechGYRLS@ program into a weeklong, full-day summer camp for girls 8-13. The program provides hands-on activities, site visits, and mentorship in STEM careers. It offers a more cohesive experience that deepens learning, broadens access, and helps girls build stronger peer relationships, mentor connections, and practical skills.

Category: Member News