MPC: Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community

Epilepsy Foundation of Wisconsin: Building Awareness, Support, and Hope This episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community shines a light on epilepsy, one of the most common yet misunderstood neurological conditions affecting millions of Americans. Host Jill Economou is joined by Allison McCartin, Executive Director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Wisconsin, to discuss what epilepsy is, how it impacts individuals and families, and why education and awareness are so important. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience as the parent of a daughter living with epilepsy, Allison explains the realities of navigating a diagnosis, dispels common misconceptions, and shares how epilepsy can affect people differently across every stage of life. The conversation explores the Foundation’s programs and services, including seizure first aid training, support groups, educational conferences, camps and retreats, advocacy efforts, and one-on-one support for individuals and families. Allison also provides practical guidance on what to do if you witness someone having a seizure and explains how greater awareness can help reduce stigma and create safer, more supportive communities. Listeners will hear inspiring stories of resilience, friendship, and hope, while gaining a better understanding of how they can support those living with epilepsy throughout Wisconsin.

1:26 | What epilepsy is and how it differs from having a single seizure

4:00 | Allison's personal connection to epilepsy through her stepdaughter's journey

6:49 | How the Epilepsy Foundation of Wisconsin supports individuals and families

8:14 | Camps, retreats, support programs, and building community connections

10:35 | The challenges people with epilepsy face beyond seizures

13:09 | Understanding stigma, misconceptions, and the many different types of seizures

16:59 | Seizure first aid: The "Stay, Safe, Side, Plus Five" approach

21:32 | A powerful camp friendship that highlights the importance of community and belonging

24:01 | How epilepsy impacts the entire family and the importance of caregiver support

25:51 | Finding hope through resilience, research, treatment advances, and volunteer support

27:30 | The Foundation's vision for expanding support throughout Wisconsin

29:05 | How anyone can help create a safer community through awareness and seizure first aid training

EPILEPSY FOUNDATION OF WISCONSIN The Epilepsy Foundation of Wisconsin provides education, advocacy, support services, seizure first aid training, camps, retreats, and community resources for individuals and families affected by epilepsy. Through statewide outreach and programs, the organization works to ensure that no one faces epilepsy alone while building greater understanding and awareness throughout Wisconsin. Website: https://epilepsywisconsin.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 charitable foundations. Website: https://www.ellenbecker.com

This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

This episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community explores the history, impact, and future vision of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Wisconsin’s oldest and largest community foundation. Host Jill Economou sits down with Greg Wesley, President and CEO, to discuss how the Foundation has helped shape the region for more than a century through philanthropy, community leadership, and strategic investment.

Greg explains what a community foundation is and how donor generosity has fueled more than a century of support for nonprofits, neighborhoods, and community priorities. The conversation explores the Foundation’s dual role as both a steward of charitable resources and a community leader working to address critical issues facing the region.

Listeners will learn how the Greater Milwaukee Foundation responded to urgent community needs in 2025, why Greg believes everyone can be a philanthropist, and how the organization is preparing for one of the largest wealth transfers in history. The discussion also highlights place-based investing, small business support, affordable housing, early childhood education, and the Foundation’s vision for creating greater economic mobility across the region.

Through stories, examples, and practical insights, Greg shares why philanthropy is about more than charitable giving. It is about creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and investing in a thriving future for generations to come.

1:08 | What a community foundation is and how it creates long-term community impact

3:43 | The Greater Milwaukee Foundation's role as a convener, thought leader, and community partner

6:00 | How the Foundation responded to community challenges in 2025 through record grantmaking and fundraising

8:46 | The Foundation's Five T's philosophy and why everyone can be a philanthropist

11:32 | Preparing for the largest generational wealth transfer in history

14:49 | Greg Wesley's personal journey and the role community has played throughout his career

21:50 | Community leadership, place-based investing, and the Foundation's impact beyond grantmaking

23:20 | The Bronzeville redevelopment and the vision behind ThriveOn King

25:26 | Impact investing and supporting small businesses, housing, and neighborhood growth

33:05 | Why early childhood education is a key focus area for long-term community success

36:59 | What's next for the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and its focus on economic mobility

38:39 | Why community foundations matter and Greg's call to action for community engagement

Founded in 1915, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation is Wisconsin's largest and oldest community foundation. Through charitable giving, donor services, community leadership, and strategic investments, the Foundation works to strengthen southeastern Wisconsin and create a vibrant, equitable region where everyone can thrive.

Website: https://www.greatermilwaukeefoundation.org

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: https://www.ellenbecker.com

This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

This episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community explores the realities of homelessness in southeastern Wisconsin and the organizations working every day to help individuals and families find stability, housing, and hope. Host Jill Economou is joined by Kathleen Fisher, CEO of Hebron Housing Services, the largest nonprofit provider serving unhoused men, women, and children in Waukesha County.

Kathleen shares how Hebron Housing Services supports people throughout every stage of their housing journey, from emergency shelter and crisis intervention to transitional housing, rent assistance, permanent supportive housing, and long-term case management. The conversation explores the growing challenges facing families and individuals experiencing homelessness, including the shortage of affordable housing, rising living costs, and changing policy landscapes.

Listeners will learn how Hebron has adapted its programs to increase successful housing outcomes, including innovative shelter models, landlord partnerships, master lease agreements, and youth homelessness initiatives. Kathleen also shares powerful personal stories that illustrate the life-changing impact of stable housing, compassionate support, and community collaboration.

The discussion highlights common misconceptions about homelessness, the importance of housing-first strategies, and the critical role communities play in helping individuals and families find a path toward long-term stability.

1:55 | Hebron Housing Services' mission and the continuum of services it provides

3:38 | The biggest factors contributing to homelessness, including affordable housing shortages and rising costs

6:27 | Why Housing First remains a proven strategy for ending homelessness

8:23 | How Hebron remains financially sustainable while responding to growing needs

9:27 | Program innovations that significantly increased successful housing outcomes

12:20 | Creative partnerships with landlords and strategies to expand housing opportunities

15:21 | The dedicated staff behind Hebron's success and the importance of trauma-informed care

19:50 | Kathleen's personal journey and the experiences that shape her leadership

23:16 | A powerful success story that highlights the impact of community support and housing stability

26:10 | Reaching functional zero youth homelessness and transforming lives through the Youth Housing Program

29:17 | Common misconceptions about homelessness and what people often get wrong

31:26 | What gives Kathleen hope and how community members can help support the mission

Hebron Housing Services provides emergency shelter, housing assistance, supportive services, and homelessness prevention programs for individuals and families throughout Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, and Jefferson counties. Through a housing-first approach, the organization works to help people quickly move from homelessness into stable, permanent housing while providing the support needed for long-term success.

Website: https://hebronhouse.org

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: https://www.ellenbecker.com

This episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community explores how the Bucks Foundation is using the influence of professional sports to create meaningful community impact. Host Jill Economou is joined by Marla Habert, Executive Director of the Bucks Foundation, to discuss the organization's commitment to improving health outcomes, expanding opportunities, and investing in Milwaukee neighborhoods.

Marla shares how the Bucks Foundation has evolved over its nearly ten-year history from traditional grantmaking to a more strategic, program-driven approach focused on building a healthier and stronger community. From health and wellness initiatives to youth career exposure and collective impact partnerships, the Foundation leverages the reach of the Milwaukee Bucks brand to address some of the region's most pressing challenges.

The conversation highlights the Bucks Health & Wellness Program, a nationally unique initiative developed with input from the Milwaukee Bucks performance and nutrition teams to help community members improve their health through accessible nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle support. Marla also discusses the Deer Accelerator, a long-term collaborative effort to address Milwaukee's health disparities by bringing together neighborhood organizations, healthcare systems, philanthropists, and community leaders.

Listeners will hear how players, coaches, team staff, donors, and community partners work together to create lasting impact throughout Milwaukee and why the Bucks Foundation believes creating opportunity is one of the most important investments it can make.

1:22 | The history and mission of the Bucks Foundation

3:03 | How the Bucks, the Foundation, and the community work together to create impact

4:38 | Marla's journey into philanthropy and her role with the Bucks Foundation

5:58 | How the Foundation operates, raises funds, and measures impact

7:13 | Key initiatives including Bucks Health & Wellness, the Deer Accelerator, and youth career exploration

8:14 | Fundraising through events, partnerships, and the Bucks 50/50 raffle

9:25 | How players and coaches identify causes they're passionate about and engage in the community

11:40 | The Bucks Health & Wellness Program and its focus on closing health gaps

14:12 | Using data, community conversations, and partnerships to determine where support is needed most

18:15 | The Deer Accelerator and addressing Milwaukee's 12-year life expectancy gap

21:37 | Tackling food access challenges and connecting residents with community resources

24:16 | The impact players and their families have beyond the basketball court

26:44 | The Foundation's long-term goal of creating healthier communities and greater opportunity

28:08 | Ways fans, donors, and community members can get involved and support the mission

The Bucks Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Milwaukee Bucks, dedicated to building healthier and stronger communities throughout Wisconsin. Through strategic partnerships, health and wellness initiatives, youth opportunity programs, and community investments, the Foundation works to improve health outcomes, expand access to resources, and create pathways for success both on and off the court.

Website: https://www.nba.com/bucks/foundation

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: Ellenbecker Investment Group

This episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community explores how one organization has grown from a small bilingual child care center into a vital resource supporting children and families throughout Milwaukee. Host Jill Economou is joined by Luis Ayala, CEO of La Causa, Inc., an organization providing education, social services, crisis support, foster care, and other resources designed to strengthen families and communities.

Luis shares the story of La Causa’s beginnings in 1972, when civil rights activist Clementina Castro recognized the need for culturally responsive early childhood education for Hispanic families. What began with a small group of children has since expanded into an organization serving more than 2,000 children and families each year while remaining grounded in its original mission of providing stability and a safe harbor for those in need.

The conversation explores La Causa’s holistic approach to serving families at different stages of life, from early education and its charter school to mental health services, treatment foster care, and crisis intervention. Luis also discusses challenges facing families today, including affordable housing, access to health care, economic mobility, language barriers, education, and other sources of stress.

Listeners will also learn about La Causa’s Crisis Nursery and Respite Center, a free, 24/7 resource for families experiencing a crisis, and how the organization continues to adapt its programs as community needs evolve. Luis shares his own connection to the mission and explains how individuals can support La Causa through volunteering, attending events, donating, and helping spread awareness.

Episode Highlights:
0:24 | The value of bilingualism and La Causa’s mission
2:05 | La Causa’s beginnings and Clementina Castro’s legacy
4:12 | A holistic approach to supporting children and families
7:00 | Challenges facing Milwaukee’s Hispanic community
9:18 | Creating stability and opportunity through community services
10:42 | Luis Ayala’s personal connection to La Causa’s mission
12:48 | Mental health, foster care, and evolving social services
15:31 | The Crisis Nursery and Respite Center
18:26 | Providing free crisis support 24/7
19:26 | What’s next for La Causa
20:53 | How to support, volunteer, and get involved

La Causa, Inc. is a Milwaukee nonprofit dedicated to providing children and families with opportunities to build better lives. Founded in 1972 as a bilingual child care center, the organization has expanded to provide early education, a charter school, social services, mental health support, treatment foster care, crisis services, and other programs designed to create stability and strengthen families.

Website: La Causa

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: Ellenbecker Investment Group

This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

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.

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 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

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: Visit Ellenbecker Investment Group

This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group

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.

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
21:56 | Why Latino Arts isn’t just for Latinos and welcomes the entire community
22:34 | An invitation to experience Latino Arts through a show, exhibit, workshop, or event
23:04 | How to connect with and support Latino Arts

Latino Arts is a Milwaukee cultural arts nonprofit dedicated to celebrating and preserving the diverse cultural heritage of Hispanic and Latino communities while building cultural bridges through the arts. Through visual art exhibitions, live performances, music education, cultural workshops, community celebrations, and other programming, Latino Arts provides opportunities for people of all backgrounds to experience and connect through culture and creativity.

Website: Visit Latino Arts

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: Visit Ellenbecker Investment Group

This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

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.

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 sacrificing the people behind it
27:03 | How board members, donors, and community partners can help strengthen nonprofit teams
29:14 | The one conversation every leader should be having with their team
30:15 | What organizational data reveals about stress, burnout, and employee well-being
31:30 | Recognizing leadership blind spots and becoming intentionally attentive

Founded by Jen Marr, Showing Up helps organizations, leaders, and teams develop practical skills for supporting people through stress, change, uncertainty, and difficult life experiences. Through research, training, speaking engagements, and bestselling resources such as Showing Up and Lifting Up, the organization equips individuals and workplaces with evidence-based strategies to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and build cultures of meaningful support.

Website: https://showing-up.com

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: https://www.ellenbecker.com

This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

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.

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

Casa Segura de Dios is a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals overcome addiction, rebuild their lives, and rediscover hope. Through mentorship, recovery support, transitional housing, faith-based guidance, and practical life-skills development, the organization works to create lasting transformation for people facing substance use challenges and other life-controlling struggles. With a focus on restoration, accountability, and spiritual growth, Casa Segura de Dios seeks to provide a safe pathway toward healing and a brighter future.

Website: https://www.casaseguradedios.org

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: https://www.ellenbecker.com

This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

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 partnering with volunteers, donors, churches, schools, and community organizations, Redeem and Restore works to raise awareness, prevent exploitation, and create pathways toward restoration and healing.Website: https://redeemandrestore.org