MPC: Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community

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 charitable foundations.

Website: 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.

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

Scott shares how Community Smiles Dental is helping fill a critical gap in access to dental care across southeastern Wisconsin. From preventive visits and restorative treatments to specialized care for patients with unique healthcare needs, the organization ensures that every patient has access to a dental home where they are treated with compassion, dignity, and expertise. He also discusses the challenges of low Medicaid reimbursement rates, the importance of advocacy, and exciting plans to expand services into Milwaukee in 2027.

Episode Highlights:

COMMUNITY SMILES DENTAL
Community Smiles Dental is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to quality oral healthcare throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Through its clinics in Waukesha and Menomonee Falls, the organization provides comprehensive preventive and restorative dental services while helping remove barriers that can prevent individuals and families from receiving the care they need. With a focus on compassion, accessibility, and long-term oral health, Community Smiles Dental works to ensure every patient has the opportunity to achieve a healthy smile and improved quality of life.
Website: communitysmiles.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: 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.

When life takes an unexpected turn, having a safe place to land can make all the difference.

This week on MPC, we're joined by Major Rachel Stouder of The Salvation Army Milwaukee to discuss how the organization supports individuals and families experiencing homelessness, housing instability, medical challenges, and other unexpected crises.

While many people recognize The Salvation Army through its red kettles during the holiday season, the organization provides critical services year-round. Rachel shares how The Salvation Army's Emergency Lodge offers short-term housing, respite care, case management, and compassionate support for people navigating some of life's most difficult circumstances.

THE SALVATION ARMY (MILWAUKEE)
Headquartered in Wauwatosa, The Salvation Army's Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Division serves communities through Worship and Community Centers, service extension units, homeless shelters, thrift stores, food pantries, camping programs, and other outreach services.

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
Website: samilwaukee.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: 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.

For women living with metastatic breast cancer, healing involves more than treatment, it also requires connection, community, and care.

This week on MPC, we're joined by Alyssa Tsagong and Megan Monday, co-founders of Temple of Kinship, a nonprofit offering free retreats for women living with stage IV metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and their closest friends.

Inspired by Alyssa's lived experience with MBC and the decades-long friendship she shares with Megan, Temple of Kinship was created to provide connection, resilience, and community-based support beyond traditional healthcare.

TEMPLE OF KINSHIP
Temple of Kinship is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2024 by two friends, one living with metastatic breast cancer and the other walking closely beside her through the journey. Through free retreats and community-centered programming, Temple of Kinship supports women living with MBC and their friends by offering tools and quality-of-life-enhancing experiences beyond the bounds of traditional healthcare.
Website: templeofkinship.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: 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.

Many of us take shoes for granted, yet for millions of people in rural Africa, a simple pair of shoes can mean access to school, employment, health, and dignity.

This week on MPC, we're joined by Diane Studer, Founder of Soles for Jesus, a Wisconsin-based nonprofit dedicated to sharing the love of Christ through foot washing, shoe distribution, and partnership with local leaders across Africa.

From a life-changing trip to Ethiopia to distributing more than 1 million pairs of shoes in 35 African countries, Diane shares how a single act of obedience grew into a global mission. She discusses the powerful impact shoes can have on education, health, and opportunity, and explains how anyone can make a difference through donating shoes, volunteering, hosting a shoe drive, or even joining a distribution trip.

SOLES FOR JESUS
Soles for Jesus collects new and gently used shoes and distributes them free of charge to underserved communities throughout Africa. By partnering with local leaders, the organization helps provide access to education, employment, and improved health while sharing messages of hope and encouragement. Since its founding, Soles for Jesus has distributed more than 1 million pairs of shoes and continues to expand its reach across the continent.
Website: solesforjesus.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: 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.

More than 8 million Americans live with an intellectual or developmental disability, yet many still face barriers to full participation in community life.

This week on #MPC, we’re joined by Rebecca Jackson, Executive Director of Balance Inc., an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as they forge their own paths, build meaningful relationships, and fully participate in community life.

 From community homes and day programs to children's services and employment support, Balance partners with more than 125 individuals each year to help them live life to the fullest.

Rebecca discusses the importance of social roles, why inclusion strengthens entire communities, and how Balance’s unique “secret sauce” blends fun, purpose, and meaningful experiences to help individuals build confidence, skills, and lasting connections. She also shares inspiring stories of people achieving lifelong goals and finding new ways to contribute to their communities.

BALANCE INC.
Balance Inc. empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live fully, connect deeply, and thrive within their communities. Serving children and adults throughout Ozaukee County and surrounding areas, Balance provides community living, day programming, and youth services focused on fostering independence, meaningful relationships, and community engagement.
Website: balanceinc.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: 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.

Most people don’t realize that the salt they spread in winter can end up in our lakes.

John Macy from Lake Country Clean Waters is here to explain how everyday actions like that can impact water quality, and what each of us can do to protect these lakes for future generations.

What started as a response to unsafe water conditions on Pewaukee Lake has grown into a regional effort to educate, connect, and empower communities across Lake Country.

In this episode of #MPC, John shares how small, often overlooked habits can have a lasting effect on our lakes, why education is key to prevention, and how communities can work together to keep these natural resources healthy and accessible for years to come.

LAKE COUNTRY CLEAN WATERS
Lake Country Clean Waters serves as a resource to protect and improve lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater throughout Lake Country. Through education, collaboration, and community-driven initiatives, the organization empowers individuals and local leaders to make informed decisions that preserve water quality for future generations.
Website: lakecountrycleanwaters.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: 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.

What does it take to build a stronger, more connected community right where you live?

This week on #MPC, we’re joined by Chris Muellenbach, President of the Whitefish Bay Civic Foundation, a volunteer-led organization dedicated to bringing people together and enhancing life in the village. From beloved traditions like the Fourth of July parade and Sounds of Summer to the Great Pumpkin Festival and community ice cream socials, their work transforms simple moments into lasting connections.

Through year-round planning and grassroots support, the foundation creates meaningful opportunities for residents, businesses, and families to engage, give back, and celebrate what makes Whitefish Bay special. Chris shares what it really takes to power these experiences, how volunteers and donors make it all possible, and why community-centered traditions matter now more than ever.

We also explore new initiatives like the Whitefish Bay 62K, a creative, community-wide challenge designed to get people moving, connected, and invested in local impact.

WHITEFISH BAY CIVIC FOUNDATION
The Whitefish Bay Civic Foundation is dedicated to making Whitefish Bay a great place to live, work, and play. Through volunteer-driven events, scholarships, and community initiatives, the foundation brings residents together, supports local needs, and strengthens the fabric of the village year-round.
Website: wfbcivicfoundation.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: 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.

What does it really mean to “be the village” for foster and adoptive families?

This week on #MPC, we’re joined by Natalie Anderson, founder of Fostering Community, an organization working to build connection, support, and belonging for foster, adoptive, and kinship families across southeastern Wisconsin.

Through large-scale events and ongoing support, Fostering Community helps meet practical needs and create shared experiences, from resource fairs and school supply drives to holiday events and opportunities for siblings and biological family members to stay connected.

Natalie also breaks down the realities families face behind the scenes, from long waits for adoption or reunification and the emotional and logistical demands of caring for children with trauma histories to the separation of sibling groups and the opportunities Fostering Communtiy creates to reconnect them.

FOSTERING COMMUNITY
Fostering Community’s mission is to encourage and empower children and families involved in adoption and foster care by supporting them as a community. They partner with local organizations, non profits, and individuals who desire to make a difference and be the village for those involved in foster care and adoption through family events, tangible needs, resources, and community connections.
Website: fostering-community.com

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: 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.

At Mount Mary University, everything starts with one belief: when women thrive, communities do too.

We’re joined by Dr. Isabelle Cherney, President of Mount Mary University, a local institution with a powerful legacy and a bold vision for the future. From innovative three-year degree programs, to expanded healthcare and nursing labs built for hands-on, integrated learning, Mount Mary is rethinking how education meets students where they are.

Dr. Cherney also shares why expanding access to fields like engineering, cybersecurity, and analytics is critical to ensuring women have a voice in traditionally male-dominated industries. At the center of the conversation is the new Institute for the Advancement of Women and Children, which brings together efforts to address pressing challenges facing women and families. 

MOUNT MARY UNIVERSITY
An urban Catholic university for women, sponsored by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, provides an environment for the development of the whole person. The University encourages leadership, integrity, and a deep sense of social justice arising from a sensitivity to moral values and Christian principles.
Website: mtmary.edu

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: 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.