The fabric that makes a community like Kenosha great is made up of many components. Safe, clean neighborhoods are obviously at the top of most people’s lists. Cultural opportunities and a quality education system create value for homeowners. Ample shopping centers and a variety of restaurants and nightlife bring a vibrancy that people value. Parks, recreational opportunities, professional services – these are all important. Kenoshans are grateful for all this community has to offer.
One aspect that is often overlooked when discussing the quality of life is a diverse and effective network of community nonprofit organizations. Kenosha is particularly blessed in this category.
That old axiom about “where there is a will there is a way” is very true. To borrow that, but adjust it slightly, here in Kenosha “where there is a need, there is a solution”. Our caring citizenry has historically come together to feed the hungry, engage our youth and address community needs.
To follow are a few community organizations that provide valuable services to Kenosha. This is by no means an exhaustive list – there are many, many more. Those featured are just a few that solve problems and make life a little bit better for all of us who choose to call Kenosha home.
KENOSHA LITERACY COUNCIL
Many of us do not realize how many people travel to Kenosha from other countries. Jobs or family bring people here to realize the American dream. The Kenosha Literacy Council has a long history of successful aiding people who want to learn English, gain their citizenship or find other ways to assimilate into the American way of life. It’s an important mission and one that we should all support. Donate here.
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF KENOSHA
Nobody reaches the huge number of kids that the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha does. The amazing facility that was constructed in 2010 as a result of outstanding community support is unique. Very few in the Boys & Girls Club family nationwide have such a great facility, which includes an indoor soccer field. Those of us who have lived in Kenosha for many years remember the CYC and the Lincoln Neighborhood Center. These organizations have merged into the Boys & Girls Club and it has become a place where kids from all walks of life go to learn and to play. Donate here.
SALVATION ARMY
Who hasn’t seen the bell ringers at Christmastime? That is the Salvation Army’s signature fundraiser. Kenoshans always respond generously to the kind, enthusiastic volunteers who ring the bell. Service clubs like Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions and Optimists always take assignments to assist with the bell ringing. The Salvation Army has a history of assisting the needy in our community. Donate here.
SHALOM CENTER
There is not a more heart-warming success story in Kenosha than that of the Shalom Center. Started by the inspiration of Greta Hansen decades ago at Grace Lutheran Church and the CYC, the “Soup Kitchen” has grown to a full-service shelter for Kenosha families that find themselves without a place to go to sleep or to get a warm meal. Kenosha churches have been especially supportive, but there are a large number of other organizations that help feed the hungry at their new facility on 39th Avenue as well. Donate here.
WOMEN’S & CHILDREN’S HORIZONS
Years ago this organization was known as simply “Women’s Horizons”. It became apparent through the services that domestic violence, while often directed at women, also had a dramatic effect on children. Hence, the organization adjusted its name and mission to reflect the reality of the family impact of domestic violence. Women’s and Children’s Horizons has been giving affected families a place to go to get away from the violence. The services provided include meals, shelter and all of the things necessary to give these victims an opportunity to move forward in their lives, secure in the knowledge they they will be protected. Donate here.
KENOSHA ACHIEVEMENT CENTER
This organization has a well-earned reputation for providing employment and other services for special needs children and adults. It has been a Godsend for families with special needs members. The partnerships Kenosha Achievement Center has with Kenosha businesses have resulted in income for the clients, who have pride in the work that they do. Donate here.
There are dozens of other nonprofits in Kenosha that help provide services that would otherwise go unaddressed. Here at Swan & Associates Re/Max Newport Elite we appreciate the important role that nonprofits play in making Kenosha such a great place to live and raise a family. We are proud of the work that they do and we are always encouraged by the generosity of Kenosha citizens.
