Journey House is so much more than a place. Nearly 1,500 people enter through Journey House's doors on a daily basis, and it is only because of their warmth, eagerness to grow, and willingness to do everything they can to achieve their potential that Journey House can continue having the impact that it does. Our participants have the support of tremendous staff, volunteers, board members and so many others who contribute to our mission of empowering families to move out of poverty.
Staff & Leadership
Journey House staff and leadership are committed to the organization's mission of moving families out of poverty. As in many nonprofits, these committed individuals often work long and irregular hours to serve the needs of the community, going above and beyond their job description.
Leadership Team
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Dr. Michele Bria - Chief Executive Officer
Since 1996, Dr. Michele Bria, Ph.D. has served as the chief executive officer of the Journey House, a community-based organization on Milwaukee’s near-south side that empowers families to move out of poverty by offering adult education, workforce readiness, youth development, and family engagement programs. Journey House annually serves more than 6,000 children and families at six locations. She received her doctoral degree from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and received her Bachelors of Arts and Masters of Arts from Marquette University. Based on research identifying education as the most effective strategy to end generational poverty, Journey House provides a rigorous educational program coupled with workforce development and academic/arts/athletic programs that assist economically challenged youth to stay safe, finish high school and continue their education. Journey House also provides GED in English and Spanish and English Language classes for adult learners so that parents can earn livable wages for their families. In addition, the organization runs youth leadership and college-bound programs, as well as the largest, most organized inner-city urban youth football league, the Journey House Packers Football Program, and the longest running little league in the USA with a living MLB player: the Felix Mantilla Little League and Criollos Travel Baseball Teams. Dr. Bria successfully negotiated formal agreements with Milwaukee Public Schools and Milwaukee County, which provide land homes and partnership opportunities for the Journey House Center for Family Learning and Youth Athletics and Journey House Packers Football Stadium. Over the last five years, she has successfully secured over $11MM in resources to develop these catalytic infrastructure projects. Dr. Bria is currently leading a Journey House Campus Housing Initiative in partnership with the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) and a host of other community partners to renovate foreclosed properties into affordable, quality housing for motivated youth who are homeless and aging out of foster care. Dr. Bria has held several teaching positions, given numerous lectures, and is a member of many Milwaukee professional organizations:
Dr. Bria has received numerous awards for her work in the community. In March 2016, Donald Driver awarded Dr. Bria with the Donald Driver Driven to Achieve Award for her outstanding community efforts. In June 2014, Dr. Bria was awarded the Business Journal's Women of Influence Award for Nonprofit Leadership. In May 2014, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin awarded her the "Amiga Award" for her dedicated leadership to the Hispanic community. In April 2006, Dr. Bria received the Marquette University All-University Spirit Award for professional achievement of an alumni before the age of 40. Dr. Bria was featured in the Milwaukee Magazine’s November 2016 Giving Issue, “15 Minutes with Dr. Michele Bria.” (Click here for Press Bio) |
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Charles Brown - Deputy Director/Director of Youth Programs
Charles Brown has been the director of youth programs for Journey House for over 13 years. Charles received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Education from Wayland Baptist University in San Antonio, Texas in 2003. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force, where he served for 26 distinguished years as a senior non-commissioned officer. Charles spent most of his time in the Air Force in the recruiting field. His last position was Chief of Recruit the Recruiter Team, where he was responsible for the procurement of national and international Air Force Recruiting sales force with eight other team members. Additionally, he managed a travel budget of over $100,000.00 and arranged trips around the world to Air Force and other military installations for recruiting schools presentations. In November of 2003, Charles began his career with Journey House. His current responsibilities as the Director of Youth Programs include the development, implementation and evaluation of all youth teen development programs and all youth athletic programs. As Deputy Director, Charles assists in all aspects of the development of the Journey House. |
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Chawn Jackson
Controller 
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Cherise Myers
Director of Community Partnerships 
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Erin Fischer
Assistant Director of Family Engagement 
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Melissa Jerke
Fund Development Specialist 
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Rosa Pérez
Executive Assistant 
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Kevin Turner
Special Assistant to the CEO 
Click for bio
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Adult Education Team
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Glorianne Mather
Director of Adult Education 
Click for bio
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Logan Reinke
English Language Learners (ELL) Instructor 
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Juan López
Spanish in GED Instructor 
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Ann Bria
GED Instructor 
Click for bio
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Workforce Readiness Team
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Marlene Scholz
Financial Coach 
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Maria Acevedo
Career & Mental Skills Coach 
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Melissa Jerke
Employment Coordinator 
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Veronica Duran
Bilingual Financial Coach 
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Jacob Yarbrough
Career Coach Navigator 
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Youth Development Team
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Quentin Prince
Director of Youth Leadership and Student Success 
Click for bio
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LouRawls Burnett
Coordinator - Esquires for Boys 
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Position Open
CLC Coordinator Longfellow Elementary 
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Position Open
CLC Coordinator South Division High School 
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Nestor Muro
Community Schools Coordinator Longfellow Elementary School 
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Support Staff
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Ryan Schone
Food Systems Coordinator 
Click for bio
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Ashanti Whitlow
Intern - Bookkeeper 
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Sandra Navarro
Child Care Teacher 
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Christina Miller
Director of Childcare 
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Alejandra Lopez
Bilingual Receptionist |
Janeth Zumaya
Bilingual Receptionist |
Ron Schneider
AM Services Associate |
Alejo Pacheco
Custodian |
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Click for bio
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Rafael Espino
Stadium Crew & Special Projects Fellow |
Dra’Vonn Bankhead
Stadium Crew & Special Projects Fellow |
Angel Mercado
Stadium Crew & Special Projects Fellow |
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Rogers Kimuli- Community Solutions Fellow
As a Project Manager for Strive Foundation Rwanda, Rogers Kimuli develops and manages trainings and project interventions related to economic empowerment, fighting gender-based violence, positive parenting and rights and inclusion of women and youth. Rogers is an expert in community mobilization for women and youth projects, and has developed skills in formal and non-formal education, research, monitoring and evaluation, and project management. During his fellowship in United States, Rogers hopes to learn about inclusive financial education for women and youth while also developing his skills in monitoring and evaluation and strategies to combat gender-based violence. Upon returning from the Community Solutions Program, Rogers plans to continue promoting the economic empowerment of women and youth and fighting gender-based violence through community dialogues
and focus groups.
As a Project Manager for Strive Foundation Rwanda, Rogers Kimuli develops and manages trainings and project interventions related to economic empowerment, fighting gender-based violence, positive parenting and rights and inclusion of women and youth. Rogers is an expert in community mobilization for women and youth projects, and has developed skills in formal and non-formal education, research, monitoring and evaluation, and project management. During his fellowship in United States, Rogers hopes to learn about inclusive financial education for women and youth while also developing his skills in monitoring and evaluation and strategies to combat gender-based violence. Upon returning from the Community Solutions Program, Rogers plans to continue promoting the economic empowerment of women and youth and fighting gender-based violence through community dialogues
and focus groups.
Cristo Rey High School Interns
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Cesar Alba
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Luis Guzman
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Agustin Cruz
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Cristian Ramirez
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Volunteers
Each year, hundreds of volunteers commit their time to helping Journey House, either through a one-time event or as part of an ongoing relationship. We can only help families break out of the cycle of poverty because of the dedication of hundreds of volunteers who donate their time and energy to making sure that our participants get the most out of our programs. These are the everyday, unsung heroes of our community.
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Service Learners
Journey House collaborates with local universities to maximize the skills and ambition of college students in our area.
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Community Volunteers
Whether helping once a year or regularly offering their time throughout the year, our community volunteers are catalysts of change in Clarke Square.
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Program Volunteers
We have space and need you to use it! Journey House relies on volunteers to help develop and implement our programs.
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Do you want to become a volunteer at Journey House? Go ahead and fill out an application!
Service Learners at Journey House
Each semester, thousands of students from local colleges, universities, and high schools commit to giving back to the Milwaukee community. Through Service Learning programs at their respective schools, students receive a different kind of education. Awareness, creativity, and empathy are a few of the skills these students develop or acquire. Problem-solving, innovative thinking, and evidence-based practices are a few of the practical tools they put to use.
Journey House welcomes scores of these students each semester, and they never fail to impress. Many Service Learners find a niche in our organization and wish to stay on board beyond the hours required by their school or university. Others become ambassadors for Journey House and tell their friends and family about us. We are grateful to all of the local students who come to Journey House committed to empowering families to break out of the cycle of poverty.
Journey House Community Volunteers
Journey House hosts a wide variety of activities throughout the year. Sometimes we plan and execute these events ourselves. Other times, community organizations host events at Journey House. Regardless of who is organizing the event, your help is ALWAYS needed and appreciated! We can't say it enough - we are only able to help families break out of the cycle of poverty because we have so many strong and dedicated volunteers! Will you help us? Take a look below.
Volunteer Opportunities
Click to Learn More!
Click to Learn More!
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Ongoing Opportunities
English Language Tutor GED Tutor (Math, Reading) Youth Center Assistant Community Learning Center (CLC) helper (K-12) Faith Builders Food and Clothing Giveaway |
Seasonal Opportunities
Football Operations & Concessions Baseball Operations & Concessions Summer Camp Helper VITA - Tax Assistance Volunteer Journey House Community Gardens Adopt-A-Family Program Adopt-A-Teen Program Adopt-A-Child Program |
Annual Events
Spring Dinner Back to School Event Open House Halloween Spooktacular Thanksgiving Dinner Winter Wonderland |
This is just a sample of the many ways you can can contribute to Journey House's mission. For a more complete list of volunteer opportunities and to apply to become a volunteer with Journey House, Click Here!
Journey House Program Volunteers
Our beautiful facility opened in 2012. We are fortunate to have world class facilities that help us provide top-notch programming for our participants. Our staff is busy with their programs throughout the day - morning, afternoon and evening! Even with all of the great programs we are able to put on, we still have more space to put on additional programs and events. There are opportunities for you to offer one-time, weekly, or monthly events! Would you like to offer a computer class in our Mac Lab (also provides Windows OS access)? Maybe you want to host a sports or fitness event in our gym or at our football stadium? Ever thought about putting your arts and crafts skills to use in our youth center? If you have an interest in volunteering for Journey House by running a program for our youth or adult participants or their families, fill out the Idea Form on our Volunteer page. A Journey House staff member will get back to you to follow up!
Friends
Journey House prides itself on the relationships it forms with individuals and organizations right here in Milwaukee and across the country. Working alongside these other entities allows us to maximize the opportunities available to our participants.
Two unique agreements set apart Milwaukee Public Schools and Milwaukee County Parks when we talk about Friends of Journey House. With these friends, we share fiscal and property responsibilities unlike any other agreement we have. We look forward to continuing these long-standing relationships well into the future. Click the logos to connect to our Friends' websites (links will open in a new tab or window).
Milwaukee Public Schools |
Milwaukee County Parks |
Journey House entered into a 99-year agreement with MPS in 2011 to allow Journey House to build a facility adjacent to Longfellow Elementary School on South 21st Street at Scott Street. Construction began immediately, and we opened the doors to our new facility in 2012.
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In 2013 a dream project that had been in the works with Milwaukee County Parks became reality when we officially celebrated the grand opening of the Journey House Packers Stadium on Pierce Street at South 22nd Street in Milwaukee County's Mitchell Park.
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AffiliationsJourney House is affiliated as a member agency of prominent public and nonprofit institutions.
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PartnersJourney House has developed mutually beneficial working agreements with a number of committed partners.
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CollaboratorsJourney House regularly collaborates with organizations and institutions that help transform the Milwaukee community.
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Affiliations
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Journey House works closely with the Clarke Square Neighborhood Initiative to increase quality of life in Clarke Square.
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Journey House is a member agency of Community Shares of Greater Milwaukee, which raises funds for local nonprofits focused on social justice, animal welfare, and the environment.
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Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Financial Opportunity Centers (FOC) train participants to become more financially stable and prepared to enter or re-enter the workforce. Journey House serves as a FOC for Clarke Square.
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The Green Bay Packers donated and helped to install the former Ray Nitschke practice field, which now finds its home in Milwaukee County's Mitchell Park.
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Marquette University High School football (freshmen and JV) and lacrosse (all levels) teams play their home games at the Journey House Packers Stadium.
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Journey House adult education instructors are certified and commissioned by Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). Our participants have access to online resources as if on an MATC campus. MATC also provides service learners to Journey House.
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Journey House's Felix Mantilla Little League is sponsored by the Milwaukee Brewers. The Milwaukee Brewers Community Foundation sponsors uniforms and equipment for the league.
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In addition to our property agreement with Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), Journey House also coordinates four MPS Community Learning Centers (CLCs), after school programs to enrich students' lives academically and recreationally.
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UMOS is a workforce development partner. Our neighborhood Ambassadors Program is a partnership between Journey House, UMOS, and the City of Milwaukee.
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Journey House is one of eight United Neighborhood Centers of Milwaukee (UNCOM) member agencies. UNCOM exists to combine and enhance the assets of UNCOM partner agencies in order to improve quality of life for urban families.
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Wisconsin Technical College System is a significant investor in Journey House's Adult Education program, supporting our English Language Learner and GED programs, as well as promoting civic engagement.
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The Milwaukee Bucks have been a fantastic partner, helping us expose youth workers to the variety of careers available to them, running basketball camps, renovating basketball courts, and much more.
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The UW Extension has been a great partner for a long time, and our collaboration surrounding food systems and urban gardening is only the latest effort.
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Journey House has been fortunate to have worked with Froedtert Hospital & the Medical College of Wisconsin on many activities and collaborations to improve the lives of people we serve.
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Journey House and the United Way are working together on the Milwaukee Community Schools Partnership in an effort to improve educational outcomes for Milwaukee's Public Schools.
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YES! for Schools is an initiative to create a culture of peace through stress-reducing breathing techniques, which help to increase academic and athletic performance.
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Community Building Milwaukee aligns with evidence-based practices to help participants remove barriers to communication and end dysfunctional attitudes and behavior.
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Partners
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Journey House participants learn about healthy lifestyles from Alverno College - School of Nursing students. Lessons are based on the interests of Journey House participants and incorporated into existing programming.
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Betty Brinn Children's Museum provides memberships to families who participate in Journey House programs. The partnership provides access to members-only events as well as keeps families up to date through the museum's newsletter.
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Journey House families can take advantage of the Urban Ecology Center's environmental and educational programs at UEC's Menomonee Valley location.
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Journey House and Discovery World maintain a "mi casa es su casa" relationship. Discovery World provides Journey House with access to meeting space and programs for youth and families. Journey House welcomes the Kohl's mobile lab on a regular basis.
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Journey House engages in a variety of partnerships with Marquette University. Journey House welcomes MU service learners and has been a partner in the university's Trinity Fellowship Program since its inception.
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Menomonee Valley Partners, Inc. is involved in and supports Journey House's initiatives that focus on economic and workforce development.
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All athletes who participate in Journey House athletics are required to have a Milwaukee Public Library card. MPL is our partner in increasing literacy among Milwaukee residents.
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Journey House engages in a variety of partnerships with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Journey House welcomes UWM service learners, and the university lends its athletic expertise for coach's clinics, camps, and development of athletics leagues.
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Journey House participants benefit from the Professional Clothing Drive held yearly by IREM and BOMA.
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Journey House participants benefit from the Professional Clothing Drive held yearly by IREM and BOMA.
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Collaborators
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Journey House staff benefit from professional development opportunities provided by Mount Mary University. The university also provides Journey House with service learners.
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Neighborhood News Service Milwaukee regularly provides coverage of activities at Journey House and in the Clarke Square neighborhood.
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Sam's Hope Literacy Foundation, in partnership with the Milwaukee Bucks, installed a large library collection in the Journey House teen lounge. The Bucks also regularly provide game tickets to Journey House participants.
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Waterstone Bank sponsors an advertisement promoting Journey House on Green Bay Packers pre- and post-game radio shows. The radio spot can be heard each Packers gameday on 620 WTMJ.
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Danielle Simone Photography has worked with Journey House to capture their successes in vivid and personal detail through photography.
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Teens Grow Greens assists our young teen leaders in a nine-month internship to learn, grown, and go!
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Bublr Bikes works with Journey House to discover affordable ways to sustain transportation and a healthy lifestyle through biking.
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Cardinal Capital Management, Inc. is working with Journey House to expand Journey House Campus Housing and create new build, affordable housing in the Clarke Square Neighborhood.
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Memberships
ProLiteracy, also known as ProLiteracy Worldwide, is an international nonprofit organization based in Syracuse, N.Y., that supports the people and programs that help adults learn to read and write.
Wisconsin Literacy, Inc. is a non-profit coalition of 75 community-based literacy programs located throughout the state. Our member programs provide much needed services to adults and families through dedicated staff and well-trained volunteer tutors. In Wisconsin, nearly a million residents qualify for our members' services.
Board of Directors
Journey House has one of the most active and engaged Board of Directors in the city of Milwaukee. Constantly seeking to offer their time and resources to the organization, the Journey House Board has played and continues to play a tremendous role in Journey House's success. We are grateful to all of our Board Members who volunteer their time to help Journey House empower families to move out of poverty.
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Eugene Manzanet, PNC Bank - Board Chairman
After serving eight years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve has dedicated his time and energy to serving the Milwaukee area as resource of information for financial education, community and economic development. As a current resident and home owner of the near northwest side of Milwaukee he originally was born in New York City and raised in the heart of the “South Bronx”. He has been in the banking industry for twenty two years and in a variety of roles and capacities. Currently serving as the Vice President Community Development Banking for PNC Bank where he provides direct support to community social services organizations with financial resources to increase homeownership, enhances small businesses growth and supports economic development through catalytic projects in south eastern Wisconsin. (Click Here for Press Bio) |
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Mike Kleber
President Zilber Property Group 
Click for bio
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Dan Shannon
Vice President FIS 
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Theresa Plautz-Blazei
Treasurer Roundy's 
Click for bio
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Carmen Ventura
Secretary Cricket Wireless 
Click for bio
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Chris Calvelli
Retired Past Board President - Baird 
Click for bio
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Ray Arndt
Legacy Life Now 
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Dr. Wilma Bonaparte
Milwaukee Area Technical College 
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Fran Brzezinski
Interstate Partners, LLC 
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Kathy Clark
Northwestern Mutual 
Click for bio
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Greg Herrle
Retired Board President - Board Member 
Click for bio
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Nate Marshall
Helgesen 
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Frank Mauer
R&R Insurance Services, Inc 
Click for bio
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John Miceli
Eppstein Uhen Artchitects, Inc 
Click for bio
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James Miller
BMO Harris Bank 
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Carl Zaar
Board Member 
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Journey House Charitable Foundation
Established in 2011, the Journey House Charitable Foundation is a nonprofit, registered 501(c)(3) public charity whose principal purpose is to seek gifts, contributions, donations and bequests for Journey House, Inc. in support of its charitable purposes. The individuals below comprise the Journey House Charitable Foundation Board.
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Greg Herrle
Board President Community Volunteer 
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Kathryn Buono
Board Vice-President Briggs & Stratton 
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Brian Kilb
Board Secretary Landaas 
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Dan Kolb
Board Treasurer RBC Wealth Management 
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Barb Klein
Board Member Community Volunteer 
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Jim Schlater
Retired Past Board President Secure Fire and Safety LLC 
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Advisors
Felix Mantilla, Community Volunteer
Reginald Harris, Community Volunteer
Les Weil, Community Volunteer
Reginald Harris, Community Volunteer
Les Weil, Community Volunteer
Advisory Committee
Ida Alejo
Jennifer Brown
Romonda Caldwell
Katherine Carlos
Demetrius Gaines
Catherine Peltz
Tyna Rule
Keth Stuck
Jennifer Brown
Romonda Caldwell
Katherine Carlos
Demetrius Gaines
Catherine Peltz
Tyna Rule
Keth Stuck
Packers Football Coaching and Parent Coordinator Team
Parent Coordinators:
Latrise Stewart
Wanda Rodriguez
Renee Johnson
Pee Wee Packers (ages 6 to 8)
Head Coach Duane Wilson
Assistant Coach
Junior Packers (ages 9 to 11)
Head Coach Martin Weddle
Assistant Coach Juan Hurtado
Major Packers (ages 12 to 14)
Head Coach Antwon Stokes
Assistant Coach Shamaine Banks
Latrise Stewart
Wanda Rodriguez
Renee Johnson
Pee Wee Packers (ages 6 to 8)
Head Coach Duane Wilson
Assistant Coach
Junior Packers (ages 9 to 11)
Head Coach Martin Weddle
Assistant Coach Juan Hurtado
Major Packers (ages 12 to 14)
Head Coach Antwon Stokes
Assistant Coach Shamaine Banks
Felix Mantilla Little League Coaching and Parent Coordinator Team
T-Ball (ages 3 to 6)
Leones, Naranjeros, Gigantes, & Senadores Head Coach Jerry and Assistant Coach Jodi Majerus
Ages 7 to 8
Leones Head Coach Miguel Santiago
Gigantes Head Coach Christopher Ojeda
Senadores Head Coach Adrian Villegas
Ages 9 to 10
Leones Head Coach Tim Corrigan and Assistant Coach Armando Sanchez
Gigantes Head Coach Chico Camus & Assistant Coach Solo Acosta
Naranjeros Head Coach Chato Duran & Assistant Coach Johnny Feliciano
Senadores Head Coach Julio Cruz
Ages 11 to 12
Leones Head Coach Roy Contreras
Gigantes Head Coach Jesse Marrero
Senadores Head Coach Ed Mendoza
Ages 13 to 15
Senadores Head Coach Fernando Rosa
Parent Coordinators:
Olga Cruz
Veronica Duran
Jacqueline Perez
Leones, Naranjeros, Gigantes, & Senadores Head Coach Jerry and Assistant Coach Jodi Majerus
Ages 7 to 8
Leones Head Coach Miguel Santiago
Gigantes Head Coach Christopher Ojeda
Senadores Head Coach Adrian Villegas
Ages 9 to 10
Leones Head Coach Tim Corrigan and Assistant Coach Armando Sanchez
Gigantes Head Coach Chico Camus & Assistant Coach Solo Acosta
Naranjeros Head Coach Chato Duran & Assistant Coach Johnny Feliciano
Senadores Head Coach Julio Cruz
Ages 11 to 12
Leones Head Coach Roy Contreras
Gigantes Head Coach Jesse Marrero
Senadores Head Coach Ed Mendoza
Ages 13 to 15
Senadores Head Coach Fernando Rosa
Parent Coordinators:
Olga Cruz
Veronica Duran
Jacqueline Perez
Criollos Baseball Travel and Parent Coordinator Team
Head Coaches:
Ages 9 to 10: Head Coach Chato Duran and Assistant Coach Julio Cruz
Ages 11 to 12: Head Coach Jesse Marrero
Ages 15 to 18: Head Coach Julian Haliga, Sr.
Parent Coordinators:
Masiel Gomez
Kari Waldenmeyer
Kevin O’Donnell
Add Felix Mantilla Little League Board:
Charles Brown, President
Eugene Manzanet, Vice-President
Dr. Michele Bria, Treasurer
Jacqueline Perez, Secretary
Ages 9 to 10: Head Coach Chato Duran and Assistant Coach Julio Cruz
Ages 11 to 12: Head Coach Jesse Marrero
Ages 15 to 18: Head Coach Julian Haliga, Sr.
Parent Coordinators:
Masiel Gomez
Kari Waldenmeyer
Kevin O’Donnell
Add Felix Mantilla Little League Board:
Charles Brown, President
Eugene Manzanet, Vice-President
Dr. Michele Bria, Treasurer
Jacqueline Perez, Secretary
