ThriveOn Collaboration

Even though days are getting shorter and temperatures are dipping, the time we spent on Friday at our All Workgroup Meeting and Reception has kept our spirits bright and warm!

During our meeting and reception at Radio Milwaukee, we had the opportunity to hear from the ThriveOn Collaboration executive sponsors, Dr. John Raymond of the Medical College of Wisconsin, and Ellen Gilligan of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, as well as our co-chairs, Kevin Newell of Royal Capital, Ken Robertson of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and Greg Wesley of the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Together, we celebrated our journey and had dialogue about our continued and lasting commitment to the precious places that are Harambee, Halyard Park, Brewers Hill and, of course, ThriveOn King. As Ken Robertson reminded us: All of our work to date has been centered in community engagement — and it will continue to be so, thanks to all of you.

In the spirit of gratitude, we’d also like to thank and spotlight our food partners from Friday: Delicious Bites, Goody Gourmets, HoneyBee Sage Wellness Cafe, Pepperpot On MLK, Sam's Place Jazz Cafe and Shani's Exquisite Catering.

The newest issue of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s Greater Together e-newsletter is out! Included in the e-newsletter is the Greater Together Campaign, helping to create a Milwaukee for all, one that is culturally vibrant and economically thriving. Thanks to the campaign, ThriveOn Collaboration has raised $8 million of our $11 million goal. Thank you to our generous donors! Learn more about the impact by reading Greater Together.

The latest issue of our Greater Together e-newsletter is out! >> https://bit.ly/GTENovember2023

Inside you'll learn about:
🌟 Recipients of our 2023 Greater Together Awards
🌟 How Milwaukee Succeeds and other advocates in the community are continuing to raise awareness, bridge gaps and find solutions to the challenges that confront the early childhood education sector.
🌟What impact our Greater Together Campaign is having and how you can still make a generational impact.
🌟 The many ways we showed up in community in 2023

GivingTuesday is a “global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity.” It’s an opportunity to extend your time, expertise, money, and voice to give back to your community. Several community organizations and nonprofits deserve your support today and every day.

Shop small today for Small Business Saturday! While you’re out enjoying your holiday weekend, don’t forget to support small businesses throughout Milwaukee. The Harambee, Halyard Park, and Brewers Hill neighborhoods have several small businesses to support today and every day. Tag your favorite small businesses in the comments below so others can support them too.

Happy Thanksgiving from ThriveOnCollaboration! May today be filled with joy, gratitude, and grateful hearts.

Join the Office of Community Engagement (OCE) for their November Community Engagement Spotlight virtually on Wednesday, November 29 at 4:00 pm. The November edition will feature Cydney Key and her work with the ThriveOn Collaboration. This session will be facilitated by Debra Nevels, Program Manager at the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center. Register today at the link below. See you there!

https://mcw-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0sfu6orjIqEtyZF2epqGqqpI7XtST1RIBO #/registration

Today we honor the philanthropists who give back graciously to their communities with their time and money. We are especially grateful for those who have and continue to support ThriveOn Collaboration and ThriveOn King. Your contributions are creating a community hub that will give back for generations to come.

We are both thankful and ecstatic with the impact ThriveOn King has already made on our community even before we open our doors. The resources our transformative community development is and will continue to provide will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. Thank you Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for sharing our story!

https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/real-estate/commercial/2023/11/09/thriveon-king-development-about-to-open-in-milwaukees-bronzeville/71410068007/

Today we celebrate the men and women who sacrificed and dedicated their lives to our country. We thank you for your service.

Have you registered for the Wellness Café yet? The free community event, sponsored by the Medical College of Wisconsin, St. Francis of Assisi Parish and the Archdiocese of Milwaukee for the Wellness Café is tomorrow Saturday, November 11 from 9:00 am to noon. Meet us at the St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 1937 N. Vel R Phillips Ave. in Milwaukee for clinical breast cancer exams, prostate cancer blood tests, and resource and educational materials, along with brunch and giveaways. Register at archmil.regfox.com/wellness-cafe-2023. See you tomorrow!

Please join ThriveOn Collaboration in celebrating one of our esteemed co-chairs, Kevin Newell of Royal Capital, as a Milwaukee Business Journal top 40 newsmaker in the southeastern Wisconsin business community for the past 40 years. Kevin’s impact on the community has supported so many from affordable housing to the ThriveOn Collaboration and we are proud to celebrate him!

https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2023/10/24/2nd-group-business-journals-top-newsmakers.html

Join the Medical College of Wisconsin, St. Francis of Assisi Parish and the Archdiocese of Milwaukee for the Wellness Café on Saturday, November 11 from 9:00 am to noon at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 1937 N. Vel R Phillips Ave. in Milwaukee. The free event will provide clinical breast cancer exams, prostate cancer blood tests, and resource and educational materials, along with brunch and giveaways. Register today at archmil.regfox.com/wellness-cafe-2023 for this informative event!

Ken Robertson is not only a co-chair for ThriveOn Collaboration but he's also a dedicated and inspiring leader. Tune in to his episode of the Athena Communications podcast!

Uncover the transformative journey led by Ken Robertson, the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating and Financial Officer of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, as he shares his inspiring initiatives to empower disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Ken is a driving force behind the ThriveOn Collaboration, which encompasses the remarkable restoration of the historic Gimbels and Schuster's building. This urban gem now stands as a bustling administrative hub, parking structure, and a vibrant community center, complete with an early childhood education center. For Ken, representation is more than a concept—it's a conviction. His personal experiences serve as a bridge between local communities and financial strategies, fostering a deeper understanding of neighborhood dynamics.

“High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and diabetes are leading causes of stroke. One in 3 U.S. adults has at least one of these conditions or habits.”

Yesterday was World Stroke Day, raising awareness about strokes including prevention and treatment. Recognizing early warning signs can save lives including:
Numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
Confusion or trouble talking
Trouble seeing
Dizziness or trouble walking
Severe headache

Knowing risk factors can help to prevent a stroke like exercising, eating healthy, and not smoking.

Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin has an extensive Stroke Program focused on new and better ways to diagnose, treat and prevent stroke, and to assist the recovery of those who have been victimized by it.

https://www.mcw.edu/departments/neurology/patient-care/clinical-specialty-programs/stroke-program

Last week we celebrated Construction Inclusion Week with CG Schmidt, one of our ThriveOn King construction partners. CG Schmidt hosted a luncheon for all team members working at the job site in celebration of Construction Inclusion Week. Several ThriveOn team members and representatives from each tenant partner organization were in attendance.

During the luncheon, representatives from the Collaboration’s founding organizations and each tenant partner shared their ‘why’ related to ThriveOn King. The CG Schmidt management team often attends events where the ThriveOn Collaboration’s purpose is discussed, but most of our talented, committed craftworkers don’t have this opportunity. It was a great opportunity to celebrate the ongoing work at ThriveOn King.

Learning and Development Month isn’t just about encouraging young people to get excited about education. It’s also about motivating adults to broaden and advance their skills with professional development, certifications, and post-secondary education. While ThriveOn Collaboration is committed to investing in the quality, access, and sustainability of early childhood education in the city, the Collaboration is also focused on the growth, success, and advancement of the adults in the communities it serves.

Today we recognize our local chambers of commerce and the impact they have on local businesses, entrepreneurs, and the communities they serve. Local chambers in Milwaukee like the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin (AACCW), the Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce, and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) continue to reinvest in our city and help local businesses and entrepreneurs grow and develop.

This time last year we were meeting with neighborhood residents for our Community Visioning Sessions at America's Black Holocaust Museum. The sessions were inspiring and energizing as we watched ThrivenOn King begin to take shape. The insight we received from residents has helped us develop a community development that will advance our vision of a more equitable Milwaukee.

Happy Boss's Day to all the leaders across the country. Today we salute all leaders of ThriveOn!

Before our building was ThriveOn King, it was once Schuster's/Gimbels department store. There are still parts of the store that will be preserved from the previous department store but it’s remarkable to see the progress of our new community redevelopment.

Today, Department Store Day, we reflect on the growth of the thriving Bronzeville community, including how three dedicated organizations turned a department store into a generational legacy project.

Yesterday, Ellen Gilligan, the longtime Greater Milwaukee Foundation president, announced her retirement for summer 2024. Ellen has been an impactful leader, deeply committed to seeing greater Milwaukee thrive. Thank you Ellen for your commitment to ThriveOn Collaboration and for bringing this generational project to life!

Read more about Ellen’s tenure and her impact on Milwaukee and GMF.

https://www.greatermilwaukeefoundation.org/newsroom/recent-news/ellen-gilligan-retire-greater-milwaukee-foundation/

Every day, children are bullied both in school and online. Today is a day to take a stand. Today we say no more bullying. ThriveOn Collaboration and our educational partners in the ThriveOn King community are dedicated to the growth and healthy development of our children. We recognize the importance of teaching children coping techniques so bullying is never an option.

World Mental Health Day focuses on the work of breaking the stigma around mental health and raising awareness. Mental health affects the lives of thousands of people across the world every day and it’s necessary to provide a safe space and proper treatment so those suffering from mental health disorders can receive the support they need and deserve.

The Medical College of Wisconsin has a variety of mental health resources and programs, including their Community Conversations. They are an excellent resource for those in need of mental health support.

Construction at ThriveOn King continues to transform the building. On the fourth floor, painting has begun and communication wiring has been installed. Infill on the mezzanine and installation of ducts, sprinklers, and drywall, continues to shape the building. Construction of the elevator tower and shaft, which can be seen from outside at the back of the building, has reached up to level five.

On the third floor, the Chicago window installations are underway and should be completed soon. A steel vestibule was installed outside, and the parking garage is taking shape. A robust roster of tenants and features will bring ThriveOn King to life when completed in early 2024. The historic former Gimbels-Schuster’s building on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive will be home to the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s headquarters, offices for the Medical College of Wisconsin’s community engagement programs, an exemplar early childhood education center operated by Malaika Early Learning Center, a community hub for Versiti BloodCenter of Wisconsin, new headquarters for JobsWork MKE, community gathering spaces, healthy food options, public art and mixed-income housing for families and seniors.

October is National Economic Education Month, promoting the importance of teaching economics to young people in school and at home. By learning about economics and how it works early, young people are more likely to make better financial choices and have a more positive outlook on their economic future.

ThriveOn Collaboration is committed to providing economic opportunities to entrepreneurs and business owners in Milwaukee, especially those of color. This includes offering resources and opportunities for generational wealth and economic development.

Last week’s ThriveOn Block Party was a great time connecting with our neighbors and partners! We can’t wait for another opportunity to gather again!

Thank you Milwaukee Community Journal for featuring Dr. Staci Young and ThriveOn Collaboration. We are so proud of this project which will be a legacy for generations to come.

https://communityjournal.net/thriveon-collaborations-foundation-is-being-built-on-community-input/

Today's the day! See you out on the block from 5-7 p.m. for the ThriveOn Block Party! All are welcome for this family-friendly event serving up food and fun on Vel Phillips between Garfield and Lloyd.

📸 Pat A Robinson

We're looking forward to seeing everybody tomorrow for the big day -- the ThriveOn Block Party from 5-7 p.m. on Vel Phillips between Garfield and Lloyd. You won't want to miss the delicious food and drinks being served up by some of our favorites -- Confectionately Yours, HoneyBee Sage Wellness & Apothecary, No Bayou Catering, Pepperpot, Rise and Grind Café, and Sam's Place Jazz Cafe!

Join us Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. for the second annual ThriveOn Block Party on Vel Phillips Avenue between Garfield and Lloyd! Fun, food, and games for the whole family!

📸 Pat A Robinson

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disease that primarily affects African Americans and this month observes a condition that continues to affect so many. The Medical College of Wisconsin’s Sickle Cell Disease Program provides care for most adults with SCD in the state of Wisconsin.

https://www.mcw.edu/departments/medicine/divisions/hematology-oncology-cancer/patient-care/benign-hematology-and-sickle-cell-disease-program

Great food, great coffee and the opportunity to give back. Join the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County’s Diversity Leadership Society for United We Dine at Sam's Place Jazz Cafe on Friday, September 21 from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm. 10% of proceeds from the day will go to the United Way.

Sam’s Place is excited to support the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County’s Diversity Leadership Society for United We Dine. Join United Way at Sam’s Place Friday, September 22 from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm for food, coffee, connecting, and giving back. 10% of proceeds will benefit the United Way. We hope to see you there!

Today we honor the memory of those we lost because of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. We also remember the first responders who risked their lives to protect and save so many others.

Thanks to TMJ4 News for sharing the story of ThriveOn King, a once-in-a-generation project rooted in a joint vision for a Milwaukee that is equitable, healthy, and thriving for all being led by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, the Medical College of Wisconsin, and Royal Capital.

https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/neighborhood-involvement-key-to-thriveon-king-progress

Happy Labor Day from ThriveOn Collaboration!

“I am thrilled for the opportunity to connect with the community in a way that deepens the relationships between neighbors (existing and incoming) and provides expansive opportunities for the many stakeholders."

ThriveOn Collaboration had a great summer and that included welcoming Cydney Key, the new Senior Director for ThriveOn Guest Experience and Strategic Partnerships. Learn more about Cydney and her role in the ThriveOn Collaboration summer newsletter.

https://bit.ly/ThriveOnCollaborationSummer2023

Take a peek into the latest and greatest of ThriveOn King development in the summer issue of the ThriveOn Collaboration newsletter!

https://bit.ly/ThriveOnCollaborationSummer2023

ThriveOn King is providing access to high-quality early childhood education through Malaika Early Learning Center. Their second campus in the development will provide 78 spots in the Bronzeville area, giving more children the opportunity to quality, affordable early childhood education. The Greater Milwaukee Foundation Action Report offers more insight regarding early childhood education in Milwaukee.

https://bit.ly/ActionReportSummer2023

Today ThriveOn King was featured on CBS 58 with ThriveOn co-chair Kenneth Robertson of Greater Milwaukee Foundation and Tamara Johnson of ThriveOn King tenant Malaika Early Learning Center. It was an incredible story about the community development, its amazing tenants, and its impact. Thank you CBS 58!

https://www.cbs58.com/news/from-department-store-to-community-hub-inside-the-construction-of-thriveon-king

Today we welcomed CBS 58 into ThriveOn King! Tune in to their upcoming Sunday morning shows for a sneak peek of work in progress and future plans for ThriveOn King.