Zachariah's Acres

Whitefish Bay Civic Foundation

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 [https://www.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 [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.

Fostering Community

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 [https://www.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 [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.

Mount Mary University

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 [https://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 [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.

Summer Stage of Delafield

What if your next night at the theater included a sunset, a picnic, and a stage nestled in the heart of nature? On this episode of #MPC, we’re joined by Dustin Martin, Artistic Director of Summer Stage of Delafield, an outdoor theater company bringing performing arts to life in Lapham Peak State Park. Dustin shares how this unique nonprofit blends storytelling with the natural beauty of Wisconsin to create an unforgettable, immersive experience. We dive into what sets Summer Stage apart, from its “tailgating for theater” culture to the magic and unpredictability of performing under the open sky. Dustin also offers a behind-the-scenes look at balancing creativity with environmental stewardship and producing high-quality theater powered largely by volunteers. SUMMER STAGE OF DELAFIELD Summer Stage of Delafield is a nonprofit outdoor theater dedicated to uniting the performing arts with the natural environment. Located in Lapham Peak State Park, the organization creates high-quality, family-friendly productions that foster community engagement, artistic expression, and appreciation for nature Website: summerstageofdelafield.org [https://summerstageofdelafield.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 [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.

Lad Lake

40% of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. For many young people, mental health challenges and academic struggles are deeply connected. On this episode of #MPC, we’re joined by Donelle Hauser, President and CEO of Lad Lake, a Southeast Wisconsin–based organization serving youth and families across the Milwaukee and Waukesha areas. Donelle shares how Lad Lake is helping young people in crisis stabilize, rebuild confidence, and find a new path forward. We explore the growing youth mental health crisis and why early intervention matters more than ever. Donelle offers insight into how emotional and academic challenges often overlap, and how Lad Lake steps in at critical moments to help youth reset their trajectory. Through residential treatment, crisis care, alternative education, mentoring, and in-home therapy, Lad Lake meets young people where they are and surrounds them with the support and relationships they need to heal and grow. LAD LAKE Founded in 1848, Lad Lake is Wisconsin’s oldest children’s charity, dedicated to guiding the growth of youth and families so they can reach their fullest potential. Serving youth across Southeast Wisconsin with campuses in Milwaukee and Dousman, Lad Lake provides a continuum of care that includes residential treatment, crisis stabilization, alternative education, mentoring, and in-home therapy, all designed to support healing, build life skills, and create pathways to stronger futures. Website: ladlake.org [https://www.ladlake.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 [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.