MPC: Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community

Balance Inc.

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 [https://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 [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.

Lake Country Clean Waters

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 [https://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 [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.

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.