Tom Ellis (second from right) and the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center team.
September 21, 2017
Written by Katie Kuhn, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County
Today on the podcast we continue our partnership with Ex Fabula, a local organization committed to strengthening community bonds through the art of storytelling, to bring some of their most compelling stories to you….and to learn a little more about the tellers behind these stories.
Be sure to listen to our interview with Ex Fabula alum Rissie Lundberg, who shared her story about being one of three generations of teachers.
Silver Spring Neighborhood Center, a United Way program partner, is located in the neighborhood of Westlawn on Milwaukee’s Northwest side. Since 1958, Silver Spring has served Westlawn’s 7,000 plus residents, many of whom face challenges like poverty and unemployment, by offering programs for everyone no matter the age.
About a year and a half ago, Tom Ellis took the position of Executive Director at Silver Spring. Five years earlier, Tom had retired from a decades-long career in banking and had spent his short retirement taking walking trips around the world. When he was back in his local community, Tom began volunteering in Milwaukee, which led him to board membership at Silver Spring, then the Executive Director position when it opened up.
We chat with Tom about Tristan, a little boy in Silver Spring’s Elaine Schreiber Early Childhood Development center who has made quite an impression, and how Silver Spring approaches early childhood education in a neighborhood with tremendous need.
Read more about United Way’s partnership with Silver Spring Neighborhood Center or contact them to schedule a tour!
Silver Spring Neighborhood Center is one of many organizations participating in United Way’s 2017 Season of Caring! Visit www.UnitedWayGMWC.org/Season-of-Caring to browse available volunteer projects across the community.
Learn more about Ex Fabula, including when and where you can attend a StorySlam event and share your own story.