LEAVEN
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New Stories About Us Vision and Goals Mission Staff and Board Partners How We Help History Testimonials Annual Reports & Financials Newsletters FAQs Programs Resource Center Basic Needs High-Risk Prevention Pay It Forward Loan My Road Away Get Involved Volunteer Donate Faith-Based Partners Contact Us Locations Community Room Request Appointment
LEAVEN
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LEAVEN's History
May 1985
May 1985

Stakeholders met to discuss strategies for emergency requests. A year later, those conversations gave birth to the concept of LEAVEN.

January 1987
January 1987

LEAVEN opened its doors in St. Joseph Middle School in 1987. This brick-and-mortar beginning doesn’t tell the whole story.

On March 1, 1987, LEAVEN received tax exempt status from the state of Wisconsin and 501(c) 3 status from the IRS.

July 1987
July 1987

LEAVEN opens doors at St. Joe’s church

August 1987
August 1987

Paulette Laffin assumed the role of Executive Director of LEAVEN until her retirement in February of 2002.

July 1990
July 1990

LEAVEN relocated to the basement of St. Joseph Middle School.

October 1991
October 1991

LEAVEN established its first endowment fund.

December 1994
December 1994

Margaret Walsh donated her home at 516 6th Street in Appleton to LEAVEN.

May 1995
May 1995

LEAVEN moved its offices to the home donated by Margaret Walsh.

May 1995
May 1995

LEAVEN’s office on 6th St.

January 2002
January 2002

Jennifer Wanke took on the role of Executive Director, following the retirement of Paulette Laffin. Jennifer completed the Capital Campaign initiated by Paulette.

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October 2002
October 2002

LEAVEN moved again—this time to its current location in Menasha.

June 2008
June 2008

LEAVEN introduced its High-Risk Prevention Program, a collaborative effort with Homeless Connections.

June 2013
June 2013

Mary Parsons became LEAVEN’s Executive Director, following 10 years as LEAVEN’s client services director.

June 2013
June 2013

LEAVEN introduced the Next Step Program as a response to trends identified during several years of implementation and analysis of the High-Risk Prevention Program.

January 2016
January 2016

LEAVEN introduced the Pay-It-Forward Loan Program, partnering with FISC to offer assistance to clients who wouldn’t qualify for help through LEAVEN’s traditional charity model.

April 2016
April 2016

LEAVEN board and staff undertook a strategic planning process which resulted in a new mission, vision, and strategy.

November 2017
November 2017

LEAVEN broke ground on the new LEAVEN Community Resource Center.

September 2018
September 2018

LEAVEN Community Resource Center opens doors welcoming 14 community partner agencies under one roof to provide services and support to clients.

(920) 738-9635 | leaven@leavenfoxcities.org

1475 Opportunity Way, Menasha, WI 54952

(920) 738-9635 leaven@leavenfoxcities.org
Hours
Mon 9:00-20:00
Tue 9:00-16:00
Wed 9:00-16:00
Thu 9:00-16:00
Fri 9:00-16:00
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Charity Navigator is America's premier independent charity evaluator. Click on the logo to review LEAVEN’s four star rating.