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

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.

LEAVEN opens doors at St. Joe’s church

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

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

LEAVEN established its first endowment fund.

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

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

LEAVEN’s office on 6th St.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

LEAVEN broke ground on the new LEAVEN Community Resource Center.

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