JobsWork MKE (formerly the Milwaukee Community Business Collaborative and Milwaukee JobsWork) is a nonprofit organization that seeks to create pathways to employment for those facing barriers to employment. JobsWork MKE aims to help individuals in Milwaukee’s lowest income neighborhoods become self-sufficient through consistent employment. ¹

Activities

JobsWork MKE uses a comprehensive model to motivate its participants to become self sufficient, which includes assessments, life skills training, identifying and correcting barriers to consistent employment, and spiritual renewal. JobsWork MKE claims that through preparation, empowerment, and support, participants become motivated and can ultimately achieve long-term, stable employment. JobsWork MKE also provides post employment support, including continued one-on-one guidance and assistance with career advancement. ²

JobsWork MKE maintains a network of small businesses and anchor institutions, through its Milwaukee Anchor Collaborative (MAC). MAC partners with large employers in Milwaukee, primarily healthcare and educational institutions, to increase employment among and support for small businesses owned by people of color. Currently, participating anchor institutions include Aurora Health Care, Ascension, Froedtert, Children’s Wisconsin, Marquette University, the Medical College of Wisconsin, and the University of Wisconsin. ³

JobsWork MKE’s Pathways to Healthcare Careers program works with its anchor institutions in the healthcare field to benefit both its participants and partners. The Pathways program places workers in high demand, yet lower-skilled healthcare jobs with the intention of transitioning these workers to higher-level employment. The Pathways program assists workers with foundational and technical skills, and provides one-on-one career coaching.. ²

Funding

JobsWork MKE is funded by donations from individuals, foundations, and businesses. While JobsWork MKE does not disclose its donors, tax filings confirm donations from the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation ($75,000 in 2021), ⁴ the Stimac Family Foundation ($75,000 in 2019), ⁵ and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation ($46,582 in 2018). ⁶

Staff

Michael W. Adams is the president of JobsWork MKE. ¹

Rodney Moutry is the vice president of the Milwaukee Anchor Collaborative. ¹

Board of Directors

Cheryl Blue is the executive director of the 30th Street Industrial Corridor Corporation. Blue formerly worked as a consultant for the City of Milwaukee and director of the Philadelphia Freedom Schools. ⁷

Antonio Butts is the executive director of the Walnut Way Conservation Corp. and sits on the boards of Imagine MKE and the Institute for Sustainable Communities. ⁸

Al Orr is the chair, president, and CEO of the law firm Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren. ⁹

Michelle Townsend de Lopez is the lead pastor of Cross Lutheran Church. ¹

Kathryn Buono is a former vice president, general counsel, and secretary of the Briggs and Stratton Corporation. ¹

Bill Krugler is the founder, chair, and former president of JobsWork MKE. Krugler sits on the board of the Community Reinvestment Fund and formerly sat on the board of the Weinert Center for Entrepreneurship and the Advisory Council on Agriculture, Small Business, and Labor at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. ¹⁰

Other members of the board include Matt Sabljak and Sonnie Wilbert. ¹

1.  “About.” JobsWork MKE. Accessed August 18, 2023. https://www.jobsworkmke.org/about.
2. “How We Work.” JobsWork MKE. Accessed August 18, 2023. https://www.jobsworkmke.org/how-we-work.
3. ^[1] “Milwaukee Anchor Collaborative.” JobsWork MKE. Accessed August 18, 2023. https://www.jobsworkmke.org/milwaukee-anchor-collaborative.
4. Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Return of Private Foundation (Form 990-PF), 2021, Part XV, Line 3.
5. Stimac Family Foundation, Return of Private Foundation (Form 990-PF), 2019, Part XV, Line 3.
6. Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990), 2018, Schedule I, Part II.
7. “Cheryl Blue.” LinkedIn. Accessed August 18, 2023. https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-blue-6a476116b/.
8. “Antonio Butts.” LinkedIn. Accessed August 18, 2023. https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-butts-5b71291a/.
9. “Albert S. Orr.” Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. Accessed August 18, 2023. https://www.reinhartlaw.com/people/albert-orr#overview.
10. “Bill Krugler.” LinkedIn. Accessed August 18, 2023. https://www.linkedin.com/in/billkrugler/.