Partnership with a Purpose
Forward Community Investments (FCI) and Bay View Community Center (BVCC) share a common goal: to create more equitable and thriving communities in Wisconsin. BVCC, a nonprofit organization located at 1320 E. Oklahoma Ave in Milwaukee, has provided over four decades of community support in Milwaukee, creating opportunities that foster stronger connections and enhance the quality of life for all individuals. Their services and educational programs foster community engagement and aim to promote the personal growth of residents in Bay View and the surrounding area.
FCI is a proud financing partner of BVCC. Funding from FCI helped catalyze their recent facilities renovation which will allow them to expand their impact on the local community. The new space opened on Monday, October 23rd and includes an upgraded kitchen that accommodates up to 15 hours of weekly cooking classes and an expanded food pantry space that increases BVCC’s capacity to efficiently serve the Milwaukee community.
Read more about BVCC’s reopening: https://bit.ly/40iPUhz
Volunteers for Community Change
BVCC takes pride in its Volunteer Corps, comprising over 260 dedicated individuals. These committed volunteers are treated with the same respect and support as paid staff members, and are provided with job descriptions and decision-making authority, encouraged to think creatively and innovatively, and recognized for their invaluable service. A substantial number of their programs are proposed, created, and often overseen by these volunteers, underscoring their pivotal role in ensuring that the center offers the community the programming it requires.
Learn more here about BVCC volunteer opportunities
Giving Back
BVCC understands that food insecurity is a complex issue, often influenced by a variety factors including poverty, unemployment, chronic health conditions, and racial discrimination. They address food insecurities Emergency Food Pantry, extending a helping hand to individuals and families residing in zip codes 53207, 53221, 53235, and 53215.
BVCC also provides surrounding communities with access to their Family Resource Center (FRC) and its programs. Providing a safe space for families and individuals who need emotional and mental support, FRC programming includes family nights, dads’ groups, kids’ open play, parent cafés, and more.
“The Bay View Community Center has long been an asset to those not just in the 14th District, but everyone across the city. Food insecurity knows no boundaries, and with the renovations, BVCC will be able to continue to grow their reach and expand their service offerings to support local families and combat this issue,” stated Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic who was joined by Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson at BVCC’s grand reopening event on 10/23/2023.
Learn more about the FRC and BVCC Food Pantry.
Supporting the Present and Future
By providing funding to nonprofits like BVCC, FCI aims to fuel the visions and missions of community organizations across Wisconsin communities. We’re proud to have played a small part in helping BVCC expand its reach and look forward to continuing to follow and support their fantastic work.
Curious to learn more about our financial products supporting community facilities projects?
Reach out to our team at info@forwardci.org to get connected with our team!
