Fr. Zach visits Milwaukee to Prepare for Opening of New House of Studies!

This month, Thrive For Life achieved a major milestone as we near the launch of our new House of Studies in the vibrant Halyard Park neighborhood of Milwaukee, WI! Our team's visit to Milwaukee earlier this month was a pivotal step in forging connections with community and faith partners, as we gear up to welcome scholars into this supportive community by Fall 2024.

During our stay, we engaged in meaningful dialogues at the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's inaugural Day of Dialogue on criminal justice reform and ministry. This special event provided us a platform to share our innovative model and mission of transforming lives behind and beyond prison walls. The gathering included diverse voices and ministries from the Church, all dedicated to accompanying our incarcerated brothers and sisters.

We were also glad to visit our brothers at Felmer's Chaney and Racine correctional facilities, thanks to the leadership of Corrections Secretary Kevin Carr. These visits allowed us to meet directly with our brothers behind the walls, sharing news about the upcoming launch of the house and laying the groundwork for our retreat programming. Our aim is to offer introspective and meditative resources rooted in the Spiritual Exercises for an Examined Life, thereby enriching the lives of those in these facilities.

Moreover, we are in the process of recruiting and training mentors who will work behind the walls. This mentorship program is a crucial component of our mission, providing guidance and support to those who are often overlooked.

The last steps of acquiring a building for the house have also been completed. The chosen building, a beautiful former convent that previously served as the residence of the Capuchin Franciscan Friars, is ideally suited to serve as a home for 10-12 resident scholars. It represents not just a physical space, but a beacon of hope and transformation.

Our recent visit was profoundly enriched by the support and warmth of our local friends and supporters, whose contributions have been invaluable in making our efforts successful and grace-filled. As we move into 2024, we are scheduled to return to Milwaukee in January to further our planning and development efforts.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has played a role in this journey. Your support and faith in our mission are what drives us to create impactful change and provide a haven of learning and growth for our scholars.