Dear Friends,

The last year has put all of us to the test and strengthened our purpose. It is a reminder of the roots we were founded on 20 years ago, to dismantle systemic racism and create spaces for resident influence, leadership, and power. Despite the challenges that 2020 posed, Walnut Way is proud to share that it has been a year of action, accomplishment, and adaptation.

In addition to Covid-19 distribution of health kits, outreach campaigns, and the transition of our ongoing programs to a virtual format, Walnut Way continued to improve the green infrastructure and climate resilience of the Lindsay Heights neighborhood in significant ways.

Blue Skies Landscaping continued to grow in scale and employ 20 members throughout the pandemic as essential workers, maintaining 175 of the City of Milwaukee’s bioswales, that mitigate stormwater.

In 2020, we strengthened our community wealth building efforts by launching several social enterprise programs, supported entrepreneurs on their journeys towards prosperity, and launched strategic housing stabilization efforts.

Throughout the year, the much anticipated Wellness Commons construction carried on. We are happy to announce that phase two is complete with a village of Wellness, Work, and Wealth tenants ready to be a hub for community resilience.

Thank you for continuing your journey with us over the past 20 years.

Please enjoy a look back at 2020.

Respectfully,

Antonio Butts, Executive Director