Job Listings Blue Skies Landscaping - GI and General Services Crew Member Milwaukee, WI, USA View Job Café Team Member Milwaukee, WI, USA View Job Urban Agriculture Coordinator Milwaukee, WI, USA View Job Community Wealth Building Manager Milwaukee, WI, USA View Job Communications Assistant Milwaukee, WI, USA View Job

Board Members LaVonda Graham Board Chair Member Since 2015 Read More Heidi Moore HR Committee Chair Member Since 2018 Read More Earl Ingram Board Member Member Since 2023 Read More X'Zayvion McCoy Treasurer of the Board Member Since 2018 Read More Emonia Barnett Board Member Member Since 2022 Read More Monique Graham Secretary of the Board Member Since 2017 Read More Dea Wright Board Member Member Since 2023 Read More

Projects Top of Page Projects 1 (List)

Team Members Antonio Butts Executive Director (414) 260-2243 antonio@walnutway.org Since 2017 Read More Alysha Holmes HR Manager 414.264.2326 Ext 872 alyshadholmes@walnutway.org Since 2024 Read More Jevon Prowell Blue Skies Supervisor (414) 296-1130 jprowell@walnutway.org Since 2016 Read More Clyde Martin Urban Agriculture Assistant Since 2025 Read More Terrance Rayford Blue Skies Landscaping Crew Since 2023 Read More Pastor Teresa Thomas -Boyd Faith Partnership Consultant (414)507-1115 fourjttb@yahoo.com Since 2021 Read More Jerrilynn Freelon Associate Director (414) 253-0779 jfreelon@walnutway.org Since 2019 Read More Marilyn Mitchell Accountant (262) 259-5917 mmitchell@walnutway.org Since 2020 Read More Gwendolyn Hodges Program Assistant 414-264-2326 ghodges@walnutway.org Since 2025 Read More Vonadrian Scott Maintenance Read More Samuel Thurman Construction Development thurman@walnutway.org Since 2020 Read More Chandra Ellis Development Director (414) 375-4224 cellis@walnutway.org Since 2017 Read More Dawnice Anglin AR/AP Bookkeeper (414) 253-8069 danglin@walnutway.org Since 2021 Read More Eric R. Trunnell Environmental Program Assistant 414-264-2326 etrunell@walnutway.org Since 2024 Read More Michael Malone Blue Skies Landscaping Crew Since 2022 Read More Vince Ashford Safety Director (414) 310-1274 vincent.ashford1@gmail.com Since 2016 Read More

< Back Clyde Martin Urban Agriculture Assistant Clyde Martin brings six years of hands-on agriculture experience to Walnut Way’s Environmental Stewardship program, where he helps transform vacant lots into productive gardens and orchards. He supports the operation of sub-acre production and teaching gardens, promoting urban agriculture and providing fresh, locally grown foods for the community. Clyde’s work helps integrate fresh produce and herbs into the Taste of Lindsay Heights market, furthering Walnut Way’s mission of sustainable local food systems.

< Back Samuel Thurman Construction Development Samuel Thurman is Walnut Way’s General Contractor and Campus Maintenance Supervisor, as well as founder of Building Enthusiasm in Educational & Construction Services, Inc. With over 30 years of gardening experience and a Master Gardener Certification in Southeastern Wisconsin, Samuel brings expertise in both land cultivation and sustainable construction. He has played a key role in neighborhood revitalization and building projects at Walnut Way and previously served as Volunteer Coordinator at Mercy Memorial Baptist Church, managing daily meal preparation for over 100 children. Samuel holds a PhD from Grace Christian College, is a State Licensed Mental Health & Substance Abuse Counselor, and is certified in Advanced Child and Youth Care and Case Management from UW–Milwaukee. He is also licensed by the City of Milwaukee for development and contracting work. Samuel is dedicated to empowering communities through education, mental health advocacy, sustainable practices, and construction services. thurman@walnutway.org

< Back Harvest Day Power in Numbers Programs Locations Volunteers Project Gallery Previous Next

< Back Heidi Moore HR Committee Chair Lindsay Heights resident dedicated to community and economic development in the city of Milwaukee. Serving on multiple boards. Experienced Director of Emerging Markets, Diversity, and Inclusion, with a proven track record in various industries including B2B, clinical, consumer goods, durable goods, financial services, healthcare, hospital, IT, resort, and wealth management.

< Back WPSC Solar Feasibility Study Power in Numbers Programs Locations Volunteers Project Gallery Previous Next

"A Whole Home Approach" Green Infrastructure, Energy Efficiency, Broadband, Home Ownership Access and Affordability for Everyone Pilots, Projects and & Programs Our community-led 'Whole Home Approach' focuses on rehabilitating houses in poor condition, aiding seniors to age in place, and ensuring homes are lead-free and energy efficient. One of our key objectives is to collaborate with landlords to enhance the condition and quality of properties, while also creating affordable home ownership opportunities. Beyond direct interventions, we also advocate for fair energy policies, engaging with the Public Service Commission and intervening in rate cases to address the energy burden on low-income households. This advocacy work bridges the gap between our direct actions and broader systemic change, creating a more equitable energy landscape for our community. WPSC State of WI - Energy Innovation MMSD - Green Infrstrucutre Programs Funding opportunities, education, and tools to create successful green infrastructure strategies. MKE Homes Affordable Home Ownership EJII MKE Fresh Air Collective We Energies - Energy Effiecnecy pilot WPSC - Percentage of Income Pilot Program LH NID Senor Home Repair Focus on Energy - Community Impact Program Techquity Affordable Broadband Access Civic Participation Creates Pathways to Power

Sustaining Transformation Sustaining Transformation Sustaining Transformation Sustaining Transformation Our Mission and Vision Our Mission Our mission is to create an economically diverse community through environmental stewardship, community engagement, and economic development, ensuring sustainable transformation. Our Vision Eliminate the Barriers to Wellness, Work and Wealth We envision an inclusive Milwaukee, where disparities among African Americans and low to middle income individuals and families become opportunities for growth. We invest in people and systemic change to enhance community wealth, improve well-being, and foster resilient, self-sustaining neighborhoods. Together, we are committed to cultivating a thriving community where every resident can thrive. Our Approach Community-Led Comprehensive Development At Walnut Way, we believe in the power of communities to drive their own change. Our approach to comprehensive community development is centered around empowering residents and fostering sustainable transformation. Through our model of "Community-Led Comprehensive Development," we strive to create a resilient and self-sustaining neighborhood in the Lindsay Heights area of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Empowering Community Members to Drive Change We serve as facilitators and supporters, working hand in hand with community members to address disparities, increase community wealth, and enhance residents' well-being. By actively involving community members in decision-making processes and providing opportunities for leadership, we ensure that our initiatives truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the people we serve. Diverse Activities for Holistic Development Walnut Way operates a wide range of activities and programs that contribute to community development. From talent development for increased economic mobility to supporting small businesses, administering a neighborhood improvement district, and advocating for key issues like energy burden, broadband access, and water rights – each initiative aligns with our vision for a thriving and just community. Collaboration for Amplified Impact We understand that true transformation requires collaboration. That's why we actively seek partnerships with other organizations and institutions across Milwaukee. By leveraging collective resources and expertise, we amplify our impact and reach a broader audience, ultimately creating a network of allies working towards a common goal. Operational Sustainability and Advocacy To ensure long-term success, Walnut Way operates sustainable businesses like Taste of Lindsay Heights café, Design Away T-shirt shop, and Blue Skies Landscaping. These initiatives not only create job opportunities within the community but also generate revenue to support our programs and services. Furthermore, we go beyond service provision and advocate for crucial issues affecting our community, such as energy burden and broadband access, to bring about systemic change. Wellness Focus for Thriving Communities We believe that residents' well-being is a fundamental aspect of community development. Walnut Way prioritizes wellness-focused activities and initiatives, including a senior home repair program and creating safe and healthy neighborhoods. By addressing physical, mental, and emotional well-being, we contribute to a holistic approach to community transformation. Guided by a Long-Term Vision Every action we take is guided by our long-term vision of reducing disparities among African Americans, increasing community wealth, and creating a resilient and self-sustaining neighborhood. This vision serves as our compass, driving our strategies and fueling our commitment to be partnership with residents to create meaningful change and sustain transformation. Join us on this journey of community-led comprehensive development. Together, we can build a stronger and more vibrant Lindsay Heights neighborhood. Join Us Donate Now

< Back Earl Ingram Board Member Earl Ingram is a Life Long Resident of Milwaukee, WI and a proud graduate of Washington High School- Class of ’72. The majority of Ingram’s professional career was spent working 33 years at A.O. Smith/Tower Automotive. He recently resigned from the City of Milwaukee Housing Authority (HACM) as an Assistant Education Specialist in the Parklawn Development.