Walnut Way Conservation Corporation – Growing Youth Leadership Initiative
Walnut Way is a resident-led neighborhood organization in Milwaukee’s Lindsay Heights community, committed to sustaining an economically diverse neighborhood through civic engagement, environmental stewardship, and creating venues for prosperity. Since 2000, Walnut Way has led programs that address environmental, economic, and health concerns by restoring dilapidated homes into quality housing, building a vibrant community resource center, transforming vacant lots into gardens and orchards, and strengthening neighborhood safety.
One of the key ways Walnut Way advances this mission is by investing directly in the next generation of neighborhood leaders. Growing Youth Leadership is an important personal and leadership development opportunity for Milwaukee teens that steward the Walnut Way gardens during the summer. The program combines paid employment, providing income for participating youth; environmental stewardship through hands-on garden management and maintenance; leadership development with mentorship from experienced community coordinators; and meaningful community connection to neighborhood assets and resources.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR STATEMENT
“The Forest County Potawatomi Foundation’s support has been transformative for Walnut Way’s Growing Youth Leadership program. This grant enabled us to expand paid summer opportunities for Milwaukee youth, providing essential income while building leadership skills rooted in environmental stewardship. Our teens don’t just learn about garden maintenance, they develop confidence, civic responsibility, and pathways to economic opportunities in their own neighborhood. The FCP Foundation’s investment in our young people strengthens Lindsay Heights and demonstrates deep commitment to community prosperity.” Antonio Butts – Executive Director