Neu-Life Community Development empowers kids on Milwaukee’s near north side
Most people are familiar with the ripple effect, the idea that one small action or event can lead to far-reaching change.
Neu-Life Community Development sees that impact every day. By serving youth on Milwaukee’s near north side through educational and recreational programs, the nonprofit creates positive change that ripples far beyond participants. It reaches families, friends and the broader community.
Launched in 2000 by founder Joann Comodore, Neu-Life began as a small after-school program helping to meet the needs of children with limited access to resources. Over the past 26 years, the nonprofit’s offerings have grown significantly. Today, Neu-Life proudly provides year-round programming at five locations across Milwaukee. Rooted in support, education and resources, Neu-Life empowers kids ages 4-18 to make great life choices regardless of their circumstances.
“Neu-Life has been strategic about the growth of the organization; we only take on grants and projects that fit the mission of the organization and that will directly benefit the youth and families we serve,” said Executive Director Jody Rhodes.
Rhodes has worked at Neu-Life for 23 years, including 13 in her current role. One rewarding aspect of her work has been witnessing program participants transition into staff roles. Today, more than half of Neu-Life’s 47 employees are former program participants.
“All the leadership and staff here can attest that working with a young person and then seeing them grow into the fabric of the organization as a staff member is very amazing to watch,” said Rhodes.
Neu-Life kids are engaged in various ways. The career development program follows a teen-worker model, engaging middle and high school students in training, feedback and coaching, which can lead to future employment at Neu-Life. Kids also participate in career fairs and other career-related activities, gaining exposure to opportunities they may not have known existed.
The nonprofit’s prevention programming provides a safe space for discussions surrounding serious topics like drugs, alcohol and sexually transmitted diseases. Neu-Life also makes it a priority to visit approximately eight schools annually to provide students with additional prevention curriculum.
After school and during the summer, Neu-Life offers activities to keep kids engaged and feeling supported. For instance, Farmfork is an urban agriculture and culinary arts program that is not only fun but teaches kids critical life skills such as self-sufficiency, time management and critical thinking.
Neu-Life’s ability to support Milwaukee’s youth will continue to grow with the organization’s opening of the NeuVue building.
Currently under construction, NeuVue is designed to address the pressing issue of housing affordability in Milwaukee and increase the self-sufficiency of young professionals ages 18-24. The building will include apartments, programming spaces for Farmfork and Neu-Life’s Neu-Media Studio, a gymnasium, restaurant, community gathering spaces and more.
“It will allow us to serve youth, families and the community in ways that we currently can’t. It is a self-sustaining model that will be so impactful for the community,” said Rhodes.
Neu-Life welcomes the support of local organizations. To learn more about how you can get involved, visit: https://www.neu-life.org/contact-old
