Community Initiatives of Wisconsin (CIW) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities across Northeast Wisconsin. We provide essential support through workforce development, mental health and wellness initiatives, and housing and food security services. Our mission is to expand opportunities, reduce barriers, and empower individuals and families to thrive.
CIW serves underserved communities, low-income families, seniors, youth, and all people seeking support, regardless of race or background. Through culturally responsive programs and strong partnerships, we help individuals build stability, improve well-being, and move toward long-term success.
Together, we are building stronger, healthier, and more connected communities
Jobs, leadership, and economic mobility
Healthy food access and community wellbeing
Safe homes and family stability
Healing, resilience, and emotional strength
Youth Engaged
Through ACE, mentoring, hands-on workshops, and career readiness programs across NE Wisconsin.
Hours of Workforce Training Delivered
Including engineering, IT, healthcare, trades, business, and leadership development.
Individuals Supported Through Mental Health & Wellness Programs
Family peer support • youth resilience • suicide prevention • social connection.
Families Supported
Through housing navigation, FoodShare outreach, and community food hub services.
Job Placements & Career Opportunities Created
Including internships, apprenticeships, and part/full-time employment.
Seniors & Caregivers Reached Through Social Connection Initiatives
Reducing isolation and improving well-being.
We are excited to celebrate the inspiring journey of Ben Vallafsky, one of our shining stars at Community Initiatives of Wisconsin (CIW).
Ben participated in our Academic & Career Empowerment (ACE) program for two years, where he explored multiple career pathways through hands-on workshops, real-world skill development, and consistent mentoring support. Throughout the program, he demonstrated perseverance, curiosity, and a strong commitment to his future.
His dedication paid off. Ben successfully graduated from high school and is now proudly pursuing his college education, taking confident steps toward building a bright and meaningful career. We are incredibly proud of Ben — and honored to have been part of his journey.
His success is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when youth receive support, guidance, and opportunities.
Denium Potts’ story is a powerful example of what happens when youth are given opportunity, exposure, and support. He joined the Community Initiatives of Wisconsin (CIW) ACE Career Empowerment Program as a high school junior, eager to explore his strengths and potential career paths.
During one of CIW’s hands-on career workshops led by the Appleton Police Department, Denium gained real-world experience and a deeper understanding of what a career in public safety could look like. Before this workshop, he had never considered law enforcement as a possible path—but the exposure opened his eyes to new possibilities and inspired him to think differently about his future.
Today, Denium is pursuing a degree in Business Administration at St. Norbert College, using the leadership, confidence, and professional skills he developed through the ACE program to build a strong foundation for his future.
Denium’s journey reflects CIW’s mission: empowering young people across Northeast Wisconsin with the skills, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Soccer Without Boundaries – Building Belonging, Confidence & Community, As part of our Mental Health & Wellness initiatives, CIW created a youth outreach program that reaches over 150 young people every year, fostering emotional well-being, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging. One of the most impactful components of this outreach is Soccer Without Boundaries.
Soccer Without Boundaries brings together more than100 youth players—including many from underserved and newcomer families—creating a safe, supportive space where teamwork, connection, and positive relationships flourish. Through the power of sports, participants develop resilience, social skills, leadership, and confidence.
This program strengthens mental health by:
Soccer Without Boundaries is more than a sports program—it is a community-building effort that helps young people feel seen, valued, and supported.
Fox 11 News recently highlighted our ACE Career Empowerment Program, showcasing the impact CIW is making across Northeast Wisconsin. Nearly 100 freshmen and sophomores from area high schools participated in hands-on career development experiences designed to spark curiosity and build real-world skills.
Hosted by Community Initiatives of Wisconsin (CIW), the ACE program equips students with essential workforce readiness, leadership development, and exposure to high-demand career fields—helping them discover new possibilities and prepare for future success.
We’re honored to see our work recognized.
Thank you, Fox 11 News, for shining a light on the positive change happening in our community.
Helping families build emotional strength, access essential resources, and create healthy, stable environments.
Providing trauma-informed care, healing-centered support, domestic abuse advocacy, and youth mental health programs.
Career pathways, job placements, mentoring, hands-on training, and financial readiness to promote long-term economic mobility.
Reducing loneliness and isolation through senior hubs, outreach programs, and community-based social connection.
Satisfaction Score (%)
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A student’s gateway to theAcademic Career Empowerment
(ACE) Program
Create pathways for employment & others
Solve major problems &
ensure solutions
Ensure lives are changing
positively
Focus on key input & measure
the progress
Pointters
November 11 2023
Introduction Mental health is said to be colorblind. Different minorities suffer from similar mental health issues. According to a landmark study by the...
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Pointters
November 13 2023
Sports play a significant role in the nonprofit sector, contributing to various social, cultural, and community development initiatives. The importance of sports in...
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Pointters
November 16 2023
When mentoring African American high school students, it's essential to be culturally sensitive, understand their unique challenges, and provide support that addresses their...
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Thanks to OT and the team for their support with my employment. CIW team are good people, and they are ready to work
Thank you, CIW Community Initiatives, for helping me with my resume
CIW has been supporting me with counseling- I appreciate the team there…
CIW provides mentoring for me in my career. They are very dependable
Please get in touch with us - We are ready to attend to your needs. Your well-being is our top priority.
