LEAVEN
/le-ven/ noun
A catalyst. A force that uplifts and transforms the whole.

  • Our Mission

    LEAVEN empowers people in crisis by providing financial assistance, resource coordination, and case management to guide them toward stability.

  • Our Vision

    LEAVEN will lead efforts to ensure that everyone in the community we serve has access to resources that lead to economic stability and quality of life.

  • Our Action

    LEAVEN provides immediate support to households to help meet essential needs, and stop families from falling further into crisis.

Guiding People from Hardship to Hope in the Fox Cities

For 40 years, LEAVEN has been a trusted safety net for individuals and families in Outagamie, Calumet, and northeastern Winnebago counties. What began as a volunteer-driven effort to meet urgent financial needs has grown into a comprehensive system of crisis response, stabilization, and wrap-around support.

The stress of crisis affects basic needs, physical and mental health, and long-term stability, making it difficult for people to build skills, maintain employment, or plan for the future. LEAVEN addresses this gap through its co-located partnership model, bringing multiple service providers together under one roof. This approach engages clients directly, connecting them to tailored support that helps them understand community resources, build financial and life skills, navigate housing challenges, build safe relationships, and plan for the future with confidence. Partner agencies coordinate care, reduce duplication, and maximize limited resources, creating a seamless, dignified experience for all.


By meeting people where they are, LEAVEN turns crisis moments into opportunities to invest in individuals’ abilities and well-being, while building resilience and stability.

Reach Out Today

Serving with Purpose Since 1986

  • January 1986

    Local stakeholders came together to form an ecumenical partnership, creating a shared resource center to serve those in need across the Fox Valley.

  • January 1987

    LEAVEN first began operating out of St. Joseph’s Middle School

  • March 1987

    LEAVEN received tax-exempt status from the State of Wisconsin and 501(c)3 status from the IRS.

  • July 1987

    Paulette Laffin became LEAVEN’s Executive Director.

  • July 1990

    LEAVEN relocated to the basement of St. Joseph’s Middle School.

  • October 1991

    LEAVEN established our first endowment fund.

  • December 1994

    Margaret Walsh donated the former Tel-Sec Appleton office to LEAVEN to serve as our ‘home’.

  • May 1995

    LEAVEN officially began operating out of the Tel-Sec Appleton office location.

  • January 2002

    Jennifer Wanke became Executive Director after Paulette Laffin’s retirement.

  • October 2002

    LEAVEN moved into our ‘forever home’ at 1475 Opportunity Way in Menasha.

  • June 2008

    LEAVEN introduced the High-Risk Prevention Program.

  • June 2013

    Mary Parsons became Executive Director after 10 years as LEAVEN’s Client Services Director.

  • June 2013

    LEAVEN introduced the Next Step Program.

  • January 2016

    LEAVEN introduced the Pay-It-Forward Loan Program.

  • November 2017

    LEAVEN broke ground on our Community Resource Center.

  • September 2018

    LEAVEN’s Community Resource Center opened its doors, welcoming an initial 14 community partner agencies.

  • March 2020

    LEAVEN implemented a remote intake process throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • September 2021

    LEAVEN hired a Bilingual Resource Advocate, who serves as a shared employee between LEAVEN, First 5 Fox Valley, and Casa Hispana

  • February 2023

    Nikki Gerhard became Executive Director after Mary Parson’s retirement.

  • May 2024

    LEAVEN updated the organizational mission, vision, and strategy.

  • September 2025

    LEAVEN celebrated our longest standing volunteer, Mary Grace, who has dedicated 35 years of service to our mission!

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Our Dedicated Team

Our staff creates a welcoming environment where every person who walks through our doors feels supported and valued. Every person works tirelessly to coordinate a diverse network of volunteers, community partners, and donors to ensure our operational success.

Meet Our Staff and Board

Our Strength- Turning Crisis into HOPE

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Assistance Provided

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Individuals Served

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Requests Processed

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Unique Households Served

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View Our Impact

“Listened without judgment.”

Miguel and Olivia both experienced reduced hours at work, while childcare costs continued to rise. Even though they maintained their jobs, the reduced hours and increased expenses impacted their monthly budget, and soon they were behind with rent. LEAVEN stood by Miguel and Olivia, helping with back-rent and preventing eviction.

Stories From
Our Community

“A wonderful part of our community.”

After needing emergency surgery, Beth was unable to work her usual hours. Then, her car broke down- leaving her without transportation for groceries or work. LEAVEN helped cover the cost of her vehicle repairs, walking alongside Beth so she could focus on healing and getting back on her feet.

“In my darkest hour and time of most need, LEAVEN’s support was a gift so precious, it’s impossible to put into words.”

Thank you for Supporting LEAVEN

Help us guide more families from hardship to hope.

Support Our Mission