The Starr Group is proud to name Courage MKE as our first Nonprofit of the Quarter! Courage MKE was chosen not only for their tremendous impact on our community but because they are a cherished nonprofit of both our customers and our staff.

Charisse and Tony Giangreco of the Mind Right Reality Group, also clients of The Starr Group, have long been active supporters of Courage MKE’s mission. “Having partnered with Courage MKE has been one of the most rewarding aspects of our careers” said Charisse. “Owning a home is the American dream, but what about those who don’t even have a place to call home, let alone own one? So, it’s become our mission to ensure that these kids have a roof over their heads, resources, and the life skills that they need to have success despite their circumstances. Courage MKE is delivering on those resources in a big way and that’s why we love, support and admire them. They are voices for those in this community who feel as if they do not have one.”

And our own Marco Briceno, Personal Risk Manager here at The Starr Group shares why so many of his clients support Courage MKE. “Many of my clients tell me their children are one of the most important things in their lives. They cannot imagine kids being kicked out of their homes simply for being who they are. This is why they continue to support Courage MKE as their charity of choice through our Community Starrs nonprofit donation program. To allow the LGBTQ+ youths of Milwaukee to have a safe place to call home, where they can be their most authentic selves. Kids have a hard enough time navigating through life and trying to identify who they truly are. Having added undo pressure of an unsupportive family and limited access to resources creates extra levels of stress and keeps these kids from flourishing and being all that they can be.”

Who is Courage MKE?

Courage MKE started as a simple idea from Co-Founders, Brad and Nick Schlaikowski for creating a safe inclusive space for young people in their home. As foster parents they heard first-hand, the stories of rejection, fear, and survival. Over the years Brad and Nick welcomed homeless and displaced LGBTQ+ youth into their home. With some hard work and their tenacity, Brad and Nick started Courage MKE in December of 2015.

It is their mission to raise awareness within the community of the growing epidemic of homeless LGBTQ+ youth. Together with so many supporters and allies, awareness has been brought to the forefront of so many conversations throughout the Milwaukee area.

In 2019, Courage MKE opened Wisconsin’s first home for displaced LGBTQ+ youth. They believe in order for youth to work on themselves, they must be able to be themselves. The Courage House is a licensed group home on Milwaukee’s south side. Their staff and volunteers are committed to creating an environment in which each resident feels they are a part of the entire Courage MKE Family.

At the Courage House, they assist residents with counseling, healthcare, life skills, family reunification, and provide them the same experiences every child deserves to have in a loving family setting. With the incredible success of the first Courage House, Courage MKE is working to open a second home in 2022!

How can you support Courage MKE?

Visit www.couragemke.org to see how you can donate, volunteer, and support the Courage MKE mission.