TOMAHAWK – Tomahawk’s longtime youth mentorship program has its eyes on a new location in the heart of the city, and it needs the community’s help to make the move a reality.
Kinship of Tomahawk has impacted the lives of more than 500 kids and families over the last three decades, and for years, the organization has operated at 27 E. Wisconsin Ave., behind Crossbridge Community Bank.
After Associated Bank closed its branch in the Bradley Bank building in downtown Tomahawk earlier this year, Kinship decided that the historic property would make the perfect new home for the program and set its sights on acquiring it.
The organization said it has outgrown the current Kinship House and noted that moving to the 227 W. Wisconsin Ave. location would provide the opportunity to expand its mentorship services for local youth and their families.
“Our tutoring sessions, after-school programs and mentor meet-ups are overflowing with energy, purpose and kids who need a place to belong,” Kinship stated. “To continue serving the youth of the greater Tomahawk area and to grow our programs, we’re stepping into a bold new chapter – and we need your help.”
Pending grant funding and community support, Associated Bank has accepted an offer from Kinship to buy the building.
“We are bursting at the seams,” Kinship stated.
This is where community support comes in.
Kinship laid out a three-phase plan to secure the funding to purchase the Bradley Bank building, and then renovate it once it’s under Kinship’s ownership. The organization hopes to reach its fundraising goal by Sunday, June 15.
Phase one will involve raising $300,000.00 to acquire the property. Under an agreement between Kinship and Associated Bank, Kinship must raise these funds within 90 days.
In phase two, $150,000.00 will go towards renovating the building’s interior. Safety updates will be made, and new furniture, appliances and technology will be purchased.
The final phase of the plan will see $50,000.00 allocated to exterior work, including the creation of greenspace, the addition of fencing and the construction of a garage.
With a larger space, Kinship said it will be able to expand tutoring and academic support programs; provide a dedicated space for mentor-mentee meet-ups and group activities; host life skills classes for youth, such as cooking, budgeting and career preparation; offer family support services, including parent workshops and resource nights; create community events and after-school programming; open new youth leadership opportunities and peer-led initiatives; and provide private meeting rooms for guidance, support and referrals.
Kinship Executive Director Patti Hilgendorf said the move “isn’t just about bricks and walls.”
“It’s about securing a space where young people feel seen, supported and safe,” she stated. “We believe the Tomahawk community will help us get there.”
“This iconic building has long been a pillar in Tomahawk, and with your support, it will soon become the new home of Kinship: a safe, welcoming and inspiring space for children, families and mentors to connect, learn and thrive,” Kinship said. “In short, this new building means more kids served, more families supported and more lasting impact.”
To learn more about Kinship’s fundraising efforts, or to make a donation, visit the organization’s GoFundMe page at www.tinyurl.com/29n8e7jm.
For more information about Kinship of Tomahawk, including mentorship success stories, visit www.kinshiptomahawk.org/.
“Thank you for supporting Kinship’s next chapter, and the future of our community’s youth,” Kinship stated.
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