Zonta members’ commitment to make a difference by improving the lives of women and girls stepped up in 2023-2024.

The year kicked off at our Club’s annual meeting last year with members overwhelmingly voting to support Neu-Life’s annual Back-to-School Service Project and then at our May meeting to undertake Exploit No More’s gardening project in lieu of our June Club meeting.

Two service projects last summer:

• In June, Milwaukee Club members did a gardening project for Exploit No More (purchased, installed, and planted raised garden beds) and provided dinner to the residents. “Exploit No More” is dedicated to see all survivors of sex trafficking treated with dignity and have access to safe housing, supportive services, and the ability to move forward to work toward their goals.”
• At the April 26th club meeting, members agreed to again support the Neu-Life Backpack Project this year. We collected 50 backpacks with supplies for the kindergarten and elementary children which were distributed on July 28^th at their annual back to school party. “Neu-Life” is a near-north side nonprofit providing year-round educational and recreational programs for youth, from early childhood to young adults.”

We developed and are implementing a deliberate “service action plan” supporting the agencies with strong alignment with our Zonta mission and our club’s areas of interest.

• Background: Our committee started with the 19 agencies that applied for Zonta Foundation grants in 2021 and 2022, and their suggestions as ways Zonta could support them in other ways than the financial grants. We looked at their mission, vision, activities, and service needs, and identified 5 as top with respect to aligning with our Zonta mission and our Club’s service areas of interest. Committee members then met with these organizations that we ranked highest to determine potential future service projects or partnerships. Based on member feedback we also looked at more “hands-on”/ or “in-person” service activities.

• • Allies for Teens in Foster Care: Allies strives to supplement the educational and social needs for teens in foster care and group homes.
  • Cathedral Center: Cathedral Center serves unaccompanied women and families with children experiencing homelessness, with emergency shelter and flexible housing up to 2 years.
  • Exploit No More: Exploit No More’s Freedom House continues to house and serve victims of sex trafficking in a powerful case management model.This past fall Zonta Club members voted overwhelmingly to support three agencies and their service projects as proposed by our Club’s Service Committee. The three agencies are:

Fall/Winter Service Projects:

Freedom House – Exploit No More:

• Garden Project follow up: This fall a small group of Zonta volunteers did a fall garden clean up and prep for next spring’s Garden planting, following last spring’s purchase, installation and planting of raised garden beds at their Freedom House.
• We ended 2023 with a generous donation of sheets, blankets, pillows, and laundry soap for Exploit No More at the Freedom House. We delivered the donations from Club members on December 29, 2023.

Allies For Teens in Foster Care:

• November & December collection of holiday gifts including 25 blankets, 11 gift cards, several hats, mittens and gloves, slippers, hair care products, hand creams, and $125.

Cathedral Center:

• March 21^st Meal – A team of Club volunteers prepared, delivered, and served a meal for approximately 40 people at their main shelter and provided 50 sandwiches, fruit, and snacks for the next day’s lunch. More than half of our club members stepped up to help!