The Pencil Maker Story: Leaving Your Mark in Milwaukee
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A Message from the Executive Director & President of the Board
A Message from the Executive Director & President of the Board invites you to explore the essence of our mission. Discover how preparation, hard work, and learning from failure pave the way to success. Dive into the insights on fostering a thriving student program, where every challenge is met with resilience and determination. Join us in celebrating the journey of growth and achievement, as we embrace the power of collaboration and community. Uncover the secrets to unlocking potential and creating a brighter future for all. Your path to inspiration begins here!
One Last Sizzle: The Last Community Cookout 2025
Grill, Grace & Gratitude: Our Final Summer Cookout of 2025
As the sun sets on another unforgettable summer, Adullam closed out its final Thursday cookout of the season with full hearts, full plates, and a spirit of deep gratitude. All summer long, our weekly community cookouts have been a beacon of connection, joy, and celebration—bringing together neighbors, youth groups, volunteers, staff, and families from all walks of life. And this last cookout was nothing short of remarkable.
These gatherings are never just about food—though our sizzling burgers, classic hot dogs, and mouthwatering sides have become a beloved staple—they’re about creating space for people to come alive together. Each week, we start by asking a simple but powerful question: “Where is everyone from?” It’s a moment that quickly reminds us of the beautiful diversity of our community. From there, the magic begins. A spontaneous band is formed—featuring both visiting youth and Adullam’s own talented musicians—and we launch into a vibrant evening of music, laughter, and dance.
Adullam provides the stage—literally and figuratively—setting up chairs, tables, instruments, and programming to welcome everyone into a night of celebration and encouragement. Inspirational speakers share words of hope and purpose. Youth groups not only volunteer to serve but also bring dishes to share, and by doing so, they help make these nights possible. The presence and energy they bring are a gift, week after week.
This last cookout, however, held an especially tender tone. It was a time of reflection—a moment to step back and see all that had been built and poured out over the summer months. We saw the fruit of countless hours of service, fellowship, and love. Our community turnout was incredible, and more importantly, we were able to feed and uplift many families in need. The sense of unity was palpable as we celebrated the completion of powerful summer projects and honored the youth groups and staff who gave their all.
One of the most heartfelt moments of the evening came when we paused to thank our summer staff, including several external interns who had become part of the Adullam family. Many of them expressed how deeply moved they were by their experience—and how eager they are to return next year. To show our appreciation, we presented each team member with flowers and a gift from Adullam, a small gesture to say “thank you” for a summer of tireless love and leadership.
From 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday, all summer long, Adullam has been blessed to host something truly special. These cookouts are more than events—they’re weekly reminders of how much can happen when a community shows up, serves together, and celebrates life.
2025 will be remembered as a year of powerful connection, beautiful growth, and unforgettable moments. As we pack up the grills and fold up the tables for the season, we’re already looking forward to what’s ahead. Until next summer, thank you to everyone who made these nights so full of joy, love, and purpose.
With love and gratitude,
The Adullam Team
“When we gather around food, music, and purpose, something bigger happens—walls come down, spirits are lifted, and lives are touched.”
– Adullam Outreach
A New Chapter on the 3rd Floor ✨
This summer marks an exciting milestone for Adullam Outreach—the complete transformation of our 3rd Floor space. What was once unfinished, with unpainted walls and rough drywall seams, has now become a warm, welcoming hub for youth, families, and community gatherings. Countless hours of hard work, sanding, painting, and remodeling have turned this space into something extraordinary, and the results have already begun to bless the many who walk through our doors.
We invested in creating a place where people can both focus and have fun. The 3rd Floor is now furnished with comfortable seating for over 70 people, including tables, couches, ottomans, and focus desks thoughtfully arranged throughout the space. We also added new recreation opportunities—ping pong tables, pool, and foosball—so that kids and youth groups can relax, play, and build friendships in a safe, uplifting environment.
Another highlight of the transformation has been the seven rooms we completely refinished. Each one has been painted, refreshed, and furnished with custom bunkbeds that we built by hand throughout the summer. Every room will carry its own inspirational theme, designed to encourage reflection, hope, and creativity. These spaces are already making a difference and will continue to serve youth groups during the summer months and families in need during the winter through our Family Warming Center.
'A Beacon of Renewal, A Platform for Possibility'
The feedback we’ve received so far has been overwhelming. Guests and volunteers alike have shared how welcoming, functional, and beautiful the space now feels. While the journey took a tremendous amount of effort, the transformation stands as a reminder of what can be accomplished when we invest in creating spaces that uplift, inspire, and provide dignity for all.
And we’re not done yet—decor and finishing touches are still to come, and we know they will add even more warmth and inspiration to this special floor. For now, we celebrate what God has already done and look forward to the many lives that will be impacted through the 3rd Floor at Adullam.
– Adullam Outreach“The 3rd Floor isn’t just a remodeled space—it’s a place where youth, families, and neighbors will find hope, laughter, and rest for years to come.”