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.”
Milwaukee Campus
Summer 2024: A Season of Service, Growth, and Community 🌟
This summer was a milestone for Adullam Outreach and for the youth groups who faithfully come to Milwaukee each year. For the very first time, groups stayed right here at the Adullam Facility, making use of our newly prepared 2nd and 3rd floor spaces. Thanks to major improvements—graveling and concreting portions of the parking lot entrances, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to clean and prepare the 3rd floor—we were able to welcome and house teams in a way we’ve never done before.
The feedback was incredible. Guests shared how comfortable and welcoming the space felt, and how much they appreciated being able to stay at the same place where they served. We also added plenty of fun, creating a lively environment with pool, foosball, and ping pong tables so that kids could relax and enjoy fellowship after long days of service. Integrating our Monday night gatherings with the group programming brought an amazing synergy, uniting our regular Adullam family with the visiting teams in worship, encouragement, and prayer.
Building Community, Changing Lives
Beyond the walls of our facility, the youth made a tremendous impact in our neighborhood. They helped with concrete projects, giving neighbors safe and easy access to parking behind their homes. They beautified front yards with stones and landscaping, bringing new life and dignity to properties across the block. They also offered painting and drywall assistance, helping neighbors and community members improve their homes.
This summer was a true picture of what Adullam Outreach is all about: creating spaces for people to connect, serve, and be transformed—while leaving a lasting mark on our community. We are deeply grateful for every volunteer, donor, and youth leader who made this possible.
“This was the first summer youth groups stayed inside Adullam, and together we built more than just projects—we built memories, friendships, and lasting impact in Milwaukee.”
– Adullam Outreaxh
Milwaukee Campus
Building the Music & Multimedia Creation Studio 🎶🎬✨
At Adullam Outreach, we believe in the power of creativity to transform lives and communities. That’s why we have begun building our very own Music & Multimedia Creation Studio—a space designed to inspire, equip, and empower.
This studio is being created with a big vision in mind. It will be a place where musicians, sound engineers, and graphic/video editors can hone their craft and collaborate. But beyond professional use, we hope to make this a community resource—a place where local business owners and organizations can access free creative content to strengthen their branding and storytelling.
The studio will also open doors for our youth. We plan to offer music lessons in drums, piano, guitar, bass, and more, giving young people the chance to learn, grow, and discover their talents. Our dream is to not only teach music but also host free concerts for the community, creating joy, connection, and inspiration through the arts.
Right now, the studio is still in the construction phase. We have the vision, the heart, and the community eager to use it—but we need your help to finish this project. Every gift makes a difference in bringing this dream to life.
Please consider donating today to help us complete the Music & Multimedia Creation Studio. Together, we can create a space that empowers voices, fuels creativity, and blesses our community for generations to come.
“When we build spaces for creativity, we don’t just make art—we make opportunity, connection, and lasting change.”
– ADULLAM OUTREACH
Milwaukee Campus
Adullam at the Milwaukee Bucks Game – Honored by the JLH Social Impact Fund 🏀✨
In February 4, 2023, Adullam Outreach had the incredible honor of being invited to the Milwaukee Bucks game as part of the JLH Social Impact Fund, led by Jrue and Lauren Holiday. The evening was especially meaningful as it was officially Jrue Holiday Night—a celebration of his impact both on and off the court.
From the very beginning, the night was unforgettable. Our team was invited down early, where we had the chance to step onto the court, watch the home team warm up, and even take photos with Jrue himself. Each organization represented by the JLH Fund was celebrated in a unique way—including us.
One of the highlights was receiving a custom Milwaukee Bucks cap designed by Jrue Holiday. This special edition hat featured the names of all the organizations in the JLH Social Impact Fund, and we were thrilled to see Adullam Outreach printed proudly on it. Jrue went a step further by personally signing the cap—a keepsake we will always treasure. We were also gifted exclusive black t-shirts with Jrue’s name and number, along with the phrase “Do Your Thang 21.” On the back, the shirt carried one of Jrue’s personal quotes, declaring the creation of the JLH Fund as one of the greatest accomplishments of his career.
During the game, we were treated to a box suite experience, complete with food, fellowship, and a chance to connect with other amazing organizations. We even had the opportunity to take photos with Lauren Holiday, whose warmth and encouragement made the night even more special.
A Night to Remember: Adullam Outreach in the Spotlight
But the most memorable moment came when we were invited back onto the court during the game, where Adullam Outreach was featured on the jumbo screen in front of thousands of fans. To see our name and mission recognized in that way was both humbling and energizing—a reminder that the work being done in our community is seen, valued, and celebrated.
This night will forever be a part of Adullam’s story. It was not only a fun and memorable experience for our team, but also a chance for our mission to be spotlighted in the broader Milwaukee community. We are deeply grateful to Jrue and Lauren Holiday for their generosity, vision, and belief in the work we are doing. Their ongoing support has strengthened us through challenging times, and their platform has given us new opportunities to share the heart of Adullam Outreach.
Being honored on Jrue Holiday Night with the Milwaukee Bucks reminded us that Adullam’s work in the community matters—not just in our neighborhood, but on a stage that inspires the whole city.
– Adullam Outreach
A Visit That Changed Everything: Jrue & Lauren Holiday at Adullam – September 21, 2022
On September 21, 2022, Adullam Outreach had the incredible privilege of welcoming Jrue and Lauren Holiday to our Milwaukee campus as part of their JLH Social Impact Fund. It was more than a visit—it was a milestone that brought encouragement, affirmation, and renewed energy to our mission.
A Gift of Belief in Our Mission
When Jrue and Lauren stepped through our doors, they weren’t just professional athletes and public figures—they were partners in hope. Their generosity through the JLH Social Impact Fund had already sustained Adullam through the most difficult seasons of the COVID-19 pandemic. While many nonprofits struggled to keep their doors open, their support ensured that Adullam could continue serving families with dignity, providing relief resources, and keeping our outreach programs alive.
But what touched us most was that their giving didn’t stop with financial resources. They donated items directly from their own home—couches, cabinets, TVs, and outdoor chairs—which now bring warmth, comfort, and beauty to our space. Every time a youth group gathers in those chairs, or a family rests on those couches, it’s a tangible reminder that generosity can be deeply personal.
A Day Full of Connection
The day itself was unforgettable. Jrue and Lauren took time to walk through our facility, listen to our story, and engage with the heart of what we do. Their genuine interest and encouragement reminded us that Adullam’s work matters—not only to the families we serve here in Milwaukee, but to people watching and cheering us on across the nation.
That evening, we were invited to join a dinner gathering alongside other JLH Fund grantees from across the country. Sitting at that table, surrounded by organizations committed to change in their own communities, we felt both humbled and strengthened. It was a powerful reminder that we are part of a larger movement of leaders, dreamers, and doers—all working toward building a brighter future.
Words That Inspire
During the visit, I had the opportunity to share just how much their support meant to us at Adullam:
Jrue and Lauren Holiday’s generosity didn’t just support Adullam Outreach— it helped us survive and continue bringing hope to our community. But more than that, they didn’t just give to us, they truly believed in us. That belief has fueled our mission through the hardest times and continues to inspire us to press forward with strength and purpose.
– Jamon Lewis, Executive Director & President of the Board
A Lasting Impact
Moments like these are about more than photos, recognition, or a special evening—they are about legacy. The Holidays’ support has given Adullam the resources to expand our programming, strengthen our building, and continue serving families in need. Their visit lit a fire in our team, encouraging us to dream bigger, work harder, and never lose sight of the calling God has placed on our organization.
As we look back on that September night, we see it not just as a highlight in Adullam’s story, but as a turning point. It reminded us that when people come together—athletes, community leaders, volunteers, and neighbors—we can create ripples of impact that stretch far beyond what we can see.
Moving Forward with Hope
We remain deeply grateful to Jrue and Lauren Holiday for their vision and for choosing to stand with Adullam. Their partnership affirms that the work happening here in Milwaukee has significance, not only for those directly served, but for the greater story of what it means to live with compassion, dignity, and love.
Their belief in us continues to strengthen our resolve as we build, dream, and press forward into new seasons of outreach and growth. September 21, 2022, will always be a day we remember—when champions not only of basketball, but of community and faith, walked with us and encouraged us to keep leaving our mark in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Campus
Standing Strong Through the COVID-19 Pandemic 🙏🌍
The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most difficult seasons we have ever faced as an organization. Like so many others, we experienced loss, uncertainty, and disruption. Yet, through it all, Adullam Outreach stood strong—holding fast to our mission of serving with dignity and love, even in the hardest of times.
A Sudden Halt
The pandemic hit right as we were preparing for our spring break programming in 2020. We had university partners lined up—students from Marquette, MSOE, UW campuses, and Whitewater—ready to serve and connect with our community. Almost overnight, everything was canceled. Our building, once buzzing with activity, grew quiet as restrictions set in and the world shut down.
Staying Connected
Even though our doors were forced to close in many ways, we refused to let the heart of Adullam stop beating. Our Monday night gatherings continued faithfully—sometimes in person when it was safe, and often over Zoom, so we could pray, worship, and encourage one another through screens. These moments of connection kept our community united, even while physically apart.
Serving Despite the Storm
Financially, the pandemic took a toll. We lost donors, funding streams dried up, and resources were stretched thin. But in the middle of it all, one thing never stopped: our Relief Center remained open. Families still came to us for food, furniture, and support, and we did everything we could to meet their needs while following local and federal safety guidelines. We refused to let the challenges keep us from being a lifeline to our neighbors.
Looking Back with Gratitude
Those months were tough—there’s no denying it. But today, looking back, we see God’s hand carrying us through. We see the faithfulness of our team, our volunteers, and our supporters who stood with us when it mattered most. And we see how Adullam emerged from that storm more resilient, more focused, and more determined than ever to continue our mission.
The pandemic may have shut down events, funding, and normalcy, but it could not shut down our purpose. Adullam stayed open, stayed faithful, and stayed committed to serving Milwaukee.
The pandemic tested us, but it never silenced our purpose. Through every storm, Adullam stayed open, faithful, and committed to serving with love.
– Adullam Outreach
Spring Break 2019: College Students Bring Energy & Service to Adullam 🎓✨
Back in Spring 2019, Adullam Outreach had the privilege of welcoming college students from Marquette University, UW–Milwaukee, MSOE, and other UW campuses to our building for an unforgettable week of programming and service.
These students came to Milwaukee for what we call an urban experience—a chance to step into our neighborhood, serve alongside us, and learn about the realities and opportunities of community outreach in an urban setting. What they discovered was not only meaningful work, but also lasting memories.
Throughout the week, students joined in a variety of activities at our facility and in the surrounding community. They served, connected, and experienced firsthand what it looks like to live out service with dignity and love. In between, we enjoyed shared meals together, filling our building with laughter, stories, and new friendships.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Students expressed how much they enjoyed themselves, how eye-opening the experience was, and how much they appreciated the chance to be part of the mission and vision of Adullam. Their presence also energized our team and reminded us that the next generation is eager to step up and make a difference.
Spring Break 2019 was more than just a week of programming—it was a time of learning, serving, and building bridges between campuses and the community. We are grateful for every student who came, gave of their time, and left a little piece of their heart with us here in Milwaukee.
When students step into service, they don’t just change communities—they’re changed by them.– Adullam Outreach
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