Wisconsin Community Services - WCS

A recent Watertown Daily Times article highlights the impact of the Matz Center, operated collaboratively by County Wisconsin, Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation and Wisconsin Community Services. The center provides children with a safe place to stay and mental health crisis stabilization in a community setting, helping them return home with the support and skills they need.

“More importantly we are giving children and families hope and a path forward when they need it the most," said Jefferson County Human Services Director Brent Ruehlow.

Read the full article to learn how the Matz Center is making a meaningful difference in our community.
https://www.wdtimes.com/news/local/matz-center-making-a-difference-in-young-lives/article_bf333e7d-e5cf-4f31-8c12-332879d4baef.html

Matz Center making a difference in young lives WATERTOWN — The Youth Crisis Stabilization Facility, 713 Milford St., opened nearly two years ago and is making a positive difference in the lives of teenagers.

Bring your friends and family, and help us celebrate recovery!

September is National Recovery Month, and our 6th Annual Recovery Celebration is bringing the community together for a day of fun, connection, and support.

Saturday September 26, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
Banting Park, 2101 Butler Dr., Waukesha, WI.
Event begins at 10 am

There's something for all ages, including softball, volleyball, bags, a kids' playground, music, food, and community resource tables!

Want to enter softball team? Contact Tony at [email protected] or 414-366-0063 to sign up. Teams should arrive at 9:30 a.m.

Thank you to our community partners, sponsors, and WCS Peer Support for helping make this celebration possible!

Questions? Contact Susie Austin at: [email protected] or call 262-424-6862

Share this post and invite someone to join you!

As students return to school, mentors are preparing, too.

Community Building Milwaukee recently partnered with Violence Reduction Program (VRP), whose mentors serve young people in Milwaukee Public Schools, for a Community Building training focused on strengthening relationships, communication, and trust.

The training created space for mentors to have honest conversations about the challenges and opportunities they encounter every day while supporting Milwaukee's youth. Together, they explored Community Building practices that can help foster stronger relationships, navigate difficult conversations, and create environments where young people feel they belong.

The day wasn't just about learning new skills. It was about investing in the people who invest in our youth.

When mentors have the opportunity to connect with one another, reflect on their experiences, and strengthen their practice, the impact reaches far beyond the training. It extends into classrooms, school hallways, and the lives of the young people they serve.

Interested in bringing Community Building to your school or youth-serving organization? Join one of our upcoming events and experience the process firsthand. WCS Community Building Milwaukee.
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/wcs-community-building-milwaukee-27866850973?msockid=090cac5c339f6175397bba6c3219604f

Success Story Spotlight: A Future Full of Possibilities

From overcoming challenges to achieving big dreams.

One of the young people supported by WCS recently graduated from high school and will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison this fall.

As they begin this exciting new chapter, they also plan to continue their mental health journey, showing that asking for support and investing in your well-being are strengths.

Congratulations on this incredible milestone!

At Wisconsin Community Services, strong leadership helps strengthen our mission. We're proud to recognize Jorge Franco, who has dedicated his career to expanding economic opportunity, supporting entrepreneurs, building strategic partnerships, and creating pathways for individuals and families to achieve long-term success. His work has helped advance workforce development and financial empowerment initiatives at the local, state, and national levels.

Jorge's commitment to helping people overcome barriers and reach their full potential closely aligns with WCS's mission of advocating for justice and community safety while providing innovative opportunities for individuals to overcome adversity.

We are grateful for Jorge's leadership, vision, and passion for building stronger communities. His expertise and collaborative approach continue to strengthen the work of WCS and the impact we make throughout southeastern Wisconsin.

"Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge." - Simon Sinek

Today we're shining a spotlight on Chyra Trost, Strategy and Planning Implementation Manager at Wisconsin Community Services!

Chyra brings heart, creativity, and big-picture thinking to everything she does. Since joining WCS, she's helped shape and strengthen programs and services while always focused on finding new, innovative ways to support the people and communities we serve.

With a long and accomplished career in social services, Chyrya originally thought she was nearing retirement...but WCS had other plans! She quickly found a place she truly enjoys, working alongside a passionate team dedicated to making a difference.

In 2025, Chyra was honored with the WCS Lifetime Service Award, one of her most meaningful moments at WCS. It's a reflection of her dedication, impact, and the care she brings to her work every day.

When she's not at work, Chyra enjoys time with family and friends, daily walks, yoga, gardening, being outdoors with nature and animals, and sailing.

Please joining us in celebrating Chyra and thanking her for the compassion, leadership, and vision she brings to WCS and the communities we serve!

Back to School

A new school year means new opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.

At WCS, we know student success starts with more than school supplies. It starts with feeling safe, supported, and connected.

We're proud to support young people and families through programs that build resilience, strengthen mental wellness, and create brighter futures.

Wishing all students, educators, and families a wonderful school year!