Freedom House receives grant to support workforce development, housing navigation

Freedom House Ministries was recently awarded a $7,500 grant from Associated Bank to enhance workforce development and housing navigation services for families experiencing homelessness. This funding will directly support Freedom House’s mission of helping families embrace self-worth and obtain stable housing.

The grant will strengthen a comprehensive approach to disrupting the cycle of homelessness by expanding critical services that prepare families for long-term independence. Associated Bank believes that we can only be successful if the communities in when we live are also successful. Their support will specifically grow workforce development programming that connects families with living-wage employment opportunities and housing navigation services.

“Associated Bank’s partnership represents more than financial support—it’s an investment in the potential of every family we serve,” said Jennifer Schmohe, Executive Director of Freedom House. “This grant will empower us to connect families not just with jobs, but with a pathway towards the renewal of hope, dignity and self-sufficiency. When we combine workforce development with our housing navigation services, we’re creating a foundation for families to break free from the cycle of homelessness permanently.”

Freedom House has demonstrated remarkable success in its mission, with 62% of families served in 2024 successfully transitioning into stable housing. Its holistic approach combines emergency shelter services with educational programming, including a Money Made Simple financial wellness program and Rent Smart tenant education curriculum, alongside comprehensive Success Coaching.

“Associated Bank is proud to support Freedom House Ministries and their vital work in our community,” said Pat Gorski, Relationship Manager, Vice President at Associated Bank. “Their comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness aligns with our commitment to strengthening the communities we serve. By supporting workforce development and housing navigation, we’re investing in solutions that create lasting change for families in need.”

The workforce development component of the grant will help families access job training, employment placement services, and career advancement opportunities. The housing navigation services will provide intensive support to help families locate affordable housing, understand rental processes, and develop the skills necessary to maintain stable tenancy.

Freedom House’s recent accomplishments include converting The Bridge, its nine-unit apartment complex, into affordable housing units. They also revamped educational offerings to strengthen its family-centered services. These initiatives reflect Freedom House’s commitment to addressing homelessness through a comprehensive approach that goes beyond emergency shelter to create pathways to independence.

For more information about Freedom House Ministries and their programs, visit freedomhousegb.org.

About Freedom House Ministries
Freedom House Ministries empowers families experiencing homelessness through 24/7 shelter services, basic needs (meals, clothing, and hygiene products), individualized case management, educational programs, workforce coaching and housing navigation. Through Faith and dignity, we shelter families so they can embrace self-worth and obtain stable housing. Please visit our website, freedomhousegb.org, for more information on how to help families experiencing homelessness overcome barriers and regain and life of stability and independence.

Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) has total assets of $43 billion and is the largest bank holding company based in Wisconsin. Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Associated is a leading Midwest banking franchise, offering a full range of financial products and services from nearly 200 banking locations serving more than 100 communities throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Missouri. The company also operates loan production offices in Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Texas. Associated Bank, N.A. is an Equal Housing Lender, Equal Opportunity Lender and Member FDIC. More information about Associated Banc-Corp is available at www.associatedbank.com.