Layton Boulevard West Neighbors' History

      In response to the needs of this rapidly changing and culturally diverse south side neighborhood, the School Sisters of St. Francis, whose international headquarters have anchored the neighborhood for more than a century,  founded the Layton Blvd. West Neighbors (LBWN).  Through the Sisters response they began to mobilize residents, offered meeting spaces for community gatherings.  In 1995 incorporated LBWN as 501(c)3 non-profit and hired a full-time Director to help connect neighbors to civic leaders, each other and real solutions.  For the first four years, LBWN focused on establishing a foundation of neighborhood volunteers, creating neighborhood networks of communication, and coordinating neighborhood activities that created a sense of community among neighborhood stakeholders.

   LBWN, Inc. has been recognized by local, county, and state elected officials.  Supervisor Dan Diliberti said, "This neighborhood can serve as a model of how different people can live, work, and raise their families together."

    The School Sisters' original investment in the neighborhood has leveraged additional support from community development block grants, the Helen Bader Foundation, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Bradley Foundation, Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Milwaukee Partnership for Community Development and many other supporters, too numerous to mention.

    Today LBWN, Inc. is one of Milwaukee's most successful community development corporations offering  distinct and important revitalization strategies for neighbors, businesses and the entire community.  LBWN uses a three-pronged approach to comprehensive neighborhood revitalization:  Grassroots Leadership Development, Economic Development, and Home Rehabilitation and Ownership.  In the past several years LBWN has expanded its programs and staff to respond to the needs of the neighborhood.  LBWN has established a reputation for cultivating partnerships to accomplish its mission.  LBWN is developing leaders from within the neighborhood.  LBWN mobilizes these leaders and their skills to truly affect change and revitalize the neighborhood.  Neighborhood stakeholders are vital to Layton Boulevard West Neighbor's revitalization activities.

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