Building community, sharing hope, and standing for justice since 2004

Faith 250: A Multifaith Journey Through America’s Founding Texts

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Date: 
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Date: 
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 - 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Location: 
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church ELCA, 2330 E Calumet St, Appleton

Imagine rooms full of people from many faiths — sharing food, conversation, and fellowship — reflecting together on what makes this country worth celebrating. WIVEC is hosting community gatherings like this in May and June, leading up to July 4th, where neighbors read and discuss America's most inspiring founding words. It's a once-in-a-generation chance to counter division and build unity together.

In Appleton, WIVEC is partnering with ESTHER and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in hosting Faith 250, a national movement (see https://faith250.org) to make this anniversary a time of shared civic renewal, rather than one of division or conflict. Reflect on spiritual and moral questions, while encouraging civic (not political) engagement. Build lasting relationships between local leaders and institutions that care about our country’s future, grounded in pride, patriotism, empathy, and unity.

These Fox Cities gatherings will be in-person or virtual. Please register in advance:

Register to Attend in Person | Register to Attend on Zoom

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Film Showing: No Address

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Date: 
Sunday, May 17, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Location: 
Appleton Public Library, 200 N Oneida St, Appleton

Co-sponsored by ESTHER Mental Health Task Force and other community agencies working to address the housing crisis.

Join us for an afternoon movie! Come and enjoy the “No address” film! Inspired by true events, the film follows the harrowing journey of Lauren, a young woman pushed onto the streets and forced to survive against all odds. Alongside a makeshift family of outcasts — each with their own haunting story of struggle and loss — Lauren discovers that home is not just a place, but also the people who refuse to let you fall.

No charge. Advance registration appreciated at

https://esther-foxvalley.org/noaddress

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Palm Sunday Path - Next Steps

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Date: 
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 - 5:15pm - 8:00pm
Location: 
First Congregational UCC, Fellowship Hall, 724 E South River St, Appleton


You are invited to continue the path we started on March 29. As we move, our next steps invite us to better understand how county government shapes daily life and how proposals like HR 1 (“Big Beautiful Bill”) affect local services and the future of our communities. This is an opportunity not only to be informed, but to become engaged locally in shaping a more compassionate and healthy community for all.

The Palm Sunday Path continues- and everyone has a place on the journey. Join us: 5:15PM-8PM with a gathering meal and following a program. Meal Registration Closes on May 23.

Register at esther-foxvalley.org/nextsteps

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Supporting Youth Mental Health

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Date: 
Sunday, May 31, 2026 - 10:45am - 12:00pm
Location: 
First Congregational UCC, Fellowship Hall, 724 E South River St, Appleton

Supporting Youth Mental Health: What Families Can Do

Presented by Taylor Connell, Screening Services Director, Samaritan Counseling Center

Sponsored by First Congregational/ESTHER Mental Health Task Force

As Screening Services Director, Taylor leads Samaritan’s mental health screening initiatives, including the Wellness Screen program for youth and the development of new adult screening services.

No Charge.

All are welcome.

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Legal Observer Training

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Date: 
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: 
Zoom - Register for the Link

Legal Observer Training, Led by Milwaukee Turners

Please join us our at our upcoming Legal Observer Training. This is an opportunity to gain hands-on skills to support and protect our communities. We are offering two dates: Tuesday, May 5th from 1-3 PM and Monday, May 11th from 6-8 PM. 

In this training, you’ll learn how to effectively observe and document interactions between community members and law enforcement, understand your role and rights as a legal observer, and practice safe, accurate reporting. These skills are critical in promoting transparency, accountability, and the protection of civil rights.

Whether you’re new or have prior experience, this training will prepare you to step into this important role with confidence.

We hope you can join us and be part of building stronger community oversight.

Register Now

Tuesday, May 5, 1-3pm

Monday, May 11, 6-8pm

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ESTHER and WISDOM Statement Supporting Governor Evers' April 8 Signing of Assembly Bill 604

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On April 8, 2026, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed into law Wisconsin Assembly Bill 604, which provides for pre-release treatment services for inmates in Wisconsin Correctional instituions. The act provides for case management services, medication-assisted treatment of substance use disorders, and a 30-day supply of prescription medications. The legislation affirms the humanity of peple returning home from prison, reducing preventable overdose deaths, supporting mental health stabilization and strengthening families and communities. Read the full statement here.

ESTHER Calls for Due Process and Transparency in the Detention of Salah Sarsour

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ESTHER joins faith communities across Wisconsin in expressing deep concern over the detention of Salah Sarsour, President of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, and calls for due process, transparency, and humane treatment. Mr. Sarsour has been a lawful permanent resident of the United States for more than three decades and a respected faith leader in Wisconsin’s Muslim community. Read the full statement here.

Housing Advocacy

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Learn a bit about some of the members of our housing advocate team!

  Jennifer’s Story JenAnn’s Story
 

March 26, 2026 ESTHER hosted a Forum for Oshkosh City Council Candidates

Watch it: 

Play Video

Passcode: Y0LS3i1#
 
 
 
 
 
 
Housing Archives:

March 20, 2025 ESTHER hosed a Forum for Winnebago County Executive Candidates

Watch it: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/aZ1cGkULEaNQ5jTbq_6hlwkmbNQOI573UFIBbjeUOoJo-9Z3_rhmAfHMwe7y_xvw.vFef2HDOKIt19L-O

Passcode: m*&Kx!8a

May be an image of 4 people and text

 

On March 11th, 2024 ESTHER's Housing Advocates hosted a Forum on Housing for Oshkosh City Council Candidates

Watch it here! (sorry the audio was not great)

Passcode: @x9Sym.r

 


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Breaking the ICE Forum

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Date: 
Sunday, April 19, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Location: 
Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 2600 E. Philip Ln, Appleton

“Breaking the ICE” - a Forum has been created by a local organization called “Ice out Baby” in conjunction with Voces de la Frontera  (an immigration-rights organization from Milwaukee). Voces de la Frontera will speak about ICE in Wisconsin, and speakers from a Fox Valley Spiritual Leaders group will discuss creating community action for undocumented immigrants.

A special memorial will also be held for Alex Pretti, Renee Good and others who have died in the hands of ICE.

Help spread the word; download and share the attached flier.

Film Showing: "Sisters Rising"

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Date: 
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Location: 
Appleton Public Library, 200 N Oneida St, Appletone

Join the Appleton Public Library and Reach Counseling for a special screening of Sisters Rising (2020), a story of six Native American women fighting to restore personal and tribal sovereignty in the face of ongoing sexual violence against Indigenous women in the United States.

Following the film, audience members will hear from a panel of representatives from Reach Counseling and the Oneida Nation.

Film Synopsis: Native American women are 2.5 times more likely to experience sexual assault than all other American women. 1 in 3 Native women report having been raped during her lifetime, and 86% of the offenses are committed by non-Native men. These perpetrators exploit gaps in tribal jurisdictional authority and target Native women as ‘safe victims.’