ESTHER

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

Upcoming Events

Please join us for any of these upcoming ESTHER and related events!

To learn more about a particular event, click on its title
To see the complete ESTHER calendar in a new tab, click here


Tuesday, May 19, 2026 - 3:00pm - 4:30pm	ESTHER Finance Committee Meeting	Zoom Meeting
Thursday, May 21, 2026 - 2:30pm - 4:00pm	Oshkosh Housing Task Force	Zoom + Trinity Episcopal Parish Hall, 311 Division Street, Oshkosh
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 - 3:00pm - 4:30pm	ESTHER Communications Committee Meeting	Zoom Meeting
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 - 5:15pm - 8:00pm	Palm Sunday Path - Next Steps	First Congregational UCC, Fellowship Hall, 724 E South River St, Appleton
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 - 3:30pm - 5:00pm	ESTHER Executive Committee	Zoom Meeting

Statement on Police Use of Force

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Racial Equity

ESTHER is deeply concerned by last week’s incident involving the use of force by an Appleton Police Department officer. Many community members have expressed hurt, fear, anger, and concern after viewing the video, particularly regarding the treatment of a young Black woman. We believe those concerns deserve to be taken seriously.

We believe our community has the right to ask difficult questions about the use of force, de-escalation practices, training, accountability, and transparency. We are especially seeking clarity around how this response was determined to be justified and what policies and procedures guided the officer’s actions.

ESTHER does not support police brutality or unnecessary force in our community. At the same time, we believe meaningful accountability requires examining the broader systems, training, policies, and culture that shape policing practices.

We have reached out to APD leadership requesting conversation and greater understanding around current use-of-force and de-escalation policies and practices. Real public safety depends on transparency, accountability, and a commitment to protecting the dignity and humanity of every person in our community.

Film Showing: No Address

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Housing

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

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.

Supporting Youth Mental Health

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Mental Health Advocacy

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.

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.

Tuesday, May 5, 1-3pm

Monday, May 11, 6-8pm

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.

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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.

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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

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

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

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.