“I believe this workshop is beneficial for any group that will be working together closely and long-term, the kinds of connections were too deep for a short-term group, in my opinion. Especially being someone who tends to withdraw, this experience was beneficial for me and helped me to not only feel closer to my peers but encouraged me to open up to them, something I haven't often done in the past. Leading up to the last circle, I was thinking of all kinds of profound things to say but when the circle came, I wasn't moved to speak because I felt so in tune to those around me, it was like they just knew, there was nothing new to add because they just got it.”

Alyssa Wastradowski (she/they)

Student of Sustainable Peacebuilding 

UW-Milwaukee College of Nursing

​

​

​

“I was so moved by our weekend. I have attended many silent retreats and went through the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course as a participant, the MBSR facilitator training/internship, and lead an 8 week MBSR course. I believe that what I experienced in the Community Building weekend was more profound than any of my retreats or meditation courses. I am deeply humbled and grateful for my experience.”

Jenny Lee (pronouns: she, her, hers)

Behavioral Health Therapist-IT, MSW, APSW

UWHC AADAIP

​

​

​

“I was not sure if I wanted to participate in the Community Building Skills Training. Despite my hesitancy, I participated and was introduced to Training Goals. The Training Goals impacted me by providing me the opportunity to communicate with and listen to other participants as well as the facilitators. I felt encouraged to build deeper relationships and connect with people who were part of the training as well as those in other areas of my life… that it is okay to be open about what I am experiencing and being vulnerable. In learning these goals, I have improved my character, self-awareness, and the ability to manage my emotions.”

W2 Participant

​

​

​

“This workshop was different than anything else I have ever experienced – in a very good way. Honestly this has challenged me to stop and think about others, their space, pacing myself, and really feeling emotionally connected with myself and others. All you facilitators are amazing!”

Jackie Smith

Executive Director 

The Housing Action Coalition of Waukesha County, Inc. 

​

​

​

​

“I want to thank you for allowing me to participate in the community building training that took place this weekend past.  I couldn't believe how authentic the online experience was. There are dynamics that are of course different, at least in my experience, from the in-person CBW, but I also noticed added benefits associated with the virtual experience along with many of the same virtues of the CBW.  In any event, I learned a lot from the experience and deepened my compassion, tolerance and insight as always.  The group was a gift, as are you all!”

James "Dimitri" Topitzes, PhD, LCSW

Professor, Helen Bader School of Social Welfare

Director of Clinical Services, Institute for Child and Family Well-being

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

​

​