Steve Manske is a dedicated volunteer at the Grace Welcome Center, where he works in warehouse operations, loading and unloading pallets of food for visitors. He began his volunteering journey a year and a half ago when his girlfriend’s mom called to say there was a need for help. Steve shared, “I had available time, and she is a very giving person, so I jumped right in.” Having lived in the community for 60 years, he understands the importance of giving back. Steve enjoys volunteering at the Grace Welcome Center because he sees the faces of the visitors and the long lines stretching outside each Tuesday. Knowing he is making a difference keeps him motivated to continue helping others.

For Steve, the Grace Welcome Center truly embodies a sense of community, especially on Tuesday nights at 4:00. He observes the long line of people waiting for resources, noticing how everyone patiently takes their turn without pushing ahead. This orderly and respectful environment is how Steve Manske defines community at the Grace Welcome Center.

The Center plays a vital role in fostering a sense of community in uptown Kenosha by providing essential resources, food, and support to help people become healthy and successful members of society. Steve notes, “A majority of our volunteers are older seniors. We have the time. We can give our time for that. We're getting a lot of students coming from Parkside. They need the credits. They help. As long as there's that need, until there's a better solution, we’ve got to do what we’ve got to do. And it doesn’t get done on its own.” This highlights how the Grace Welcome Center promotes community connections through various partnerships and services, demonstrating its commitment to meeting local needs.

After being a part of the community for 60 years, Steve Manske understands the importance of helping others, which is why he continues to volunteer. When he quit his job, he faced a personal challenge as his youngest son struggled with addiction. Seeking to understand his son’s situation and find the right resources for help, Steve found that his experience at the Grace Welcome Center was invaluable.

In an interview, Mr. Manske shared how his desire to support his son led him to seek out connections and resources through his volunteer work. He believes that volunteering at the Grace Welcome Center has allowed him to make the necessary connections for both himself and his son. Motivated by the difference he sees his efforts making, Steve said, “As long as there’s that need, until there’s a better solution, we got to do what we got to do. And it doesn’t get done on its own.” This demonstrates the personal motivations and connections that drive Mr. Manske to dedicate his time to the Grace Welcome Center.

Although Steve Manske’s work is mostly behind the scenes, he believes it still influences others. By constantly innovating and seeking new ways to improve operations, he hopes that his efforts inspire those around him. He stated that when people see him working hard, he hopes it encourages them to strive for self-improvement as well.

Steve also recognizes the impact of his colleagues on the people they serve. He remarked, “The way that Denise, Mike, and Darlene treat these people—the respect and dignity that they show them—really makes a difference. When they leave, I can see it in their faces. The difference I see is in their expressions, showing how much more they’ve been helped on that given day.” This illustrates how the Grace Welcome Center and its services positively affect the social, emotional, and physical well-being of the individuals they serve.