Lee Schultz, executive director of IndependenceFirst in Milwaukee
Name: Lee Schulz
Title: Executive director
Nonprofit organization: IndependenceFirst
Nonprofit Address: 540 S. 1st St., Milwaukee, WI 53204
Website: www.independencefirst.org
On Twitter: @Independence1st or twitter.com/Independence1st
On Facebook: facebook.com/IndependenceFirst
Mission of the organization: IndependenceFirst is a non-profit agency directed by, and for the benefit of, people with disabilities, primarily serving the four county metropolitan Milwaukee area. Our agency mission is to effectively facilitate empowerment of individuals with disabilities through: Education, Advocacy, Independent Living Services, and Coalition Building
We promote diversity and multicultural participation in our operation and services. Additionally we provide over 20 programs and services to people with disabilities of all kinds, in all age groups. We are the area’s FIRST resource on access and disability issues and answer 5000+ calls each year for information/referral alone.
Annual volunteer/fundraising event: IndependenceFirst POWER LUNCH (held in May/June – one of the largest luncheon nonprofit events in Milwaukee)
What makes your organization unique? "Over 50 percent of our staff, management and board of directors have disabilities themselves. We really ‘walk (or roll) the talk’ of independent living and employment for people with disabilities in our community. Our offices are a showcase of accessible office design and open for businesses to learn/see how incorporating people with disabilities in their workforce doesn’t need to be expensive or obvious in office layout. We welcome tours and although we’ve been in business for 30 years, we’ve only been at our new location in South First Street since late Oct. 2008. Our program outcomes are great because we don’t tell people with disabilities how to live, we present them with information, skill building, and the opportunity to set their own goals and make their own choices using a peer support model."
What is one key thing needed for leadership in the non profit sector? "Belief in the organization’s mission, patience and surrounding self with competent coworkers that compliment your skill set."
Is your organization in search of board members? "It is an ongoing process/search. Often potential Board members join a committee first. We’re always looking to connect with people with disabilities who are advocates, community leaders or those with close relations who have disabilities for Board and committee positions. We are looking for people who are passionate about what our organization does, would like to get involved, contribute with their skill sets or financially."
How can business people/the community help your organization? "We have a LOT of options for business people and community members to get involved at IndependenceFirst – using their skills as volunteers, computer or household item drives at their workplace, volunteering as a group for teambuilding activities, and of course through in-kind or financial contributions. "
Why do you think people should volunteer or become a board member of your organization?"Almost everyone has or will have a personal encounter with a person with a disability. People’s involvement if they volunteer in a project with people with disabilities will make them more comfortable and aware of the needs of people with disabilities. There are also many opportunities to develop and/or practice leadership skills at IndependenceFirst. More generally, we take volunteers for short-term/limited time or project-oriented jobs or also longer term commitments. We have a well-coordinated volunteer program and host over 400 volunteers each year. We are very grateful for volunteers at our organization and do a recognition event each year for them."
