The Journey Forward

Dear Community Members,

We want to share an important update about the future of the Resiliency Center.

Since opening, the center has been honored to walk alongside individuals and families affected by the tragedy in our community. Your strength, courage, and willingness to support one another have been at the heart of everything we do.

As some of you know, the center was created through time-limited grant funding intended to support the community during the recovery period following the 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade. That funding is scheduled to conclude later this year.

As a result, the Resiliency Center will begin a gradual transition over the coming months, with services expected to conclude on November 30th, 2026. As part of this transition, we will be closing our physical Resiliency Center location on May 20th and co-locating with our partners at NAMI Southeast Wisconsin.

This change allows us to continue offering support within a trusted organization that is deeply committed to mental health and community care. NAMI Southeast Wisconsin provides peer support, education, and mental health resources that many in our community already know and rely on, and we are grateful to continue this work alongside them during this transition.

We want to be clear about one important thing: you will not be left without support.

Over the next several months, our team will work closely with participants to help connect you with ongoing resources, including counseling services, peer support opportunities, and other community programs that can continue to provide care. Staff will be available to talk through options and help make those connections in a way that feels comfortable and supportive. During this transition period, the center will continue to offer services while we ensure everyone has the resources they need moving forward.

If you have questions or would like to talk with someone about what this transition means for you, please reach out to our team. We are here and want to support you through this process. It has been a privilege to serve this community. The resilience and compassion shown here will continue to carry forward long after the center closes its doors.

With gratitude and care,

Nichole Voss Director-United for Waukesha Resiliency Center

Q. I live or work in the greater Waukesha community that was affected by the 2021 Parade, and I’d like to get connected with a therapist. Is it too late? How can the Resiliency Center help? 

A. It is not too late at all! Our Service Navigators will assist you in finding the right treatment options and ensure it is provided at no-cost to you or your family through our grant funding. We offer both group and individual support and work with many partners that are trained in a variety of mental health services. Since we work with so many partners, the wait to see someone is often very short. There is an interest form on our website, or you can call us at 262-522-0243 and speak with Vanessa or Liz or, if you have other questions, you can also send an email to helpishere@unitedwaukesha.org. Please share with your family, friends, and neighbors! 

Q. What does it mean to be affected?

A. If you were at the parade, responded to the parade, work with individuals who were affected by the parade, are a family member or caregiver of someone affected by the parade, or live or work in the greater Waukesha community, you may be eligible for our no-cost services. We know that many people in the greater Waukesha area were affected by this tragedy simply because it occurred so close to home in a place that should have felt safe. If you felt any kind of concern for the individuals at the parade, you are likely considered affected. Please connect with us if you would like to talk through your eligibility concerns.