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My job as the local mission director allows me to interact with many individuals, organizations, and branches of the church in the community. Recently, I had the privilege of interacting with the Alexian Brothers, a group of men who are considering volunteering at James Place. This order of the Catholic Church dates back to the 1200s, but what really sets them apart is how they have positioned themselves to love the unwanted. During the Black Plague, they were the ones who cared for the infected and buried the dead. The rest of the world ran from those infected and pushed them to the farthest corners of society to die. Fast forward to the late 1900s during the AIDS pandemic. During this time, society and much of the church shunned those who contracted this disease, but the brothers welcomed the sick into their hospitals with open arms. Both times, they were seen as naive and foolish. Yet, looking back, we praise them for their compassion and bravery.

Right now, we are in an era where having compassion for those with whom we disagree or think less of is considered weak. We are told by our influencers, leaders, and society in general that we should cast out those who are not like us and those who think differently. What if we, as the church, were willing to be seen as naive and foolish again? What if we opened our doors like CareNet to a mom who has already had an abortion and plans to have another? What if we invited a sex offender to sit at a table in James Place and help them find work and a bed to sleep in? What if we offered to pray with the immigrant who has committed a crime and is not legally allowed in the country anymore? What if we looked a man in the eyes who is in prison for murder, helped him get a college degree, and told him his life still has meaning? What if we welcomed the outcasts of society again, those whom much of the church deems unworthy of love, and instead went back to our roots as the Church?

Jesus ate with the wrong people. He had mercy and compassion on those whom society said deserved none. He challenged those in power, yet never said, “Pick up your sword.” Instead, He taught us to pray for our enemies. He was seen as naive and foolish by many. In fact, He was killed because of the way He went against the norm.



If we choose to follow in His footsteps, there is risk. But are we willing to be seen as naive and foolish by extending compassion like our Savior? Are we willing to speak out against evil, even when we know it will be received poorly? Are we, Elmbrook Church, willing to be foolish for Christ?



Jake Leigh

Local Mission and James Place Director

Save the date for Local Mission Week, held at both Brookfield and Lake Country campuses on Sunday, March 8. On this day, the Elmbrook family will have the chance to interact in the lobbies with all six local partner organizations and staff and volunteers from all James Place locations. In addition, the worship service will include elements that highlight how God is at work in southeast Wisconsin.

Harry Spalding, Volunteer Leader | jpnorthside@elmbrook.org

Elmbrook has long had ties to the north side of Milwaukee and has partnered with Greater Life Community Center over the past few years to provide behavioral health services at James Place. Now, we are looking to expand this location and need a small team of volunteers to launch a new part of James Place. Volunteers could expect to focus on welcoming, praying, connecting clients to local resources, and tutoring students. If you are interested in a one-day-per-week commitment after work hours at James Place Northside, please contact James Place Director Jake Leigh.

Jamie Brown-Boyd, BSW, APSW; Operations and Obama Director | jbrown@elmbrook.org

Right before winter break, sweets-a-plenty were shared with the staff at Obama School. Each year at this time, James Place Obama shares a treat to keep the staff going in the final moments before a long-awaited break. Volunteers are also welcome to share time with the staff when they come down to have a treat. This year, volunteer Mike F. brought his guitar and sang beautiful Christmas carols for staff members as they visited. During this time, staff also usually share a little extra time and reach out to talk or ask for prayer. It is a blessing to spend this time with them and pray for them. 

The James Place Obama room has been closed during January, as Director Jamie has been out on medical leave, with hopes to be back in the next week or two. We were also told that the floors would be getting fixed during Christmas break and into January, as there is a fairly large pipe issue under the floors, causing major buckling in many spots. While the work has not started, we are hoping this will not be delayed much longer. Thankfully, volunteers have still been able to be in the classrooms they serve, which is always a blessing to the teachers and students they work alongside.

Prayer Requests: Please pray for...

• The staff and students at Obama, asking that they continue to feel the prayers that are spoken over them, even while the room is currently closed. 
• Safety for students and families who may be struggling with this cold weather.
• Mr. Erdmann (MDiv), the College and Career Center Obama Director, who is continuing to get his building ready for his church plant that opens this weekend, February 1! Praise God! He has been leading this church online for quite some time, has purchased a building, and has been working to get it ready for in-person services.
• The volunteers, asking that they continue to know they are appreciated.
• Those who will be working on the James Place room floor. Pray they feel God’s presence within the James Place room while they graciously work on the flooring.

Carrie Kearney, Director | ckearney@elmbrook.org

In December, we held our annual Client Christmas Party. This is a highlight each year as clients, volunteers, and community members come together to hear beautiful music, listen to a Christmas message, eat a wonderful meal, and, of course, play games! The pictures share just a little of the joy of the day.

The cold weather has been hard for many of our clients, especially those who do not have a place to go at night. We have been working with clients as they come in to find shelter at night and to keep them safe. Also, during this time, some of our volunteers become snowbirds and migrate to warmer areas. If you have ever wondered what it might be like to serve at James Place Waukesha, we would love to show you! Reach out to director Carrie Kearney to learn more.

God Stories: We were so thankful to receive wonderful donations of blessing bags (resealable bags full of snacks and a drink) right before Christmas. Because of this, we were able to continue our annual tradition of giving a gift to clients as they left the Christmas party. It is our joy to provide something as simple as a blessing bag or a gift of other warm essentials to our clients during a time that may or may not be joyful for them.

What is coming up?

• Communion: Second Thursday of each month
• Prayer and Presence: February 12, 19, and 26, at 11:30am
• Women’s Bible Study Group: Thursdays at 10:30am
• Men’s Bible Study Group: Tuesdays at 9:15am
• Essential Jesus Class: Mondays at 9:15am
• Birthday Club: February 10
• Game Day: February 17, 2-3:30pm

If you are interested in learning more about attending an event or how you could help support an event, such as a meal for game day/nights, please reach out to Carrie Kearney.

Prayer Requests: Please pray for...

• Clients who are living on the streets during this season of severe cold.
• Our ability to support clients who are looking for affordable housing and jobs.
• Volunteer support, as it lowers during the winter months. Ask that our volunteers continue to stay safe, whether they are here in Wisconsin and serving at James Place or taking in all that the warmer climates have to offer during the winter months.

We also give praise for two clients who were recently approved for their own place to live!

Danae Hewitt, Director | dhewitt@elmbrook.org

As we begin a new year, we want to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and hopeful New Year. We are deeply grateful for your continued support of James Place and for standing with us as we serve immigrant families. As we closed 2025 and began 2026, we would also like to share a few important stories and reflections, along with moments of both challenge and gratitude as the year turned.

A Glimpse Into the Courtroom: Over the past months, one member of our team has been observing immigration court proceedings and visiting an immigration detention facility as part of ongoing professional development and accreditation training. These experiences offer a powerful and sobering reminder of what our clients face every day, both in and out of the courtroom. Seeing cases unfold in real time, alongside the conditions of detention, reinforces why preparation, credibility, and compassionate advocacy matter so deeply. It also strengthens our commitment to building our capacity so that we can serve clients with care, integrity, and skill.

A Moment of Community: Before the year came to a close, our team gathered for a small Christmas celebration dinner, sharing a meal, stories, and a much-needed pause from the demands of daily advocacy. We also held a white elephant gift exchange, which brought laughter, lighthearted competition, and a reminder of the joy found in community and connection. These moments of togetherness matter. They sustain those of us doing this work and help us return to our clients renewed and encouraged.

Client Update - The Burma Family Story: One family we continue to hold close in our work is a family from Burma who were separated from their young son due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control. After lawfully immigrating to the United States, the parents waited over three years for their son’s immigrant visa to be available. When the time came, they traveled back to Burma with hope and determination, believing that, after years of waiting, they would finally be able to bring their child home. The parents attended their consular interview fully prepared. Their documentation was in order, and they did everything that was asked of them. Despite this, their visa application was denied. When they pleaded with the consular officer, the only explanation given was that the denial was due to national security restrictions. The parents returned to the United States without their child, heartbroken and confused, after doing everything right. Please pray for this family, asking that God would provide a way for them to reunite. James Place Immigration will continue to advocate for this family through humanitarian channels, seeking a path forward that recognizes both the law and the profound human cost of prolonged family separation.

Client Update - A Hard-Won Victory: At the same time, we are grateful to share a rare and deeply meaningful success. For more than a year, James Place advocated for a client who had petitioned for his mother in Afghanistan many years earlier. Although the petition had been approved for a long time, her case remained blocked despite sustained advocacy, including congressional support. Over time, it appeared that every possible avenue had been exhausted. Then, unexpectedly, the mother received a miraculous phone call from the consulate. At first, it seemed too good to be true. We wondered whether it was a prank, but it was legitimate. In early January, just before a narrow window closed, she was able to travel and enter the United States. After years of separation and uncertainty, she is now home with her son and family.

These two stories, one marked by continued separation and the other by long-awaited reunification, reflect the uncertainty our clients live with every day, and the wide gap between hope deferred and hope fulfilled.

Prayer Requests: Please pray for...

• Those who remain separated from loved ones, waiting in uncertainty for answers that feel far too slow in coming.
• Wisdom, endurance, and compassion for all who are working on our clients' behalf, and for moments of mercy and clarity within systems that often feel rigid and impersonal.
• Our commitment to ethical and client-centered advocacy. Thank you for being part of our community.

Julie Kulp, MA, LPC, NCC; James Place Behavioral Health Director | jckulp@elmbrook.org

Two new interns have joined the team this spring! But with two new ones, we had one who had graduated and gone on to work! What a blessing it is to have interns serving clients and then take not only the knowledge they have received from their classes, but also their experiences at James Place to build on their skills as therapists in the greater community. James Place Behavioral Health functions fully through the dedication of not only the interns who join us to serve clients, but also the supervisors and directors who support and guide them. And for that, we are truly thankful!

Prayer Requests: Please pray for...

• Our graduated intern, asking that they continue to know that God walks with them and that James Place truly appreciates all they did. 
• Our new interns and future interns. Pray they feel the presence of God as they meet with clients and their supervisors. 
• Clients who come in for support with our interns.

Kathelyne Gallagher, Director | kgallagher@elmbrook.org

Here at Washington High School, we are preparing for our final exams. Our students are coming into the center to catch up on assignments that are missing or to work on credit recovery assignments.  We are blessed to have enthusiastic volunteers who are eager to work with our students and assist them in any way. In addition, Washington High School is transitioning to a new leader. Our current principal is being placed at another high school, effective at the end of the first semester. We are praying that his move is a success and that he accomplishes everything he hopes to achieve.

God Stories: Two volunteers were trying to convince a student to allow them to help with an assignment. The student was adamant about not wanting anyone to help. I watched as one of the volunteers patiently sat and listened while the student resisted, and at the end, the volunteer said in a warm voice, "I understand this can be difficult. Now let's see how much we can get done." Patience is a virtue. Thank God for volunteers.

Prayer Requests: Please pray for...

• Washington High School's new leadership, beginning in the second semester.