Our Space
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This episode of MPC: Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community features Jennifer Zilke and Melissa Wisniewski from OurSpace, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals navigating mental health and substance use challenges through peer-led, trauma-informed services. Jennifer shares her powerful journey from trauma, addiction, and the loss of her fiancé to becoming a certified peer support specialist, highlighting how a single moment of authentic connection in drug court transformed her life. Melissa recounts her experience discovering OurSpace through a job coaching assignment and being drawn to its safe, accepting environment. The conversation centers on OurSpace’s innovative programs, particularly the Parachute House—a peer-run respite that offers a seven-day, no-cost stay in a home-like setting to individuals in crisis. Unlike traditional clinical models, Parachute House emphasizes self-direction, connection, and holistic wellness without forced treatment. The hosts emphasize the critical gap in mental health care that such programs fill, citing data showing that without access to services like Parachute House, many would have self-harmed, relapsed, or attempted suicide. The episode concludes with a call to action for community support to sustain the program through 2027, underscoring the life-saving impact of peer support and community-based care.
Peer-run respite programs like Parachute House provide a safe, home-like environment for people in mental health crisis, reducing the need for emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
Lived experience is not a liability—it’s a source of leadership and healing, as demonstrated by Jennifer Zilke’s transformation from trauma survivor to certified peer specialist.
Support systems that prioritize connection, self-direction, and non-judgmental care are essential for long-term recovery and resilience.
Community funding is critical: OurSpace faces a funding gap through 2027, and every contribution helps sustain life-saving peer-run services.
The Parachute House model proves that early, accessible support can prevent crises before they escalate, with 26 people saying they would have self-harmed without it.
Introduction to MPC and the Crisis in Mental Health Support
Host Jill Economo sets the stage by exploring the emotional weight of unmet mental health needs, introducing the episode’s focus on systemic gaps in crisis support and the urgent need for accessible, timely services.
OurSpace’s Mission and Founding Principles
Jennifer Zilke and Melissa Wisniewski introduce OurSpace, a nonprofit founded in 1987 that provides recovery-oriented, peer-centered services in a safe, inclusive environment for individuals with mental health and substance use challenges.
Jennifer’s Journey from Trauma to Purpose
“That day changed everything. It is the day I lost him. But it is also the day that I started a new life and I mark as my clean date.”
The Power of Peer Support and Community Connection
Melissa shares her personal connection to OurSpace, describing how the organization’s culture of acceptance and safety stood out from other workplaces. The conversation highlights the transformative role of peer support in reducing isolation and building trust.
Parachute House: A Lifeline in Crisis
“When someone walks in the parachute house, it doesn't feel like a facility. It feels like a home.”
“That day changed everything. It is the day I lost him. But it is also the day that I started a new life and I mark as my clean date.”
“I can say that because I was that tortured soul.”
“When someone walks in the parachute house, it doesn't feel like a facility. It feels like a home.”
Host
Guests
OurSpace
organization
Jennifer Zilke
person
Parachute House
other
Melissa Wisniewski
person
Milwaukee
place
Allen Becker Investment Group
organization
Drug Court
other
Fentanyl Overdose
other
COVID-19
other
Wisconsin
place
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