Ebenezer Stone Ministries announced plans to transform a longtime daycare facility on Milwaukee’s west side into a multi‑purpose community resource center that will also house an affordable grocery store. The building, which housed the Pilgrim Lutheran Church daycare for 26 years, is being cleared out as the ministry moves into the early planning stages, according to Fox 6.
Hayden Penkert, president of the board of directors for Ebenezer Stone Ministries, told Fox 6 that the organization is “in the early planning stages” and is currently removing “26 years of daycare items” from the space. The ministry intends to repurpose the site to provide a range of services, including mental‑health prevention programs, health‑insurance assistance, veteran support, and resources from the Milwaukee Police Department.
Board member Kelly Eger added that the new center will help families by offering “groceries that are affordable costs that they can get to quickly,” and emphasized the importance of coupling low‑price food options with the other community resources the ministry plans to provide. The grocery component is slated to occupy the basement of the building and will be largely staffed by volunteers, according to the ministry’s representatives.
Location advantages were highlighted as part of the project’s design. The site sits on an existing bus line and includes a parking lot, factors that the ministry believes will improve accessibility for residents throughout the neighborhood. Fox 6 noted that the development aims to fill a gap in a recognized food desert, bringing fresh, affordable food options to an area that has historically lacked such amenities.
While a specific opening date has not been set, Ebenezer Stone Ministries hopes to begin operations “around the spring,” allowing time for renovations, staffing, and the establishment of volunteer programs. The ministry’s leadership indicated that further updates will be shared as the project progresses.
What’s next: The organization plans to continue cleaning and renovating the space throughout the coming months, with community outreach events scheduled to inform residents about the upcoming services. Residents can expect additional details on volunteer opportunities, grocery pricing, and program schedules as the spring approaches.
Sources: fox6now.com
