Ebenezer Stone Ministries is moving forward with a major project to serve families on Milwaukee’s west side. The organization, which has operated a daycare in the former Pilgrim Lutheran Church building for 26 years, will convert the space into a community resource center and an affordable grocery store.

Early planning and cleanup

“We are in the early planning stages. We’re getting it cleaned out. There is 26 years of daycare items,” said Hayden Penkert, president of the board of directors for Ebenezer Stone Ministries. The ministry is currently removing old equipment and preparing the facility for its new purpose.

Services slated for the center

According to Penkert, the center will offer a range of resources aimed at strengthening families and supporting the neighborhood. Planned services include mental‑health prevention programs, health‑insurance navigation, veteran assistance, and outreach from Milwaukee police. The goal is to provide a one‑stop location where residents can access both practical help and spiritual encouragement.

Affordable grocery store

Kelly Eger, a board member for the ministry, emphasized the importance of affordable food options. “If we can bring in those families and say we’ve got groceries that are affordable costs that they can get to quickly, not to mention all the resources that we have at a higher level, they can take advantage of those as well,” she said. The grocery store will be located in the basement of the renovated building and will be staffed primarily by volunteers, keeping costs low for shoppers.

Location and accessibility

The new center will sit on a bus line and includes a parking lot, making it easily reachable for residents throughout the west side. By situating the grocery store in a food‑desert area, the ministry hopes to fill a critical gap in access to fresh, affordable produce.

Timeline

Ebenezer Stone Ministries aims to begin operations in the spring. While details on the exact opening date are still being finalized, the organization is actively seeking community input and volunteer support to ensure a smooth launch.

Community impact

Local leaders and faith‑based groups have welcomed the initiative, noting that it aligns with broader efforts to revitalize the west side and provide families with resources that promote stability and well‑being. The project reflects a growing trend of churches and ministries stepping into roles traditionally filled by government or for‑profit entities, offering a faith‑based approach to community development.

For more information or to volunteer, residents can contact Ebenezer Stone Ministries directly.

Original reporting: FOX6 WITI – local news — read the source article.