A $10,000 Donation Helps Fund a New Playground

Port Washington State Bank (PWSB) has proudly donated $10,000 to Family Promise of Ozaukee County to underwrite the playground and fence that was recently added to the Portlight Shelter, the organization’s emergency shelter facility. The donation was made possible through a grant in partnership with VISA, and the fence and playground were recently completed in May of 2025. 

Director of Housing Operations Joana Hemschemeyer shared, “The play area provides a safe space for kids to enjoy fresh air, stay active, and build friendships during their stay, and most importantly it makes our shelter feel a little more like a home.” 

Family Promise of Ozaukee County is celebrating a decade of service in 2025, marking 10 years of providing emergency shelter, meals, and critical resources to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the county. Since opening its doors, the organization has provided more than 30,000 nights of shelter to community members in need.

In 2023, the Family Promise shelter underwent significant renovations to better accommodate the diverse needs of its guests. The remodeled space now features separate wings for families, single women, and single men—ensuring privacy, safety, and dignity for all who stay there. With housing costs continuing to rise across the area, the shelter provides a vital steppingstone for those working to secure more permanent housing.

Guests at the shelter not only receive a safe place to stay but also play an active role in daily life. They contribute to the décor with art projects, help tend the shelter’s gardens and prepare meals in a communal kitchen designed to feel like home. These routines help foster a sense of independence, dignity, and community during what can be an otherwise uncertain time.

A network of over 20 local churches, along with organizations such as the Ozaukee Food Alliance, help sustain Family Promise’s mission with food, toiletries and toys for young guests.

“We believe strong communities are built when everyone has a safe place to call home,” said Cindy Nierode, CFO of PWSB. “Family Promise plays a vital role in that vision, and we’re honored to contribute.”

To learn more about Family Promise of Ozaukee County and how you can get involved, visit www.familypromiseoz.org.

Pictured: Joel Dykstra (SVP/Chief Credit Officer), Cindy Nierode (CFO) and Tarrah Beyer (VP of Marketing) presenting a donation check to Joana Hemschemeyer, Director of Housing Operations, and CEO Mike Cosgrove of Family Promise of Ozaukee County