Our History

1992

In 1992, three agency directors began discussing the possibility of sharing space and equipment: Nancy Dick-Family Services of Mequon-Thiensville; Dorothy Dyken –COPE Services, and Cheri Farnsworth-Volunteer Center. Late that year, the directors convened a group that included board members, community members, the United Way of Greater Milwaukee, the Mental Health Association and St. Mary’s Ozaukee Hospital.

1994

By 1994, the Family Enrichment Center (FEC) was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The group began raising funds to remodel a portion of the St. Mary’s owned Cedar Mills Clinic on Pioneer Road. Major supporters included The Milwaukee Foundation, St. Mary’s Hospital, and The United Way of Greater Milwaukee. Other corporations and businesses such as Leeson Corporation, and Ozaukee Bank provided financial support along with countless individuals.

1995

In 1995, COPE Services Administrative Offices, Ozaukee Family Services, The United Way of Greater Milwaukee, the Volunteer Center, and the Mental Health Association moved into the first Family Enrichment Center in the Cedar Mills Clinic on Pioneer Road. By 1998, the Cedar Mills Clinic was bursting at the seams and needed the space occupied by the Family Enrichment Center agencies. In the search for a new FEC home a generous family stepped forward and offered to build the FEC a home and rent it to the agencies “at cost.

1999

In December of 1999, the agencies moved into a beautiful new United Way Family Enrichment Center building (UWFEC) at 885 Badger Circle in Grafton. This building was named for the Greater Milwaukee United Way which provided substantial support to make it possible for all the agencies to design and occupy space that would allow growth and flexibility. Since 1999, the number and scope of agencies that have made the FEC their home has grown and reshaped the cooperative services the agencies provide.

2005

In 2005, the building was donated by the generous, anonymous owner to the Family Enrichment Center, Inc. This wonderful gift would offer assurance that non-profit agencies would have a home optimizing efficiency and collaboration for the benefit of the citizens of Ozaukee County.

2006

In 2006 the FEC Board hired a part time executive director to facilitate daily management responsibilities in a collaborative effort with the agencies in the building and FEC board members. The executive director keeps the FEC board abreast of building information and activities and brings action items to the monthly board meetings.

2007

2007 the FEC launched a website ozaukeefec.org which provides information and links to all the agencies within the FEC.

2010

In 2010, a media conference room was created and the building went wireless to enable improved program delivery throughout the building.

2011

2011 commissioned 27.6kW solar system, As part of our broader initiative to increase sustainability and promote green concepts, the FEC installed 120~230 watt solar panels to offset our energy consumption and lower utility costs.

2012

In 2012, MSOE & Brady Corp assisted the FEC in renovating the shared kitchen making it more accessible for people with disabilities.

2013

In 2013, IT infrastructure upgrade, building wired cat6, new phone and voicemail system. Conference room AV technology was added with support from Mel’s Pig Roast.

2014

In 2014, the FEC had its inaugural Gourmet Gala. This signature, annual, fundraising event was created with the help of volunteers and board members. All funds raised were given to partner agencies. MSOE Servant Leadership program and volunteers from Regal helped design and build the first phase in an outdoor recreation area to increase program space to our agencies. A gazebo walking path and bridge were installed. Additional plans were designed for a ball court and pavilion with pathways to connect

2017

In 2017 – With increasing partner agencies and the building reaching full capacity, a feasibility study was completed to analyze the current building and to access if an addition would be possible at the 885 Bader Circle location, unfortunately the cost to remodel and the use of the current land was not practicable.

2019

In 2019 – The FEC Board hired a full time executive director to manage corporate and facility needs and increase collaboration.

2020

In 2020 – The FEC rebranded changing their name from the Family Enrichment Center to Ozaukee Nonprofit Center in hopes for the community to better understand the services the ONC directly provides.

2021

In 2021 – The ONC made its third official move to a larger, remodeled facility. Designed to address the nonprofit communities growing needs, the building offers a range of features like modernized conference rooms, convenient storage space, and a contemporary event hall to support day-to-day activities and mission-critical initiatives. The new space at 2360 Dakota Drive allows for other local nonprofits to find a common home and forge new relationships.

The Ozaukee Nonprofit Center continues to be a great environment that facilitates collaboration and good work for the community. The agencies within the facility work to build strong families and improve the quality of life throughout Ozaukee County.