Our Value
SOS Center, Inc.
The SOS Center is a non-profit social services agency that facilitates Christian care, educational instruction, after school programming & life skills activities for children and families in the Milwaukee community.
Service
We commit to serve God by helping others.
Faith
We illustrate by words and actions that communities are uplifted when Christian values are taught and practiced.
Peace
We commit to provide a safe atmosphere of respect, peace and love.
Our story
Why we do this.
We are not looking to re-invent or duplicate services already happening in our communities, but help other Lutheran churches engage the community more effectively by having the SOS Center act as a hub for partnerships through SWD, DELTO Men Leadership Group, and others looking to engage and learn how to do urban ministry more effective. Please note that we are always looking for volunteers and partners for our VBS Summer Camp Offerings.
SOS is also looking to become a Recognized Service Organization within the LCMS but also be a vehicle for promoting other RSOs such as Rebecca’s Garden of Hope in its Tutoring and Mentoring curriculum. We would be honored if you would like for a representative from the SOS Center to come to your church and or organization to speak, so just give us a call.
Program History
In December of 1982, Ken & Arlene Greve launched the SOS Center out of a store front on 3742 W. North Ave. as they were inspired by Christ’s compassion for the troubled and the struggling and they quickly recognized the need for educational services and opportunities. The center activities and programs outgrew that location and were moved to our current location in 1992.
The SOS Center has been an effective urban Christian outreach center in our Community for over 30 years. We serve clients and children who come to us form the Sherman Park and HI-Mount communities.
After several decades of service to these communities The SOS Center closed in the summer of 2012 because of financial challenges. Shortly after, with the full support of the SE WI District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) a committee was formed to plan a re-opening of the center using a new and sustainable financial model that would include support and help from our LCMS congregations, individuals and the District office.
On January 31, 2014 the center reopened with a very specific focus and placed on after school homework assistance, tutoring, mentoring with devotion and meal time for elementary and middle school students.
In the past 10 months, the SOS Center has already impacted our neighborhood in a positive direction serving about 55 kids during the school year and summer VBS/Camp programs. We will be adding a strong program to our 2014-15 school year programs and services as we become the SOS Center Garden of Hope After School Program.