James Place Fills Many Gaps in the Community

A congregation member, who also owned the building at 129 W. Broadway, approached Elmbrook Church Pastor Mike Murphy about what he would do with the space if he had it.

That was March 2007. Fast forward four years and James Place is a vibrant community organization that continues to serve members of the community.

Obviously, Murphy gave the church member an answer.

According to James Place Director, Karen Cumblad, Murphy said that he didn’t know, but that he would take it. From there it became a community resource and outreach for those living in downtown Waukesha. It was named James Place for two reasons; one being that two sisters with the last name of James had owned it in the early 1900s and another being for the Book of James.

When they began, they completed a needs assessment to find out where there were gaps in services in the community. The first service they offered was free blood pressure screenings. During their first year they partnered with ProHealth Care to have a community outreach nurse. This individual helped manage care, manage prescriptions and help people find medical services.

Another gap they found was that people just needed someone to listen to their stories, find out their needs and direct them to different community sources. They also have volunteers that help people write resumes and teach them how to search for jobs online. Cumblad said that other agencies are not always staffed to offer one-on-one help in this area.

James Place also offers help to people who are reentering the community after being incarcerated. They connect them with resources for housing, jobs, closing and food.

They also have added additional services such as budget coaching and counseling services. They are even one of Mount Mary’s internship sites. They also hold events where volunteers may offer services such as makeovers, haircuts, manicures and massages. These are things that many wouldn’t be able to afford otherwise and also allows them to meet new people.

“We do find that a lot of people have a desire to grow spiritually,” Cumblad said.

Since they are faith-based, they also offer prayers, and to connect people with a bible study or church, if they so desire.

“The two hallmarks of what we do (are)...how can we meet unmet needs and how can we do that through relationships,” she said.

The success story that sticks out the most in Cumblad's mind involves a shy, nervous gentlemen who had difficulty trusting people. He originally came on one of the days where they offered free haircuts.

Through time he kept coming back and the volunteers worked with him. He began to help clean up at the end of the day, wanting to be helpful and give back. He began to open up more and told them that he wanted more to do.

James Place connected the man with the food service ministry at Elmbrook church as a volunteer. He still volunteers there and Cumblad said that he has a positive impact on others. He has turned around and also has an apartment and income of his own.

James Place is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.