who we are
Brad and Nick Schlaikowski
Our Story
Courage MKE became an idea of Co-Founders, Brad and Nick Schlaikowski while they were foster parents upon learning the children's stories of rejection, fear and survival. Together they welcomed multiple homeless and displaced LGBTQ+ youth into their home. It is because of their tenacity, Brad and Nick started Courage MKE in their honor in December 2015.
Knowing they were starting from the ground up, Brad and Nick along with their amazing Board of Directors made it Courage MKE's mission to raise awareness within our communities of the growing epidemic of homeless LGBTQ+ youth.
The community listened and Courage MKE, along with so many supporters and allies, together, we have brought the conversation to the forefront of conversations throughout Milwaukee.
Courage MKE fuels a collaborative movement to provide the resources LGBTQ+ youth need to thrive.
Our Reach
In 2019, Courage MKE opened Wisconsin’s first home for displaced LGBTQ+ youth. Courage MKE believes that in order for youth to work on themselves, they must be able to be themselves.
The Courage House is a licensed group home on Milwaukee’s south side. Our staff and volunteers are committed to creating an environment in which each resident feels like they are a part of the entire Courage MKE Family. At the Courage House, we assist residents with counseling, healthcare, life skills, family reunification, and provide them the same experiences every child deserves in a family setting
Based on the state average youth stay at group homes in Wisconsin, our residents are staying with us 211% longer.