FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Lisa Ehlke, APR, on behalf City on a Hill
414-573-1424 (M)
[email protected]
City on a Hill Announces Organizational Restructure to Strengthen Long-Term Impact
Milwaukee – (December 5, 2025) – City on a Hill, a Milwaukee-based nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of generational poverty and improving the health and well-being for central city families for more than two decades, today announced it has initiated an organizational restructuring process. After careful consideration and consultation with financial and legal advisors, the board of directors made the difficult but necessary decision to voluntarily file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and proceed under Subchapter V. This step is part of a long-term comprehensive restructuring plan and will allow the organization to continue current operations as it restructures to ensure long-term sustainability and strengthen its capacity to serve children and families in Milwaukee’s central city.
“City on a Hill exists to restore hope, improve quality of life, and stand alongside families facing the hardest kinds of poverty,” said Mitchell Lueck, board president of City on a Hill. “Choosing to restructure is a hard decision, but it is also a hopeful one because it is about protecting this mission and honoring the trust our families, partners, donors and staff have placed in us for more than two decades. We remain deeply committed to our mission and to the families we serve. We will emerge from this moment with a strong foundation to continue creating impact in the years ahead.”
Throughout the restructuring, City on a Hill will continue its day-to-day programs — without interruption or staff layoffs — including providing health care, dental care, behavioral health, and social services; a variety of youth and family programs that provide emotional, social, and academic support; and training opportunities and experiences to mobilize and equip individuals, families, groups and organizations with tools to improve the well-being of our community.
City on a Hill continues to be supported by respected local foundations and community partners such as the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation and Bader Philanthropies, who
believe in its mission, have seen its impact over time and continue to stand with the organization.
“City on a Hill’s mission has always centered on hope, transformation, and community renewal,” Lueck said. “This step enables us to continue being a reliable place of opportunity and restoration for families in Milwaukee’s central city. We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support of our donors, community partners, staff, volunteers, and other key supporters.”
To guide the restructuring, the City on a Hill board has engaged experienced third-party legal advisors. In addition, the board has implemented new financial protocols, enhanced oversight measures, and is working with City on a Hill executive leadership to reinforce accountability, transparency, and responsible stewardship.
During this process, City on a Hill is committed to continuing its programming and providing ongoing communication with donors, community partners, volunteers and the broader community. In the weeks ahead, the City on a Hill board and leadership will share updates as more information becomes available on the organization’s website FAQ page.
About City on a Hill
Located on Milwaukee’s near west side, City on a Hill is a faith-based nonprofit organization that has been working to break the cycle of generational poverty for 24 years by promoting health and wellness, strengthening youth and families, and advancing community transformation. Through health care and social services, youth and family programs, and spiritual formation and growth, City on a Hill serves residents of some of Milwaukee’s most under-resourced neighborhoods. For example, in 2024, City on a Hill had more than 3,600 patient visits to its health care clinic, 1,275 health screenings, and 381 counseling sessions; 1,171 youth visits for life skills classes, served 2,970 meals to children, and facilitated over 8,484 volunteer hours. For more information, visit cityonahillmke.org.
