COA Youth & Family Centers Celebrates 120 Years of Service to Milwaukee, Honors Community Leaders, and Looks Toward the Future

MILWAUKEE, WI – For 120 years, COA Youth & Family Centers has been a cornerstone of the Milwaukee community, providing children, youth, and families with opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. On Saturday, October 10, 2026, COA celebrated this remarkable milestone with its Night with the Stars 120th Anniversary Gala at the Hilton Milwaukee, bringing together generations of individuals whose lives have been touched by the organization.

The celebration welcomed current and former staff and board members, former program participants and campers, longtime supporters, community partners, and generous donors. Together, they celebrated not only COA's extraordinary history but also its enduring commitment to strengthening Milwaukee families and neighborhoods.

Founded in 1906 and for many years known as Children's Outing Association, COA began by providing outdoor recreation, nutritious meals, and enriching experiences for children. Over the following 12 decades, the organization evolved to respond to changing community needs, expanding its services to include early childhood education, youth development, family support, school readiness, food & healthcare access, and overnight camping experiences.

Today, COA continues its mission through neighborhood-based services concentrated in Milwaukee's Amani and Riverwest neighborhoods, along with overnight youth camping opportunities at COA Camp Helen Brachman in Almond, Wisconsin.

"For 120 years, COA has been more than an organization. We have been a source of opportunity, a place of belonging, and a partner to generations of Milwaukee families," said Dr. Amy J. Rowell, Chief Executive Officer of COA Youth & Family Centers. "While we are incredibly proud of our history, our greatest responsibility is to the future. The needs of our community continue to change, and so must we. We are not done yet. We are building on 120 years of experience to ensure COA remains strong, relevant, and responsive for generations to come."

Honoring the Stars Who Strengthen Milwaukee

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of three distinguished awards recognizing individuals and organizations whose commitment to community service, leadership, and philanthropy exemplifies COA's mission.

• Community Star Award – Hunger Task Force, received by Reno Wright: Recognizing the organization's extraordinary commitment to fighting hunger and strengthening food security throughout Milwaukee, including its valued partnership with COA.
• Rising Star Award – Jo Peguero: Celebrating a current employee who has been identified as someone with emerging leadership, achievement, and the promise of continued positive impact in the community.
• Alumni Star Award – Fatou Fall: Honoring a member of the COA alumni community whose accomplishments reflect the lasting impact of opportunities, encouragement, and support. (Fatou attended camp as a child and is now a summer camp counselor.)

The evening was emceed by Blake Eason of WISN-TV and featured a special video message from Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who began part of his professional journey as a COA staff member. Crowley reflected on his connection to the organization and introduced Rising Star Award recipient Jo Peguero, reinforcing the powerful role COA has played in developing community leaders.

The awards served as a reminder that COA's impact extends far beyond its programs and facilities, living on through the people, partnerships, and opportunities that continue to shape Milwaukee.

Special guests included Tom Schneider who served as executive director for more than two decades.

A New Chapter of Leadership, Stability, and Renewed Focus

Since January 2025, COA has been led by Dr. Amy J. Rowell, who has guided the organization through a significant period of rebuilding and organizational renewal.

Under Rowell's leadership, COA has refocused on its core mission programs and services, stabilized staffing and finances, strengthened organizational operations, and positioned itself for sustainable growth and greater community impact.

The organization's financial turnaround and renewed strategic direction represent important milestones in ensuring that COA can continue delivering high-quality services while remaining responsive to the neighborhoods and families it serves.

"Reaching 120 years is an extraordinary accomplishment, but longevity alone does not guarantee relevance or success," Rowell added. "Our work over the past year has been about strengthening our foundation, investing in our people, restoring financial stability, and focusing our resources where they can make the greatest difference. We are honoring our past by building a stronger future."

Continuing the Celebration: A Grand Reopening and Renewed Commitment to Food Security

As COA moves into its next chapter, the organization is inviting members of the media and community partners to witness firsthand one of its newest investments in meeting critical neighborhood needs.

On Monday, November 16, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., COA will celebrate the grand reopening of its recently renovated and expanded Food Pantry and Diaper Bank at COA Goldin Center, 2320 West Burleigh Street, Milwaukee.

The improvements, made possible in part through generous support from Northwestern Mutual and Hunger Task Force, reflect COA's ongoing commitment to addressing food insecurity and providing essential resources to families in Milwaukee's Amani neighborhood and surrounding communities.

The expanded space will support COA's commitment to delivering services in an environment that emphasizes dignity, accessibility, and respect for every individual and family seeking assistance.

"At 120 years old, COA is not standing still," Rowell said. "We are listening to our community, responding to real needs, and continuing to evolve. The reopening of our food pantry and diaper bank is a tangible example of what that commitment looks like. Our history is worth celebrating, but our future is what inspires us."

About COA Youth & Family Centers

Founded in 1906, COA Youth & Family Centers is a Milwaukee-based nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening children, youth, families, and communities through high-quality, accessible programs and services. With a focus on Milwaukee's Amani and Riverwest neighborhoods, COA provides early childhood education, youth development, family resource and support services, food security programs, and other community-based initiatives. COA also operates COA Camp Helen Brachman, an overnight youth camp in Almond, Wisconsin, creating opportunities for Milwaukee youth to experience outdoor education, personal growth, and adventure.

For more information, visit www.coa-yfc.org.