David L. & Rita E. Nelson Family Fund Grant

Veteran’s 1st of Northeast Wisconsin was awarded a $500,000 grant from the David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region to support their Cottage Court Community: Community Center. 

“Veteran’s 1st of Northeast Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization that will provide a safe “Cottage Court Community” for our area veterans, specifically those in need of affordable housing with wraparound services. All of this is to help them become self-sufficient,” said Gail Nohr, founder and Secretary of Veteran’s 1st of Northeast Wisconsin. “This generous gift will allow us to have a community center with an office, kitchen, and meeting area. We get to share this space with veterans (including the Cottage Court residents) and community members for group meetings, educational programs, training sessions, and socializing.” 

According to Veteran’s 1st of Northeast Wisconsin, one of the most compelling indicators of supportive housing effectiveness is housing stability: national data shows that 85–90% of individuals placed in supportive housing remain housed after one year. Participants experience fewer emergency room visits and inpatient hospitalizations, while increasing their use of preventive and behavioral health services. These shifts not only improve individual well-being but also reduce strain on public health systems. 

Veteran’s 1st of Northeast Wisconsin, Cottage Court Community

The Community Center will play a key role in providing a space where veterans can find the help they need to get back on their feet. There is an incredible shortage of affordable housing in Brown County. In 2021, there were more than 39,000 people who needed affordable housing with nearly 5,000 being veterans. Veterans also face many other life challenges so by removing housing concerns, Veteran’s 1st Cottage Court will be able to help them navigate resources and address individual needs as they arise.

Veteran’s 1st of Northeast Wisconsin is also partnering with four employment agencies including the Wisconsin Workforce Development and Forward Services to offer opportunities for meaningful employment. They are also partnering with the VA Clinic, the Vet Center, and about 20 other healthcare agencies to address the health and wellness needs of the veterans living on their campus.  

The David L. & Rita E. Nelson Family Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region

An estate gift of more than $100 million arranged by David and Rita Nelson to establish the David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. This permanent, donor-advised endowment awards grants to charitable organizations primarily in the Fox Cities and Green Bay areas and reflects their and their family’s charitable interests, including:

· Parks, recreation, and waterways

· Education

· Health care

· Community services and community centers

· Historic preservation, including lighthouses, museums, and historical societies

The couple lived in De Pere. David was born in Kaukauna and Rita in Janesville with both living in Wisconsin nearly their entire lives. David helped manage companies that published newspapers in Appleton and Green Bay before investing in radio stations and other businesses. Rita became a teacher after raising the couple’s three sons. David and Rita were married for 73 years and died within five months of each other.

To learn more about David and Rita Nelson, visit: https://cffoxvalley.org/david-l-and-rita-e-nelson-family-fund.