MILWAUKEE — At Community Tires near 1st and North Avenue, the name holds; help to the community.
For many in the neighborhood, it is just a tire shop. For others, it means much more.
Wednesday, TODAY’S TMJ4 went to Community Tires where Vincent Phillips was hard at work helping customers. Each day, another day to make an honest living.
“It’s like a home away from home,” Phillips said. “It’s like therapy.”
His work with tires came about in 2016, not long after the birth of his daughter, Queen. One month later, he lost his mother.
“Once you’re alone, you understand. Life becomes more hard than you think it is,” Phillips said.
The two life events forced Vincent to seek that opportunity. Mike Grice, the shop’s owner, offered that opportunity.
Since then, other young men have followed suit as the shop has become a hub for those looking to work hard and stay away from trouble.
Amy Chionchio, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Milwaukee said mentorship matters.
“I think most human beings do better with one caring adult in their life,” she said.
While it may be a tire shop for some, the small space off North Avenue has become a beacon of opportunity for people like Phillips.
