PozCast is a podcast from TMJ4 News and Positively Milwaukee, hosted by Shannon Sims.
PozCast focuses on everyday individuals creating opportunity, overcoming adversity and improving lives. They're not seeking the spotlight. They're seeking change that's Positively Milwaukee.
Episode 22: The Hidden Giant: Wisconsin Community Services Transforms Lives in Milwaukee
Have you ever driven past a building and wondered what happens inside? That's exactly how Positively Milwaukee host Shannon Sims felt about the Wisconsin Community Services (WCS) building on Wisconsin Avenue—until she sat down with CEO Clarence Johnson.
This 113-year-old organization quietly serves 17,000 people annually across 60 programs with nearly 600 staff members.
Founded in 1912 as the Society for the Friendless to help incarcerated individuals re-enter society, WCS has evolved into a comprehensive provider addressing the deep connection between behavioral health and justice involvement.
Their work spans youth residential programs like the Bakari Center, foster care services, mental health support, and re-entry programs.
The most inspiring part? WCS believes in the power of lived experience. Johnson shared the story of a Joshua Glover Center resident who spoke at a board meeting—and was hired two years later. Today, nearly a decade later, he's still empowering others as a peer specialist.
"What keeps me coming back every day is being inspired by the people doing the work and watching them have a positive impact on children, adults, and families," Johnson explains.
WCS represents Milwaukee at its best: neighbors lifting up neighbors, second chances becoming success stories, and quiet giants creating extraordinary change.
Listen to our candid conversation in the video player below:
You can also stream the PozCast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Listen to previous episodes of the PozCast:
Episode 1: Advocate, author, and survivor Nancy Yarbrough
Episode 2: Ed Zamora and Johnny Wade, Pride Rides Wisconsin
Episode 3: Katina Shaw, Milwaukee Brewers VP of Community Relations
Episode 4: Dionne Grayson, children's book author
Episode 5: Natalie Anderson, Founder and Executive Director of Fostering Community
Episode 6: Rochelle Gamauf, Founder and Executive Director of Friends with Food
Episode 7: Gregory Wesley, CEO of Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Episode 8: Giles Patterson, MPS apprenticeship program administrator
Episode 9: Ashley Thomas, CEO of Hope Street Ministries
Episode 10: Caleb Niedfeldt, Fishing for the Heart
Episode 11: Nicole Goins, Pretty Girls Are Educated
Episode 12: J.T. Backes, First Stage
Episode 13: Analena Peterson, Inspiring Youth award winner
Episode 14: Gregory Leon, Amilinda Executive Chef and Owner
Episode 15: Bob Burmeister, founder of Mr. Bob’s Under the Bridge
Episode 16: Dr. Anna Gaddy, Medical College of Wisconsin
Episode 17: Nkenge Adams, the visionary founder of Nkenge's Gallery
Episode 18: Mark Shapiro, Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center
Episode 19: Lynda K. Welsh, President and CEO of SHARP Literacy
Episode 20: Ben Jarvis's courageous journey as a veteran struggling with mental health
Episode 21: Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson's vision for MyPath
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