Dear Friend of Riverworks,

As the seasons change along the Beerline Trail and the leaves turn above the streets of Harambee and Riverwest, we are reminded of how deeply rooted Riverworks Development Corporation is in this community—and how much we can grow when we do it together.

Thanks to supporters like you, 2025 was a year of tremendous momentum. We welcomed thousands of residents to neighborhood meetings, farmers markets, and family-friendly events. We helped local entrepreneurs open their doors, supported older adults navigating financial challenges, and strengthened the public spaces that bring people together.

And this year, our work is making a statement in powerful ways.

·Improving Green Infrastructure

Riverworks was honored with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District’s Green Luminary Award, a testament to our longstanding commitment to green infrastructure and environmental stewardship along the Beerline Trail and throughout our neighborhoods.

·Expanding Financial Security & Legacy Planning

Riverworks’ Financial Clinic launched the new Legacy Planning Program in partnership with the City of Milwaukee and the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund. This initiative helps residents protect their homes, preserve intergenerational wealth, and prevent displacement — strengthening families for generations to come.

·Helping First-Time Homebuyers Achieve Their Dream

This year, the Financial Clinic played a vital role in helping several individuals purchase their very first home. One of those new homeowners is Jovan Jiron, a valued staff member from our Riverworks Cleans team, who alongside his partner Jeannette Torres, bought a beautifully renovated home for their family.

·Supporting Reentry & Fresh Starts

Deeping our commitment, Riverworks is serving individuals returning to the community after incarceration through the Milwaukee Community Reentry Center, offering financial coaching and support that helps people rebuild stability and confidence.

·Keeping Fresh, Affordable Food Accessible

With food prices continuing to rise, the Riverwest Farmers Market has become a vital community resource. This past year, more than 100 local vendors participated—providing fresh produce, culturally meaningful foods, and a welcoming space for families Your support ensures this market remains a lifeline for healthy, affordable options.

·Caring for Our Neighborhoods—Every Day

From cleaning 125,000 gallons of litter to hosting neighborhood gatherings to supporting local artists and youth designers, Riverworks continues to uplift community voice, pride, and increase safety block by block. These accomplishments are only possible because of people like you—neighbors, donors, volunteers, and partners who believe in the future of Harambee and Riverwest.

As we enter this season of gratitude and giving, we ask you to invest in the work that is strengthening our community every single day. Your gift—whether $25 or $2,500—directly supports local families, small businesses, returning citizens, seniors, youth, and the public spaces that make our neighborhoods vibrant and connected.

Please make your contribution today and help Riverworks continue to grow opportunities, create stability, and hope across Milwaukee’s 53212. Thank you for believing in this community. Thank you for believing in what we can build together.

With gratitude,

Darryl Johnson

Executive Director

Riverworks Development Corporation

P.S. Every gift makes a difference. Together, we can keep shaping a healthier, stronger, and more vibrant future for 53212.