When Albert F. Siebert founded Milwaukee Electric Tool in 1924, he couldn’t have foreseen that the Great Depression would strike just five years later.

“He was a very faithful man, and prayed that God would help his business to survive,” said Charlotte John-Gomez, President and CEO of Siebert Lutheran Foundation. “It not only survived, but it has evolved into Milwaukee Tool, which it is known as today.”

Siebert made a promise that he would sell his business and dedicate his legacy to doing God’s work upon his death.

“And that’s exactly what he did,” Charlotte said. Siebert Lutheran Foundation was established in 1952  with an initial infusion of $35 million.

Siebert was particularly inspired by the Bible chapter Matthew 25, which encourages people to feed the hungry. “Working with the food pantries at the Lutheran churches is a way that we can fulfill Mr. Siebert’s legacy,” Charlotte said. “And Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin does that so well.

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin works with 31 food pantry partners at Lutheran churches in some of Southeast Wisconsin’s most underserved areas, reaching more than 15,000 neighbors. “These are ordinary people like you and me, and people who have had some sort of event in their life that triggered the need for food assistance,” Charlotte said. “And no one should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from.”

Siebert Lutheran Foundation has funded Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin for a quarter century, granting over $3.2 million to the organization, enabling it to help pantries source food and critical infrastructure such as coolers, freezers, and shelving.

“Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin really has a way of bringing it all together in such a way that the pantries can better serve their guests,” Charlotte said.

Recently, the Foundation supported the launch of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s new ‘Dairyland Delivery’ pilot program, a critical offering that ensures Lutheran partner pantries have a consistent supply of fresh, healthy dairy products like milk, eggs, cheese, and yogurt. With 1-in-6 children facing hunger in Eastern Wisconsin, “there is an urgent need for healthy and nutritious food choices,” Charlotte said.

This year, the Foundation and Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin have partnered to pilot an Outreach Coordinator who will be on the ground at food pantries ensuring that clients have access to services such as help with signing up for FoodShare benefits, or finding the closest free clinic. Charlotte said, “The Outreach Coordinator enables pantries to provide more than just food by offering services that address the root causes of hunger.” She added, “We love this model because it helps identify community resources that the guests might need to build pathways to stability so that families do not have to keep returning to the food pantry.”

Joining Siebert Lutheran Foundation six years ago, Charlotte has a background working with a community development organization, as well as managing HUD grants. Charlotte is also a member of the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, which helped to establish Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin back in 1982. Shortly after college, Charlotte served in the Peace Corps in the  Dominican Republic, inspiring her commitment to giving back.

“That was life transforming because it helped me realize I love working with the community,” she said. “I love helping to impact people’s quality of life… I feel like my mission is to try to leave this world a better place for so many people.”