MILWAUKEE — Following the passing of former Senator Herb Kohl at 88, many people across the state are mourning the loss of an influential and philanthropic man.
Kohl was known for his philanthropy throughout the state. He made a large impact on many nonprofits in Milwaukee. Those nonprofits are also in mourning.
The Sixteenth Street Community Health Center is just one of many nonprofits that felt a great impact from Kohl. He had been involved with Sixteenth Street for nearly 25 years.
“He was an incredible supporter of our mission, of so many other nonprofits in Milwaukee,” Sixteenth Street director of community engagement, Stephanie Cruz-Cordero said. “He always had kids in mind. He cared so much about the community; he understood our mission.”
Cruz-Cordero has also been a patient at Sixteenth Street since she was a little girl. She said she has personally felt the impact Kohl left behind.
“He’s helped tens of thousands of children receive equitable healthcare in the City of Milwaukee,” she said. “He has helped children like myself, who are patients of Sixteenth Street, be able to receive these crucial services.”
Kohl’s impact echoes throughout the City of Milwaukee to many other organizations. The Grand Avenue Club, a nonprofit that helps those living with mental illness, said his loss is a big one to the community.
“He’s been a supporter of us for over 15 years,” Grand Avenue Club associate director, Ben Holt said. “He’s given close to $100,000; he’s believed in our mission. He’s a great guy, a staple of this community; it’s just a big loss.”
Kohl’s dedication and donations have changed the lives of many in Wisconsin, including Shelby Manuel, who a longtime member of the Grand Avenue Club.
“He was a good man, and he did a lot of things,” Manuel said. “I admire him for that. That’s why I am going to focus on helping people, period.”
Manuel said he is inspired by the work Kohl has done in the community and hopes to continue to help others, just like Kohl has.