Three days a week — Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays — Arthur Ward, his wife Brenda and a handful of dedicated volunteers set up a small white canopy near the north end of Butterfly Park, 3717 W. Meinecke Ave., in the Metcalfe Park neighborhood.
The canopy is a signal to park visitors, mostly children, that dinner will soon be served. This particular day it’s chili dogs, a juice box and a small bag of candy. In the past the menu has been smothered chicken with greens or ribs served with rice and gravy — all homemade.
“We’re trying to bring the community together in peace and let them eat together,” Ward said.
Though many children smile as they walk away with their meals, Ward doesn’t see them. A beating more than 25 years ago left him without one eye and blind in the other.
“Helping the community helps me get over what I lost and the anger I once felt over it,” Ward said. Sharing a meal is a show of unity, he added. “It’s something we really need in this community.”
Ward’s group, the Matilda Ward Youth Empowerment Association, named after his late mother, has been providing free meals at the park for more than 10 years. On a typical day the group feeds more than 100 people.
Brenda Ward is also disabled, having lost the bottom portion of her left leg and foot to diabetes a few years ago. Her disability hasn’t slowed her spirit either.
“If they keep eating, we’ll keep coming,” she said, while serving chili seated in her wheelchair.
At one point, during the height of the Wards’ summer meal program, they served 400 meals a day. In prior years, many meals the group provided were paid for by funding from organizations including the Hunger Task Force and Social Development Commission, but in the past two years the organization has been going it alone.
Funds for the meals come from the couple’s disability checks and money Ward earns, as well as small donations, but it’s been an increasing challenge to pay for meals that on average cost $200.
Keyainna Burchette has been coming three times a week for dinner, usually with her four children in tow.
“They love coming here,” Burchette said. The meals served at the park provide an opportunity to come out and meet other kids and parents. Without them, “we’d be sitting in the house watching TV.”
Greg Hill, Ward’s brother in-law, has been volunteering to help with the meals for the past 10 years. “We’re out here showing that there is unity amongst us,” Hill said, as he opens a bag of hot dog buns.
Melissa Thompson, who lives near the park and said she often comes to enjoy the meals, brought along her younger brother, Jeremiah, cousin Andre and goddaughter Armani. “She really likes it,” Thompson said, pointing to Armani as she sat on a swing chewing on the bun of her chili dog.
The group plans to serve meals through most of August, according to Ward.
And they’ll find ways to keep paying for them, he said. “It’s worth it to know that people enjoy what we do.”
Rachel says
Is there a way to donate to this cause? If so, please let us readers know the link. And Thank You Mr. and Mrs. Ward for your demonstrated commitment to the community and willingness to share what you have to help others. I am so inspired by you.
Edgar Mendez says
Hello Rachel,
Thank you so much for expressing interest in the Ward’s story and for your willingness to help! The information you requested can be found in the comment section!
Jan says
I too would like to help support the wonderful work they do. Please let readers know.
Edgar Mendez says
Hi Jan! Thank you for reading and for being interested in helping! Below is the information you requested.
Best,
Edgar Mendez
Beat Reporter
Milwaukeenns.org
Edgar Mendez says
Hello readers! Donations can be made at any Associated Bank, IN# 721548060 made payable to the Matilda Ward Youth Empowerment Association.
Thank You,
Edgar Mendez
Marcy Morrison Pearce says
I am the public affairs director for WMWK Milwaukee. Do you have any number or email I could use to get in touch with this couple. I would love to do a radio interview with them. The number for the Matilda Ward Youth Empowerment group is no longer in service.
Edgar Mendez says
Hello Ms. Morrison Pearce,
Please email me at edgarmilwaukeenns@gmail.com so I can provide you the contact information for Arthur Ward. Thank you for being a reader of the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service!
Best,
Edgar Mendez