Holding D&R’s History and Moving Forward. Together.

February 3, 2026

By: Tou Fong Lee, M. Ed

Diverse & Resilient is entering a period of transition; one shaped by love for our community, honesty about the moment we are in, and deep responsibility to the people we serve. Like many community-based organizations, we are facing significant funding challenges that have required us to make difficult but necessary decisions. As part of this transition, we will be downsizing our physical building in Milwaukee and refocusing our efforts on approaches that center sustainability, without losing sight of our mission, our values, or our people.

This moment feels especially tender as we enter Black History Month, a time rooted in remembrance, resilience, and collective care. Within our walls lives a room that holds years of stories, healing, laughter, grief, and growth – the Grace Lounge.

In 2023, the space was renamed in loving dedication to our beloved Ronnie Grace, whose life and legacy continue to shape our work and our hearts. Before that, it was known as Libations Lounge, named in honor of our ancestors and the sacred practice of pouring libations, remembering those who came before us so we might continue forward with intention. That room has witnessed young people finding their voices, community members finding safety, and leaders being shaped.

Many who passed through that space grew into the leaders our community knows today. Chris Allen, now our President & CEO, once walked through those doors as a young adult and later led many great youth program initiatives. Amani Carter, once a community health promoter and worked in our HIV Prevention, now serves as one of our incredible youth program coordinators. Our leadership team, Anthony Harris, Lorenzo Rivas, and Reiko Ramos, all started as coordinator in direct service work, now leading their very own programs! The Grace Lounge has lived through three CEOs, seen the expansion of our Appleton location, countless programs, listening sessions, moments of grief, and moments of joy. It has been a home, especially for queer Black and Brown folks in Milwaukee, where people were seen, affirmed, and empowered.

As we face this transition, one of the hardest impacts has been to our Peer Navigation Program, a cornerstone of our HIV Care services. Funding reductions have hit this program especially hard. Still, we want our community to know this clearly and without hesitation: our commitment to HIV care remains unwavering. We are actively working to restore funding, build partnerships, and advocate for the resources needed to continue walking alongside people living with HIV, because access to care, dignity, and support is not optional. It is essential.

Transitions are never just logistical, they are emotional. They require us to grieve what has been, honor what remains, and imagine what is possible. While our physical footprint may change, our presence in community does not disappear. We remain rooted in relationship, accountability, and care.

Building updates will be shared in late March and early April 2026, and we are committed to transparency and communication every step of the way. This chapter is not an ending, it is a re-centering. One that asks us to carry our history forward with intention, protect what matters most, and continue fighting for the health, safety, and dignity of our communities.