Community foundations have an in-depth understanding of the issues, opportunities, and resources that shape the communities they serve.
 
Capitalizing on this type of knowledge, Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin was able to provide leadership to help sustain The Talent Shop in Wausau - a retail shop that offers one-of-a-kind handcrafted items and operates as a consignment shop.
 
For over 40 years The Talent Shop has featured items handcrafted by Central Wisconsin adults age 50 and older.  More than 200 area artisans contribute to the Shop, and their work is supported by 30 volunteers, primarily servicing the retail operation.  The Talent Shop provides area seniors not only a place to sell handicrafts and generate some extra income and also offers a social network fulfilling their need for interaction.
 
Lutheran Social Services (LSS) provided the administration for The Talent Shop and funded the shop's financial shortfalls for 15 years. When LSS could no longer financially maintain this support, the Talent Shop planned on closing its doors.
 
"The Talent Shop enables members of the community to remain productive for decades beyond their traditional work life," said Jean Tehan, Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin Executive Director. "When we found out about the Shop's situation, we started exploring options to sustain this community asset."
 
Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin helped The Talent Shop establish an endowment fund and provided two grants to The Talent Shop to support its operations.
 
Most importantly, the Community Foundation assisted The Talent Shop in finding a new organizational partner to provide administrative support, and to work with the Shop on a long-term sustainability plan. In February 2008, Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin accepted The Talent Shop as a program. Since then, Goodwill Services has provided critical administrative and IT support as well as expertise and training in retail management and pricing.
 
"The Community Foundation played a pivotal role in the process by recognizing the value of The Talent Shop, convening community leaders, and engaging our organization in helping to stabilize it," said Bob Pedersen, President/CEO Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin.
 
The Talent Shop and its constituents are celebrating their first year of this fruitful and unexpected partnership.