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Create • Thrive • Together
Over the past year, VIA Community Development Corporation (VIA CDC) has celebrated several important milestones, including moving our office to National Avenue in the heart of Silver City. This vibrant neighborhood on Milwaukee’s near south side is rich with engaged neighbors, historic homes, beautiful green spaces, and a thriving network of local businesses. One special highlight of our new location is its proximity to these incredible businesses, including the beloved Orenda Cafe. Orenda Cafe embodies VIA’s commitment to local ownership, long-term investment in people and places, and community-driven commercial development. We are thrilled to share the story of Orenda Cafe.
Prior to becoming Orenda Cafe’s home, the 3514 W. National Avenue building sat vacant for nearly a decade. In 2017, VIA purchased the building and played a key role in its transformation as part of the Silver City Catalytic Redevelopment Project, an initiative to increase economic vitality and improve National Avenue as a safe and enjoyable source for sustainable local job growth. VIA invested approximately $487,000 in the renovation of the 2,200-square-foot restaurant space, as well as the three-bedroom apartment located upstairs. This ambitious project was made possible thanks to feedback from our neighbors and the generous support of partners like Zilber Family Foundation, City of Milwaukee, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, and Tri City National Bank.
Connected through a Silver City neighbor, VIA met Leticia Muñoz, a dedicated Latina entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience. Her business plan for Orenda Cafe outlined a diner-style restaurant concept with a menu that represents our South Side community and works to incorporate her Mexican heritage. Through hard work and unwavering commitment, Leticia put the final touches to turn a long-vacant building into a welcoming neighborhood restaurant.
Since opening in 2019, Orenda Cafe has grown into more than just a place for eating—it embodies empowerment, change, and community spirit, reflecting the meaning of its name: a mystical force inspiring personal transformation. It serves as a vibrant gathering space, a source of neighborhood pride, and a powerful example of what can be achieved through strategic investment and support for local entrepreneurs.
In late 2023, Leticia took a significant step by purchasing the property and transitioning from a tenant to an owner. This milestone represents her perseverance and serves as an inspiration for others in the Silver City neighborhood and Milwaukee. In addition to her focus on community impact, Leticia pays her staff well, prioritizing their quality of life, which has allowed Orenda Cafe to create good-paying jobs that benefit our local economy.
Together, we can continue our work in neighborhoods like Silver City and uplift local business owners like Leticia, ensuring our community thrives for generations to come. Thank you for your belief in our mission and your continued partnership to build strong, healthy neighborhoods where all of us can thrive.
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VIA CDC
3524 W National Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53215
Together We Can Strengthen Milwaukee Neighborhoods
Thank you for your interest in making a donation to VIA Community Development Corporation. We are grateful to co-create, with you, strong neighborhoods where all of us can thrive. Together we can:
Make neighborhood meetings more accessible
$250 can provide childcare and translation services for two events
Grow or expand a business
$500 can provide five sessions of technical assistance to an entrepreneur
Make an essential home repair
$1,000 can provide one family a dollar-for-dollar matching grant
Build healthy homes
$2,500 can help eliminate lead-based paint, asbestos or mold in one of our Turnkey homes
Create opportunities for neighbors to unleash their power
$6,000 can support workshops for our Neighbors in Action leadership training program
Promote financial wellness
$9,000 can support coaching and workshops for a financial wellness program like It’s Your Money, You Decide
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Make your donation go further by checking with your employer’s human resources department to see if your donation is eligible for a matching gift.
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VIA Community Development Corporation (VIA CDC) is a 501(c)(3) organization. Note that our legal name changed in 2020 to Layton Boulevard West Neighbors, Inc, dba VIA CDC. Your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. In order to ensure continued organizational transparency feel free to view our most recent financial audit and 990.