Frequently Asked Questions
New Name, Same Mission
FAQs
Why did you change your name?
“LBWN” has served us well for 25 years. But through time and feedback, we heard you – Layton Boulevard West Neighbors (or even LBWN) is a difficult name to remember and pronounce. In addition, it has created confusion whether we are a neighborhood association. (We aren’t.) “LBWN” is a name well-known to many, and we know it will take time to get used to something new. However – having a more memorable name and clear identity will enable us to better communicate what we offer, build community partnerships and live out our mission. Thank you for joining us in this journey!
How do you pronounce your new name?
“vee-ah”
Why VIA, what does it mean?
The word VIA signifies forward movement and connection. Every day we work to connect neighbors, businesses, and a wide variety of partners with resources and each other as we move from where we are today to a more equitable, just future. Together with you, we build on our community assets and nourish the wellbeing of our neighborhoods. There is also a symbolic connection between the word VIA and who we are: three letters, three anchor neighborhoods, three core services. Our logo showcases the three icons of a house, business and tree to represent our work in: Housing, Economic Development and Community Life. VIA is a memorable word and easily said by anyone, no matter our native language. To bring it all together in simple terms, our tagline reinforces what we are doing in partnership with you: “Connecting people, Strengthening places.”
Does this mean you are changing what you do?
No, we will continue to live out our mission to build strong, healthy neighborhoods where we all can thrive. Our new name and the new look will only serve as a tool to help us communicate more clearly and build meaningful connections.
WHAT IS A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ("CDC")?
Making sure that every place equips every person to reach their full potential is like putting together pieces of a puzzle. We need all of us to ensure our communities have the resources, or puzzle pieces, we need. (Things like parks and green spaces, good homes we can afford, safe streets for all of us, and more!) Community Development Corporations, or CDCs, act like a puzzle-maker, making sure that the pieces fit together and stay connected. CDCs are nonprofit organizations that work with neighbors, businesses, our government and others to strengthen and improve our neighborhoods. Together, we can create a picture of our community where everyone has what we need to thrive.
LBWN has been working as a CDC for many years, and now our name reflects it.
What is your new contact information?
To reach VIA for general questions, you can email info@viacdc.org. All current staff will keep their same email handle, but it will end with @viacdc.org. (e.g. info@lbwn.org > info@viacdc.org) For a specific team member’s email address please visit, Our Team page.
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3524 W National Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53215
Staff Directory
info@viacdc.org