Saint John’s On The Lake: A Vibrant Senior Community Giving Back to Milwaukee Through United Way
December 15, 2025
At Saint John’s, retirement doesn’t mean slowing down. It means lifting others up.
In every Milwaukee neighborhood, communities gather to support and uplift their neighbors. And in three towers near McKinley Park, the community of Saint John’s On The Lake is built around an active group of older adults who are dedicated to making Milwaukee a better place.
Saint John’s is a senior living community far from the stereotypical retirement home many people picture. The social environment inspires innovation and a sense of belonging. Residents are motivated to get involved in the nurturing and creative environment, and in Milwaukee itself as well-informed citizens. One way they do that is through supporting United Way.
“We’re a community of 700 people who are part of Milwaukee,” explained Matthew Loyd, President and CEO of Saint John’s. “We live here; we serve here. This is our home.”
The residents raise funds and awareness for United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County through a campaign every fall. They bond over philanthropy and the understanding that giving back is not just for those still in the workforce, but for anyone who calls Milwaukee home. Efforts are led by a Resident Ambassador, Jim Nelsen, who, along with his late wife Betty Jo, has led Saint John’s giving campaign for the past two years.
“We’re really blessed to live in a community that’s so philanthropic-minded,” said Cathy Carr, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Saint John’s. “And United Way is just instilled in them. They understand the importance of making a difference in the lives of others.”
Since its start in 1868, Saint John’s consistently prioritized public welfare, providing dignity and grace to women who lacked resources following the Civil War. It soon expanded to older adults and couples, increased medical services and opportunities, and gave even more dignity to its residents – viewing them as family, not as a group of aging adults that society was overlooking.
“We are a visible, vibrant community that actively looks to give back to Milwaukee,” Matthew said. “Our very identity is serving people. So, of course, giving to United Way is a tangible expression of how we do that.”
Cathy agreed: “United Way is integral to the health of nonprofits, both in stability and in critical financial resources that nonprofits count on. They ensure accountability and are good stewards of the generosity of their donors.”
With a desire to see Milwaukee succeed, residents buck the misconception that elders in society only receive care. They have created an environment where elders thrive with purpose and the opportunity to give as well as receive.
“It matters how we all live together. The quality of our collective life is determined by how well the least among us live,” Matthew said regarding how residents and Saint John’s staff view giving back and supporting Milwaukee’s nonprofits.
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County is honored to be among the nonprofits that Saint John’s supports. This dedicated community hasn’t slowed down in retirement and remains fully committed to its mission in driving the health and wellness of everyone who lives and works in Milwaukee. Saint John’s On The Lake actively demonstrates that United is the Way for us to move our community forward now and for years to come.
Top: Saint John's On The Lake; Right: Jim Nelsen; Left: Saint John’s residents enjoy weekly visits with Our Next Generation offering after school programming with fun, interactive, learning activities for the students throughout the school year.; Bottom: Each spring the Saint John’s residents and employees team up to pick up litter in the neighborhood they’ve been a part of for over 157 years.
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