CommonGround Ministry was founded in August 2000 by a team of individuals including a caregiver, social worker and minister who had been working with people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS for several years.  They recognized the need in the Milwaukee community for an alternative to institutional care for people living with HIV who were unable to live independently.  In March of 2001, Elena’s House, CGM’s transitional home for people living with HIV/AIDS opened.

            The mission of CommonGround Ministry (CGM) is to provide physical, spiritual and emotional support to people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS regardless of religious beliefs, race, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or socioeconomic status.  Through our transitional home for people living with HIV/AIDS, Elena’s House, CGM offers home-like surroundings for four to five people who wish to live in a supportive community living environment. 


 

      HISTORY and MISSION

A group home for four to five people living with HIV/AIDS who have nowhere else to live and wish to live in a supportive community environment while working towards independence in the community or to a death with dignity.

Elena’s House offers comfortable, home-like surroundings and takes special pride in forming an extended family.  Residents are responsible for helping in the preparation of meals and maintaining housekeeping duties.

Elena’s House is a smoke-free, drug-free, and alcohol-free environment.

Within Elena’s House we are dedicated to meeting the needs of individuals with the HIV/AIDS virus.




  1. BulletTo help each resident struggling with HIV/AIDS understand a new sense of purpose and meaning in their life and to find peace and serenity within themselves.

  2. BulletTo assure the integration of, and accessibility to, a spiritual component of care.

  3. BulletTo help each resident achieve “success” by defining and working towards individual goals in order that they might regroup and reshape their lives and move towards independence.

  4. BulletTo provide wholistic care which considers the total needs of each individual – physical, social/familial and spiritual - while treating each individual with non-judgmental dignity and respect.

  5. BulletTo offer love and support to family and friends affected by HIV/AIDS.

  6. BulletTo reach out to others living with this disease not currently in need of a supportive living environment.

  7. BulletTo collaborate with existing agencies in order for individuals to receive the best care possible, without duplicating services.

  8. BulletTo reach beyond our home environment to the community to tell and show others how and why we must love those living with HIV/AIDS.

 

ELENA’S HOUSE

Contact information:

CommonGround Ministry

P.O. Box 26916

Wauwatosa, WI 53226           

Office - 414-453-3890

Fax - 414-453-3837

email - cgministry@sbcglobal.net