Harmony Cafe (Green Bay)

Harmony Cafe was co-founded in 2000 by Shannon Kenevan and John Larsen as a traveling arts and music program "where people felt valued, heard, seen and respected, regardless of race, color, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or interests."  

The project was inspired by a conversation between Shannon and Appleton West High School student Sarah Marjenka. Together, they agreed that the Fox Valley needed a space for generational interactions, activities, and community building. Guided by a vision, core values, and the Check It At the Door Declaration policy, that space would become a home base for people who felt "different."   

On January 1, 2002, Harmony Cafe became a 501(c)3 non-profit program of Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin.  In 2008, Harmony Cafe opened a second location at 1660 W. Mason St. in Green Bay.

Harmony hosted art exhibits, musical performances, stage shows, community groups, and other gatherings for several years. The space also included a cybercafe, meeting rooms, a toddler play area, and an exercise space. All retail income from Harmony Cafe was reinvested directly into programs and services.

Between 2010-2014, Goodwill spent over $1 million to keep the Harmony Cafes open.

Struggling to keep the doors open, Harmony Cafe discontinued food services at the end of 2013. Instead of reducing costs, the businesses continued to suffer financial losses. On November 14, 2014, Goodwill announced that both Harmony Cafes would be closing at the end of the year.