About Us

About A Place to Be Spirituality Center

An authentic community.
Through community, contemplation, and education, we strive to dismantle barriers, cultivate diversity and encouraging reflective dialogue.

Our Mission

A Place to Be accompanies those who seek meaning and purpose and something beyond themselves.

What is Spirituality?

What is APTB?

Welcome to our new Executive Director:
Deacon Steve Przedpelski!

For more than 30 years, I had the privilege of journeying with women who were sexually exploited and sex trafficking victims/survivors who were seeking to reclaim their humanity that was taken from them in childhood, adolescence and adulthood. I witnessed transformation as these brave women reconnected with their inner being and for some, they gradually grew healthier in mind, body and spirit.

I journeyed as well with caregivers, medical providers, social workers and law enforcement investigators who also cared for these same women during some of the darkest times of their lives. To hold space for the traumatized was a gift for me, as I deepen my own inner connection because of walking with these people. I am grateful for that time spent and look forward to being part of A Place To Be.

Board of Directors

Last spring, thanks to the Nonprofit Management Fund of Greater Milwaukee, APTB received a grant which enabled us to focus on Board Development and Mission-Focused planning. We developed and implemented key foundational elements for Board governance, clarifying roles, responsibilities and expectations for all members. We are grateful for the open-hearted, dynamic and respectful process that our Board members engaged in!

We then developed two Board committees which will be integral in helping APTB evolve and grow with our participants:
Development/Fundraising Committee: Ciara Hassinger (Chair), Gary Weber and Barbara Bode
Programming Committee: Jenny Mitchell (Chair), Maria Welz, Phil Block and Kelly Lemens
We are grateful for their leadership in guiding our mission and how we live that out day to day.

Our next step in this Board Development process is to reflect upon the way we "talk about" APTB through our discussions with friends and family, presentation on marketing materials and other community-development initiatives. This is a challenging process so we plan to take our time, listening to the Spirit and each other as well as inviting others into the process. Our goal is to refine our messaging to better reflect who we are and why we are. I hope you will stay tuned!

I am deeply grateful for our Board members. They have approached with work with openness and integrity, putting the needs of our community forth as our top priority. I am honored to be working with such an amazing group of people!

Please feel free to contact me with questions, input or additional information. I look forward to sharing our progress!
With gratitude,
Kelly Lemens
President of the Board

Our Board

Barbara Bode

"I chose to be involved long ago because this is a special opportunity to bring together God's people; people who have spiritual needs, are fed by enriching and contemplative readings, retreats, days of reflection, and more. It is a chance to participate with people who are hurting, lonely, creative and searching. I love our "place to be," our leadership and what we offer. Because we connect at a deeper level we unite as a friendly strong parish community. We really care about eachother."

Ciara Hassinger

"I am thrilled to join the Board of Directors at A Place To Be! I am excited to contribute my passion and skills to foster a welcoming space for diverse community exploration and spiritual growth. Together, we can support individuals on their spiritual journeys and create meaningful connections to uplift all those involved."

Jenny Mitchell

"I started my journey at APTB as a participant in book groups and retreats, where I learned to explore my faith on a deeper level than ever before with a supportive, caring community. Then I became the 'resident artist,' helping to find and implement creative ways to get in touch with one's spirituality... and 'Euchre queen,' teaching people to play a fun card game with other community members each month. Eventually I joined the staff as 'marketing guru.' I have gained so much from my experiences at APTB and continue to grow deeper in faith with this community. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to help others on their own journeys!"

Gary Weber

"Being a board member for A Place To Be has been a very rewarding experience for me. I have been participating with the Bible Studies, Religious and Spiritual Book studies and numerous other events over the last several years which I have enjoyed so much and has changed me as a more spiritual and caring person. I am blessed with being able to assist in shaping the future of this ministry, to ensure that it grows, and continues to thrive in our community. I am very excited about the present and future of APTB and look forward to help with this journey."

Maria Welz

Our Staff

Steve Przedpelski
Executive Director

Kelly Lemens
Founder/President of the Board
Email: [email protected]

Mikayla Kaufman
Marketing Manager
Email: [email protected]

We're in!

Thanks to everyone who helped move us into our NEW office space at the
Ozaukee Nonprofit Center!
We are thrilled to be a part of this vibrant community of over 30 local nonprofits.
Our new address is:
A Place To Be Spirituality Center
(in the Ozaukee Nonprofit Center)
2360 Dakota Drive (Suite J3)
Grafton, WI 53024
Stop in and check out our new digs:
meditation room & library, office and assorted Conference rooms for drumming, book groups, cooking classes, art nights, wellness programs, our Art Regatta fundraiser, and much more. By sharing resources and space, we are ensuring that we use our funds wisely while building partnerships with incredible organizations that share our commitment to community, connection, and collaboration.

Be sure to stop by and say hi!
(Extra directions: Take the Hwy 60/Grafton exit off Hwy 43. Turn west. The 2nd stoplight will be Dakota Drive, turn south (away from Aurora Hospital). Follow the road around the right-hand curve and the driveway is on the right. We are in the Ozaukee Nonprofit Center building; the entrance doors face south by the little library boxes.)