Olga Geuder was a beloved member of Redeemer Lutheran Church who turned personal hardship into radical care. With a husband living on the Milwaukee County Grounds, navigating schizophrenia and substance use, Olga faced deep challenges. But instead of retreating, she turned to the church kitchen.
Cooking became her act of love — a way to build community, offer dignity, and remind people they belonged. Her meals nourished more than bodies; they nurtured connection, comfort, and hope.
Olga Neighborhood Wellness Services carries her name and her spirit forward. Like Olga, we believe healing begins with a warm meal, a welcoming space, and a commitment to care for one another.
Who Was Olga?
Why Olga NWS Was Formed.
Olga Neighborhood Wellness Services (Olga NWS) was born out of tragedy and a powerful call to action. In 2019, Johnny “Tennessee” Smith—a regular at Redeemer’s Noon Run meal program—was killed on the church steps. Both Johnny and the man charged in his death were living with untreated mental illness.
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The Redeemer community responded with urgency. What began as an effort to create a Mental Health Assessment Clinic evolved into something broader after deep listening and reflection. The community needed more than clinical support—they needed whole-body care.
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Olga NWS was formed to meet that need. Today, we offer warm meals through Lunch at Olga’s and connect people with free mental health and substance use counseling through our partnership with Serenity Inns. We believe healing starts with dignity, connection, and care—for the whole person.