OUR HISTORY
Since our founding in 2004, SOPHIA has been a powerful force for justice in Waukesha County - quickly evolving into a vibrant, multi-issue, faith-based movement committed to building a more just, compassionate, and equitable community.
Over the years, SOPHIA has organized hundreds of public events, forums, vigils, trainings, and advocacy campaigns addressing the most pressing issues facing our neighbors—from immigration reform and racial equity to housing justice, healthcare access, criminal justice reform, and public transit. Our task forces have worked tirelessly to expand Treatment Alternatives to incarceration, secure workforce housing, oppose harmful legislation like 287(g), increase funding for BadgerCare, protect voting rights, and elevate the voices of marginalized communities across the county.
In collaboration with WISDOM and many statewide partners, SOPHIA leaders have met with legislators, led community-wide dialogues, and stood shoulder to shoulder with those most impacted by injustice. From prayer breakfasts and sacred walks to voter engagement drives and candidate forums, our work is grounded in our values of faith with call us to action.
Now celebrating over 20 years of community organizing, SOPHIA continues to lead with bold vision, deep compassion, and persistent hope—because we know that justice is not only possible, it’s essential.
SOPHIA
Through the Years
Timeline of Action & Impact
2004
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April 25: SOPHIA is officially founded and covenanted as a faith-based organization.
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Advocates for church-release privileges for inmates at the Waukesha County Huber Facility.
2005–2006
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Hosts first Prayer Breakfast and major public forum on immigration reform with 500+ attendees.
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Meets with state legislators to support funding for Treatment & Diversion (TAD) programs.
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Organizes interfaith events for racial healing after hate crime in North Lake.
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Holds multiple candidate forums and supports the creation of a Day Reporting Program.
2007–2010
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Plays key role in launching and funding the Day Reporting Center for non-violent offenders.
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Co-sponsors forums on education, immigration, and healthcare reform.
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100th graduate from Waukesha County’s Alcohol Treatment Court celebrated.
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Press conferences and prayer vigils support the DREAM Act and speak out against predatory lending.
2011–2013
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Launches the 11x15 Campaign to reduce the Wisconsin prison population.
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Solidarity actions support Muslim neighbors and proposals for a mosque in Brookfield.
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Receives Friend of the Friendless Award from Wisconsin Community Services.
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Sacred Walks and Capitol visits mobilize faith communities for justice.
2014–2016
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Fights for Driver Cards legislation and workforce housing initiatives.
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Participates in statewide rallies and prayer vigils opposing 287(g) agreements.
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Launches Transit Task Force and Waukesha County Transit Collaborative.
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Sponsors voter registration drives and forums for DACA recipients.
2017–2019
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Hosts full-size solitary confinement replica experience in Waukesha.
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Leads Relational Voter Program, reaching hundreds of incarcerated voters.
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Receives Sierra Club National Award for transit advocacy.
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Engages in policy work on parole reform, BadgerCare, and immigrant legal support.
2020–2022
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Hosts Drive-In Prayer Breakfasts during COVID-19 pandemic.
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Facilitates racial equity book discussions and community conversations.
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Celebrates SOPHIA’s 20th Anniversary with multilingual publications, multicultural fairs, and increased coalition efforts around driver cards and housing.
2023–2024
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Housing Justice Forums, Madison Action Day, and advocacy for expanded voucher acceptance by landlords.
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Criminal Justice Task Force wins long-fought campaign with the announcement of the Huber Facility closure.
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Community Breakfasts focus on love as action and community as a verb—featuring leaders like Justice Castaneda and Rev. Marian Boyle.
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The Religious Leaders Caucus advances water justice and public health education.
2025 and Beyond
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SOPHIA continues to lead on housing justice, immigration reform, environmental sustainability, and electronic monitoring reform.
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Community Breakfast hosts, Forward Latino President, Darryl Morin to discuss the effects an anti-immigrant environment has on our community.
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SOPHIA’s legacy grows through persistence, partnerships, and prophetic action.