About 5 Star Impact
One mission. Many paths to opportunity.
5 Star Impact connects Milwaukee residents with training, flexible space, and community support -- all under one Garfield Avenue roof.
Rooted in Milwaukee
Our mission
What we exist to do.
Empowering communities through education, opportunity, resources, innovation, and collaboration while creating pathways to economic mobility, leadership, and generational success.
Who we are
A registered nonprofit, with a DSPS-approved training school inside it.
5 Star Impact is a program of Five Star Community Empowerment Center Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Certification and workforce training programs run through Five Star Educational Training Center, A Wisconsin DSPS-approved training school offering workforce training and industry-recognized certifications.
- Five Star Community Empowerment Center Inc. -- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
- Five Star Educational Training Center -- Wisconsin DSPS-approved training school
One roof, many pathways
A former YMCA, restored to community purpose.
The Garfield Avenue Center is a former Milwaukee YMCA. High ceilings, large flexible rooms, and generous square footage give it a character that purpose-built community centers rarely have.
Rather than tear it down or leave it vacant, 5 Star Impact restored the building to community purpose -- training rooms where locker rooms once stood, a business center where the front desk used to be, and a gymnasium still doing exactly what it was built to do.
Schedule a tourWhat we believe
Faith-rooted. Fully inclusive. Built to last.
Rooted in faith, open to all
Our work is grounded in faith and lived out through service. Everyone is welcome here, no exceptions.
Community first
We build with our neighbors, not just for them, meeting people where they are.
Dignity and excellence
Every person deserves a space that treats them with respect and holds a high standard.
Pathways that last
We create opportunities that lead to economic mobility, leadership, and generational success.
Founder portrait coming soonFounder & executive director
Akyaa Smith
Akyaa Smith founded 5 Star Impact to put training, space, and support where Milwaukee needs them most -- in a building people can walk to, with programs built around real next steps.
What started as a single training offering has grown into a full building's worth of programs, rentable space, an adult day program, and community services, all run out of the same Garfield Avenue address.
- Milwaukee Public Library Entrepreneur-in-Residence
- Wisconsin Registry Approved Training Sponsor (TSO)
Additional credentials and approval statuses are being confirmed and will be added as they are finalized.
Start a partnership conversationWho we serve
Built for Milwaukee's whole community.
Job seekers, entrepreneurs, families, youth, seniors, and the organizations that support them all find a place at 5 Star Impact.
- Job seekers
- Individuals pursuing higher earning potential
- Entrepreneurs
- Small-business owners
- Youth
- Adults
- Seniors
- Families
- Childcare professionals
- Healthcare professionals
- Caregivers
- Trainers
- Employers
- Nonprofit organizations
- Community groups
- Wellness professionals
- Creative professionals
- Individuals seeking professional certifications
- People facing barriers to employment or business growth
- Organizations seeking customized training or space
Our location
One Milwaukee facility.
Contact the team before visiting to confirm hours for your program, appointment, rental, or tour request.
The former YMCA, restored to community purpose
Garfield Avenue Center
1138 W Garfield AveMilwaukee, WI 53205
414-210-3576
The 5 Star Impact facility houses training programs, a commercial kitchen, gym, business center, coworking space, and community programming. The building's YMCA bones -- high ceilings, large flexible rooms, generous square footage -- give it character that purpose-built community centers rarely have.
Take the next step
Come see the building for yourself.
Call or send an inquiry before visiting and the team will help you plan your stop.