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Personal challenges make Heal the Hood founder a better leader | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Jabril Faraj
December 23, 2016
Ajamou Butler stands beside the “Milwaukee Superheroes” mural on the north end of Harambee. (Photo by Jabril Faraj)
When he was a young boy, Ajamou Butler’s family moved around a lot. Then, there was the time his family was evicted from their North Side home, forced to stay at a motel. Eventually, they moved to a house near 35th and Burleigh that Butler called “terrible” — it had busted windows, and it was winter — but it was what they could afford.
“I remember like it was yesterday,” he said. “I remember covering up with our coats, you know, because we didn’t have heat and we didn’t have covers. I remember the refrigerator being empty.”
“That’s what poverty looked like and felt like for us growing up,” Butler said. But he also said he didn’t realize they were “knee-deep in poverty” until he was an adult.
“I tried to make everything an adventure,” said Clara Fleming, Butler’s mother. “Because children should not ever know lack.” Still, she said, “It’s heartbreaking. A parent’s biggest worry is that they will not be able to provide for their children.”
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Regardless of how hard his parents worked to provide a positive environment for Butler and his siblings, there were other forces at work.
Shanyeill McCloud helps an attendee of an event at Park Lawn YMCA, where McCloud checked the records of dozens of people and counseled them about privatizing their criminal history. (Photo by Scottie Lee Meyers)
“No matter what your parents do to try to raise you, being affected by the ghettos just is what it is,” said Butler as he remembers being jumped by a large group of guys when he was a freshman in high school, seeing prostitutes and dope heads on the block, hustling marijuana “just to make sure that I could take care of myself.”
But poverty wasn’t the only worry. Growing up as a black male in some of Milwaukee’s poorest neighborhoods had its own challenges.
Fleming said, “I asked his father one time, when he was young, ‘What do you think he’ll be when he’s 18?’ And I never forgot his answer. He said to me, ‘I just hope he makes it to 18.’ As a mother, that takes your breath away.”
It was his experience as a black man and the birth of his son when Butler was 21 that helped shape who he would become. Butler, 25, is known by many as founder of Heal the Hood. The organization, which began in 2011 and has hosted block parties in locations across Milwaukee’s central city, has since expanded to include workshops and multiple yearly events.
While working three jobs — at his father’s retail store, a night cleaning gig and as building manager at his apartment, on top of speaking engagements and other Heal the Hood events — Butler went back to hustling a bit on the side.
At the time, Butler was supporting his young son and a girlfriend who was unemployed, and money was tight. Early last year, he was pulled over by Milwaukee police, who caught him with less than a half ounce of weed, according to Butler.
“I definitely kept us afloat. We wasn’t rich … but we were afloat,” said Butler in a recent interview. “I’m not a money-driven person but … I’ll do anything to feed me and my son.”
Butler’s run-in with the law came with consequences. After spending a few days in jail, he was able to post bail but later found out that the misdemeanor offense would keep him from speaking in Milwaukee Public Schools; motivational speaking and mentorship are part of his work with Heal the Hood.
He acknowledged that some people might find the nature of his work and the reality of his infraction hypocritical, but, according to Butler, “they go hand-in-hand.”
“When I go speak to the youth, I tell them, ‘Hey, listen, I’m not too far from you … don’t think that I’m up here teaching and preaching and I’m not in the same shoes that y’all [are] in.’”
About one in eight black men in Wisconsin was incarcerated in 2010, more than any other state in the country and nearly double the national average, according to a 2013 paper by John Pawasarat and Lois M. Quinn, the most recent study available. Nearly 70 percent of the state’s black population resides in Milwaukee County, where more than half of African-American men in their 30s have spent time in state prisons. Between 1990 and 2011, 82 percent of the men incarcerated in Milwaukee County for drug offenses were black, according to the paper.
During the same period, two-thirds of the county’s incarcerated African-American men came from six ZIP codes that encompass many of the poorest neighborhoods in Milwaukee, the study found. Of the black men incarcerated, 32 percent had non-violent or drug-only convictions.
Early this month, Butler successfully had the marijuana incident expunged from his record, a process that erases the record of the infraction, and the stigma that can follow. For an expungement, individuals must have been younger than 25 at the time of the offense, be off parole or probation and write a letter to the judge explaining why they believe they are eligible.
Shanyeill McCloud, founder of Clean Slate Milwaukee, who helped Butler through the process, said employment and housing discrimination stemming from a past conviction are rampant in Milwaukee, a reality she hopes to combat through her work. She called Wisconsin’s expungement laws “backwards,” noting that how long ago the infraction occurred is not taken into account, and a 2009 law that allowed for felony expungements was not made retroactive. McCloud also pointed out that municipal tickets are not eligible for expungement in Milwaukee.
The combination of these factors “equals the institutional racism you hear about,” said Dennis Walton, outreach coordinator at the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative. Walton lives and works in the 53206 ZIP code, Milwaukee’s poorest.
“When you are up against these hidden barriers that exist, what it does is it disenfranchises people from being a part of the American Dream,” said Walton, who is black. He added, “This is no longer a civil rights issue — this is a human rights issue.”
Butler said the arrest has given him added perspective, especially when talking to youth who have been in jail. “I was only in there for less than 72 hours, but that’s all I needed,” he said. “Since then, I haven’t had any legal issues. Obviously, I’ve stopped hustlin’ and, you know, just really dedicated myself full time to this campaign.”
Last year, Butler’s face was painted on a “Milwaukee Superheroes” mural on the North Side, next to those of other Milwaukee leaders. He said it’s a reminder of what he’s accomplished, despite his failings.
“Listen, I’m a college dropout … I had a child at 21, I was sleeping on my mom’s couch — but I came from the ashes, I came from the fire, I came from the trenches. I’m still in the trenches on some days, but I’m going to keep going through. I’m not going to stay stuck. I’m gonna keep progressing, I’m gonna keep moving forward.”
He added, “I don’t think I can change the world. I know for a fact that I can change the world around me, and I’m going to strive to change anything I can touch.”


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
December 22, 2016

source: news-milwaukeenns

created: December 22, 2016

license: Creative Commons - Attribution - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

author: Adam Carr


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Favorite of 2016: Diverse group gathers in Alice’s Garden to address racial oppression | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
December 26, 2016
(Photo by Andrea Waxman)
Reporting on this event, organized to address issues surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement, I found it heartening to see people from other communities listening to African-American leaders speak about police killings of black men and other aspects of racial inequality in an informal setting. Attendees also heard speakers and performers express themselves through song, dance and poetry.
One young woman who attended pointed out that the gathering provided an opportunity to go beyond talking about community involvement and actually participate.
In a city as segregated as ours, it is difficult to bring diverse people together for openhearted listening and learning. Venice Williams and the other artists and activists who organized the event overcame the barriers and continue to provide opportunities for people to listen and connect.
Click below to read the story.
Diverse group gathers in Alice’s Garden to address racial oppression
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created: December 26, 2016

author: Andrea Waxman


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
December 24, 2016

created: December 24, 2016


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Favorite of 2016: The victims of Greenfield Avenue | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Edgar Mendez
December 27, 2016
Located on city’s South Side, Greenfield Avenue has become the city’s main hub for prostitution, and in the process created two sets of victims — the sexually exploited women, and those who live and work on Greenfield Avenue. As a resident of the area, I longed to tell the story of some of the women, who face the threat of violence on a daily basis, and the residents, whose children are being exposed to drug use, condoms, drug paraphernalia and open-air prostitution.
I also wanted to shed light on the challenges that law enforcement and nonprofit organizations that work with sexually exploited women face in addressing prostitution, human trafficking and related issues such as mental illness and drug addiction. By doing so, my goal was to offer a balanced and thoughtful look at an issue that has been devastating my community.
Click here to read the story.
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created: December 27, 2016

author: Edgar Mendez


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Food Leader Program trains next wave of community leaders | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Victory Garden Initiative
December 27, 2016
Victory Garden Initiative announces an entirely unique learning and professional growth experience. The 2017 Food Leader Certificate Program begins January 28, 2017 and is an extensive certification program that equips emerging leaders with project management, community organization, and team leadership skills, all in the context of food system realities, growing nutritious, healthy food, and leading food projects in their communities. Registration is now open. Learn more at http://www.victorygardeninitiative.org/FoodLeader.
Food Leader participants:
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Past Food Leader projects include converting unused land to a lush, productive farm for a local church, establishing a gardening and cooking community for millennials, working with youth at The Domes,  building the first handicapped-accessible raised garden bed prototype of its kind, establishing a composting system at a large workplace, and launching a microgreens business. Victory Garden Initiative is thrilled to begin another year of cultivating leaders to make change starting with their own communities. “This program has given me the knowledge and confidence to take the ideas I have around the Food Movement and bring them to life,” says Katie Felton, 2013 Food Leader
The 2017 program includes three weekend retreats, starting with our Kickoff Retreat on January 28-29 at The Bridge Between, a beautiful organic farm, educational center and retreat destination in Denmark, WI. Registration is open now for Victory Garden Initiative’s Food Leader Certificate Program! For more information and to register, visit VictoryGardenInitiative.org/FoodLeader.

author: Victory Garden Initiative


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
December 27, 2016


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Favorite of 2016: Coverage of unrest in Sherman Park | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Jabril Faraj
December 28, 2016
The National Guard was activated by Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, Milwaukee County Sheriffs closed Sherman Park and police were heavily armed and armored after two nights of violent demonstrations. (Photo by Jabril Faraj)
The most important work I did in 2016 was my coverage of Sherman Park — including the immediate aftermath of the shooting of Sylville K. Smith, the effect and resolution of a three-week-long park curfew, and community efforts to unite and chart a path forward.
The sometimes-violent demonstrations that occurred in August surprised some; others were surprised it took so long. What cannot be disputed is that those events will be a marker in the history of this city. Whether Milwaukee can ensure that all of its citizens have access to resources and opportunity moving forward may determine whether or not what happened in Sherman Park will be something we can put behind us.
Read the coverage here:
Sherman Park residents, leaders say anger stems from unequal treatment
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Curfew leaves Sherman Park youth with ‘nowhere to go’
Judge to rule on permanent order to keep Sherman Park open after 6 p.m.
300+ Strong rally encourages unity, amplifies black voices

created: December 28, 2016

author: Jabril Faraj


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Favorite of 2016: Wisconsin Doulas of Color Collective offers support for pregnant women, mothers | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Naomi Waxman
December 29, 2016
Valencia Laws is grateful for the support and encouragement she received throughout her pregnancy from the Wisconsin Doulas of Color Collective. (Photo provided by Valencia Laws)
The Wisconsin Doulas of Color Collective is a shining example of women’s power to make profound, positive change in one another’s lives and strengthen their communities. Engaging in a literal “labor of love,” these doulas care for other women of color through pregnancy, childbirth and the early stages of parenthood in an effort to save lives and support families.
African-American babies die at staggeringly high rates compared to white infants, regardless of their mothers’ education or socioeconomic status, but the doulas in the collective understand their clients’ experiences and work to help alleviate the stress that negatively affects their pregnancies. Doula and CEO Deanna Tharpe opened my eyes to the deep-seated, corrosive long-term effects of racism on the physical well being of women of color and their children. WIDOCC provides a vital, compassionate resource for pregnant women of color in Milwaukee. I hope this story shines a light on the collective’s important work.
Click below to read the story.
Wisconsin Doulas of Color Collective offers support for pregnant women, mothers
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created: December 29, 2016

author: Naomi Waxman


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Fall in our city, 2016 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
December 30, 2016
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With the Winter Solstice behind us, we’re reaching the end of year. In this photo gallery, take a look back at scenes in our Milwaukee neighborhoods during the last quarter of 2016.

created: December 30, 2016


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20160528_124408 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Name *
December 8, 2016

created: December 8, 2016

author: Name *


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Name *
August 25, 2017


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On the Block: Uncertain about the future | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Naomi Waxman
January 3, 2017
Sarahi Romero, a 15-year-old St. Joan Antida student, took to the ice for her second skating attempt ever at Red Arrow Park to celebrate the last few days of winter break. The youngest of four girls, the Muskego Way resident is wary of the potential changes that may arise for Latino communities during the Trump administration. Romero is pleased that her school is aware of students’ concerns and is taking steps to support those who are worried for their families and communities.

created: January 3, 2017


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 2, 2017

created: January 2, 2017


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The Walls of Strength project aims to instill hope, courage and love in Milwaukee | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Allison Steines
January 3, 2017
The first Walls of Strength installation was mounted recently at Ascension Lutheran Church in Clarke Square. (Photo by Allison Steines)
The idea formed late one night, when Lori Gramling was ruminating over presidential candidate Donald Trump’s talk of building a wall.
“I was so bothered by the negativity. I heard a voice nagging me, ‘Ya know what, let’s build a wall. A different kind of wall,’” recalled Gramling, psychologist and owner of Tree of Life Earthworks.
Gramling brought her wall-building idea to the Sisters Central City Circle of Change, a group of professional women committed to creating change in Milwaukee. The Sisters Circle mulled over the idea and helped Gramling bring the project, called Walls of Strength, to fruition.
Walls of Strength aims to combat fear, contempt, cynicism and despair by allowing Milwaukee residents to inscribe positive messages into clay stones. The stones are then assembled and mortared together to create a wall with three segments: hope, love and courage.
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The word courage comes from the Latin word “cor,” which means heart. Gramling explained that this word is the centerpiece of the project.
“Courage, love and hope are natural, innate and powerful energies around us, and it’s important that those energies are accessible to people in community,” said Shalina Ali, a member of the Sisters Circle.
People living in the inner city are so busy: working, supporting themselves and their families, driving kids to school and activities, trying to make healthy choices, Ali said. “We get caught up in survival. This project is about taking back the narrative… and remembering to pause. It’s about remembering resilience and human nature,” she added.
A little girl inscribes her message on a clay stone during Doors Open Milwaukee, where 263 visitors participated in the ongoing Walls of Strength project. (Photo courtesy of Lori Gramling)
“There isn’t a lot of exchange between communities in Milwaukee. This project is a way of telling stories to make people just people again,” said Gramling.
The Tree of Life Earthworks studio opened its doors to the public and kicked off the Walls of Strength project in September during Doors Open Milwaukee. More than 400 visitors walked through the studio in two days and 263 of them wrote on clay stones for the wall.
Gramling recalled one visitor who made a strong impression on her: a young girl who spent close to an hour working on her clay stone. When she finally finished, she cradled it between her hands as if it were the most precious thing she had ever held. She walked up to Gramling and handed over the stone.
The stone read HOPE, which she used as an acronym for: Hold On, Pain Ends.
“She looked at me with these deep soulful eyes and I could tell she already had a rough life,” said Gramling.
According to Ramona Johnson, a member of the Sisters Circle for more than eight years, the project could not exist without community participation. “I think it’s neat that people actually have their hands in this project, like they are literally putting their hands in and on the community,” she added.
“As much as it seems like individual pieces, they all come together to create a bigger meaning,” said Marcelo Alamo, a MIAD graduate and artist who painted an arch for the finished wall.
“It’s amazing to see people from all walks of life come together and support each other and the community,” he added.
The first installation was mounted in front of Ascension Lutheran Church at 1236 S. Layton Blvd. in Clarke Square. The wall is visible from the street, allowing those who drive or walk by to immerse themselves in positive messages.
“Every time I pass by it, I recognize it will be there today, tomorrow, next week, next month. It stands strong because of the ideals behind it,” Alamo added.
The word courage comes from the Latin word “cor,” which means heart. Gramling said this one word is the centerpiece of the Walls of Strength project. (Photo by Allison Steines)
Monica Perez, a member of the Sisters Circle, said spreading messages of courage, love and hope is essential. “It is important that people feel valued, seen and heard,” said Perez. “When people don’t feel connected you start to see all the negative slip through.”
Noted Sue Engstrom, a member of the Sisters Circle, “There is nothing like someone feeling they have been heard; it takes anger and dissipates it.”
However, Gramling explained that not everyone is receptive to the project. Some see it as a critique of President-elect Donald Trump; others are put off by the negative connotation around the word “wall” and cannot connect with the project’s true meaning.
One woman commented that she did not like the idea of walls at all. She didn’t understand why they project metaphor couldn’t be something less controversial, such as a bridge or a door.
“Yes, walls can be used to exclude, but their purpose is to protect what is good,” said Gramling.
Hundreds of people from Epic Center Community Organization, True Skool and Incarnation Lutheran Church have already inscribed their messages in clay for the second installation, which will be mounted at Incarnation Lutheran Church, 1510 W. Keefe Ave.
“It is starting to spread, which means we tapped into something that was needed,” added another member of the Sisters Circle, Brenda Kilpatrick.
The goal right now is to finish three stationary walls that are “constant and concrete,” said Alamo. But, as the project grows it keeps evolving. There is talk between the Sisters Circle and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to create a moveable wall that can be transported to various clubrooms at the school, used by Muslim, Jewish and Christian groups.
Johnson said she hopes the Walls of Strength will decorate the entire city and beyond, becoming as common as Little Free Library boxes.
“There are no limits for this project. I hope it is like a fire that keeps growing and catching people’s hearts,” added Kilpatrick.

author: Allison Steines


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Nationally-known peace activist Erica Ford to appear at public, free session on Friday | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ald. Milele A. Coggs
January 4, 2017
Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs is encouraging community members to attend a free and public event on Friday (January 6) featuring nationally-recognized peace activist and social entrepreneur Erica Ford of New York City. The after work session featuring Ms. Ford will be at Render, a new tech start up located at 2209 N. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr., from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Ms. Ford, who grew up in Queens, NY, is the founder and CEO of LIFE Camp, Inc., which primarily provides at-risk inner-city youth, ages 13-24, with valuable tools they need to stay in school and out of the criminal justice system. Many credit her approach with drastically reducing deadly gun violence and homicides in violence-prone areas of NYC. The LIFE Camp program also offers individuals educational, employment and social opportunities they might not otherwise have.
“With the arrival of the new year and Milwaukee already tallying several homicides, I believe Ms. Ford’s appearance offers a positive opportunity for us to come together to listen to her ideas and her strategies about reducing violence,” Alderwoman Coggs said. The event is sponsored by Alderwoman Coggs, the city Office of Violence Prevention, state Rep. David Crowley, and the Lauren Group.
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What: Session with peace activist Erica Ford
When: Friday, January 6 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 2209 N. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr

created: January 4, 2017

author: Ald. Milele A. Coggs


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Nonprofit professionals organization announces scholarship opportunity for emerging leaders pursuing graduate degrees | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Young Nonprofit Professionals Network
January 4, 2017
In order to encourage nonprofit professionals to pursue advanced degrees and commemorate the life of former board member, Ilona Nicole Gonzalez, The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) Greater Milwaukee Chapter has announced The Ilona Nicole Memorial Scholarship for Graduate Education.
Throughout her life, Ilona Gonzalez proved her commitment to higher education and service to the community. A visionary leader, Ilona was eager to help grow YNPN Milwaukee and better serve the nonprofit sector in Milwaukee. She was a double alumna of Alverno College, an adjunct instructor and a writer and graphic designer for the Benedict Center. Ilona was deeply committed to education, both as a learner and an educator.
The Ilona Nicole Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to emerging nonprofit leaders who have served as employees, community volunteers or board members with nonprofit organizations in or around Milwaukee to aid in their pursuit of graduate-level degree programs.
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Applications will be evaluated on current enrollment in a graduate program, involvement in the nonprofit sector, future plans to remain actively involved in the nonprofit sector, leadership qualities, and a letter of recommendation.
Scholarship applications are due Friday, February 3, 2017. The scholarship recipient will be notified by Tuesday, February 10, 2017 and presented with the scholarship on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at YNPN’s Annual Kick-Off event at The Point.
To learn more about the scholarship or donate to the scholarship fund, visit: ynpnmke.org/donate_ilona
To apply for the scholarship, visit: ynpnmke.org/apply_scholarship

author: Young Nonprofit Professionals Network


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Teens Grow Greens work leads to national recognition for North Side student | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
January 4, 2017
Ryan Graham grew up in his grandmother’s house on North 23rd Street. (Photo by Andrea Waxman)
Ryan Graham is just a teenager, but he already has an academic scholarship named in his honor, is working as an educational coordinator for a nonprofit organization and serves on its board.
A senior in the first graduating class of Carmen High School of Science & Technology’s Northwest Campus, Graham said he was an introvert and a bit of a loner until he decided to give the nonprofit teen leadership program Teens Grow Greens a try last February. A friend who was participating persuaded him to apply and the experience has been life changing, he said.
Graham is aware that the 53206 ZIP code, where he grew up on North 23rd Street, is one of the nation’s poorest, infamous for its high rate of incarcerated residents. But, he said, he does not want those conditions to define him.
“That’s not my future. I want other young people here to think that way too. Some people grow up on one corner and they stay there but (if you) step outside and see how you are, compared to the world … you’re not bound to this area. You don’t have to be the stereotypical person living in this ZIP code.”
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Graham, who turns 18 on Jan. 5, was recently selected as one of only six teens across the nation for “The Future of Good” program by U.S. Cellular, which invests in youth who make a positive impact in their communities, according to the company’s website. The $10,000 award comprises $6,000 for the two-year Ryan Graham Scholarship for Excellence and $4,000 for Teens Grow Greens. Graham will receive the scholarship this year and it will be awarded to another Teens Grow Greens participant next year. In addition, winners starred in short documentary films and traveled to New York City for a December weekend to publicize the program, tour famous sites and visit the stock exchange.
Dorothy Holloway said that she and her grandson Ryan were always drawn to each other. (Photo by Andrea Waxman)
Graham was given the opportunity to ring the closing bell and strike the gavel at the end of the trading day at the New York Stock Exchange.
Joining Teens Grow Greens, whose director Charlie Uihlein nominated Graham for the award, was a scary experience, Ryan said. “But I took that risk and it was the best experience of my life. It taught me that my opinion was valid. It was empowering to know I had a voice,” Graham said.
Teens Grow Greens’ vision is to help the teens it hires grow into purposeful leaders, according to Uihlein. During a nine-month paid internship, teens develop skills through hands-on experience in responsibility, healthy living, leadership and entrepreneurship. They work with young children and as a group, growing and cooking healthy food and creating a profitable product that is good for people and for the environment.
Last year, Ryan’s intern group had many conversations on a large range of topics, said Kate Holter, then a volunteer mentor and UWM student studying community engagement education and nutritional sciences.
“Ryan talked to me about his life and his goals and I saw him evolve. He was … reluctant to speak up or share openly but when he did, he was so good at it,” Holter said. “As the months went by he became more comfortable in his own skin. He matured and became more articulate,” she added.
Part of Graham’s job at Teens Grow Greens is recruiting and interviewing program applicants and when he interviewed Niya Glaude, 16, she thought he was young to be doing that job. “Later I saw that he is very intelligent and he understood what we were going through in life and in the program. He knew all the obstacles that we would have to overcome because he had been in the program the year before.”
One of those challenges, Glaude said, was “we had to come out of our shells and share who we are so we could trust each other.”
Graham attributes much of his academic success to the fact that his grandmother bought him a computer when he was in grade school at Central City Cyberschool, 4301 N. 44th St.
“Since then, I’ve been obsessed with (my Mac computer). It broadened my horizons at a very young age. It made me more willing to try new things by exposing me to so many kinds of people, dialects and opinions,” Graham said.
Though he says he has a good relationship with his parents, Graham grew up, from the age of 4, with his paternal grandmother, Dorothy Holloway. A retired corrections officer, Holloway said it was difficult working full time in a strenuous job and raising Graham, but “there were family problems and CPS (Child Protective Services) put him with me.”
Holloway noted that he always had a strong personality. “As a child he was always mad and I think that’s why I took him. He needed his space cause he’s kind of a loner. It’s quiet here and I never crowded him,” she said, adding that his anger gradually dissipated.
Graham said that he is inclined to learn and grow by looking inward and analyzing his experience. He added that he is driven by a desire to compete with himself and do better than he did before. He loves to play the piano but plans to major in computer science and minor in business administration. Graham said he has applied to eight colleges and his first choice is Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, where his mother and three of his brothers live. He has an older brother and sister living in Wisconsin.
Uihlein said he nominated Graham for the award because of his unique skills and his hunger to be the best person he can be.
“He does the legwork and the preparation needed to improve at whatever he wants to learn. He’s one of the most responsible people I’ve met, and that includes adults,” Uihlein added. “Ryan is a great example of what you can accomplish when you push yourself.”


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 3, 2017


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The Rep raised $111,628 for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee with A Christmas Carol families program | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Repertory Theater
January 4, 2017
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a timeless tale of hope and redemption that has been a cornerstone of Milwaukee Repertory Theater for more than 40 years playing to 1.5 million people making it Milwaukee’s favorite holiday tradition.   This year’s brand new production, adapted and directed by Artistic Director Mark Clements was made even more special by raising a record breaking $111,628 through the A Christmas Carol Families Program benefitting Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, one of The Rep’s new Pillar Partners.
In fostering The Rep’s mission of creating positive change in the community, the annual A Christmas Carol Families Program, was created to raise funds for underprivileged families during the holiday season.   This year’s record breaking donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, is due in large part to an anonymous donor who was so moved by the end-of-show appeal that he pledged to match all gifts given dollar for dollar up to $50,000.  Through the generosity of the A Christmas Carol audiences, The Rep raised $61,628, and combined with the match, a total of $111,628 to support families in need and the amazing programs at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee.
“It’s humbling to see the level of generosity shown by The Rep and its patrons through the A Christmas Carol Families Program,” said Vincent Lyles, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee.  “This is a great example of one of our treasured partners leading a community effort to create opportunities for children that will have a life-long impact.”
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“By working closely with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee as a Pillar Partner of The Rep, we’ve seen firsthand the tremendous impact of their programs on our community,” commented Managing Director Chad Bauman. “Not only was the new production of A Christmas Carol record-breaking in terms of ticket sales, I couldn’t be more thrilled that our incredible audiences set a record for their generosity as well, reminding us all as to the true spirit of the holiday season.”

author: Milwaukee Repertory Theater


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County encourages residents to help plan new behavioral health facility | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Naomi Waxman
January 6, 2017
Shawn Green of Social Solutions, LLC, writes down suggestions from meeting attendees regarding the services and atmosphere they would like to see at the Behavioral Health Division’s new North Side facility. (Photo by Naomi Waxman)
Milwaukee residents, especially those with behavioral health conditions and their families, have one more opportunity to provide input about a planned North Side behavioral health facility. The last of four community conversations will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 25.
Milwaukee County’s Behavioral Health Division (BHD) has yet to choose a specific site for the outpatient facility, but hopes to open its doors in 2018.
“We want to make sure we are meeting your needs,” BHD Chief Administrative Officer Alicia Modjeska told 20 people gathered at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church on a rainy afternoon in December. “We are all here to listen to what you have to say,” she added.
The wide-ranging conversation touched on a variety of suggestions, including a serene, attractive environment, behavioral health trainings for the Milwaukee Police Department, childcare, gender-neutral restrooms and opportunities for family therapy.
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“It’s not just one person’s issue,” noted Terri Ellzey. “There are usually more people involved in how that person got where they are.” Ellzey is a community intervention specialist for the Department of Health and Human Services Special Needs Housing Division.
Alicia Modjeska, chief administrative officer of the Behavioral Health Division, shows attendees a rough sketch of a possible floor plan for the facility. (Photo by Naomi Waxman)
Pastor Darryl Seay of Liberty and Truth Ministries led the meeting, emphasizing the importance of community input to the planning process. “Whatever happens today, you’ll be driving the conversation,” he said.
Seay asked participants to address three primary characteristics of the new facility: services and resources, staff and caregivers, and physical appearance.
Many attendees reported frustrating past experiences when attempting to access behavioral health services. Institutional obstacles can become insurmountable for people in a mental health crisis, experts said.
“If there is a delay in referrals or knowledge of resources, the person may stop looking,” said Ella Dunbar, a manager in the Health Wellness & Supportive Services division of the Social Development Commission. “If this North Side hub was to take place, there should be a better triage process than saying, ‘I don’t know,’ or ‘call this number.’”
Mojeska showed attendees a rough sketch of a floor plan intended to facilitate comfort for patients. BHD plans to have staff and caregivers move about the facility while patients can remain in one room rather than shuttling from one office to another.
The behavioral health facility will serve children and adults 24 hours per day, year-round. BHD will include pharmacy services, psychiatric and psychology nurses, social workers and peer specialists as well as benefits support, childcare, housing, a café and a special entrance for law enforcement to bring in individuals in crisis.
A primary care clinic is under consideration as well, a proposal that was met with great enthusiasm by meeting attendees.
Edna Kerney said that she has struggled with mental illness since childhood and was eventually diagnosed with bipolar schizophrenia. Kerney credits her peer specialist and the services she received at La Causa, Inc. with saving her life on several occasions.
She attended BHD’s meeting with the hope that speaking out about behavioral health issues will reduce stigma and encourage community engagement.
“I know sometimes I can be hard to deal with because I go up and down,” Kerney said. “You can be in the worst place but if you have someone there who cares, that can turn it all around.”

created: January 6, 2017


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 5, 2017

created: January 5, 2017


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Augustine Prep: The school changing educational expectations | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Augustine Prep
January 9, 2017
This summer will mark the grand opening of a school that looks to increase expectations and change the way we educate our children. Augustine Prep is a new, $85 million, K4-12 Christian school coming to Milwaukee’s south side that will center on four pillars of faith, family, academics and athletics. As a premier Milwaukee choice school, Augustine Prep will not only offer students individualized learning in the classroom and in subject-specific learning pods throughout the school, but will also offer state-of-the-art facilities for extracurriculars when it opens in August 2017. Highlights of the 12-acre campus on 6th Street include:
Augustine Prep’s superintendent, Alfonso Carmona, left an elementary principal position in Chicago Public Schools to lead the new school. Carmona is a native of a poor village in Columbia, who played professional basketball there before moving to the U.S. not knowing English. Education opened doors for him, which is why he believes so strongly in its power it has to transform lives.
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created: January 9, 2017

author: Augustine Prep


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Humane Society leader helps move mission toward supporting pet owners | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Camille Paul
January 9, 2017
Editor’s note: This piece is one of an occasional series on nonprofit leaders in Milwaukee. The responses have been edited for length and clarity.
In 2006, Jill Kline was paired with the Wisconsin Humane Society through Marquette University’s Trinity Fellowship program. A decade later, she is vice president of community impact at the Humane Society, a nonprofit organization committed to treating animals with respect and kindness. Kline has helped create various programs to support minority families by offering free services for their animals. She recently talked with Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service about her role at the Humane Society.
Q: How did you become the Humane Society’s vice president of community impact programs?
A: I had a variety of roles when I started. As community initiatives coordinator, I supported our youth programs team and their work. I spent time helping to build a community outreach component by talking with community associations and social service agencies. From there, I was hired by Spay Wisconsin, a new program that the Humane Society started. It helps connect people to low-cost spay/neuter places in their area. That program spun off into another, and I had the opportunity to step into a role of advocacy. Spay Wisconsin, also helped build up some of our legislative contacts locally and supported our youth programs. In 2012, I handled and helped get Pets for Life up and running, and over time I was promoted to my current position.
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Q: How has your current role allowed you to become a better leader?
A: I have found that the best way to develop as a leader is to learn through experience what is and isn’t effective. This position has provided me with the opportunity to work on programs and issues that matter to me. I also partner with my teams to build on the programs and strategies that are successful and let go of the ones that aren’t.
Q: What does being a leader mean to you?
A: Being a leader is about working toward a shared vision with whatever cause or issue you’re working on. It can be working hands-on, like I do with the Pets for Life team, or creating plans and ways the team can participate toward our mission. I think having that vision of where you are going together is most important.
Q: Who do you consider a role model for leadership?
A: I have a lot of role models, from co-workers I work with every day to Leslie Knope (a character on the TV show “Parks and Recreation”) and Michelle Obama. I once read about “Frankenmentors,” the concept that you can find qualities to admire and emulate in many people and piece together the type of leader you want to be — and that really resonated with me.
Q: Why is that?
A: Young leaders are looking for one person to fill all of their mentor/leadership needs, but I have learned that there are a bunch of people that I can learn from, from my boss, (to) my coworkers and people I meet in the community. I can pick up qualities to admire and piece that together, decide what styles resonate the most with me and create my own leadership style.
Q: What does your organization do well?
A: The relationships we build. We really become a resource for our clients, and sometimes we receive calls from them having nothing to do with their animals just because we have become someone they can trust. With our youth programs, I think something unique is the fact that we have animals here. Animals can unlock something in children that other mediums and tools might not be able to. If you’re able to give a kid a chance to connect with an animal, a lot of times that can really unlock something inside them. That’s really special.
Q: How does the Humane Society interact with minority communities?
A: Prior to our presence in the neighborhood, fewer than 20 percent of community members had ever interacted with us. A lot of people had never reached out or known about our services. By going and reaching out to them we have built those relationships, and now we are a go-to resource for a lot of folks. We have also increased the spay/neuter rate from 9 percent in initial meeting to closer to 55 percent. The community has been amazing and really receptive.
Q: What would you want to see the Humane Society improve on?
A: As we look forward, our mission is going to be less about finding animals in need of a home, and more about supporting people who have animals in the community. As we are having mission success and there are fewer homeless animals that need our help, over time that work is going to shift toward supporting people in the community — especially families and people in poverty. We know that that love and connection to their animal isn’t broken, but accessing the services they need is difficult.

author: Camille Paul


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 8, 2017

created: January 8, 2017


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To Milwaukee Public Library, with love | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Margaret Rozga
January 9, 2017
The Central Library downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
(Photo by Margaret Rozga)
Margaret Rozga, poet, civil rights activist and professor emerita of English at UW-Waukesha, calls attention to the Milwaukee Public Library as a place for diverse Milwaukeeans to come together to learn and build community.
I love the Milwaukee Public Library. Every square inch of it. The elegant doors and staircases of the Central Library downtown. The entire 1898 building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The computer rooms both downtown and at neighborhood libraries filled with the energy of young people at work on school projects. I love every program the library offers, every program hosted there, especially every inviting outreach effort. If you haven’t been to the library lately, if you hunger for beauty these days as I do, make a visit to the library a must-do for 2017.
I fell in love with the Milwaukee Public library when at 6 years old I first learned to print my name, and my mother took me to the Forest Home library for my very own library card. After this important rite of passage, I could join our family tradition of bi-weekly trips to the library as an active participant, selecting books and withdrawing them in my own name.
As a high school and college student, doing research for papers I had to write became a joy as I discovered the wealth of books and periodicals at the downtown library. I sometimes met friends, classmates and cousins there also doing research in the spacious, well-lit rooms of this beautiful, well-designed building. Now my grandchildren continue to enjoy the tradition of frequent trips to the library. The Children’s Room at the Central Library not only features bookshelves at heights convenient for young readers, but comfortable reading nooks and places to climb and explore.
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As I look back at 2016, I find that many of the events I enjoyed most this year were at 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., the Central Library. It is one of the places in Milwaukee frequented by people of all ages, income levels, races and ethnicities. It is a place where Milwaukee comes together.
In February, America’s Black Holocaust Museum had its Founders’ Day celebration at the Central Library’s Centennial Hall. This event featured the release of a new edition of founder James Cameron’s memoir A Time of Terror: A Survivor’s Story, a performance of three one-act plays bringing to life events from black history, followed by what Milwaukee urgently needs: discussion of racial issues as they have developed in history and continue to influence the present, especially in Milwaukee. The library will again host America’s Black Holocaust Museum’s Founder’s Day celebration in February 2017.
Library-sponsored events also bring together people of diverse groups for thoughtful, aesthetically enriching and community-engaging programs. Among the most enjoyable are the Library Loud Days. This summer’s event included closing Wisconsin Avenue in front of the Central Library so the evening could begin with festive outdoor street dining. Inside the library, interactive displays were stationed throughout the main floors. The popular Milwaukee band New Age Narcissism set the main reading room to rocking.
At Halloween, the library became “Haunted Central” and was transformed into a giant haunted house, including the “Forbidden Fourth Floor” where you were invited to enter “if you dare.” The library website describes these Library Loud free community events as a way of turning the libraries into lively gathering places: “Places to converse and explore. Places filled with movies, music, art, e-books, e-mags, laptops, and of course, a couple million books.” My visits to the library show how successful these programs are at providing Milwaukee with much-needed beautiful spaces to gather and to access valuable resources. I’m happy to pay taxes for community-enhancing and community-building benefits like these.
Whenever I go to a Milwaukee Public Library, especially the Central Library, I allow extra time to savor the ambience. I usually find myself reaching for my cell phone to take a picture of yet another beautiful corner, wall, fixture or display I hadn’t noticed before. For all my love of what the Milwaukee Public Library is and does, I appreciate it for another reason as well. Every inch of its beauty speaks of government that makes the common good a top priority. May this continue to be the philosophy that governs Milwaukee.

author: Margaret Rozga


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 9, 2017


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MPL hosts day-long event to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Public Library
January 10, 2017
Members of the Nefertari African Dance Company preformed a routine during the 2016 MLK Jr. Day celebration at MLK Library. (Photo by Morgan Hughes)
On Monday, January 16, Milwaukee Public Library’s King Branch (310 W. Locust Street) will be open and hold a day of special programs to commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. The programs are  and . Celebrate Dr. King’s legacy through a day of arts, crafts, live music and storytelling. All other Milwaukee Public Library locations will be closed on Monday, January 16.
Here is the lineup for the day:
Free Blood Pressure Screenings and Flu Shots from 9:00 am-12:00 pm (city employees are reminded that healthy rewards points can be earned)
Martin Luther King Day Timeline 9:00am -12:00pm
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Visitors will be encouraged to share their personal experiences with those events and how they’ve been impacted and participate in a trivia quiz
Collage-Making for Teens with Artist Jasmine Barmore 9:00am – 12:00pm
Dream Books with Rochelle Melander 10:30am – 12:00pm
Participants can capture their dreams in tiny how-to books they create
Mayor Tom Barrett will give welcome at 12:00 pm
Afro-Brazilian Percussion Performance by Lancaster Elementary 12:15 – 12:30pm
Tribute to Dr. King by Alpha Phi Alpha 12:30 – 12:45pm
Kevin Hayden Band Performs 1:00 – 1:45pm
Ex Fabula Fellows 2:00pm- 2:45pm
Listen to true, personal stories told by community members
Signature Dance Company Performs 3:00 – 3:30pm
Peace Cookies for all ages 3:30-4:30 pm
End the day on a sweet note with cookie decorating. Complimentary water will be available courtesy of Roundy’s and complimentary coffee will be provided by Stone Creek Coffee.
Visit www.mpl.org/MLKday or our Facebook page for more information.

created: January 10, 2017

author: Milwaukee Public Library


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 10, 2017


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Free culinary arts, food service & job readiness training offered for adults seeking livable wage jobs, new skill set | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Social Development Commission
January 10, 2017
The need for viable, livable wage jobs continues to be a critical issue for low-income residents in Milwaukee County which ranks among the top five cities in the nation with the highest poverty levels. The Social Development Commission (SDC) is working to address the need for job training by partnering with HeartLove Place to offer the ProStart Culinary and Job Readiness Program. The culinary arts and food service portion of the program is accredited and modeled after the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation ProStart curriculum. SDC’s Education and Career Services will provide Job Readiness training.
The 14-week program begins Monday, January 23, 2017 with classes held at SDC’s Teutonia location (6848 N. Teutonia Avenue, Milwaukee) Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM. Hands-on culinary workshops, on the job training, and food service practicums including food safety procedures, career exploration in food service, proper cutting techniques are part of the curriculum. Students must pass the ServSafe and ProStart examinations to be considered employable in the industry. Job readiness skills training will focus on resume writing, interviewing, dress, telephone etiquette and social media dos and don’ts.
SDC CEO George Hinton said, “Low-income residents in our community are in dire need of jobs that offer a livable wage. Our program offers the necessary training for individuals to obtain jobs in the food service and hospitality industry that will enable them to earn a living that supports their families.”
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The Instructor for the program, Shelita Furlow, is a 2015 graduate of the ProStart Culinary & Job Training Program with 10 years of cooking experience. “We are happy to be able to provide employment for one of our own graduates, and help her reach her goals,” said Viola Rembert Executive Director of HeartLove Place.
Some participants may receive a needs assessment to address strengths and weaknesses. To address challenges, students may work with a SDC case manager or HeartLove Place’s Family Resource Center. SDC strives to assists students with barriers ranging from transportation to math and reading. Many students express an interest in earning a GED and enter one of SDC’s education programs to enhance marketable skills for the industry.
Online registration is available at cr-sdc.org/programs/career services.
For more than 50 years, the Social Development Commission has operated as the Community Action Agency for Milwaukee County. SDC serves as a planner, coordinator, and provider of human service programs for low-income individuals and families residing in Milwaukee County. The agency is an intergovernmental commission and is governed by a board of 18 citizens from Milwaukee County, each of whom hold the title of “Commissioner.” For more information on SDC’s programs and services, visit cr-sdc.org. Connect with us on Facebook www.Facebook.com/SDCMilwaukee and Twitter www.twitter.com/CRSDC.

author: Social Development Commission


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It’s a bird, it’s a plane – It’s our Top 10 Milwaukee superheroes! | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Press Club
January 10, 2017
Organ donor. Education champion. Spiritual leader. Healthcare advocate. The accomplishments of our Top 10 superheroes truly are heroic. The Milwaukee Press Club is thrilled to unveil the results of our superhero search, as part of the Milwaukee City Birthday Party:
Shariff Brookens – Brookens is a Milwaukee teenager living with a life-threatening medical condition. He qualified as a Make-A-Wish recipient, but instead of choosing a wish that benefitted him, he held a fundraiser for local charities. His event raised $6,000 to support four different agencies.
Darienne Driver – Driver is Superintendent of Milwaukee Schools. She is the district’s first female superintendent and is credited with increasing attendance, improving literacy, and increasing the number of MPS high schools rated among the best in the state and nation by US News and World Report.
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Joanna Eiring – Eiring is a Brookfield Municipal Court Judge who gave the gift of life to her friend, Milwaukee Municipal Court Judge Derek Mosley. When Mosley was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease and suffering from kidney failure, Eiring selflessly donated a kidney to her best friend.
Andre Ellis – Ellis started a mentoring program in Milwaukee’s 53206, the zip code that sends the most African American men to prison. He’s credited with galvanizing the community around his efforts to uplift African American youth from his neighborhood.
Tom Ellis – Ellis came out of retirement to work full time as the Executive Director of the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center. He spent 23 years at M&I Bank and used that experience to bring the SSNC back on solid footing. Ellis is making sure residents of Westlawn, the state’s largest public housing development, have access to crucial services and programs.
Fr. Tim Kitke – Kitzke has been a priest for 26 years and is currently serving at four Milwaukee parishes. He was appointed Vicar General of Urban Ministries for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee in 2015 and serves as administrator of All Saints Parish as well. Kitzke is a lifelong Milwaukeean who is passionate about serving his community.
Vincent Noth – Noth is executive director of the Riverwest Food Pantry and has helped transform the pantry into a community food center that’s changing lives and improving the well-being of the community. The pantry provides more than just access to healthy food by also connecting people to much-needed resources.
Tom Pechacek – Pechacek is the Electrical Services Operations Manager for the City of Milwaukee. He answers his phone at all hours of the night to keep the lights on for the city. Described as caring, honest and reliable, he’s credited with always going the extra mile to answer citizens’ concerns.
Precious Lives Team – Over the course of two years, the Precious Lives team told stories through print and broadcast media about how gun violence impacts communities and people. The coverage went beyond the numbers and introduced us to people and traumatic experiences impacting so may in Milwaukee.
Marty Schreiber – Schreiber is an advocate for caregivers of those living with Alzheimer’s disease. The one-time Wisconsin governor wrote a book about caring for his wife, Elaine, who suffers from the disease. “My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver” documents his own experience as a caregiver.
The Milwaukee Press Club received dozens of nominations in its superhero search. After careful consideration, members of the Board of Governors and the City Birthday Party Planning Committee voted on the Top 10. The “superheroes” will be recognized at the event and on social media during promotion of the event.
Join the Milwaukee Press Club in “Celebrating our Superheroes” at the City Birthday Party on Jan. 26 at The Grain Exchange. Admission is $35 and includes complimentary appetizers, beer and birthday cake. Register online at milwaukeepressclub.org.

author: Milwaukee Press Club


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On the Block: A ‘good’ stench | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Edgar Mendez
January 10, 2017
Fernando “Fernie” Orozco, 31, recently moved back to Milwaukee and remembers the way his stepdad and grandfather smelled after coming home from jobs in the tannery and on the farm. Unfortunately, he said, these types of family- sustaining jobs don’t exist in Milwaukee anymore.


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Sherman Park residents voice reservations about new city housing program | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Jabril Faraj
January 10, 2017
Residents pack an informational meeting for developers at City Hall. (Photo by Jabril Faraj)
An informational meeting Monday at City Hall disappointed hundreds of city residents hoping to take advantage of a new program that will sell city-owned foreclosed properties for $1. Only developers can purchase the properties.
The recently announced City of Milwaukee program allows developers to buy city-owned foreclosures in the greater Sherman Park area for $1; they would be required to employ one unemployed or underemployed individual on each project.
Participating developers also will be required to buy at least five one- or two-family homes, and will receive a $10,000 grant per home. Developers must renovate the homes to be code compliant and can rent, offer a rent-to-own program or sell to owner-occupants once the repairs are made.
“I have my reservations,” said Sherman Park Community Association Board President Barry Givens. “History has shown that investors come in, they sweep up property and they don’t really take care of their properties. And, there’s a reluctance from … some of the absentee landlords in trying to address the issues that the community raises.”
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“The key word here is developers,” added Vaun Mayes, founder of Program the Parks and a resident of Sherman Park. “Clearly this program was not built for the benefit of the community.”
According to Department of City Development (DCD) officials, the Milwaukee Employment/Renovation Initiative (MERI) is a response to sometimes-violent demonstrations in August that occurred in the wake of a police killing for which the officer has since been charged. The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions committed $2 million for housing rehabilitation, demolition and deconstruction, $1 million of which will go to rehab properties in the area bounded by Lloyd Street, Capitol Drive, 60th Street and 20th Street.
Dameon Ellzey (center, in black sweater), who works in Ald. Russell Stamper’s office, helps city residents at City Hall. (Photo by Jabril Faraj)
District 7 Ald. Khalif Rainey, who represents the Sherman Park area, called MERI “the mayor’s proposal” adding the Common Council did not have the discretion to structure the program as they liked.
Rainey said he and District 15 Ald. Russell Stamper, who co-sponsored the city legislation with Ald. Michael Murphy, had to push for home ownership to be an aspect of the program. “We did the best we could to make it the best for the people who live in the neighborhoods, and the people who [are] actually going to be there on a regular basis,” Rainey noted.
Mayor Tom Barrett’s office did not respond to requests for comment.
Carl Quindel, president of Strong Blocks, a Milwaukee organization that helps renters become homeowners, commended the city for trying to find a way to “dispose of tax foreclosures in a responsible way” and said he hopes this program will be another tool for them to do so. Still, he said whether or not that’s the case will likely rely on how the program is implemented and what developers are selected as partners.
According to DCD, there are 200 city-owned homes in the area defined by MERI. The hope is that 100 of those homes will be renovated as part of the program, said Deputy Commissioner Martha Brown.
As of Dec. 8, the city owned 1,251 foreclosed buildings, about 90 percent of which are residential properties. The number of properties acquired by the city has steadily risen since 2009, when it acquired 461 properties. Rules changes in 2015 allowed the city to foreclose on homes that are tax-delinquent for a year, as opposed to waiting three years. It has acquired 1,870 properties since 2015.
Mayes said he would like to see houses in the area be brought back to livable conditions, but was skeptical of outside investors with no stake in the community acquiring assets in the neighborhood. He said the focus should be on addressing poverty, crime and employment in the area.
The eastern end of the defined area overlaps the 53206 ZIP code, the poorest in Milwaukee, where almost 48 percent of residents live below the poverty line. Ninety-four percent of the residents in 53206 are African-American, according to the 2015 American Community Survey. Two other ZIP codes, 53216 and 53210, cover the western end of the area; both have poverty rates above 25 percent.
DCD spokesman Jeff Fleming said that the goal is to “turn vacant, city-owned homes into neighborhood assets” and to provide employment opportunities. “Our aim is to build on the existing strength of the neighborhoods,” wrote Fleming in an email.
According to the MERI Request for Qualifications (RFQ), developers must employ an unemployed or underemployed individual for at least 500 hours on each property. The individuals must be referred by a local construction trades program or Compete Milwaukee, a city-run transitional jobs program; or must be certified under the city’s Residents Preference Program (RPP).
But Givens called the hiring requirement “ridiculous.” “Why is it that they’re only obligated to hire one person?” he said. “I mean, there’s a lot of folks that are willing to work if they can find work.”
Mayes, who was previously a construction supervisor at Milwaukee Community Service Corps (MCSC), said renovation projects are “not a one-person job” and there should be more disadvantaged workers employed on MERI rehabs. Alice Hungerford, finance manager at MCSC, confirmed that crews of 10 to 12 people work on larger residential renovation projects.
Mayes, Givens and many others said they would have liked to see the opportunity to acquire city-owned property extended to community organizations and individuals who live in the area, as well.
Darrell Marbley, pastor of Westside Missionary Baptist Church, who has lived in Sherman Park for more than 20 years, said he understands why the program was structured as it is but that the developers who were at the meeting are not from the area. “That’s not a recipe to keep that community afloat,” he said.
Juli Kaufmann, a developer who has worked in the Lindsay Heights neighborhood and primarily deals in commercial property, also questioned whether a $10,000 grant is enough of an incentive, considering the repairs that will have to be made. According to DCD, the average scope of work per home is about $50,000 in the designated area, but many homes exceed that figure, according to the RFQ.
Kaufmann said, instead, the goal should be to maximize home ownership. Michael Gosman, executive director of ACTS Housing, an organization that has helped connect more than 2,000 people with homes in the central city over the last 20 years, agreed.
Bianca Shaw, a former Sherman Park resident, spoke to a packed room at City Hall Monday. “This is not for us,” she said, referring to the program.
“We have to show up, like we showed up today,” she added, encouraging people to contact their representatives. “We come down here and we get mad, but we’ve got to take control of our own neighborhood. We’re letting [our elected officials] make decisions for us, because we’re not holding [them] accountable.”
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include Ald. Michael Murphy as a sponsor of the legislation.


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How to stay healthy this winter | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Beverly Anderson, Ebenezer Child Care Centers
January 11, 2017
(Photo by Kelly Meyerhofer)
Below are some tips to stay healthy this winter.
Get a flu shot
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get the seasonal flu and spread it to others. When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread throughout that community.”
Prevention is the best medicine. Each member of your family over six months of age should be getting an injectable flu vaccination.
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Wash your hands
Another important thing you can do to keep your family healthy is teach your children the importance of washing their hands.
At our child care centers we teach children to thoroughly wash their hands, including between their fingers and under their nails, with soap and warm water. We have them sing the ABC song while washing their hands, so they are lathered for a full 30 seconds to kills germs.
Eat healthy
Another important thing to make sure of is that your family is eating well-balanced, healthy meals every day.
When you are nourished with the proper fruits, vegetables and proteins, you are helping boost your immune system by making sure your body is getting all of the vitamins it needs to operate at its best and fight off any viruses it might come into contact with.
Exercise
Research has proven that stress can be harmful to a person’s immune system, so you should continue exercising daily during the winter months. Despite the cold weather outside, your body will benefit.
Slow down and get plenty of rest
You should never discount the importance of getting a good night’s rest when it comes to staying healthy. Children under one year old should be getting 14-15 hours of sleep per day; one- to three-year-olds should be getting 12-14 hours; three- to six-year-olds should be getting 10-12 hours; seven- to 13-year-olds should be getting 10-11 hours; and 12-year-olds up to adults should be getting eight to nine hours per day.
If your family members aren’t getting the proper amount of rest, they could be at risk for catching an unwanted virus. Embrace the shorter hours of daylight and get some sleep. This will help your body naturally restore itself.

created: January 11, 2017


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Medical College of Wisconsin recruiting for summer programs | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Medical College of Wisconsin
January 11, 2017

author: Medical College of Wisconsin


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 11, 2017

author: Adam Carr


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Milwaukee YMCA 2017 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Breakfast | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Shanee Jenkins
January 11, 2017
The Milwaukee YMCA will host it’s 20th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Breakfast taking place on Monday January 16, 2017 at the Italian Conference Center from 7:30 a.m.- 9:00 a.m. As the theme in this year’s event, we have chosen to use Dr. King’s quote, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy”.
With an expectation of more than 600 guests, the event will open with a welcome from Governor Walker and Mayor Barrett, followed by a dance performance from Ko-Thi Dance company. Emceed this year by Ms. Cecelia Gore of the Brewers Community Foundation. We will present two major awards at the event, The Diversity and Inclusion Award  sponsored by the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino will be presented to St. Ann Center for Inter-generational Care and The Healthy Citizenship Award sponsored by Harley-Davidson will be presented to Next Door. Both organizations missions  and program delivery gives expression to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision .  Once again, The Spoken Word Contest  sponsored by the Northwestern Mutual Foundation will feature  three children from various age groups reciting original short essays which examine some of the challenges of our time. The event will  also include an “In Memoriam’ commemorating citizens we lost in 2016.
The vision of the Milwaukee Y is a healthier, stronger and safer Milwaukee, where families of all incomes and backgrounds truly thrive.
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author: Shanee Jenkins


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Proposed Clarke Square apartments to house youth aging out of foster care | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Naomi Waxman
January 11, 2017
Tammy Belton-Davis and Erich Schwenker, president of Cardinal Capital Management, Inc., chat before a neighborhood meeting in Clarke Square.
Journey House and other groups collaborating on two proposed affordable apartment buildings in Clarke Square emphasized a need for listening and compromise at a recent neighborhood meeting regarding the project, approved in early December by the city Plan Commission.
Part of the Campus Housing Initiative, the two buildings, 40 units in all, will be erected on the southeast corner of W. Vieau Place and S. 24th Street and at the northeast corner of W. Mineral and S. 24th streets. The project collaborators, Journey House, Inc., Milwaukee County’s Project O-Yeah, the city and Cardinal Capital Management, Inc., hope to open the doors in 2018.
Eight to 10 units are designated to serve young people aging out of the foster care system.
“These are motivated youth,” said Journey House CEO Michele Bria. “They have a direction and a focus but they don’t have a place to live.”
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Only a handful of Clarke Square residents attended the meeting held at Journey House, 2110 W. Scott St., despite a widespread flier campaign by Journey House and Alderman Bob Donovan’s office. Attendees William and Elizabeth Zembrowski voiced concerns regarding neighborhood density and parking availability.
“Change can be scary at times,” said Donovan. “I think it’s sometimes just a part of human nature, that you assume things are gong to be bad when they change.”
Bob McCormick, director of property management at Cardinal Capital, Inc., displays a digital rendering of the proposed apartment building on the northeast corner of W. Mineral and S. 24th streets. (Photo by Naomi Waxman)
Twenty-three neighborhood residents have signed a petition opposing the project, according to Donovan’s office. Aldermanic aide Patricia Doherty added that the alderman hopes to help the parties find common ground.
Donovan suggested creating a neighborhood compact to enhance communication between Clarke Square residents and building management. Bob McCormick, director of property management for Cardinal Capital, Inc., said he would be open to such a solution.
Doherty said that the original proposal called for 12-15 units for young people aging out of foster care, but the group showed a willingness to compromise by reducing the number to eight to 10 apartments and adding 10 parking spaces. “The alderman is just waiting to see if [the petitioners] feel that’s sufficient.”
Current building plans include one-, two- and three-bedroom units as well as 45 underground parking spots with an additional 10 overnight parking spots located at Journey House.
Maria Salcedo, 41, a 22-year resident of Clarke Square, supports the project but said in an interview that she shares some of her neighbors’ questions regarding parking.
“I think it’s a good idea to help improve the neighborhood,” Salcedo said, “[but] that is a lot of people in those apartments, especially the three bedrooms.”
Each year approximately 26,000 young people age out of the foster care system nation-wide, according to the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative, and are thrust into adulthood without resources or a safety net. The former foster youth residing in the Clarke Square Apartments will be hand-selected by the county.
“We want to give them the opportunity to have some leeway so they can figure out what to do and where to go,” said Journey House YouthBuild Coordinator Kevin Turner. “[At Journey House] we plug them into our programs…we can provide them with extra resources so they can become productive members of the community.”
For example, Journey House partners with Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) to provide learning and leadership opportunities, as well as GED preparation for Milwaukee youth age 16-24.
YouthBuild fellows assisted in building the two original Campus Housing Initiative buildings at 741 S. 23rd St. and 2033 W. Scott St., which have 10 units in all.
“[This project] is important because once you’re out of foster care you’re basically on your own,” said Rafael Espino, a 20-year-old YouthBuild fellow and Clarke Square resident who helped build the Scott Street residence. Espino recounted a friend’s recent exit from the foster care system and resulting struggle with homelessness. This insight reinforced Espino’s belief in the value of the project.
“This is a unique partnership between the county, the city and Journey House to help Clarke Square lift itself up,” said Turner. “We want constituents in the area to be excited about this.”
The city’s Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee plans to take up the issue at its meeting on Jan. 31.
Editor’s note: This story has been corrected to note that the Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee, not the Common Council, will address the issue on Jan. 31. We apologize for the error.


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Public invited to 16th annual “King Fest” celebration | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ald. Milele A. Coggs
January 11, 2017
On Monday, January 16, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs will help mark the national holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by leading the 16th Annual “King Fest” in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 88th birthday at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society, 2620 W. Center St.
The celebration will start at 12 p.m. and will feature activities until close at 6 p.m.
The event’s keynote speaker will be Attorney Rose Sanders, activist, historian, playwright and Alabama’s first Black judge. Alderwoman Coggs will also be a featured speaker during the event, which is free and open to the public.
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“King Fest offers a great opportunity for engagement and reflection, a welcoming community event that celebrates the life and work of Dr. King while also bringing people together in a positive spirit of unity, justice, peace, and love,” Alderwoman Coggs said.
Event special features:
The annual King Celebration was created by Janette Herrera, the late Mileka Ajuwani and Elizabeth Smith. The event’s sponsors are Dr. Patricia McManus, President/CEO of Black Health Coalition of Wisconsin, City Treasurer Spencer Coggs, Congresswoman Gwen Moore, Rahim Islam, President/CEO at Universal Companies, and Northwest Funeral Home.


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Teens create mural to inspire hope in Amani | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Keith Schubert
January 12, 2017
(From left) Phe’nice Walters, Enrique Murguia, Marcus Jackson, Aniyah Winkler and Marvin Jones show off the Amani mural. (Photo by Keith Schubert)
The two shovels digging into the soil at the center of a new mural at COA Goldin Center represent the Garden Project, a summer activity that planted the seeds for creation of the Amani neighborhood mural.
“The teens learned through the Garden Project that by bettering the community they are bettering themselves, so they kind of just ran with that theme while coming up for the concept for the mural,” explained Enrique Murguia, a local artist and director at the Milwaukee Collective. Last summer the teens planted garden beds in Moody Park.
The fact that the teens carried over the mindset of community enrichment from the Garden Project to the mural shows projects such as these pay dividends in the way participants think about their communities, added Marvin Jones, teen program coordinator at COA Goldin Center, 2320 W. Burleigh St.
About 20 teens were responsible for everything from the initial concept to the actual painting. Working two hours per week, the teens took 13 weeks to complete the mural. The participants rotated responsibilities, including painting, sketching and getting supplies.
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Teens at the COA Goldin Center conceptualized and painted a mural of Amani. (Photo by Keith Schubert)
The community project was funded by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s Mary L. Nohl Fund, and was facilitated by Murguia, Jones and artist Robert Burdette.
Jones noted that the project was special for the teens because it allowed them to get involved. “Normally someone would probably come in, paint a mural, do a great job, but do it by themselves. This mural gave us a chance to get the kids engaged.”
Phe’nice Walters, 20, and Marcus Jackson, 18, both said their favorite part of working on the mural was engaging with their friends and seeing everybody come together as one.
Aniyah Winkler said she particularly likes that the mural represents the teens and their community. “Even though there is a whole lot of violence our community, I want the mural to inspire people,” said Aniya, 13.
Walters agreed that people need look at the bigger picture. “It’s more than just thugs and gangsters in the Amani neighborhood; there’s people here who have goals, people who own their own businesses,” she said.
The mural’s purpose is to help build self-esteem in the community, said Murguia. “In the news you hear a lot of — especially in this ZIP code — negative stuff, but when we do things like this mural it shows people were doing cool stuff, stuff that benefits the community and shows that we have potential.”
According to Jones, “It’s vital to show people that there are things going in this ZIP code that you’re not going to see on the six o’clock news.”
He added, “When you see the mural it’s just happiness, togetherness and pride in our community.”

created: January 12, 2017

author: Keith Schubert


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12th District neighborhood selected for 2017 Block Build MKE | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ald. José G. Pérez
January 13, 2017
A neighborhood in the 12th Aldermanic District has been selected for the Revitalize Milwaukee 2017 Block Build MKE – a “major win” for the property owners and residents in the area, Alderman José G. Pérez said today.
The 2nd Annual Block Build MKE will take place on May 19-20, 2017, and on that weekend, hundreds of volunteers and community partners will come together to transform – for free – more than 30 homes in the Clarke Square neighborhood on S. 17th St. between W. Mineral St. and W. Greenfield Ave. The homes will benefit from beautification and landscaping projects, and 15 to 20 of the homes will be improved by larger projects, including critical repairs and/or accessibility modifications. Rental properties will benefit from beautification projects with minimal financial participation from the property owner/landlord.
“I am ecstatic about the selection, and I want to offer my sincere gratitude to Revitalize Milwaukee and to its CEO, Lynnea Katz-Petted, and the selection committee,” said Alderman Pérez, who last year sent a letter of nomination/support to Revitalize Milwaukee for the Clarke Square area.
“The Block Build MKE initiative will bring an investment of tens of thousands of dollars from Revitalize Milwaukee directly to the 12th District, and the neighborhood will greatly benefit from the beautification and the infusion of positive energy that comes along with it,” he said.
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Additionally, three other finalists for the 2017 Block Build MKE initiative will receive “mini” Block Build improvements as part of the initiative (similar to a Block Build MKE except on a smaller scale) — the Near West Side Partners, Riverworks Development Corp. and Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers.
Revitalize Milwaukee’s mission is to stabilize vulnerable neighborhoods and revitalize communities by providing free critical home repairs, accessibility modifications and comprehensive services for low-income homeowners who are senior citizens, veterans and/or persons with disabilities who live in Milwaukee or Waukesha
Counties. Since 2000, Revitalize Milwaukee has completed home updates for more than 1,700 homes with the help of more than 7,500 volunteers and invested more than $12.5 million in Milwaukee area housing.

created: January 13, 2017

author: Ald. José G. Pérez


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Local non-profit organization to host youth summit aimed at human trafficking prevention and awareness | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Grateful Girls
January 13, 2017
Grateful Girls, a local non-profit organization that serves those escaping the sex-trafficking industry will host its first Stay Out The Game 101 Youth Summit Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Summit. The month of January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
The youth summit is collaboration between UMOS, Pathfinders and Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee. Stay Out the Game 101, a FREE event will take place this Saturday, January 14 from 9 am – 1 pm at Fitzimmons Boys and Girls Club located at 3400 W North Ave. Local youth between the ages of 12 and 17 years old will attend workshops throughout the day and learn how human trafficking occurs in the Milwaukee area and how to stay safe and guarded against it. There will be words of wisdom from a survivor of human trafficking.
The summit is the brain child of Chandra Cooper, Founder of Grateful Girls, but she knew that she couldn’t do it alone and needed the support of community partners. “This free event is very important to the community as there are limited sex-trafficking awareness and prevention opportunities to redirect our youth to keep them out of the game, said Cooper.” “I knew I had to do something about that and there was no better time than now during Human Trafficking Prevention Month.”
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The event will kick-off with introductions from Senator Lena Taylor, Wisconsin 4th District and Dana World-Patterson, Human Trafficking Task Force of Greater Milwaukee. Some of the members of the community participating in the event include a Milwaukee Police Department Detective, physicians that work directly with youth that have been trafficked, UMOS, Sojourner Family Peace Center and Fresh Start Learning.
About Grateful Girls
Grateful Girls is a non-profit organization that is geared to inspire, motivate and encourage girls, teens and women of all ages and serve those that have escaped the sex-trafficking industry. We understand that one of the most pivotal moments in a woman’s life is between the age of 12-25. The decisions they make during this time have a lasting effect on the rest of their lives.
One of our goals is to provide young ladies within this age group the support they need during this crucial time of development in making healthy decisions and investing in healthy relationships. We believe that the cultivation of young women will make a positive impact on families, neighborhoods and the community.
We have a community resource center that is open five days a week and provide walk-ins with essential toiletries, clothing, and food. In addition, we have a growing curriculum built to empower these young women through group therapy, mentoring, social services, expressive and visual art, poetry, writing, and gardening to encourage healthy outlets and support emotional regulation.

author: Grateful Girls


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Anti-Trump marchers from around Wisconsin demonstrate for immigrant rights | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 14, 2017
Voces De La Frontera continued its advocacy against President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed policies regarding immigrants and refugees. More than 1,000 Wisconsinites joined the Milwaukee-based march from cities around the state, including Green Bay, Kenosha, Madison, Racine, Sheboygan and Waukesha.
The demonstration drew advocates for a wide range of causes related to immigrant rights. Support for the event came from the Coalition for an Inclusive Wisconsin, a consortium of organizations representing African-Americans, Jews, Muslims, women, workers and the LGBTQ community.
Starting in Walker’s Point and continuing to the steps of the Milwaukee County Courthouse, the demonstration included a program led by Voces De La Frontera Executive Director Christine Neumann-Ortiz. Speakers included John Holevoet from the Dairy Business Association, Emmanuel Rios, pastor at Casa De Restauración in New Berlin, Fernanda Jimenez, a student at Racine Horlick High School and Jen Levy, a teacher at Mitchell Elementary in Racine.
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created: January 14, 2017


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A model of civility in Milwaukee | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Rick Deines
January 16, 2017
Rick Deines is a conversation facilitator with The Zeidler Center for Public Discussion, and a founder and board member of Serenity Inn, a residential recovery program for men who are addicted.
“Yes we can!” “Make America Great Again”—these are among the flood of exhortations from our civic leaders. Their first purpose is to bring voters into the camp. They are voiced as if nothing currently exists that matches the motto. They represent the goals that we citizens are supposed to live up to.
But aren’t many people doing exactly that? Are there not thousands of examples across these 50 states where this ‘Yes’ and this ‘Greatness’ already exist?
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One such example takes place every night in the basement of a remodeled duplex in central city Milwaukee. Fifteen people have a meal together and talk with and to one another. They have committed to do this for seven months.
Would you make this kind of commitment if you thought there was a chance for a more civil society to emerge? To participate in a process of bringing our citizens and our country together again?
Take a peek at this dinner gathering. The group is half Caucasian and half African-American. One member has to abstain from the prepared meal of pasta and sausage to honor his faith. Half have had family-supporting jobs while half have existed on minimum wage or less. Most still have some connection with their immediate families: spouse, children, mom, dad or grandmom.
It is Milwaukee. It is America. It is a sign of hope for civil community!
Fourteen sit around a rectangular table, while one is at a table a few feet away. He leans forward in his 6’7” frame so he too can be “at the table, with the people.”
Shortly after the meal begins, someone announces that each person will have an opportunity to answer a question for the evening. “Who in your life truly cares about you?” is a fairly typical question. The go-round begins with people sharing their name and an experience that roots the question in their own experience. It leads to sharing and story telling.
Responses are sometimes short and sometimes longer, but everyone responds even though “passing” is an option. The leader’s primary role is to repeat or explain the question if needed.
The 30-minute exercise is an experience of civility, a core characteristic of citizenship. The model of the meal could be replicated across the community among those seeking a more civil society.
You might be surprised to learn that this table is occupied by persons addicted to drugs and alcohol. They end up discussing being better citizens, but it is through the back door. It happens in the midst of their decision to get control of their lives.
They are at the table as part of a seven-month residential program to overcome their addiction. They came because they could not stay in the program otherwise. But in the midst of dealing with their addiction, they discover themselves changing in other ways.
They would not come here to discuss “citizenship.” They choose “recovery.” What they begin to grasp is that recovery involves community building at its most basic level. Our communities and nation need a chance to have the same kind of experience. This is what President Obama voiced as the need of the nation: to cross the many divisions we need to meet and to talk.
Fundamental to community is communication among differences. This table is in many ways the United States that we believe in, that we envision as “community”: Some are black. Some are white. Some have had resources. Others have had little. Some have functional families; others do not. They differ widely in education from college degrees to illiteracy.
How is it possible that from these troubled and misdirected lives comes a model of civility that our nation sorely needs. Can we more privileged learn from people in recovery?
The men were asked a final question: how this nightly meal and conversation with their peers assists in their recovery. To a person, they shared how their social skills, their courage to speak in public, and getting to know people of different races and lifestyles is changing them. They begin to see themselves carrying this message into the broader society through family, church and work.
Is this another example of “bleeding heart” wishful thinking?
No, it’s true; it’s reality. It is not perfect. Next month this table will be different. One or two participants may graduate. Others will leave for a variety of reasons, some to begin using again. For them, we hope that their experience at the table will serve them well and that they will seek treatment again.
We will never have a perfect table, either in our own homes or across our nation. Terrible divisions and mistreatment of one another will continue. But it can be different.
These men who gather together nightly for a meal on the North Side are witnesses to a different reality. To dismiss them lightly is to miss the great gift that they are in our midst.
This table is set nightly at Serenity Inn in Milwaukee.

created: January 16, 2017

author: Rick Deines


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 16, 2017