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Common Ground to Wesley Edens: $30 Million for our city | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Common Ground
April 1, 2015
Common Ground leaders gathered in the lobby of City Hall to encourage and pray for bold leadership from Mayor Barrett and Common Council President Michael Murphy as they prepare for their 2 pm meeting with Nationstar Mortgage which is majority owned by Bucks Owner Wesley Edens.. Over 75 Common Ground delegates held hands and bowed their heads at City Hall as Pastor Rob Ater sent their encouragement and prayers to the two most powerful elected leaders in the city of Milwaukee. “We are pleased to see that Mayor Barrett and President Murphy will be meeting with Nationstar to negotiate around the next wave of the foreclosure crisis in the City of Milwaukee. We are confident they will represent the interest of our whole city”, said Mia Price, Common Ground leader.
Since 2008 Common Ground has been at the forefront of the foreclosure crisis. In 2011, Common Ground was able to negotiate $33.8 million from the world’s largest banks to rehabilitate and resell over 55 homes in Milwaukee’s Sherman Park Neighborhood. Since 2008 the City of Milwaukee has lost billions of dollars in the tax base. Due to tighter federal regulations on the large banks, banks have transferred many of their mortgages to non-bank mortgage servicing entities like Nationstar, Ocwen and Green Tree. “These non-bank entities are not well-regulated and we see that the next wave of Foreclosures in our city will be caused by companies like Nationstar,” stated Randy Jones, Common Ground Leader.
In the city of Milwaukee, Nationstar is the 2nd largest mortgage holder. They service 3101 mortgages in our city. Currently, they have 298 of these houses that are foreclosed or vacant. The second wave of foreclosures could come because 1624 of the mortgages serviced by Nationstar are delinquent, underwater, or delinquent and underwater. Mayor Barrett and President Murphy will be meeting with Nationstar representatives to negotiate a solution to avert this crisis. Representation from Nationstar includes, Executive Vice President Dana Dillard, Senior Vice President James McDermott and their local hired attorney, Ed Heiser of Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C.
Common Ground Leader Jennifer O’Hear is resolute in the belief that, “ Our mayor and Common Council President won’t sign some token agreement with Nationstar. We know they love this city as much as we do. We’ve got a major problem here and we believe our Mayor and Common Council President understand this. We know Mayor Barrett and President Murphy will demand a financial response commensurate with the magnitude of the problem.”
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Although the Foreclosure crisis is daunting, President Murphy and Mayor Barrett will be negotiating from a position of strength. The chair of the board of Nationstar Mortgage is Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Wesley Edens. Common Ground Leaders believe that Alderman Murphy and Mayor Barrett will demand that Wesley Edens and Nationstar make right by the City of Milwaukee before our city considers giving Mr. Edens a public subsidy to build a new arena for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Here are the requests of Nationstar that Mayor Barrett, Common Council President Michael Murphy and Common Council members should be putting forward to Nationstar:
1) Nationstar donate $25 million to the City of Milwaukee Challenge Fund to foster the rehabilitation of foreclosed properties.
2) Nationstar donate $5 million over five years to fund 5-10 housing counselors to go door to door to work with the 1624 families on the delinquent and underwater loans which Nationstar services. The intention would be to prevent further mortgage foreclosures.
3) Nationstar assign a full-time person on the Nationstar staff to work with Milwaukee housing counselors to restructure mortgages.
“If a little community group like Common Ground can get five international banks to give $33.8 million to address the foreclosure crisis in Milwaukee, surely the two most powerful leaders in Milwaukee, Mayor Barrett and President Murphy, can get $30 million from Nationstar. We are praying for you.” Jennifer O’Hear, Common Ground Leader
Common Ground has invited Mayor Barrett and Common Council President Murphy to report their progress with Nationstar at our Common Ground Spring Assembly on April 29at 7pm at Mt. Mary University.

author: Common Ground


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How to safely handle eggs | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
UW-Extension
April 1, 2015
Take precautions when decorating eggs to prevent foodborne illness. (Image courtesy of UW-Extension)
Like meat, poultry, seafood and produce, eggs are perishable and need to be handled properly to prevent foodborne illness. Occasionally, eggs with clean, un-cracked shells can be contaminated with bacteria.
Barbara Ingham, University of Wisconsin-Extension food science specialist, offers tips to help you enjoy eggs and avoid foodborne illness during your spring celebrations.
Have clean hands. Always wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling food, especially raw eggs. “Take those few extra seconds to wash your hands after cracking eggs, and before continuing with your other cooking chores,” said Ingham.
Practice proper refrigeration. Bacteria love to grow in moist, protein-rich foods. Refrigeration slows bacterial growth, so it’s important to refrigerate eggs and egg-containing foods. “Your refrigerator should be at 40 degrees or below,” said Ingham. “Store eggs in the carton, not on a rack on the door of your refrigerator where they will warm up quickly each time the door opens.”
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Eat fully cooked eggs. Whether you like your breakfast eggs scrambled or fried, always cook eggs until the yolks and whites are firm. Egg-based casseroles should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees, as measured with a thermometer.
Avoid eating raw eggs. Licking a spoon or tasting raw cookie dough from a mixing bowl can be risky, advised Ingham. Bacteria could be lurking in the raw eggs. Prepared cookie dough that you buy in the grocery refrigerator case is made with pasteurized eggs; choose this type of dough if young family members will be helping to work with raw cookie dough.
Decorating dos and don’ts. Use food-grade dyes like liquid food coloring or fruit-drink powders. When handling eggs, be careful not to crack them. Otherwise, bacteria could enter the egg through the cracks in the shell.
Refrigerate hard-cooked Easter eggs. Keep eggs chilled on a shelf inside the refrigerator, not in the refrigerator door. Hide the eggs in places that are protected from dirt, pets and other potential sources of bacteria. Remember the two-hour rule, and make sure the eggs are back in the refrigerator or consumed within two hours. Hard-boiled eggs are only safe to eat for one week after cooking.
To learn more about keeping food safe, contact Barbara Ingham at 608-263-7383 or bhingham@wisc.edu.

source: news-milwaukeenns

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

author: UW-Extension


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
March 31, 2015

author: Adam Carr


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MANDI Awards | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
April 1, 2015

author: Dwayne Burtin


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Mothers of violence victims plan to march in D.C. to demand justice | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Edgar Mendez
April 1, 2015
Maria Hamilton (left), mother of Dontre Hamilton, stands alongside Alicia Stingley, mother of Corey Stingley, as they announce plans for a Million Moms March for Justice in Washington, D.C., on Mother’s Day. (Photo by Edgar Mendez)
Just before Maria Hamilton, mother of Dontre Hamilton, announced that she and Mothers for Justice United are planning a Million Moms March in Washington, D.C. on Mother’s Day, raindrops began to fall.
The rain fell softly, then harder, before Hamilton’s tears began to fall as well.
“We’ve shed so many,” she said, referring to herself and the mothers of Brandon Johnson, Corey Stingley and Tony Robinson. They’ll be marching in D.C., hoping to compel the Justice Department to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate deaths of those killed by law enforcement officials or “racist vigilantes.”
Mothers for Justice United, the group planning the march, is a support network for mothers whose unarmed black children have been killed by police officers or white vigilantes, according to a statement from organizers.
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Andrea Irwin’s son, Tony Robinson, was shot by police. His death is under investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice. (Photo by Edgar Mendez)
Hamilton’s son, Dontre, was unarmed when then-Milwaukee Police Department officer Christopher Manney shot him 14 times, killing him at Red Arrow Park last April. Hamilton was schizophrenic, according to his mother.
The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office ruled Hamilton’s shooting as justified though a Fire and Police Commission panel found that Manney had not followed proper MPD procedures in the case and banned him from the force.
Were Dontre white, his mother said, he likely would not have been bothered while sleeping on a bench at Red Arrow Park. “College students lie around downtown and take naps all the time,” she added.
Still, she said, the march is not about protecting just black lives but all lives.
Organizers hope to gather a million moms from around the nation, leading them from Mount Vernon to the steps of the U.S. Justice Department. where they will present their demands. Hamilton said she’s been communicating with social justice organizations around the country as well as more than 100 mothers whose stories are similar to hers.
One of them is Andrea Irwin, whose son, Tony Robinson, was shot and killed by Madison police in early March. She said she hopes the district attorney will look deeply into her son’s case, which is currently under investigation.
“All I can do is pray,” she said through tears.
Corey Stingley died in 2012 after being restrained by three customers at a West Allis convenience store. Brandon Johnson died at the Milwaukee County Mental Health Complex in 2012 after days of inaction by health care workers whom he’d told that he was paralyzed.
Hamilton said leaders in Washington have turned a blind eye to a broken system of justice. She said she hopes that changes after the march, adding, “We’re putting people in Washington on high alert that we’re not going to stand for the murder of any more of our children.”

author: Edgar Mendez


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Northwestern Mutual opens doors to Discovery World on Mondays | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
NorthwesternMutual
April 1, 2015
Northwestern Mutual, through a grant from its foundation, is helping Discovery World connect with more children and families. Starting April 6, the museum will open Mondays through Aug. 31.
“Our hometown of Milwaukee is filled with a diverse array of arts, entertainment and cultural  activities, which we’re honored to support as a company,” said John Kordsmeier, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation. “This grant allows one of these treasured destinations, Discovery World, to be open seven days a week, giving even more residents and tourists the opportunity to enjoy and learn at the museum.”
Since opening on the lakefront in 2007, Discovery World has traditionally been closed to the public on Mondays throughout the year. An extra day of operating hours enables Discovery World to facilitate additional school group demand and accommodate tourists during the busy spring and summer seasons. Since the beginning of the year, school field trips to Discovery World have increased more than 25 percent over the same time frame in 2014, and the highest demand of the year occurs from March through June.
“We are excited to be able to open our doors every day of the week for several months of the year, and appreciative of the support from the Northwestern Mutual Foundation,” said Joel Brennan, president and CEO, Discovery World. “This generous support enables us to meet that increased demand from schools and provides more opportunities for the public to visit several brand new experiences we will unveil this summer.”
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The expanded hours will be highlighted during the week of April 6-10 as the Milwaukee Public Schools and other area districts hold their spring break. During that week, Discovery World will host special events aimed at introducing local students and families to the world of robotics.
The grant to Discovery World is another example of Northwestern Mutual’s commitment to Milwaukee. From the construction, development and job growth associated with the Northwestern Mutual Tower and Commons project, to investments in education, neighborhoods, childhood cancer research and cultural organizations. Northwestern Mutual is dedicated to improving the quality of life for those living here.

author: NorthwesternMutual


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Domestic violence groups welcome Sojourner mobile app | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
April 2, 2015
Garada (left), who requested that her last name not be used, shares a light moment with Carmen Pitre (center), executive director of Sojourner Family Peace Center, and Dolly Grimes-Johnson, shelter and services director. (Photo by Andrea Waxman)
Domestic violence professionals are praising a new mobile app for people seeking escape from domestic violence.
The app was created by students at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee’s App Brewery, in collaboration with Sojourner Family Peace Center (SFPC).
“I know that it’s very scary for (abused women) to reach out for help,” said Belinda Pittman, executive director of Nia Imani Family, Inc., a long-term women’s shelter in the Amani neighborhood. She added that creation of the app is “absolutely great.”
The mobile app, a powerful and discreet tool for connecting directly to police and other emergency services, also contains comprehensive information about managing safety as well as resources for finding longer-term solutions.
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LaToshia Thompson, director of shelter services at the Cathedral Center, a downtown homeless shelter for women and families, noted that the ability to easily access information and to hide the app if necessary will be very helpful for those at risk of domestic violence.
The dove logo is featured on the Sojourner mobile app. (Photo courtesy of UWM)
“Anytime you can provide tools for people fleeing domestic violence, it’s a good thing. The more tools they have, the better,” added Kim Theno, director of resource development at the Cathedral Center.
Carmen Pitre, SFPC executive director, said the center always is looking for opportunities to get information “into the hands of people in a way that’s more efficient and effective and accessible.” Although Sojourner serves about 9,000 clients a year, “There are far more people … in this community, in every ZIP code, that are struggling with violence and the impact of violence.”
In addition to allowing users to call police, shelters and other advocacy organizations by tapping an icon, the app contains lists of programs and services, a quiz to evaluate whether a relationship is abusive, and information on safety planning, restraining orders and teen dating. A “hide” feature, allows users to make the app vanish instantly. It is available in English and Spanish and is being translated into Russian, Pitre said.
The free app can be downloaded on both Apple IOS and Android smartphones, which hits 99 percent of the market share,” according to Dustin Hahn, App Brewery project manager. Anyone wishing to get the app can find it at the online Google Play and iTunes app stores. As soon as a user activates the app, a tutorial guides her through its features.
Pitre, Mayor Tom Barrett, County Executive Chris Abele and UWM officials lauded the project at a recent event announcing the launch of the app. They spoke about the power of collaborating to solve community problems and enhance the quality of life in Milwaukee and southeast Wisconsin.
Magda Peck, dean of the Zilber School of Public Health, and Tom Luljak, vice chancellor of UWM, called it an example of the “Wisconsin Idea.” A guiding principle of the UW system since 1904, the Wisconsin Idea is that an important function of the university is to improve people’s lives beyond the classroom.
Mayor Tom Barrett called Sojourner “a progressive force in the community” and contrasted it with “a regressive era” in state government. He criticized Republican lawmakers for supporting a bill to end the 48-hour waiting period required for purchasing handguns. Noting that the bill would have the greatest negative impact in the area of domestic violence, Barrett said, “I think we have to put our collective energies into coming up with solutions that prevent violence and do not create more violence.”
Garada, a survivor and former client of Sojourner, said she came to speak from her own experience and to represent other survivors as well. “I wish this app was … here when I was going through my problems,” she said.
Luljak noted that the students who created the app chose the project themselves and were not paid for their work. “We allow our students to select the projects that they are going to dedicate many, many hours to and this is one that was very special to them,” he said.
UWM senior Anthony Jesmok, one of the founders of the App Brewery and a member of the Sojourner app development team, said the project gave him an opportunity to make an impact and to save lives. “I think about that every day.”
Garada urged those who are living in violent relationships to use the app. She cautioned them not suffer alone or wait until it’s too late.

author: Andrea Waxman


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
April 1, 2015


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Greater Milwaukee Foundation to make transit free in four counties on April 28 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
April 2, 2015
Public transportation across four counties will be free for an entire day as the Greater Milwaukee Foundation presents its next centennial Gift to the Community. Transit systems throughout Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington and Ozaukee counties will offer rides at no cost on Tuesday, April 28, during their respective operating hours.
“Transit systems in our region provide a critical service for our workforce and offer access to numerous points of public interest and necessity for people in our community,” said Greater Milwaukee Foundation President and CEO Ellen M. Gilligan. “With free fares all day, April 28 will be a great opportunity to schedule a doctor appointment, take a trip to the mall, visit a friend or perhaps try an alternate way of commuting to your job using public transportation.”
All year long, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation is providing Gifts to the Community to showcase resources that contribute to greater Milwaukee’s vitality. April’s gift recognizes the value of transit to the region’s economy and quality of life.
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“Through this gift, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation is once again showing why their work is so important to our community,” said Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele. “Tens of thousands of people rely on transit every day to get to work and school, to run errands and to explore their community. This gift is a unique opportunity for more people to experience the ease of public transportation and see why it is so important to our community.”
Systems participating in the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s day of free transit are:
Milwaukee County Transit System
Waukesha Metro Transit and Waukesha County Transit
Washington County Commuter Express
Washington County Shared Ride Taxi
West Bend Shared Ride Taxi
Hartford City Taxi
Find additional details about the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and the April Gift to the Community at greatermilwaukeefoundation.org/gifts.Last month, more than 27,100 people visited the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (The Domes) during a weekend of free admission offered by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation for its March Gift to the Community. So far in 2015, 61,495 people have participated in the special opportunities presented by the Foundation in honor of its 100th year of service. New gifts are being revealed each month on FOX 6 Milwaukee.

author: Greater Milwaukee Foundation


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HOPE Network educational grants for single mothers can help with tuition or day care | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Pauline Beck
April 2, 2015
HOPE Network is offering its Edmund Springman Educational Grants to area single mothers pursuing post-high-school education (technical school or college). The money may be used to cover tuition, day-care costs or both.
Five $1,000 grants will be given for the fall 2015 & spring 2016 spring semesters. Applications must be postmarked by April 30.
Applicants must be HOPE Network members, and can submit membership applications (see form on website) when applying for the grant. Applicant must be a single mother of a child under 18 or a single female legal guardian of a minor child. She must reside in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington, Ozaukee, or Racine Counties. Grant winners will volunteer 10 hours to HOPE Network or a local community organization.
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Applicants may print out the application form from HOPE Network’s website and submit with 3 photocopies of everything, as specified on the form. Website is: www.hopenetworkinc.org
HOPE Network is a volunteer-based grass-roots support system providing emotional, educational, and material support to single pregnant women and single mothers and their children in the greater Milwaukee area. Key programs are: cribs and safe sleep education, 24-page quarterly resource newspaper, scholarships, clothing banks, and family events. HOPE Network was founded in 1982 by Menomonee Falls resident Gail Grenier Sweet.

author: Pauline Beck


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On the Block: Out of the woods | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Jabril Faraj
April 2, 2015
Milwaukee Stories link: http://milwaukeestories.org/2015/04/01/there-aint-nothin-out-here-in-the-streets/

author: Jabril Faraj


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The Petty Etiquette of Discrimination | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Brendan O’Brien
April 2, 2015
The Atlantic

author: Brendan O’Brien


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Dire effects of poor education system | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Della Wells
April 6, 2015
(Photo by Sonji Hunt)
About six months ago, I sat in my great-grandson’s K-5 class. I was amazed at what today’s 5-year-old children are learning and was impressed at how eager they were to learn. Enthusiastically lifting and waving their small hands, these African American children could not wait to answer their teacher’s questions. I observed as they were solving math problems, reading, spelling, writing, working on computers and more.
My kindergarten learning experience in the 1950s was nothing like these children’s. My memories of kindergarten consisted of playtime, story time, gulping down graham crackers and milk, and naptime. The American educational system has changed since I was 5 years old, 59 years ago.
However, after basking in my joy of seeing these children embrace learning, I realized a harsh reality; by the time my great-grandson and his classmates reach the fifth grade, too many of them will have their enthusiasm stomped out of them due to political and economic policies that are rooted in structural and institutional racism and corporate interests.
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Most of these children come from poor working class homes. And often schools in poor urban and rural areas do not have enough funds to help provide the staff and tools to help ensure a child’s educational success.
A few years ago, I was doing an art project in a Milwaukee inner city school. The teacher I was working with told me that the school did not have a science teacher and would not have one until the next school year. I was shocked.
I asked myself two questions. First, how could we do this to our children? Second, how many other schools have the same problem? Both questions made me realize that most of us do not understand the problems that many American schools face, how they deal with them, and the impact on students and staff.
I am not just concerned about educational opportunities provided to disadvantaged children, but for all of America’s children and young people. In our current austerity-driven political climate, there have been budget cuts and political assaults on the public school and university systems. Hence, we have teachers and their unions used as scapegoats for failure in our public schools (and not all public schools are failing); attempts to privatize and dismantle public schools; rising college costs; not enough focus to prepare our children and young people to compete in a global economy; anti-science movements; cuts in ethnic studies programs, etc. All of this may hurt America’s economic future.
We must invest in our children’s economic future. And it is all of our responsibility to see that it is done whether we have children, have no children, or our children are grown. We should want all children to get the best possible education. Out of an educated population comes our doctors, plumbers, teachers, engineers, secretaries, nurses, mechanics, nursing assistants, lawyers, bus drivers, scientists, musicians, artists, computer analysts, cashiers and stock brokers. And if we do not provide adequate resources for our young people’s education, America’s future will not be a promising one.

author: Della Wells


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Veteran charter school heads say oversight essential for new charters | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Jabril Faraj
April 6, 2015
Carmen South high school students attend a freshman English class. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
Editor’s note: This is the first in an occasional series about charter schools in Milwaukee.
The heads of two successful charter schools in Milwaukee are questioning a recent proposal to allow high-performing charter schools to replicate without approval of an authorizing body, arguing that the plan is not in the best interests of the city.
The New Opportunities for Milwaukee proposal, released in January by Sen. Alberta Darling and Rep. Dale Kooyenga, states that “the red carpet should be rolled out for charter schools that are high performing.” Recommendations include allowing charters with math and reading test scores 10 percent better than local public schools for two consecutive years to replicate at will, and converting traditional schools in low-income neighborhoods to charters if they fail to meet expectations.
But Patricia Hoben, head of Carmen Schools of Science and Technology, and Robert Rauh, founding principal and CEO of Milwaukee College Prep, said allowing charters to replicate unchecked is not in the best interests of charters or the local educational system. About one-third of public schools in Milwaukee are charters.
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“A high-performing … charter school should not be afraid of going through an authorization process,” Hoben said. “The process isn’t so complicated.”
Hoben opened Carmen South, a high school, in 2007 before expanding to include a Northwest Campus, which will eventually house grades 6-12. The Carmen Schools are authorized by MPS as non-instrumentality charters, meaning their staff members operate outside of the MPS teacher’s union contract although the schools remain under the district umbrella.
Robert Rauh stands in the hallway at Milwaukee College Prep’s Lloyd Street Campus. (Photo by Jabril Faraj)
Carmen has consistently improved student achievement over the last four years, and fewer than 2 percent of students have dropped out. According to Hoben, there are more than 350 incoming freshmen on the waiting list at Carmen South for 2015-2016; the school plans to open a third location in 2016.
Besides the Milwaukee Board of School Directors (MPS), three other entities — the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), the City of Milwaukee Common Council and Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) — are currently allowed to charter schools in Milwaukee. MATC has never exercised that authority.
The rallying call of the national charter movement has been that greater choice and more schools will improve educational quality in all schools — in a sense, the idea that “a rising tide lifts all boats.”
“I don’t think we’ve proved that,” said Hoben. “Unfortunately, [greater choice] hasn’t changed the traditional school system.”
Rauh added that while there have been obstacles to expanding charter schools, the replication process hasn’t been one of them. “I’m not sure where that comes from,” he said, referring to the New Opportunities for Milwaukee plan.
Milwaukee College Prep’s 36th Street and Lola Rowe North schools are independent charters authorized by UWM; the 38th Street and Lloyd Street campuses are chartered under MPS as non-instrumentality schools.
The National Association of Charter School Authorizers has released policy recommendations for replicating successful charter schools. The association argues that whether a school is worthy of replication “should be measured by defined standards for academic, financial, and operational performance.”
Rauh pointed out that simply looking at test scores is not sufficient, noting that charter schools working with students who haven’t been successful elsewhere are not going to have “phenomenal” scores. In 2013 Milwaukee College Prep’s schools failed to meet expectations for student achievement at all but one of its campuses; however, student growth scores consistently fell in the category of “significantly exceeds expectations.” Milwaukee College Prep was “singled out by the DPI (Department of Public Instruction) as one of the highest-growth schools in the entire state,” Rauh said. Growth refers to how much student knowledge of reading and mathematics changes from year to year.
Similarly, the overall report card score for Carmen’s South Campus fell just short of meeting expectations, but the school’s “on track and postsecondary readiness” rating, which takes graduation rates and ACT scores into account, exceeded expectations.
Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association (MTEA) President Bob Peterson said that policy makers should look at “a whole host of other factors” in addition to academic performance, including whether the social and economic needs of students are being met, before designating a school as “high performing.”
“I have no doubt that a school can just focus almost laser-like to try to raise certain test scores and then succeed,” he said.
Peterson rejected the idea that schools should be able to expand without a public approval process. “There should be a democratic conversation; there should be public hearings,” said Peterson. “For public funds, there should be complete transparency.”
New board
New Opportunities for Milwaukee calls for creating a new board to oversee conversion of low-performing traditional public schools in 15 of Milwaukee’s poorest ZIP codes — areas with unemployment rates ranging from 10 to 46 percent — to charters. However, a 2013 study by the Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) at Stanford University found that 70 percent of charter schools performed at the same level or worse than traditional public schools in reading and math.
Darling and Kooyenga advocate issuing five-year charters — the standard length of a charter agreement in Milwaukee — to independent operators through a request for proposals process and presentations before the board.
However, Hoben objects to the notion that charter schools were “intended to create parallel universes that self-propagate and create their own little school districts.” Instead, she said, they were meant to “create innovative models that ultimately can impact the larger system.
“If we truly want to transfer knowledge and best practices … then we need to be working with the district (MPS),” said Hoben.
Peterson also criticized the idea of creating a new board. “It is colonial in … the sense that you have outsiders coming in to run institutions,” he said. “If we continue to privatize the basic infrastructure of public schooling, ultimately, it bifurcates the district and segregates kids on the basis of a variety of factors.”
Rauh said that converting traditional district schools to charters should be a “community-based” and “research-based” decision. He cited the success of the Philadelphia School District — where both former MPS Superintendent Gregory Thornton and current superintendent Darienne Driver have roots — and its Renaissance Schools initiative in “turning around schools.”
Nevertheless, some observers point out that the Philadelphia district has not done a good job holding poorly performing schools accountable. Since 1997 only three charter schools have been non-renewed or closed. As a result the district began an initiative last year to improve authorizing practices.
The ability to shut down poorly performing charter schools is essential, according to Tim Sheehy, who is president of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce (MMAC) and also sits on a number of charter, choice and other education-centered boards.
“I find [charters] the most accountable of any school because they operate on a charter and, if they don’t perform against their charter, that charter can be revoked,” he said.
But for charters to be revoked, strong authorizers are a necessity, Rauh pointed out. “If there’s a crappy charter school, then it better be getting shut down,” he said. “If not, then we’ve got an authorizer problem.” Rauh called UWM a “model of an excellent authorizer.” Hoben also praised MPS authorizing practices. MPS charters are held to the same public accountability standards as traditional public schools.
However, the Charter School Review Committee — the entity that authorizes the City of Milwaukee charter schools and reports to the Common Council — has come under fire from critics for not putting failing schools on probation.
Common Council President Michael Murphy acknowledged the need to examine past practices and said he is taking steps in that direction. “I’m looking at and speaking to educational experts around the country to look at best practices, in terms of our process currently, as it reviews charter schools, because I’ve not been satisfied with what has occurred in the past,” said Murphy.
However, he added, “It may become a moot point in three months,” referring to a proposal, included in Gov. Scott Walker’s 2015 budget, to create a state board that would oversee the approval of new authorizing entities. He said a Republican legislator told him that within a year “we probably won’t have any review of charter schools in Milwaukee because it’ll be overseen by somebody else.”
Murphy said he doesn’t view that possibility as a positive, but “it could be a distinct reality.”


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
April 5, 2015


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Habitat For Humanity Restore celebrates Earth Day with donation drive at Mayfair | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity
April 7, 2015
In addition to being one of the largest fundraisers for Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity, Milwaukee’s ReStores prevent over one million pounds of usable materials from ending up in local landfills each year.  Thanks to generous donations from businesses and individuals, ReStore is helping give new life to furniture, cabinetry, appliances and more. ReStore will be celebrating reuse and repurposing all month long this April, highlighted by a Donation Drive on April 18 at Mayfair.
On th ReStore staff and volunteers will be in  ready to help community members with their spring cleaning. ReStore is the solution for gently used home furnishings, improvement supplies, and appliances people no longer need. Donations will be resold at area ReStores with proceeds supporting Habitat’s goal of eliminating poverty housing in Milwaukee. Donations are tax-deductible.
This is the fourth year Mayfair has partnered with Habitat for Humanity ReStore for this annual donation drive, which has raised thousands of dollars for Habitat’s mission. Mayfair is owned and managed by General Growth Properties, Inc., an S&P 500 company focused exclusively on owning, managing, leasing, and redeveloping high quality retail properties throughout the United States. GGP is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol GGP.
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MAYFAIR DONATION DRIVE
Saturday, April 18th
10am – 2pm
Mayfair – Macy’s Northeast Lot
Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity
www.milwaukeehabitat.org

author: Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity


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LBWN, Impact Seven win Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago Community First Award | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Layton Boulevard West Neighbors
April 7, 2015
This week, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (Bank) announced that Layton Boulevard West Neighbors (LBWN) and Impact Seven are the Wisconsin recipients of the Community First Partnership Award. The awards recognize outstanding achievements of the Bank’s member institutions and their local partners as they work together to strengthen their communities through affordable housing and economic development initiatives.
LBWN and Impact Seven received this honor in recognition of LBWN Rent-to-Own Homes, which transformed 24 bank and city-owned properties into fully-renovated, move-in ready residential and commercial spaces in the south side Milwaukee neighborhoods of Layton Boulevard West, Clarke Square, and Muskego Way. This development was nominated for a Community First Award by Town Bank.
“We are honored to receive the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago’s Community First Award, along with Impact Seven,” said Charlotte John-Gomez, Executive Director of LBWN. “By providing new homeownership opportunities for families and attracting new businesses to the neighborhood, LBWN Rent-to-Own Homes contributes to the Layton Boulevard West neighborhoods’ ever-strengthening economic vitality.”
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“This project met the city’s foreclosure crisis head-on by turning challenges into opportunities,” remarked Impact Seven CEO, Brett Gerber. “But it couldn’t have happened without strong partnerships with LBWN and others. Impact Seven is grateful to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago for providing leadership and resources essential to meeting our mission. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
Highlights of this scattered-site development include:
LBWN and Impact Seven invested $6.2 million in this development with funding sources coming from a variety of community partners, including: Bank of America (property donation), City of Milwaukee (HOME, NSP), Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (AHP),  Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), National Equity Fund, Town Bank, US Bank, WHEDA LIHTC, and the Zilber Family Foundation.
LBWN Rent-To-Own Homes involved 18 different community partners, including: LBWN, Impact Seven, Inc., Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, Town Bank, Bank of America, City of Milwaukee, LISC Milwaukee, National Equity Fund, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, s.c., Schultzwerk Architecture, Universal Construction Solutions, US Bank, US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), Wisconsin Redevelopment, Multicultural Entrepreneurial Institute (MEI), Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC), and the Zilber Family Foundation.

author: Layton Boulevard West Neighbors


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Northwestern Mutual and Brewers Community Foundation team up to support mentorship | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Northwestern Mutual
April 7, 2015
According to the National Mentoring Partnership, students who meet regularly with mentors are 52 percent less likely than their peers to skip a day of school and 37 percent less likely to skip a class. With a commitment to mentorship in the Milwaukee community, Northwestern Mutual, through its foundation, is partnering with Brewers Community Foundation for its Stolen Bases, Happy Faces campaign benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee.
Throughout the 2015 major league baseball season, every Milwaukee Brewers stolen base at Miller Park will result in a $1,000 donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Proceeds from this campaign directly benefit the organization, which serves more than 1,300 children facing adversity each year.
“This campaign with Brewers Community Foundation highlights our shared commitment to strengthen and improve our community through mentoring children,” said John Kordsmeier, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation. “Many of our employees give their time and talents to mentoring programs with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters. We believe it helps to foster the growth and development of the youngest members and future leaders of Milwaukee so we are proud to support this organization through this effort.”
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“This program is a great example of how business leaders in our community can partner with our hometown team to make a lasting impact in children’s lives,” said Cecelia Gore, executive director, Brewers Community Foundation. “We’re excited for the season to get underway and support a great organization in the process.”
This is the fifth year Northwestern Mutual and Brewers Community Foundation have collaborated on a stolen base program. To date, Northwestern Mutual has donated more than $350,000 through this partnership to focus on youth and their families.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters provides more than friendship. It opens children up to a lifetime of opportunities and experiences they may not have known were available to them,” said Amy Chionchio, president and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee. “We’re so grateful to Northwestern Mutual and the Brewers Community Foundation for choosing us as their nonprofit partner. We’re excited about the opportunity to expand our mentoring program to more children facing adversity through the funds from this campaign.”
As a company, Northwestern Mutual believes in Milwaukee. This commitment ranges from the construction, development and job growth from the Northwestern Mutual Tower and Commons to investments in education, neighborhoods and cultural organizations and events that significantly improve the quality of life for those living here.

author: Northwestern Mutual


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Urban gardens give residents opportunity for growing fresh food | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Wyatt Massey
April 7, 2015
Volunteers shovel soil into a raised bed garden installed by Victory Garden Initiative. (Photo by Jennifer Reinke)
Milwaukee offers many opportunities for residents to tend a garden during the summer growing season. Plots vary in size, neighborhood restrictions and growing periods. Residents wanting to raise a garden in a vacant lot can apply for permits as well.
Urban garden opportunities are listed below. If you are aware of a community garden that is not listed, please leave a comment.
Name: Alice’s Garden
Location: Corner of West Garfield Avenue and North 20th Street
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Cost: $25
Description: Residents of the neighborhood have rental priority for the 16-square-foot in-ground plots. Beds that are not rented by residents are available to the public.
Website: http://www.alicesgardenmilwaukee.com/rental-plots.html
Alice’s Garden features in-ground garden beds for neighborhood residents. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
Contact: 414-687-0122
Name: Concordia Gardens
Location: 220 E. Concordia Ave.
Cost: $10-30 for first plot; $10 for an additional plot
Description: This community garden features 4- by 8-foot raised beds.
Website: http://victorygardeninitiative.org/event-1816969
Contact: Yaa Bema Tutu at yaa@VictoryGardenInitiative.org or 414-364-7579
Name: Garden District Community Garden
Location: Sixth Street and West Howard Avenue
Cost: $25 with an additional $25 clean-up deposit
Description: Beds available to rent include in-ground 20-foot square beds and raised 4- by 16-foot beds. The clean-up deposit will be returned once the renter cleans the bed at the end of the season.
Website: http://milwaukeegdna.com/Committees/Garden_Committee/garden_committee.html#GardenPlots
Contact: Dawn at dawn@milwaukeegdna.com or 414-379-2450
Name: Madison Garden
Location: 3201 W. Madison St.
Cost: $5 for residents living in Silver City, Burnham Park or Layton Park
Description: Four 4- by 8-foot raised beds are available in this pocket park created by residents and Layton Boulevard West Neighbors.
Website: http://www.lbwn.org/parks-recreation
Contact: Brett Lipshutz at blip73@gmail.com
Name: Milwaukee County Cooperative Extension
Location: Ten locations available: http://milwaukee.uwex.edu/files/2010/08/Community-Gardens-Map.pdf
Cost: $20 up to $252, depending on bed size.
Description: Garden sizes range from 200- to 10,000-square-foot beds. Staff from the Cooperative Extension Urban Agriculture Program till, stake and provide water for the gardens. The renting period is May 25 to Oct. 18. Garden rentals may be renewed to keep the same plot each year.
Website: http://milwaukee.uwex.edu/agriculture/garden-rental/
Contact: garden.rentals@ces.uwex.edu or 414-256-4606
Name: Milwaukee Urban Gardens
Location: Varies
Cost: No cost for permit
Description: Residents can apply for seasonal permits from the City of Milwaukee to plant gardens in vacant city-owned lots in their neighborhood.
Website: http://city.milwaukee.gov/NeighborhoodGardens#.VQs1QmZBC3J
Contact: groundworkac@gmail.com or 414-431-0919
Name: The Story Garden
Location: 2830 W. Burnham St.
Cost: Free for residents living in Silver City, Burnham Park or Layton Park.
Description: Six 4- by 8-foot raised beds are available in this pocket park created by residents and Layton Boulevard West Neighbors.
Website: http://www.lbwn.org/parks-recreation
Contact: Jorian Giorno at jorian@lbwn.org or 414-385-5341
Name: Urban Ecology Center – Menomonee Valley Community Gardens
Location: Three Bridges Park
Cost: $35 Members ($70 Non-members)
Description: Available plots are 4- by 8-foot or 4- by 10-foot beds and are in walking distance of the Menomonee Valley Branch of the Urban Ecology Center. The organization provides gardening classes, as well as tools and water on site.
Website: http://urbanecologycenter.org/what-we-do/grow-your-own-food.html
Contact: Michael Espinoza at mespinoza@urbanecologycenter.org or 414-431-2940
Name: Victory Garden Initiative
Location: Varies
Cost: $160
Description: Volunteers from the Great Milwaukee Victory Garden Blitz will build and install raised garden beds from May 9 to May 23. Those interested should register for the 4-foot by 8-foot raised bed, which includes fresh soil.
Website: http://victorygardeninitiative.org/Blitz
Contact: ellie.jackson@victorygardeninitiative.org

author: Wyatt Massey


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
April 6, 2015


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COA scholarship provides path to driver’s license for hundreds of local teens | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Brendan O’Brien
April 8, 2015
Joshua Leonard, who participated in COA’s driver’s education program, gets into the vehicle he shares with his mother. (Photo by Brendan O’Brien)
As a teenager living in Milwaukee’s inner city without a driver’s license, Joshua Leonard felt isolated.
Good paying, part-time jobs were too far away and there were very few positive social opportunities in his Capitol Heights neighborhood. He also was competing with his four siblings for rides from his mother, a single parent.
“I wanted to get away, to get out,” the 18-year-old high school senior recalled. “I didn’t want to be in the house bored any longer.”
Leonard was desperate to get his driver’s license. But without the money for classes at one of the many private driving schools, which typically charge more than $300, he was at a dead end, until he found COA Youth & Family Centers. COA offers a scholarship-based driver’s education program.
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“It meant a lot to me because … I don’t have $300. That’s a lot of money for just driver’s education,” he said.
COA’s driver’s education program is offered at the Goldin Center. (Photo by Courtney Perry)
Each year, COA’s scholarship-based program, funded by Milwaukee Public Schools, serves hundreds of high school students like Leonard who do not have the means to pay for private driver’s education classes but look forward to earning their license.
“Think about the rites of passage for a young person,” said Kari Nervig, the youth development coordinator at COA. “Having that freedom to drive is a big one and it opens so many doors.”
MPS does not offer school-day driver’s education and a program through the district’s recreation department runs each student about $150 and has a limited number of slots available, according to Nervig.
About a decade ago, students participating in COA’s three-day youth leadership institute camp proposed a scholarship-based driver’s education program to alleviate the barriers they were facing in getting their licenses. A pilot program was set up with a three-year grant from the federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to test out the proposal.
“It’s has grown and thrived ever since,” said Thomas Schneider, COA’s executive director.
One of the keys to the program, Schneider said, is that students must pay in sweat equity. The students who developed the program set strict eligibility criteria to obtain the scholarship. Participants must maintain a 2.3 grade point average, participate in 25 hours of documented community service and attend an after-school program.
“This was really thought out by this group of youth because they knew they had to demonstrate that they were deserving of someone picking up a $300 tab,” Nervig said.
COA now partners with MPS and Easy Method Driving School to bring driving education to schools and neighborhood centers throughout the city. The program consists of classroom and road instruction and takes about a semester to complete, Nervig said.
During the last four years, 1,050 Milwaukee teenagers have earned scholarships to attend the driver’s education program, according to Nervig.
“This is a program that requires a lot of momentum, because youth are skeptical and they are not so sure if this is a real thing,” she said. “So we have found that our greatest marketing tool is the youth who have gone through it.”
In addition to removing social, economic and educational barriers, the program has addressed the problem of teenagers getting snarled in the court system at an early age with driving violations, Nervig said.
“This is a real benefit to the youth and the community,” Schneider said. “The inability to afford driver’s (education) creates isolation. This program breaks down that isolation and provides opportunity to youth that can last a lifetime.”
The benefits of the program reach beyond the teenagers that it serves, according to Nervig. Parents say having their teenager able to drive significantly reduces time and transportation hurdles that the family faces.
For Leonard, having a driver’s license has meant more responsibility around the house, such as running errands and chauffeuring his siblings around, along with holding down a decent paying part-time job at a Culver’s, five miles from his house.
“He helps out picking up the kids and running to the store, just different things and it helps,” said his mother Denise Leonard. “That’s the good part of it.”
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the cost of driver’s ed through the Milwaukee Recreation Department and did not fully portray the role of MPS in the program.


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
April 8, 2015


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How to safely dispose of medications | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
City of Milwaukee Health Department
April 8, 2015
Prescription medications and vitamins are some of the items accepted for disposal at Milwaukee Police Department stations and the Milwaukee Municipal Court. (Photo by Molly Rippinger)
As part of the community-wide effort to reduce prescription drug abuse and protect the environment, city leaders and community allies have partnered to designate locations to safely dispose of household medications.
Medications may be taken 24/7 to the disposal drop boxes located inside Milwaukee Police Department District stations 2 through 7, as well as the Milwaukee Municipal Court (951 N. James Lovell St.) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. All disposals are anonymous, secure and safe.
Prior to dropping off medications at the above sites, you should transfer unused pills to a clear plastic bag for disposal. Empty pill bottles or containers may be recycled. Individual pills do not have to be taken out of plastic pillow or bubble packaging.
Bring:
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Do not bring:
For more information, visit www.milwaukee.gov/health.

author: City of Milwaukee Health Department


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
April 7, 2015


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City entrepreneurs raise capital through microloan initiative | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Molly Rippinger
April 9, 2015
Angela Moragne, co-owner of That Salsa Lady, speaks at the Kiva City Milwaukee launch party. Listening are Wendy Baumann (center), president and CVO of WWBIC, John McWilliam, owner of Scátháin, and Martha Brown (right), deputy commissioner of Milwaukee Department of City Development. (Photo courtesy of Mark Hines Photography)
In a little less than three weeks and without stepping foot into a bank, Angela Moragne, an area entrepreneur, was able to raise $10,000 in capital for her small business. The money was a microloan from a recently launched crowd-funding initiative, called Kiva City Milwaukee.
“The great thing about Kiva was that it didn’t have the banking minutia — no profit and loss statements, no credit checks and all of that,” said Moragne, co-owner of That Salsa Lady with her daughter, Stevey Pitts. “It was the most seamless process.”
Moragne and Pitts attracted nearly 300 individuals to invest in their local salsa and chip business by making a donation through the Kiva Zip website.
“You can lend as little as five bucks,” said Moragne. “People could have used that money to buy a loaf of bread, some eggs or milk, but instead they invested in us.”
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That Salsa Lady specializes in fresh salsas featuring local ingredients and freshly made tortilla chips. (Photo by Molly Rippinger)
Kiva, which means “unity” in Swahili, was launched in 2005 as a way to help alleviate poverty in developing countries through microloans. The nonprofit initiative connected entrepreneurs who otherwise did not have access to start-up capital to an international network of lenders willing to contribute funds.
In 2011, Kiva launched a pilot program called Kiva Zip in the United States and Kenya. The program emphasized better lender-borrower communication and zero-interest loan products.
Lauren Stinson, a fellow with Kiva City Milwaukee, explained that within Kiva Zip there are 11 Kiva City programs, which have specific requirements. “First, there has to be some support from the local government and other organizational partners before the launch,” said Stinson. A Kiva City also has to establish a loan-matching fund and must welcome a Kiva fellow to work within the community for two years after the launch date.
Kiva City Milwaukee launched on Feb. 17 after $375,000 was raised by area supporters — $225,000 for program costs and a $150,000 pool for loan matching. Supporters included Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC), City of Milwaukee and foundations such as Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Zilber Family Foundation, Northwestern Mutual Foundation and the Isabel and Alfred Bader Fund.
Wendy Baumann, president and CVO of WWBIC, was instrumental in launching Kiva City Milwaukee. “I think everyone has already seen that this [Kiva] is a good thing for WWBIC and a good thing for Milwaukee,” said Baumann.
WWBIC helps Wisconsin entrepreneurs who may have trouble accessing traditional financing acquire small business loans. The nonprofit economic development corporation also provides resources that are crucial to entrepreneurial success, such as classes in finance and business.
Baumann explained that Kiva is a great option for entrepreneurs who might not meet the requirements for a WWBIC or traditional bank loan. “WWBIC is already a risky microlender,” said Baumann. “We lend to folks with colorful credit histories, with bankruptcies. But still, sometimes there’s stuff that’s insurmountable.”
Small-business owners and entrepreneurs can apply for a first-time $5,000 loan using Kiva Zip. Borrowers may not currently be in foreclosure or bankruptcy. Also, borrowers can seek out the endorsement of a Kiva Zip trustee. The trustee is a Kiva-approved individual or organization who vouches for the borrower’s character and ability to repay the loan.
Registration includes filling out an online application and creating a profile, which explains the business and intended use for the loan. Applicants establish their credit-worthiness by inviting family and friends to lend money. A borrower must invite seven lenders for a loan of $2,500 or less, and 15 lenders for a loan of $2,525 and more.
After a borrower completes the private loan period, the profile is publicly posted to the Kiva Zip website for 45 days, meaning anyone within the Kiva network can contribute funds.
“Kiva Zip is not only a vehicle for financing, but is also about connecting you to people, sharing your story and promoting your business,” said Stinson. As a Kiva City fellow, Stinson works directly with borrowers, lenders and community members.
Unlike the original Kiva model, Kiva Zip allows lenders to directly communicate with borrowers through the conversations feature. Lenders can ask questions about the business, give suggestions or leave messages of support.
“It’s a lot of encouragement to have people back you on Kiva,” said Moragne. “Ordinary lenders don’t care as much.”
According to data on the Kiva Zip website, 95 percent of borrowers reach their crowd-funding goal and 89 percent of U.S. borrowers repay their loan.
That Salsa Lady was one of the first companies to reach its crowd-funding goal after Kiva City Milwaukee launched. The small business raised $5,000, which was then matched by the Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation.
Other area small businesses to receive Kiva Zip loans include Milwaukee Candle and Apothecary, Mr. Dye’s Pies and Compost Crusader. Kiva City Milwaukee set a goal to help 200 borrowers within the first two years of the program. In a little less than two months, 28 borrowers within the Milwaukee area have received a Kiva loan.
Moragne and Pitts are paying back their loan in monthly increments of $275. They are using their Kiva funds to purchase a new, higher-capacity fryer, acquire licensing and expand their garden where they grow ingredients for salsa.
“The greatest part of Kiva is being able to do more with less,” said Baumann. She also appreciates the transparency of Kiva, meaning that everyone can see exactly how much money is being raised, who is contributing and what impact the funds will have.
“Ambitious business people are central to Milwaukee’s economic success,” said Mayor Tom Barrett in a press release before the official launch of Kiva City Milwaukee. “That’s why Kiva, in partnership with WWBIC and city government, is so important. It gives small businesses a tool that helps them grow.”

author: Molly Rippinger


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On the Block: Catch and release | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Jabril Faraj
April 9, 2015


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Mexican consulate to open in Milwaukee by year’s end | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Edgar Mendez
April 10, 2015
Jesus Cabrera (right), advisor for the Institute of Mexicans Abroad, chats with Alderman Jose Perez about the new Mexican consulate slated for Milwaukee. (Photo by Edgar Mendez)
A Mexican consulate will open in Milwaukee before the end of the year, according to Jose Cabrera, who led the effort to petition the Mexican government to open the office in Wisconsin.
The announcement came during a Southside Organizing Committee (SOC) forum regarding the need for driver’s cards for undocumented residents, held at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1300 S. Layton Blvd.
The Mexican Government chose to open a site in Wisconsin rather than Hawaii, Tennessee or New Jersey, which all petitioned for a consulate this year, according to Cabrera, advisor for the Institute for Mexicans Abroad. Currently, the nearest of the 50 Mexican consulates in the U.S. is in Chicago. A U.S. State Department spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A specific site to house the consulate has not been chosen yet, according to Cabrera.
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Mauricio Galicia, who attended the SOC’s forum on driver’s cards for undocumented residents, said he is concerned that holders of the card will be singled out by law enforcement. (Photo by Edgar Mendez)
Consulates serve a multitude of functions, including helping foreigners resolve issues dealing with identification cards, passports, marriage certificates and birth certificates among other legal documents.
Having a consulate in Milwaukee will help relieve the backload of cases in Chicago, according to Beatriz Gonzalez, who provides bilingual social services at Centro Hispano of Milwaukee, 614 W. National Ave.
Gonzalez said 90 percent of her clients are from Mexico and that scheduling an appointment at the consulate in Chicago usually takes six to eight weeks.
That costs her clients — many of whom don’t know their way around Chicago — a lot of time and money, she said.
“It’ll be great to be able to send my clients who are missing important documents somewhere close,” said Gonzalez, who also participated in the forum.
The news about the consulate drew cheers from the crowd.
Attendees also were updated on legislation being drafted by State Rep. JoCasta Zamarripa that would secure driver’s cards for undocumented residents. Zamarripa introduced a similar bill in 2014, but the measure failed.
The bill would allow undocumented residents to apply for and receive a special driver’s card after fulfilling requirements set by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT).
Mauricio Galicia told the audience at the forum that his main concern with a driver’s card is that it will be different from regular licenses, thereby distinguishing the holder as undocumented.
However, Alderman Jose Perez, who represents District 12 on the South Side, said that driver’s cards would allow people to drive legally. “Everyone who is good enough to live here and work here deserves to have rights,” Perez said.
Zamarripa is seeking bipartisan support for the current measure, acknowledging that she may need to adjust the bill. Included in the new measure will be a mandatory 30-day time limit for recipients of the driver’s card to obtain insurance.
“It’s a public safety and economic development bill,” Zamarripa said, referring to the benefits of having more insured drivers on the road.


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
April 9, 2015


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New Research Shows Free Online Courses Didn’t Grow As Expected | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Brendan O’Brien
April 11, 2015
National Public Radio


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LISC Milwaukee to conduct search for new executive director | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
LISC Milwaukee
April 13, 2015
LISC Milwaukee announced today that it is working with its national office to search for a new executive director, as Leo Ries, executive director of LISC Milwaukee for the past 15 years, announced his resignation from the organization, effective April 30th.
As LISC embarks on a new strategic plan this year, Ries feels the time has come for new leadership to set the future direction of LISC Milwaukee and help develop and execute the plan during his or her tenure.
“The timing is right for this move, both for me and for the organization,” said Ries. “From a personal standpoint, I still have a lot I want to contribute to the community, but also feel a strong calling to outside interests, especially since my wife recently retired. From an agency perspective, LISC is as strong as ever and positioned well to thrive under the fresh perspective of a new leader.”
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LISC and its partners have overcome many challenges and achieved remarkable successes over the past 15 years. When Ries became executive director, he was one of just three employees. Since then, LISC has flourished to become a more robust organization and developed numerous programs that are vital to the Milwaukee community, including safety partnerships with the Milwaukee Police Department and the creation of Associates in Commercial Real Estate (ACRE) with Marquette University and the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), a 28-week curriculum designed to increase minority representation in fields of real estate development, property management and construction management.
“Leo’s advocacy for Milwaukee neighborhoods and commitment to bettering our community is exemplary,” said Lisa Glover, chairwoman of LISC Milwaukee’s advisory board and member of the LISC National board of directors. “The progress that LISC has made under Leo’s leadership speaks for itself. We are sincerely grateful for his years of service and wish him the best of luck in his new endeavors.”
Since 1995, LISC has generated more than $368 million in total development costs of LISC supported projects. More than $123 million in LISC and affiliate funding has been distributed to LISC’s partners. To date, LISC has assisted 110 community-based organizations, and financed more than 2,300 houses and apartments and more than 1.4 million square feet of commercial and community space. Under the leadership of Ries, LISC has developed a strong structure and network in Milwaukee that will sustain the organization and help it grow consistently and be successful long into the future.
LISC’s national office will assist in the search for a new executive director along with the support of the local advisory board. Until a new permanent director is named, Chuck Vliek, program vice president, will be serving as interim executive director, supported by LISC’s internal management team within the local office that will keep operations running smoothly.

author: LISC Milwaukee


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Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity recognized as an “Affiliate Of Distinction” | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity
April 13, 2015
Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity has been named one of 14 “Affiliates of Distinction” by Habitat for Humanity International for its achievements and innovation in serving Milwaukee. This is the first year Milwaukee Habitat has been selected into this award program.
“To be recognized as amongst the ‘best of the best’ affiliates by Habitat International is a great honor.” said Brian Sonderman, executive director of Milwaukee Habitat.  “The real reward is knowing that our community is benefiting from the hard work our volunteers, partner families, board of directors and staff put in every day.”
Since its founding in 1984, Milwaukee Habitat has served more than 800 families locally, through new construction houses, full-gut rehabs, and home repair projects.  They have also helped to serve more than 1,400 families in developing countries through Habitat for Humanity International’s global “tithe” giving program.  In 2015, the organization plans to provide affordable housing solutions for approximately 40  low-income families in Milwaukee.
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Launched in 2013, Affiliates of Distinction was established by Habitat for Humanity International to honor U.S. affiliates that meet or exceed best-practice standards. Recipients maintain their recognition for two years, after which they reapply for the following award period.
The 2015-2017 awardees include:
The 14 Habitat affiliates were recognized during a special ceremony at Habitat’s biennial U.S. Affiliate Conference in March.
Habitat affiliates considered for the honor were reviewed by seven criteria: sustainable and green building; overall organizational leadership; community development; financial sustainability; alignment with Habitat for Humanity’s strategic plan; effective use of technology to better communication with the public; and support for Habitat’s global mission.


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Fighting Homelessness, One Smartphone at a Time | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Brendan O’Brien
April 14, 2015
The New York Times


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Getting to suburban jobs remains a challenge for city workers | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Matthew Wisla
April 14, 2015
A series of state budget cuts prevent the bus system from upgrading service to improve travel times and reinstate more routes to reach outlying job centers. (Photo by Alhaji Camara)
It’s only about 10 miles from Beverly Orlando’s bus stop at 35 St. and Fond Du Lac Avenue to her job at the Institute of Technology and Academics on the far north side of Milwaukee near Brown Deer, but if she doesn’t leave her home by 5:30 a.m. she’ll be late for her 7:00 a.m. start time. Orlando has worked as a janitor at the school for about two years.
Boarding a Blue Line bus at 5:36 a.m. one recent morning she said, “The buses are OK, just as long as they come!”
Orlando is fortunate to be able to reach a job on the outskirts of Milwaukee from her Sherman Park neighborhood. Despite growing numbers of jobs located outside of Milwaukee’s central city, many neighborhood residents continue to be unable to reach potential employers by bus.
State budget cuts have severely hampered the Milwaukee County Transit Service’s ability to connect city residents with outlying jobs. Currently there is no long-range planning taking place at MCTS to reverse trends in service cutbacks and meet the needs of job holders and job hunters for the long term.
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It has been decades since the city was an engine for regional job growth. “Most of the job growth in recent years is either at the outer parts of the county or outside of the county,” said Kristi Luzar, deputy director of programs, Urban Economic Development Association of Wisconsin. “The biggest problem facing many people in the city is getting connections to jobs.”
Employment in Washington, Ozaukee and Waukesha Counties increased by 56,271 from 1994 to 2009, while the city lost 27,858 jobs, according to a report published earlier this year by the Center for Economic Development at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Reaching suburban employment centers can be challenging for city residents. About 13 percent of city households don’t have access to a car, according to the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission.
State budget cuts that began in 2001 forced MCTS to eliminate routes and now the bus system reaches about 1,300 fewer employers than it would have before the cuts began. Approximately 30,900 workers are employed by those businesses in an average year, according to the Center for Economic Development.
The MCTS says it has reduced bus service 14.5 percent since 2000 in response to successive rounds of state budget cuts. The most recent cut came in the 2011 biannual budget when the MCTS state appropriation was slashed by 10 percent. Although about 4 percent of the funding was restored in a later budget, MCTS is currently operating under an approximate $4.1 million shortfall in state money compared to the 2009 budget.
Last month MCTS added new shuttle routes to Brown Deer and Oak Creek to expand suburban bus service, and alternate funding sources have been used recently to add three express routes and bus lines to suburban job and commercial centers. Unfortunately, as the Center for Economic Development and transit experts point out, the long-term pattern of service decline has been slowed but not reversed.
Slow going
City residents such as Orlando who are fortunate enough to have a job outside the central city that they can reach on public transit face another challenge: the time needed to reach outlying areas. Long distances along congested roadways, frequent stops and the need to transfer between MCTS and suburban bus systems extend commute times. However, faced with similar challenges other cities have improved bus transit times by embracing readily available strategies and technologies, according to a recently published report, Picking Up The Pace, from Milwaukee’s Public Policy Forum.
Rob Henken, president of the Public Policy Forum, sees opportunities for increasing bus transit speed and efficiency. (Photo by Matthew Wisla)
Rob Henken, president of the Public Policy Forum, acknowledges the fiscal challenges faced by the county and MCTS noting, “They deserve a lot of credit for creatively maneuvering and avoiding the type of draconian service cuts” many observers believed were unavoidable in the face of state cutbacks. But Henken thinks that improving bus service would help meet employment needs of central city residents while making bus transit more appealing for a wide range of riders. “It’s time to think about whether there are some relatively low cost and common sense improvements that should be considered for our bus system,” he said.
“Transit options are available that would be relatively easy to do with a little more resources but would add a lot of value to the system,” said Luzar.
Solutions that have worked in other cities include bus-only lanes and shoulders, increased bus stop spacing and giving buses priority at traffic lights. With signal priority, buses automatically communicate with upcoming traffic lights to extend green lights or change red lights to green.
The system is being used in several cities including Las Vegas, and Chicago is planning to deploy it along select routes. Studies show the technology improves travel times by 5 to 10 percent. About half of Milwaukee’s intersections are already equipped with a similar technology allowing emergency vehicles to trigger green lights.
Bus rapid transit is another option for increasing bus travel speeds. It typically allows buses to drive in dedicated lanes, make fewer stops compared to local service, employ signal priority technology and use kiosks at the bus stop so riders can pay before boarding. According to the Public Policy Forum, bus rapid transit is similar to light rail in many ways but is more flexible and less expensive to implement. It has increased transit system ridership in cities such as Minneapolis.
According to Brian Dranzik, MCTS director of transportation, the unpredictability of state funding combined with successive budget cuts severely restricts the ability of MCTS to readily embrace service enhancements such as those in the Public Policy Forum report, or upgrade service to connect city neighborhoods with outlying job centers. MCTS is not currently studying or implementing any options for increasing bus speed. “There’s a price tag with all of them,” Dranzik said.
State and local politicians have been unable to reach a consensus on providing MCTS with a consistent revenue stream that isn’t subject to the unpredictable process of state budget negotiations, according to Henken and other experts. The state currently funds about 41 percent of the MCTS budget. The fare paid by riders is the second largest budget component at approximately 39 percent.
“We work on the assumption that we’ll have level funding from the state, but if that gets cut we’re scrambling,” said Dranzik.
The transit system has been in decline just when city residents need it most. “Seemingly forgotten is the fact that the transit system of today is a shell of its former self, and that jobs continue to decentralize at a rapid pace,” the Center for Economic Development report said. “Serious rebuilding efforts supported by secure and long-term sources of funding will need to be undertaken to avoid further isolating transit dependent job holders and job seekers from the region’s job growth centers.”
Referring to state budget cuts that hit MCTS without warning, Dranzik said, “We want to be in a place where what we offer to the public is stable and predictable.”

author: Matthew Wisla


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
April 13, 2015

author: Adam Carr


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Arts@Large a finalist for $25,000 cash award | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Brianna Dorney
April 14, 2015
We are excited to announce that Arts @ Large has been nominated by the Jimmie Johnson Foundation for the Blue Bunny “Helmet of Hope” cash award of $25,000!
The Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program, which began in 2008, allows fans and consumers across the country to nominate their favorite non-profit organization that supports K-12 public education, to receive a $25,000 grant, a Blue Bunny ice cream party, and special recognition on Johnson’s race helmet.
We are competing against ten national finalists to raise the most votes in our community. The deadline for voting is April 17. VOTE NOW, VOTE OFTEN, multiple votes per person are allowed!
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25K would fund a year of arts programming for an entire school. Please spread the word via email and social media and take one minute to vote today to help us continue building a vibrant arts community in Milwaukee!
Click and vote for Arts @ Large here:
https://jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org/news/helmet-of-hope-2/

author: Brianna Dorney


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helmet of hope | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Name *
April 14, 2015

author: Name *


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With Driver’s License Suspensions, a Cycle of Debt | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Brendan O’Brien
April 14, 2015
The New York Times


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First-ever People’s Choice awards presented at 2015 MANDI awards | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sharon McGowan
April 15, 2015
The first-ever Wells Fargo People’s Choice Awards were presented to three programs that address the disparate needs of city residents: Guest House of Milwaukee’s Cream City Gardens and Rain Harvesting Project; Benedict Center’s Sisters Diversion Project; and Express Yourself Milwaukee. More than 1,600 members of the public voted online in the People’s Choice Award contest, which was housed at the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service website. Winners each received $1,000.
The Benedict Center’s Sisters Diversion Project, which also won the PNC Trail Blazer Award, offers an alternative to incarceration to stop the cycle of prostitution, working with police and prosecutors.
Guest House of Milwaukee’s Cream City Gardens and Rain Harvesting Project is a rainwater pavilion in the gardens across the street from Guest House, 1216 N. 13th St., which enables formerly homeless residents to grow food and learn marketable skills.
Express Yourself Milwaukee reaches out to youth in residential facilities, treatment shelters, juvenile detention residences and urban schools, offering healing and transformation through the arts.
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The winners were announced at the Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (MANDI) gala at the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino on April 15. The awards ceremony is an annual event hosted by LISC Milwaukee and sponsored by U.S. Bank. More than 800 nonprofit, corporate and public-sector leaders attended. Its purpose is to call attention to individuals and organizations that work to revitalize Milwaukee’s most distressed urban neighborhoods.
Candidates are nominated by their peers and reviewed by a selection committee of 40 private, public and government volunteers. The committee chooses finalists and, except for the People’s Choice Awards, selects the winners.
HOME GR/OWN’s Ezekiel Gillespie Park received the Brewers Community Foundation Public Space Award, which recognizes public space efforts that contribute to the community. The park was developed in partnership with Walnut Way Conservation Corp. This multi-use park—the first of the city’s HOME GR/OWN strategy for transforming vacant lots—features native plants, fruit trees and sustainable water systems. Other finalists were The ARTery and Holton Bridge Swing Park.
Rotary Club of Milwaukee received the BMO Harris Bank Cornerstone Award, which recognizes an organization for its community commitment and effectiveness over time. The club has been active in revitalizing some of the city’s most vulnerable neighborhoods. Other finalists were Express Yourself Milwaukee (a People’s Choice winner) and the Pan-African Community Association.
Venice Williams of Alice’s Garden won the Northern Trust Navigator Award, which recognizes an individual for leadership and collaboration. Williams’ work at Alice’s Garden allows people to exchange gardening knowledge and to engage with one another. Other finalists were LaKetta Caldwell of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and Todd Hutchison of Impact Seven.
Benedict Center’s Sisters Diversion Project received the PNC Trail Blazer Award along with the People’s Choice Award. The PNC Trail Blazer Award recognizes an innovative approach to a community problem. Other finalists were Cream City Gardens and Rain Harvesting, Guest House of Milwaukee (also a People’s Choice winner); and Mobile Bike Hub, Layton Boulevard West Neighbors.
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Joseph J. Zilber School of Public Health received the State Farm Building Blocks Award. The award recognizes a real estate project that benefits the community. The Zilber School of Public Health transformed a 100-year-old cold-storage warehouse in the Pabst Brewery and anchors a historic area.
Leo Ries, who is stepping down as executive director of LISC Milwaukee, received the Vision Award from Mayor Tom Barrett to a standing ovation. The award recognized his efforts in building partnerships among city stakeholders to help rebuild neighborhoods.

author: Sharon McGowan


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Social media position for college students hiring at UW-Extension | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
UW-Extension
April 15, 2015
Position title:  Social Media Outreach Planning Assistant
Milwaukee County UW-Extension Office, 9501 W. Watertown Plank Rd.  Wauwatosa, WI  53226
Geographic area served: Milwaukee County
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This position is for a college enrolled student for a limited term appointment of 6 months.  Students with marketing and social media development skills are encouraged to apply.
This position offers up to 16 hours per week for 16 weeks, beginning , 2015.
An Ad hoc committee of office colleagues and two volunteer computer technicians will create and monitor a Social Media Outreach plan. With the implementation of this plan, awareness of Extension resources will expand new to audiences, and we will strengthen our interactions with new and current users of our resources.  The Assistant will be responsible for supporting the implementation of this outreach plan for the Milwaukee County Cooperative Extension (MCCE).  To ensure the sustainability of these social media outreach efforts by MCCE, the Assistant will focus on technology education and training.  This will involve developing a needs assessment survey, promoting peer learning within our office, and connecting staff with existing training opportunities.
This position requires frequent contact with Extension staff and is located at the Milwaukee County UW-Extension Office.
This position will report to Sharon Morrisey, Consumer Horticulture agent and chair of the ad hoc social media outreach team.
This position description represents a general outline of job duties, expectations, and responsibilities, which may be adjusted at the time of hire.  It is not intended to be comprehensive in nature.
Aticipated salary range: $14/hour
Contact information:
Sharon Morrisey
Sharon.morrisey@ces.uwex.edu

author: UW-Extension


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Teen programming at Silver Spring Neighborhood Center promotes positive lifestyle | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Molly Rippinger
April 15, 2015
Shanee Alston (left), social development coordinator at Silver Spring Neighborhood Center, chats with Charmian Williams (center) and Myana Jamison (right) as Anthony McHenry, executive director of Silver Spring Neighborhood Center, listens in on the conversation. (Photo by Molly Rippinger)
Shanee Alston first began coming to the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center at 5460 N. 64 St. as a young teenager. “I’ve always been fond of this place,” said Alston. “This is where I grew up and what made me, ‘me.’”
Today, Alston is back at Silver Spring as a social development coordinator for the Loving and Developing Yourself (LADY) program, which focuses on teen pregnancy prevention and life skills development.
“It was actually a program I grew up in, so I knew how important the role was,” said Alston, who also coaches the girls dance team and teaches 4 and 5 grade in the Community Leaning Center (CLC) at Browning Elementary, the adjoining Milwaukee Public School. “A lot of them remind me of myself when I was younger. All the issues they come across, I’ve been through it.”
“She had her struggles,” said Anthony McHenry, executive director of Silver Spring Neighborhood Center, referring to what Alston faced as a teenager. “She’s able to relate to the young ladies, not only because she went to programs here, but because she actually lived in Westlawn and had to deal with similar issues.”
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Alston runs the discussion-based LADY meetings twice a week and she says that almost a dozen teens attend on a regular basis. She also offers support to the girls outside of the center — welcoming texts and calls regarding a variety of issues. “I consider them my babies,” she said.
The LADY program began at the height of teen pregnancy in Milwaukee during the late 1990s and early 2000s. “There was a real need to start to address girls’ issues specifically,” said McHenry. “The way to really prevent teen pregnancy is to help the girls love themselves enough to take the information that we’re giving them and implement it.”
Each month, the LADY group focuses on one specific topic, which can range from sex education and positive goal setting to applying for college and promoting self-esteem. During April, the teenagers have been learning about career exploration and job readiness.
“It’s basically development for becoming a lady,” said Charmian Williams, a junior at Riverside University High School. She explained that the LADY program has taught her everything from etiquette and financial responsibility to pregnancy prevention.
“A lot of girls our age want to find a boy and have a baby just to keep him around,” said Myana Jamison, a senior at Vincent High School. Jamison also works at Silver Spring Neighborhood Center, assisting teachers in the CLC after school.
It has been about two years since a teenager in the LADY program has become pregnant. McHenry largely attributes this to the positive peer pressure to live up to the reputation and culture that has stemmed from the program’s success. “Now there’s a real expectation in terms of graduating high school; in terms of not becoming teenage parents; in terms of coming to the center and being responsible for themselves.”
McHenry and Alston estimate that more than 1,000 teenagers have actively participated in the LADY program. Silver Spring also offers a program focused on violence prevention for young men, called the Mature and Loving Everyone (MALE) group.
Other teen-related programming at Silver Spring includes tutoring, free drivers education and ACT preparation, health and wellness activities, social development and prevention programs focused on violence and alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse.
“The community has told our young ladies and young men that their life is largely going to be living in poverty, that they aren’t worthy of excellence,” said McHenry. “That message is received in the household, at school, in the media and in the community. So part of our task is not only just to educate them on certain things, but also just to remind them that they can really choose a great life for themselves if they stay the course.”
On an average week, Jamison and Williams estimate that they spend at least 20 hours at Silver Spring. “This is like our second home,” said Jamison. “We’re always here.”
“This is a place you can come and always have someone to talk to,” added Williams. Her older sister also went through the LADY program and her whole family has been active in the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center.
“The key is really strong relationships between the kids and the staff,” said McHenry.
Those close relationships at Silver Spring have helped Williams and Jamison become ambitious young ladies.
Jamison will attend University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Alston’s alma mater, this fall. Five years down the road, she expects to be graduating college with a degree in psychology.
In five years, Williams hopes to have graduated high school and acquired her cosmetology, business and real estate licenses so that she can open a hair salon. She also would like to get a bachelor’s degree in business.
In 2013-2014, 100 percent of seniors active in Silver Spring Neighborhood Center social development programs, such as LADY, graduated from high school and 80 percent are pursuing post-secondary education.
Alston understands what a great accomplishment it is for teenagers in the LADY program to overcome the challenges and succeed. “There’s so much going on in their homes, [and] at school,” she said. “It can be discouraging to them, but a lot of the girls have hope when they come here.”


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
April 14, 2015


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On the Block: Child laborer | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Jabril Faraj
April 16, 2015
James Nash grew up in a single parent home on Milwaukee’s northwest side. Nash started working before he was 8 years old because didn’t want to ask more of his mother than what she was already providing.
Milwaukee Stories link: http://milwaukeestories.org/2015/04/15/i-started-working-at-the-age-of-about-eight/
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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
April 15, 2015


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Corporate, education leaders hope to revitalize city’s near west side | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Brendan O’Brien
April 17, 2015
The near west side as seen from the roof of the Milwaukee Academy of Sciences, 2000 W. Kilbourn Ave. (Photo by Adam Carr)
Melvin Mitchell sat on a stoop intently watching a group of young men and woman congregate across the street outside of a tobacco shop at the corner of 27 Street and Kilbourn Avenue.
“There’s so much going on around here that I don’t know what to say … the crime runs deep … and the police do nothing,” he said as he sat outside a row of boarded-up storefronts.
Moments before the 78-year-old made his daily mid-morning stroll along 27th Street, city officials were having their own gathering nearby at the Harley-Davidson facility, where they unveiled a plan they hope will address Mitchell’s core concerns and revitalize the near west side area.
The three-year, $1 million initiative, known as Promoting Assets and Reducing Crime (PARC), was created by the Near West Side Partners, a nonprofit organization supported by Aurora Health Care, Harley-Davidson, Marquette University, MillerCoors and Potawatomi Business Development Corporation.
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Milwaukee District Attorney John Chisholm (left), Milwaukee Police Department Chief Edward Flynn and Mayor Tom Barrett listen as members of Near West Side Partners explain the PARC initiative. (Photo by Brendan O’Brien)
“If we find a way to work together … I think great things can happen,” said Marquette University President Michael Lovell at the press conference, noting that the area is home to about 40,000 residents and 200 businesses. “We have all of the elements to be successful. We just need to enhance those elements.”
The plan is intended in part to change the perception of the neighborhood, Lovell said. This will be accomplished, according to officials, through housing improvements, commercial corridor development, neighborhood branding and a focus on safety.
The PARC plan also consists of creating a community prosecution unit made up of an assistant district attorney and a coordinator who will work with the police department government agencies and community organizations to reduce crime and prevent domestic violence, according to the organization.
“This is a very exciting time. Be excited about it. This is historic,” Milwaukee Police Department Chief Edward Flynn said.
The crime reduction portion of PARC mirrors a similar effort by Washington Park Partners that reduced crime by 30 percent in that neighborhood in its first year, according to the Near West Side Partners.
“Whatever kind of help that we can get to bring up the neighborhood and to help the people…I am all for it,” said James Hall, 60, standing outside his apartment building down the street from the Harley-Davidson facility. “The kids need to know that the police are in their corner and not their enemy.”
Hall said that while he appreciates the asset promotion and crime reduction effort, bringing good-paying jobs to the inner city is a fundamental key to addressing poverty and crime.
“You can’t have people working for the minimum wage…they have nothing,” he said.
According to officials, the initiative will be driven by public health and safety data gathered and analyzed by Marquette University’s Center for Peacemaking. They also promised to get residents and business owners involved in improving their neighborhood.
Near West Side Partners was formed in January. It will focus its efforts in the area bounded by Interstate 43 to the east, Interstate 94 to the south, Highway 41 to the west and north, Vliet Street west of 27 Street and the north side of Highland Avenue east of 27 Street.
“This is a jewel that we have right before us and we have an obligation as a community to do what we can to bolster and shine up this jewel once again,” Mayor Tom Barrett said.


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
April 16, 2015


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Journey House theatre program seeking help with costumes for Wizard of Oz | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Journey House
April 17, 2015
Journey House Theatre needs your help with costumes and props! We are putting on a production of Wizard of Oz on June 5th and 6th at 6:00pm in the Journey House Auditorium.
We are in need of the below list of props and costume pieces. If you can help out in any way it would be so greatly appreciated. We are accepting items now until May 29th.
Props for Wizard of Oz:
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Costumes for Wizard of Oz (no designs on clothing please):
Anyone with sewing/costume skills willing to take on the following costumes, we can talk details! We need:
Thank you for your help and support!

author: Journey House


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Jazale’s Art Studio opens new space in Bronzeville | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Alhaji Camara
April 18, 2015
Jazale’s Art Studio, located at 2201 W. Martin Luther King Dr., recently hosted community members at a grand opening celebration. Founded by brothers Vedale and Darren Hill, the new Bronzeville space features after-school art programming, music and reading workshops, as well as studios for an artist-in-residence program.

author: Alhaji Camara


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
April 18, 2015


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Poor Children May Have Smaller Brains Than Rich Children. Does That Tell Us Anything? | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Brendan O’Brien
April 19, 2015
Slate.com

author: Brendan O’Brien


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The surprisingly simple way Utah solved chronic homelessness | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Brendan O’Brien
April 19, 2015
The Chicago Tribune


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‘This Is Going To Be Too Hard’: Keeping Kids From Using Pot | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Brendan O’Brien
April 19, 2015
National Public Radio