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Compare and contrast: How Milwaukee’s mayoral candidates stand – and differ – on the issues | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Matt Martinez
April 1, 2022
Voters will select Milwaukee’s next mayor on Tuesday. Here’s where they stand on the issues. (Photo provided by Visit Milwaukee)
Milwaukee’s mayoral election is Tuesday. In separate interviews, Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service staff asked the two candidates – Acting Mayor Cavalier Johnson and former Ald. Bob Donovan – about their plans for the city if elected. NNS also invited community members to submit questions for the candidates.
Donovan focused heavily on crime in the city and said he would create advisory committees to get expert opinions on many issues. Johnson discussed jobs and economic development, outlining a vision for the city growing to a population of 1 million.
Though not an exhaustive list, here is how they differ – and agree – on many of the city’s pressing issues:
Crime
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Milwaukee Police Department funding and community relationship
Donovan said favors increasing the number of officers in the Milwaukee Police Department and wanted to see more community-oriented policing efforts, including beat cops being deployed in neighborhoods to renew community trust.
“There is no better way to improve police-community relations than that kind of policing,” Donovan said. “The same officer walking the same neighborhood day in day out, the people getting to know that officer on a first-name basis and vice versa – there’s a wealth of goodwill that is developed, not to mention a wealth of information, because of that buildup of trust.”
Johnson was also in favor of investing in police but also  touted his work to get Eight Can’t Wait policies implemented in the police department. The policies are meant to reduce the likelihood of citizen death in a police encounter.
The two men worked together to secure a $10 million grant to hire 30 more police officers in early 2021, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Reckless driving
Johnson said he wants to see increased support for the police department’s Traffic Safety Unit and that he would support public works developments, such as expanding curbs and concrete-protected bike lanes, to discourage reckless driving,
“When the social norms around driving deteriorate, that’s how you get to the environment that we have now in terms of reckless driving,” Johnson said.
Donovan said reckless driving is nothing new and blamed the recent increase on “an atmosphere of lawlessness that has taken over a significant portion of Milwaukee.”
He blamed a lack of consequences for reckless drivers as one reason for a surge in incidents.
Acting Mayor Cavalier Johnson is focusing on jobs and economic development in his campaign. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
Office of Violence Prevention
The Milwaukee Health Department’s  Office of Violence Prevention is an agency that works to disrupt violence at the neighborhood level through trusted messengers and community engagement. It was established in 2008 and has issued the Blueprint For Peace, a community-driven agenda that seeks to address the root causes of violence in Milwaukee.
Donovan said he has concerns about the Office of Violence Prevention.
“I am not at all convinced that the Office of Violence Prevention … has proven its success. It’s imperative that any agency that we fund can show us as a community what they’ve accomplished. I haven’t seen that information,” he said.
Johnson said he supports the Office of Violence Prevention and pledged to contribute $5 million to its funding if elected mayor. Violent crime rates were decreasing before the pandemic, showing evidence of successful violence interruption from the department, he said.
“I do believe that violence prevention is a tenet of public health and that we should approach it that way,” Johnson said. “The doctors, the ones who treat victims of gun violence in our hospitals, think it’s a public health issue. Our health department thinks it’s a public health issue, and that’s exactly how I would approach it, too.”
Health
Public health
Donovan said that he wants to establish a medical advisory committee to confer with the city on pressing health challenges, including mental health and health disparities. He also wants to see a more active public health nurse initiative and mobile clinics to focus on underserved areas in the city.
Johnson said he would like to see an increase in health insurance enrollment efforts and door-to-door outreach by the city’s public health arms, including the health department.
“I’d certainly be supportive of the health department coming out of the walls of its downtown offices or its clinics in the neighborhoods and actually engaging people where they are in the places where they live so that they know they have access,” Johnson said.
Lead exposure
Donovan said that he would leverage dollars from a number of funding sources to remove lead laterals, or water pipes that have lead in them. He said he hopes to reduce the city’s timeline for lead removals, aiming to replace Milwaukee’s 70,000 lead laterals in 10 years.
The project is slated to take about 70 years at its current pace, hovering around 1,000 removals a year.
Johnson said that he felt lead was a huge issue and hoped to continue working with federal partners. He said the city would likely not be able to invest as much as it wants in the coming years due to the upcoming pension crisis.
Johnson also noted the importance of mitigating lead exposure in paint and soil around households.
Former Ald. Bob Donovan has centered his campaign on reducing crime in the city and supporting the Milwaukee Police Department. (Photo by Adam Carr)
Housing
Donovan said that he would appoint a housing czar to oversee the city’s efforts to help residents .
“There are north of 20 agencies that work on housing … but they’re not necessarily working together,” Donovan said. “The role of that housing director would be to bring them together and coordinate a plan and strategy to address that.”
Johnson said he supports the continuing development of interagency housing policies to better align the efforts of separate agencies around the city. He also pointed to the $43 million investment of American Rescue Plan Act dollars into housing programs and felt the city had invested the money wisely.
Jobs
Johnson said he wants to see growth in “family-supporting jobs” for people in the city. He called for more involvement with Milwaukee in the tech industry and said that he would try to connect the city with green energy production emphasized by the Biden administration.
“When the president of the United States talks about building back better and transitioning our economy over into a more green economy, I can’t think of a place better than Milwaukee to be a flagship for that,” Johnson said.
Johnson also said transportation is a major barrier for employment. He said he would work to establish a regional transportation system if elected to help people in the city commute to jobs in the suburbs.
Donovan said one of the main contributors to a lack of jobs is crime. He emphasized the need to reduce crime rates before potential employers would become interested. He also said bureaucracy in city government has hindered businesses in the past, and he would aim to remove it if elected.
“When you look at any business who (is) considering settling in a community, the first thing they look at is the crime,” he said.
Education
Johnson said he wants to improve access to early education, touting the Office of Early Childhood Initiatives, which he helped create as a co-chair of the Early Education Task Force. The task force provides more day care opportunities in the city.
Johnson also said he viewed the role of mayor as an opportunity to address root factors that might affect schooling, including food insecurity, economic insecurity, violence and trauma.
Donovan said he would create an educational advisory committee to address issues in schools and supported improving access to the city’s charter and private schools.
Donovan and Johnson both oppose the recent proposal to break up Milwaukee Public Schools, a plan that would split the current system into four to eight smaller districts starting in 2024.
City spending and pensions
One of the looming issues for the city is a spike in pension payouts. The city’s pension contribution is expected to nearly double next year, jumping from $71 million to roughly $130 million with a sustained increase over the following years. The financial constraint could force the city to lose nearly a quarter of its workforce by 2025, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
In a mayoral debate, Johnson said he would be willing to work with the state to move some city employees onto their pension system to lighten the fiscal burden. He also hoped to explore other options to bring in revenue from the state, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Johnson said he did not want to cut substantial funding from city departments, including the police department.
Donovan said that he would seek a partnership with the state to address the problem and audit the city government to find out how effectively the city’s dollars are being spent.
A plan that distinguishes them from their opponent
In their respective interviews, Johnson and Donovan were asked for a game-changing plan that differentiates them from their opponent.
Donovan said his plan was a scholarship program for the city that would allow income-disadvantaged children with certain grade criteria to advance to secondary education and trade schools.
“I think that would be a wonderful thing for Milwaukee,” said Donovan, who pointed out the advantages of a well-educated workforce.
Johnson pointed to his plan for economic development in the city, which he said will strive to make a safer and more prosperous community within the city.
“I want to grow the city. … I don’t think that we should be nibbling around the edges trying to get to 600,000 people again,” he said. “We should be trying to grow to a million people or more. But the only way we’re going do that is by making sure that we have a stronger city, a safer city and a city that provides economic prosperity for everybody that lives here.”
The mayoral election is Tuesday. Here’s everything you need to know to cast your ballot, via our previous NNS reporting.


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
March 31, 2022

source: news-milwaukeenns

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

author: Dwayne Burtin


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Post from Community: Most individuals with criminal convictions can vote Tuesday | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Wisconsin Voices
April 2, 2022
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Did you know that most people in Wisconsin with criminal convictions can still vote? Wisconsin Voices provides clear and concise public information about voting and criminal convictions in Milwaukee.
“We want to bring awareness and attention to combat the misinformation about voting rights for persons with criminal convictions,” said Felice Green, Communications Director for the organization.
You can vote if you:
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You can vote.
If you were convicted of a misdemeanor, unless it was treason or bribery, you can still vote.
Even if you are still in jail or on paper (on probation, parole, or supervision) for a misdemeanor, you do not lose your voting rights.
In Wisconsin, people who have been convicted of a felony, treason, or bribery can vote once they have finished their sentence and are off paper.
If you are still incarcerated, or on probation, parole, or supervision for a felony, you cannot vote.
If you have completed your sentence and any term of probation, parole, or supervision for a felony, you can vote.
If you are not sure if you are eligible to vote or off paper, ask your parole or probation officer.
Eligible voters at jails and prisons can request absentee ballots.
People who have completed their sentences can vote in-person or absentee, just like anyone else.
If you were convicted of a felony, you will have to register to vote again. Wisconsin has same-day voter registration, so you can register at your polling place on election day.
You can check your voter registration status or register online at My Vote Wisconsin.

author: Wisconsin Voices


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5 things to know and do this week in Milwaukee: April 4 to April 8 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
April 4, 2022
You can support local refugee chefs and enjoy an authentic Karen meal this week at Tricklebee Cafe. (NNS file photo by Naomi Waxman)
It’s Monday in Milwaukee, and here are some things we think you should know about. If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please submit your news by clicking here.
1. MKE global food tour – Karen: Monday, April 4
From now through Aug. 8, Amilinda, Tricklebee Cafe and Lazy Susan MKE are highlighting chefs from various refugee communities. This week, enjoy an authentic Karen meal at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 4 at Tricklebee Cafe, located at 4424 W. North Ave. The meal costs $60 and all sales go to the chefs. More information here.
2. Metcalfe Park and Election Day: Tuesday, April 5
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Celebrate Metcalfe Park community joy with free food, live music, voter education and safety kits for voters from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5 at the corner of North 28th and West Center street. For more information, contact Brittney at 414-533-7532. You can find more information, including what’s on your ballot, where your polling place is and if you’re currently registered to vote, by clicking here.
3. Starting Beekeeping, class one of two: Wednesday, April 6
Interested in learning more about beekeeping? Consider attending this two-class workshop. The first class takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 6 at 6820 N. 43rd St. Contact charbee@me.com to reserve a seat. Both classes together are $75. More information here.
4. Apply for a Teens Grow Greens Internship: Application due April 15
Teens Grow Greens, a nonprofit providing educational opportunities for teens related to the environment, is looking for summer interns. If you or a teen you know is interested in learning more about how urban agriculture, consider applying by April 15. More information here.
5. Mock interview with a ninth grader: Ongoing
Carmen Schools of Science and Technology is looking for community volunteers to interview its ninth graders. Each session is 75 minutes, with sessions starting on Monday, April 11 and continuing through Friday, May 19. Each interview is conducted virtually. Register here.

author: Sam Woods


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
April 3, 2022


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Staffing search delays opening of Mental Health Emergency Center to September | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Matt Martinez
April 4, 2022
The Mental Health Emergency Center will provide 24/7 psychiatric crisis services to the county. Community stakeholders, including U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, visited the site last week. (Photo by Matt Martinez)
The opening of Milwaukee County’s Mental Health Emergency Center, meant to serve people in crisis with an urgent need for treatment, has been pushed back to September in order to hire specialized staff.
The emergency center, 1525 N. 12 St., will serve as a hub for the county’s mental health services. Specifically, it will provide 24/7 crisis mental health services for people of all ages, including telepsychiatry, and will connect patients with resources.
The center, which was scheduled to open this spring, is a partnership between Milwaukee County and the area’s four major health systems: Froedtert Health, Children’s Wisconsin, Ascension Wisconsin and Advocate Aurora Health.
The county’s hub for Psychiatric Crisis Services is currently located at 9455 W. Watertown Plank Road in Wauwatosa, which is difficult to reach for many Milwaukee residents without transportation.
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Kevin Kluesner, site administrator of the Mental Health Emergency Center, said the center’s location will help bridge the gap.
“We’re placing this in the place of greatest need,” Kluesner said. “Distances can become a huge barrier … the new location is a home run. It’s perfect.”
According to the site’s webpage, about 93% of patients who visit the current Psychiatric Crisis Services in Wauwatosa are Milwaukee residents and 70% live near the new site.
Kluesner said one of the center’s most immediate challenges revolves around staffing. The center needs to fill roughly 10 full-time positions before it can open, he said. He said the center has launched a national search.
Among what’s needed: Employees at the site will need to be well-versed in de-escalation and stabilization of people in crisis and other mental health practices to be effective.
Shakita LaGrant-McClain, director of the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services, said the hiring process was made more difficult because of the need to find the right people to fill the positions.
“It’s rewarding work, but it requires a highly specialized skillset,” LaGrant-McClain said.
Kluesner said it will likely take a few months to hire staff and to train them, adding to the delay.
Kluesner said the new site is mostly built, and he plans to open the center for tours to community groups and stakeholders.
On Friday, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley visited the facilities during a walkthrough. Baldwin helped secure federal funding for the project.
Kluesner said he is confident the center will open in September and could open sooner if staff was found quickly.
“We don’t want to keep moving the goal posts,” Kluesner said. “It will be ready to go before Sept. 6.”
LaGrant-McClain said the county will continue to provide services at its Wauwatosa location until the emergency center is fully prepared to open.
Maria Perez, chair of the Milwaukee County Mental Health Board, said she was “completely confident” in the new timeline for the opening.
Perez said the center’s importance can’t be overstated as the county tries to reach community members and establish a sense of trust before the opening.
“This center is going to save lives,” Perez said.

author: Matt Martinez


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Post from Community: 2022 Student Designer Fashion Show | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Mount Mary University
April 5, 2022
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Mount Mary University is thrilled to announce that the 2022 CREO Fashion show, Prismatic Parallel, will return to our beautiful campus as a live, in-person event on Saturday, May 14!
Over the last two years, runways across the globe have been challenged to reinvent the status quo with unexpected venues, clever applications of technology, and fresh ways to engage guests with show content. These innovations inspired our merchandise management students to create this year’s salon-style show that will wind its way through historic Notre Dame Hall, offering a front row seat for every guest to view the stunning creations by our student designers!
Shows will take place at 3 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, on the second and third floors of Notre Dame Hall, which will be transformed into a breathtaking fashion venue for the event. The 7 p.m. show will be followed by a senior showcase, an opportunity to meet the senior designers and get an up-close view of the garments.
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Click here to learn more information: https://mtmary.edu/news-events/events/creo/

author: Mount Mary University


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Post from Community: Alverno College student selected for prestigious science internship | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Alverno College
April 5, 2022
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Ameera Pearsall, a junior at Alverno College majoring in biomedical sciences with a minor in psychology, has been selected as one of only 15 undergraduate students in the country to participate in the Amgen Scholars Program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The Amgen Scholars Program at NIH is a summer internship for undergraduate students interested in doctoral and combined degree programs in the sciences. The program is a partnership between the Amgen Foundation, the Foundation for the NIH, and the NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education. Students selected for the program spend the summer working side-by-side with some of the world’s leading scientists in an environment devoted exclusively to biomedical research. During their internships at NIH, scholars are matched with research mentors in the NIH Intramural Research Program (IRP) and are immersed in the process of turning observations in the laboratory, clinic and community into interventions that improve the health of individuals and populations.
“I’ve always wanted to do science that improves the quality of life for others,” said Pearsall. “Amgen addresses health disparities in marginalized communities, and that really aligns with my values of diversity, equity and inclusion. To do this work so early in my career is an amazing opportunity.”
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Pearsall plans to graduate in December of 2023 and pursue a Ph.D. in behavioral neuroscience and evolutionary psychology. Passionate about mental health, Pearsall’s goal is to pursue autism research and explore the long-term effects of various mental health disorders.
On campus, Pearsall volunteers as a peer mentor, works for the Student Activities Board and Alverno food pantry, and is among the first cohort of the Thea Bowman Institute for Excellence and Leadership, a full-tuition scholarship program for Black undergraduate students with a strong desire to serve as leaders. Off campus, Pearsall tutors high school students, organizes clothing drives and works to raise awareness of the arts in communities lacking access to the arts. Pearsall is also developing a mental health app that aims to connect people in marginalized communities to mental health providers and resources.
In addition to doing full-time research, Amgen Scholars have the opportunity to take part in a customized curriculum that helps them develop communication, career readiness and critical thinking skills. They also participate in a leadership development program. Scholars attend the Amgen Scholars U.S. Symposium, interacting with top industry and academic scientists and networking with other Amgen Scholars, and they present at the NIH Summer Poster Day in August.
About Alverno College
Founded in 1887 by the School Sisters of St. Francis, Alverno College promotes the academic, personal and professional development of its students in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Undergraduate programs for women are offered in more than 60 areas of study, and graduate programs in education, nursing, community psychology, school psychology, music therapy, music and liturgy, and business are open to women and men.
A leader in higher education innovation, Alverno has earned international accolades for its highly effective ability-based, assessment-as-learning approach to education, which emphasizes hands-on experience and develops in-demand skills. The college, Wisconsin’s first Hispanic-Serving Institution, ranks among the top schools in the Midwest for its commitment to undergraduate teaching and innovation by U.S. News & World Report. For two years, The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education named Alverno the country’s most inspiring college.
Based in Milwaukee, Wis., Alverno College is a four-year independent, Catholic, liberal arts college.

author: Alverno College


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Ameera-Pearsall-1500px.jpg | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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March 29, 2022

author: Name *


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Post from Community: It’s a spring thing community resource fest | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Farina Brooks
April 5, 2022
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Dream Team United MKE, Parklawn Assembly of God, New Hope Youth present Free Community Event with many information resources, free haircuts for ages 5 yrs to 15 yrs, hair braiding ages 5 yrs to 13 yrs, face painting, facial make up, grocery giveaway, raffles and DJ.
We are still in need of sponsors and donations. Please feel free to contact Farina Brooks 414 839-9481.
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author: Farina Brooks


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C45660E1-4129-47A7-B032-543FB1645D80.jpeg | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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March 30, 2022


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Post from Community: Second COVID-19 booster shots available at Findley Medical Clinic | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Findley Foundation
April 5, 2022
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced that adults age 50 and up are eligible for a second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least four months after receiving their first booster shot.
Individuals who are age 12 and up and are immunocompromised also are eligible to receive their second booster shot.
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Eligible patients are invited to obtain their second booster shots at the Findley Medical Clinic in Milwaukee at 10721 W. Capitol Drive, Suites 110 and 210. Patients will need to provide photo identification and their vaccination card, as well as their insurance card, if they have insurance.
The Findley Medical Clinic can provide second booster doses of both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines.
“Based on an analysis of emerging data, a second booster dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine could help increase protection levels for these higher-risk individuals,” Dr. Peter Marks, who directs the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in a statement.
Dr. Stephanie Findley, board vice chair of the Findley Foundation and the Findley Medical Clinic, invites adults age 50 and up to receive their second booster shots. The Findley Medical Clinic is staffed by doctorate-prepared nurse practitioners who collaborate with the clinic’s medical director, a physician with extensive experience.
The Findley Medical Clinic accepts same-day appointments and scheduled routine care. The clinic is open Mondays through Saturdays by appointments. Walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis on Fridays and Saturdays.

author: Findley Foundation


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Questions remain as opposition grows to making Felmers O. Chaney center the location for new youth detention facility | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Edgar Mendez
April 5, 2022
Despite opposition, the Felmers O. Chaney Correctional Center, 2825 N. 30th St., could still serve as the location for a new juvenile correctional facility to replace Lincoln Hills. (Photo by Ana Martinez Ortiz)
A new $42 million juvenile correctional facility will be built in Milwaukee County to replace Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake, but the question is where?
The only possible site identified by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections is the current location of Felmers O. Chaney Correctional Center. Felmers Chaney provides pre-release services, including work release, high school equivalency diploma tutoring as well as substance abuse and mental health treatment.
The possibility of shutting down the center to build a youth facility has attracted significant pushback from Sen. Lena Taylor, both mayoral candidates, local organizations and other advocates.
John Beard, spokesman for the Department of Corrections, said Felmers Chaney was identified in 2021-’23 state budget discussions as the department’s preferred location for multiple reasons.
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“It is in Milwaukee County, the state already owns the property, the site is appropriate for our needs, and the neighborhood already supports a correctional facility at that location,” Beard said in an email.
But the chorus of opposition against that plan continues to grow.
Acting Mayor Cavalier Johnson and his opponent in the spring election Tuesday, former Ald. Bob Donovan, said they are against the plan during a mayoral debate on March 27.
Earlier in March, a group of 10 local organizations that includes the ACLU of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Inner-City Congregations Allied for Hope, Project Return and Youth Justice Milwaukee, sent a letter to Gov. Tony Evers that urged him to consider alternative sites in Milwaukee County.
“While we support the closure of these youth prisons, we adamantly oppose the proposed demolition of the Felmers O. Chaney Correctional Center to make room for the construction of a new Type 1 juvenile facility,” read a portion of that letter sent on March 18.
Community opposition
Leading the opposition of that plan has been the Felmers O. Chaney Advocacy Board, which is chaired by Wendy Volz Daniels.
The Felmers O. Chaney Correctional Center, located on the corner of North 30th and West Hadley streets in the Sherman Park neighborhood, opened in 2000 and cost the county $20 million to build, according to Volz Daniels. She said the facility is still in great shape and tearing it down would be a waste of taxpayer money and, most importantly, cause harm to the men who are sent there from prison to receive pre-release services.
“They can go to treatment, go to church, get involved at Project Return,” Volz Daniels said. “These guys actually start a job and save money for an apartment when they get out.” Project Return, founded more than 40 years ago, provides support and advocacy for formerly incarcerated individuals.
State officials have discussed with Volz Daniels the possibility of finding a new location to house minimum security incarcerated people in Milwaukee, possibly in a new wing at the Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility, or MSDF.
Beard also mentioned the MSDF as a potential location to house individuals who would otherwise be placed at Felmers Chaney. He said MSDF is currently operating at half capacity, with a design capacity of more than 1,000 and current population of 505.  As of Feb. 25, Felmers Chaney had 57 residents with a capacity for 100.
But Volz Daniels questioned the viability of MSDF.
“I don’t buy it because there’s no money, no bill that says they’re going to do that,” she said. “This is just a promise blowing in the wind.”
She believes the state’s plan could move Milwaukee incarcerated individuals to the Lincoln Hills facility for boys and the Copper Lake facility for girls. Both would be converted and reopened as a 300-bed minimum-security adult facility. She said the state has pitched it as an economic development project in Jackson County.
“This is not as useful to the men who are returning to Milwaukee County who are in the last year of their sentence,” she said. “Even if it’s a facility that has services in Lincoln County, they will get released and have to start a new job and lose out on other resources.”
Beard said the conversion of Lincoln Hills/Copper Lake into an adult facility would help move up wait times for people across the Wisconsin prison system for access to pre-release services and increase re-entry resources.
Volz Daniels said she feels as though the state is not really interested in working with opponents to find solutions to the problems they feel would result from the state’s plan to use the Felmers Chaney site.
Her group presented a list of potential alternative sites to Kevin Carr, secretary for the Department of Corrections, in February. The nine sites proposed include a property on North 70th Street and West Good Hope Road, a city-owned site on North 61st and West Good Hope Road, the former DMV Emissions Testing Site on North 61st Street and West Clinton Avenue and a site on the 6000 block of South 6th Street.
In response to an email sent by Daniels asking about the status of those potential sites, Carr wrote: “Our team continues to conduct preliminary evaluations of the sites on the list you provided as well as the 7930  W. Clinton Ave site I received from Senator Taylor.”
Volz Daniels said her group hasn’t heard anything else in weeks but expect to soon. She also wants Evers, the mayor of Milwaukee and other stakeholders to meet on the issue.
“So we can all stop working in our silos and work together,” she said.
A need for urgency
Beard said that once legislation approving the funds is signed Evers, which is anticipated to happen soon, all groups will need to work with urgency to move forward with a plan. Beard stated in an email to NNS that several steps in the process remain.
Among them are additional local engagement through the environmental impact process; site selection approval by the Joint Committee on Finance; the Department of Administration approval of construction plans; and approval from the State Building Commission for authority to construct.
Some of those steps could take several months, he added.
“This process has been delayed on multiple occasions already by legislative inaction. So we hope to work quickly and move youth in our care closer to home and closer to culturally relevant programming, which everyone agrees would be a major benefit to them,” Beard wrote.
State Rep. Evan Goyke, D-Milwaukee, who championed Act 185, which prompted the plans to close Lincoln Hills/Copper Lake and build a new juvenile facility in Wisconsin, said he’s sympathetic to those who oppose Felmers Chaney being chosen as a site for a new facility.
He said the Department of Corrections and Department of Administration are responsible for choosing a location, and that he’s confident there will be many opportunities for public input before a final decision is made.
“I think we can find a compromise and figure this out,” Goyke said.
Meanwhile, the Journal Sentinel reported recently on the growing challenges associated with both a failure to replace Lincoln Hills with a local facility and the impact from overcrowding and long waiting lists for services for local youths currently housed at the Vel R. Phillips Juvenile Justice Center.
The article noted that judges were still sending Milwaukee youths to Lincoln Hills and that a growing number of individuals were waiting for spots to open up at the Milwaukee County Accountability Program, or MCAP, a program for high-risk juvenile offenders.
Mark Mertens, former administrator of the Division of Youth and Family Services for Milwaukee County, discussed this issue and barriers to transferring youths from Lincoln Hills into the program with NNS in an interview last year.
“There has to be some process related to bringing youth from Lincoln Hills to MCAP; As we continue to change and improve programming at MCAP and Bakari Center we want to do more of that,” he said.
“We would have liked to go farther with Act 185 to create more community-type alternatives, but it just didn’t happen.” The Bakari Center is a youth correctional facility in Milwaukee that utilizes an integrated treatment model that involves the community and family.
Things have moved along since then, albeit at a snail’s pace. Even when the new center is finally built, it’s still unclear how many youths from Milwaukee will be housed there. A Legislative Fiscal Bureau brief based on the project prototype from June 2021 stated that the new facility could house up to 32 juveniles and would employ 70 Department of Corrections employees.
Beard said the final number would depend on the site and final design of the facility and the number of youths sent to state juvenile facilities from the county.
The only thing that is sure, according to Goyke, is that a new facility will eventually benefit the state.
“Moving from one large rural prison to one in Milwaukee is a major step in the right direction for the quality of care that our kids are going to get,” said Goyke, who called Lincoln Hills one of the largest prisons for kids in America. “It will impact recidivism and for us, it’s a win.”

author: Edgar Mendez


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
April 4, 2022


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Children’s Wisconsin opens new mental health walk-in clinic for youths | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Matt Martinez
April 6, 2022
The Craig Yabuki Mental Health Walk-In Clinic is a new resource available to children in the area who may be struggling with mental health. (Photo provided by Children’s Wisconsin)
Leer en español: una versión traducida de este artículo está disponible debajo de la versión en inglés.
A new mental health clinic from Children’s Wisconsin will allow kids to walk in and receive services in the same day.
The Craig Yabuki Mental Health Walk-In Clinic serves youths ages 5 to 18 years old who are accompanied by a parent or guardian. It provides an option for children who have mental health needs but might not have access to other care services.
The clinic, which opened March 8, operates from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. every day except holidays.
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Tammy Makhlouf, manager of the Craig Yabuki Mental Health Walk-In Clinic, said the clinic’s hours are intentional since many resources like schools and pediatrician’s offices are closed during those hours. It is located at 8915 W. Connell Court.
The clinic’s opening comes at a time when there is a critical need for mental health services. Makhlouf said emergency room visits for mental health issues are up 40% since 2020.
Adding options for families to receive care has been important, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When families are struggling, they need help at that time, not six months down the road,” Makhlouf said.
Makhlouf said the need for mental health services was rising before COVID-19 and the clinic was one of seven mental health initiatives that Children’s Wisconsin identified in 2019 for development.
The clinic is staffed by therapists, social workers and clinic assistants. Its employees can make evaluations for immediate safety concerns, provide temporary on-site counseling and offer referrals to resources and follow-up care if needed.
The clinic does not handle emergency cases and will refer families to the emergency room at Children’s Hospital if needed.
Makhlouf said the clinic stresses service to families.
“We let the family determine what a crisis is,” Makhlouf said. “We’re really dealing with them where they’re at.”
Families can seek services for treatment of new or worsening symptoms of:
While the clinic’s services are not free, Makhlouf said that the staff will attempt to make services affordable and address a family’s need regardless of their ability to pay.
“Our main goal is to serve the family,” Makhlouf said.
The clinic is not a replacement for long-term therapy but a gateway to help families get there.
“What we’re offering is similar to urgent care,” Makhlouf said. “ . . . it’s there if you need it.”
How to reach the clinic
The clinic can be contacted at 414-337-3400. It is located in the Children’s Wisconsin hospital campus in Wauwatosa at 8915 W. Connell Court. The space itself is on Level 2 of the Clinics building on the Children’s Wisconsin Milwaukee hospital campus.
The campus can be reached via Milwaukee County Transit System bus on Route 92.
Una nueva clínica de salud mental de Children’s Wisconsin permitirá que los niños entren y reciban servicios el mismo día.
La clínica ambulatoria de salud mental Craig Yabuki atiende a jóvenes de 5 a 18 años que están acompañados por un padre o tutor. Brinda una opción para los niños que tienen necesidades de salud mental pero que podrían no tener acceso a otros servicios de atención.
La clínica, que abrió el 8 de marzo, opera de 3 pm a 9:30 pm todos los días excepto los días festivos.
Tammy Makhlouf, gerente de la Clínica sin cita previa de salud mental Craig Yabuki, dijo que el horario de la clínica es intencional ya que muchos recursos, como las escuelas y los consultorios de pediatras, están cerrados durante ese horario. Está ubicado en 8915 W. Connell Court.
La apertura de la clínica llega en un momento en que existe una necesidad crítica de servicios de salud mental. Makhlouf dijo que las visitas a la sala de emergencias por problemas de salud mental aumentaron un 40% desde 2020.
Agregar opciones para que las familias reciban atención ha sido importante, especialmente durante la pandemia de COVID-19.
“Cuando las familias tienen dificultades, necesitan ayuda en ese momento, no dentro de seis meses”, dijo Makhlouf.
Makhlouf dijo que la necesidad de servicios de salud mental estaba aumentando antes de la COVID-19 y que la clínica era una de las siete iniciativas de salud mental que Children’s Wisconsin identificó en 2019 para su desarrollo.
La clínica cuenta con terapeutas, trabajadores sociales y asistentes clínicos. Sus empleados pueden hacer evaluaciones de problemas de seguridad inmediatos, brindar asesoramiento temporal en el lugar y ofrecer referencias a recursos y atención de seguimiento si es necesario.
La clínica no maneja casos de emergencia y derivará a las familias a la sala de emergencias del Children’s Hospital si es necesario.
Makhlouf dijo que la clínica enfatiza el servicio a las familias.
“Dejamos que la familia determine qué es una crisis”, dijo Makhlouf. “Realmente estamos lidiando con ellos donde están”.
Las familias pueden buscar servicios para el tratamiento de síntomas nuevos o que empeoran de:
Si bien los servicios de la clínica no son gratuitos, Makhlouf dijo que el personal intentará hacer que los servicios sean asequibles y abordar las necesidades de la familia, independientemente de su capacidad de pago.
“Nuestro principal objetivo es servir a la familia”, dijo Makhlouf.
La clínica no es un reemplazo para la terapia a largo plazo, sino una puerta de entrada para ayudar a las familias a lograrlo.
“Lo que ofrecemos es similar a la atención de urgencia”, dijo Makhlouf. “ . . . está ahí si lo necesitas.”
Puede comunicarse con la clínica al 414-337-3400. Está ubicado en el campus del hospital Children’s Wisconsin en Wauwatosa en 8915 W. Connell Court. El espacio en sí está en el Nivel 2 del edificio de Clínicas en el campus del hospital Children’s Wisconsin Milwaukee.
Se puede llegar al campus a través del autobús del sistema de tránsito del condado de Milwaukee en la ruta 92.


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
April 5, 2022


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After a record-breaking year, Acts Housing expands efforts to turn tenants into homeowners | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
PrincessSafiya Byers
April 7, 2022
Acts Housing helped 305 families purchase homes in 2021. (NNS file Photo)
Acts Housing broke its own record in 2021, helping 305 families purchase homes.
Now the organization is looking to add a dozen new members to its team because it believes there is more work to be done.
“While I’m thrilled, it’s not enough,” said Michael Gosman, the president, and CEO of Acts Housing. “We’re trying to figure out a way to significantly build on the progress we made.”
Acts Housing, at 2414 W. Vliet St., jumped from helping 183 purchase homes in its previous best year to 305 in 2021. The nonprofit organization provides homebuyer and financial coaching, lending and real estate services and home rehab coaching
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There is a gap in Milwaukee’s Black homeownership. The organization saw a significant increase among prospective Black buyers to purchase homes through its program, going from 57 in 2020 to 145 in 2021.
Its success occurs against a backdrop of a housing market with low inventory and rising prices since 2020.
Gosman said the COIVD-19 pandemic created obstacles for his organization’s clients but said things are getting better.
“Once the barrier of needing to get to us was removed, we saw much larger numbers than before,” he said. “We were able to adapt to our families’ needs.”
Despite the progress, Gosman wants to see these numbers multiply.
“We have not had the capacity to serve the amount of people we’d like to serve well,” he said. “With the adequate number of staff, we can help multiply the numbers of families we are currently serving and get the word out to the community.”
Kyra Edwards purchased her first home through Acts Housing this year.
Edwards, 31, has been looking to buy a home for the past three years but said it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Acts.
“The banks don’t provide any help,” she said. “They don’t even answer your questions.”
She received credit repair and financial education through Acts Housing that she said was vital to her process.
“Finally receiving a preapproval was the best part of the process because that’s when I was sure I was going to have a house,” she said.
As a single mother of four, Edwards said owning a home serves as an example for her kids.
“I went from paying $900 a month in rent to $400 a month in mortgage,” she said. “I’m showing my children what we can do.”
Alex McCune, a homebuyer coach for Acts Housing, was moved to work in the housing market after reading the book, “Evicted,” by Matthew Desmond and realizing the strides the city needed to make in housing.
“I wanted to be able to create a change,” he said. “Seeing the strides Acts was already taking made me want to join the team.”
McCune was born and raised in Milwaukee and said the housing crisis becomes even more tangible when seen up close.
As a homebuyer coach, he meets with families and helps them with credit repair and budgeting.
“We want to help people at least get a preapproval,” he said.
McCune said the best part of his job is seeing people close with peace.
“Closing can really be a stressful time for people,” he said. “We look out for people and help them find something they feel good about.”
For more information
If you are interested in a career with Acts Housing, you can look here.
If you’d like to get coaching through Acts Housing, you can look here.

author: PrincessSafiya Byers


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
April 6, 2022


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Post from Community: Milwaukee recognized with nation’s lowest unsheltered homeless population | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee County
April 7, 2022
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Milwaukee County, the City of Milwaukee, key business leaders and community partners today announced that Milwaukee has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with the lowest unsheltered homeless population of any community per capita in the nation. Last year, seventeen unsheltered individuals were counted, representing over a 70 percent reduction from the previous year.
Milwaukee County has taken a holistic approach to improving health outcomes in the community looking through the lens of social determinants of health. The County invests funds into Housing First programs, with the clear view that housing ends homelessness and with a commitment to continue to focus on increasing permanent housing options to end the cycle of homelessness.
“Housing security is a key determinant of health for County residents. When you can’t count on having a roof over your head at night it compounds stress and anxiety and contributes mightily to the poor health disparities we see throughout the region,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “I’m happy to say that by prioritizing an evidence-based approach and maximizing collaborative efforts in the public and private sectors, we have reached this significant milestone, but the work is not done. As a County, region, and whole community, we must use this momentum to accelerate our efforts to invest upstream and end chronic homelessness in Milwaukee County.”
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Since the start of Housing First in 2015, Milwaukee has seen a 92 percent reduction in the unsheltered population. In addition, Milwaukee County has been a national leader in rental assistance, administering over $110 million dollars in federal emergency rental assistance funds.
“With the Housing First initiative, Milwaukee County has led the way with critical investments to combat homelessness. When we reduce homelessness, we not only have healthier and safer communities, but also save tax payers money by avoiding undue burdens on our legal and health systems,” said Sen. Tammy Baldwin. “Housing is a human right, and I am proud to be a partner for Milwaukee County as we work together to end homelessness.”
“Milwaukee County’s efforts to address housing needs is improving lives, advancing equity, and helping residents find stable housing. Housing is a stabilizing force that helps people build live successful lives,” said Rep. Gwen Moore. “I am so proud of what our local leaders are doing, but we must all understand that the fight against homelessness is an ongoing challenge. I will continue to work to ensure that the federal government remains a strong partner in these efforts to ensure that all Milwaukeeans have a place to call home.”
Milwaukee County recently received a $7 million American Relief Plan Act (ARPA) contribution from the State of Wisconsin to focus on the development of over 100 homes in the neighborhood surrounding the County’s Marcia P. Coggs Human Services Center. Last month, the Milwaukee County Board approved a $2 million investment from County ARPA funds for Housing Services to partner with Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services to create additional crisis beds to immediately assist those who find themselves victims of trauma or find themselves in an active crisis situation. The County also recently was awarded an $895,000 competitive grant through the HUD Continuum of Care process to serve adult families and individuals fleeing or attempted to flee domestic violence, individuals involved in the street-based sex trade, and survivors of sex trafficking.
Every year HUD commemorates National Fair Housing Month (April) advancing equity in housing and securing equal access to housing opportunities for all.

author: Milwaukee County


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5 things to know and do the weekend of April 8 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
April 8, 2022
Catch the opening reception for “Familias Unidas, Tributo a la Lucha de los trabajadores migrantes en Wisconsin 1960s-1970s” at Latino Arts on Friday. (Photo by Sam Woods)
It’s Friday in Milwaukee, and here are some things we think you should know about. If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please submit your news by clicking here.
1. Opening Reception for “Familias Unidas”: Friday, April 8
Catch the opening reception for “Familias Unidas: Tributo a la Lucha de los trabajadores migrantes en Wisconsin 1960s -1970s,” an exhibit about activism in Wisconsin as part of the Farm Workers Movement.  The exhibit runs until May 27. The opening reception starts at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 8 at Latino Arts, located at 1028 S. 9th St. More information here.
2. Paul & Andy at Sherman Perk: Friday, April 8
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Laid-back duo Paul Smith and Andy Jehly bring you back to the past with songs ranging from folk to blues to Motown to psychedelic rock. Their show starts at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 8 at Sherman Perk Coffee Shop, located at 4924 W. Roosevelt Drive.
3. Browns Crew at Nō Studios: Friday, April 8
Latin hip-hop duo Browns Crew and rapper CRE$PO bring you a night of locally grown hip-hop talent. Doors open at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 8 at Nō Studios, located at 1037 W. McKinley Ave. Tickets are $5 for the livestream or $10 in-person,. You can purchase tickets here.
4. Free coffee for MPS teachers: Saturday, April 9
If you’re an MPS teacher, show your badge and receive a free coffee from Coffee Makes You Black from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9 at 2803 N. Teutonia Ave. Offer valid for the first 100 teachers.
5. Gastronomy Arts Studio Open House: Saturday, April 9
Tour the new Gastronomy Arts Studio, meet the chefs and instructors and register young people for classes on food preparation and gastronomic arts at this open house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 9 at Capitol Drive Lutheran Church, located at 5305 W. Capitol Drive. Light refreshments provided.


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
April 7, 2022


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NNS on ‘Lake Effect’: 5 things to do this April in Milwaukee neighborhoods | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
April 8, 2022
Alice’s Garden is hosting a day’s worth of events for Earth Day. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
NNS’s Adam Carr joined WUWM 89.7-FM, Milwaukee’s NPR and Joy Powers of “Lake Effect” for the March installment of our monthly “5 Things” feature.
Listen to the interview here.
This month includes a Spring Botany & History Walk in Mitchell Park, Browns Crew at No Studios, Earth Day at Alice’s Garden, Milwaukee Riverkeeper’s spring cleanup at Pulaski Park and Rooted MKE’s Family Gathering Experience & Dinner.
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author: Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service


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NNS Spotlight: 2 prenatal care organizations partner to focus on young fathers | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Matt Martinez
April 8, 2022
Deondre White, a prenatal care coordinator, wants to help bridge the gap in services for young fathers. (Photo by Matt Martinez)
Deondre White loves going the extra mile to help people out.
As a prenatal care coordinator in Milwaukee, his mission is to help young fathers get the resources they need to be better parents.
“I try to lead a lot of men in the right direction because you can get sidetracked in Milwaukee very easily,” said White, who also is studying to be a firefighter.
White works with Generation of Excellence Trendsetters and JMJ Consulting, two prenatal care organizations that have partnered together to offer services to young fathers.
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LaTonya Baker, founder and CEO of Generation of Excellence Trendsetters, said making sure men are served is not an option anymore: It’s a requirement.
“If Dad is not OK, then I don’t care how many services we offer Mom: The household is not OK,” Baker said.
LaTonya Baker, from left, and Melissa Bonds brought their organizations together for better coordination of prenatal care. (Photo by Matt Martinez)
Her organization, located at 6633 W. Mill Road, offers financial literacy services and provides referrals for child care and transportation. Its staff often visits the homes of clients or sets up meetings at nearby spaces.
The services are provided through state insurance programs, such as BadgerCare Plus and Medicaid, and do not carry an out-of-pocket cost.
Baker said that often during home visits, fathers will go to another room because they don’t think the services are for them or are concerned that the workers are “there to snitch” if there’s something on their record. This causes them to miss resources that the prenatal team can connect them with, she said.
White provides services for women as well but said there are fewer resources available for young Black men in Wisconsin.
Melissa Bonds, founder and CEO of JMJ Consulting, said the team takes a “teach them how to fish” mentality to give families the tools they need to sustain themselves.
“Our ultimate goal is to create a community that advocates for themselves,” Bonds said.
Bonds said this includes creating spaces where men feel free to speak for themselves and determine what they need.
“One thing I’m learning about men is that they just need someone to listen or at least validate their feelings,” Baker said.
White said he’s there to encourage his clients.
“Stay motivated,” White said. “It gets hard, but you’ve got to keep going and look at the big picture. You have to do this for your family … family is big, man.”
To get involved
You can email jmjandtrendsetters@gmail.com, visit goetrendsetters.com or call 888-203-8808.


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Post from Community: BBB Scam Alert: Watch out for “free roof inspections” | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Lisa Schiller
April 8, 2022
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
With the warmer weather and summer storms, roofing scams become more common. BBB Scam Tracker frequently receives reports of shady “free” roof inspections. Homeowners should be on the lookout for these cons.
How the scam works
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You receive a call or a person shows up at the door claiming to represent a roofing company. According to Scam Tracker reports, con artists often use the name of the state (i.e. Minnesota or Texas) plus “Roofing” or “Construction” as their business name.
The “roofer” offers a free inspection. Why, you ask? The person may claim that their company is working on a neighbor’s home and is offering inspections to those living nearby. But if you ask questions about where the business is located or how their services work, you’ll most likely be met with vague answers, or, if you are speaking on the phone, they may simply hang up.
You accept the free inspection, and the “inspector” shows up at your house. If they don’t find enough wear and tear to merit a whole new roof, they may fabricate it, by tearing off shingles to mimic wind damage. Or they may simply show you pictures of someone else’s damaged roof. Don’t hire this company! Any repairs done by such a dishonest business are not likely to be high quality.
How to avoid roofing scams
For more information
To learn more about hiring a roofing company, see BBB.org/Roofers. You can also find valuable information at BBB.org/ScamTips and our Consumer HQ.
If you’ve been the victim of roofing scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker immediately. Your report will help alert others to the danger.
For more information or further inquiries, contact the Wisconsin BBB at www.bbb.org/wisconsin, 414-847-6000 or 1-800-273-1002. Consumers also can find more information about how to protect themselves from scams by following the Wisconsin BBB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2020, people turned to BBB more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 6.2 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at BBB.org. There are local, independent BBBs across the United States, Canada and Mexico, including BBB Serving Wisconsin which was founded in 1939 and serves the state of Wisconsin.

author: Lisa Schiller


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Post from Community: UScellular celebrates “Milwaukee Day” and Brewers home opener by giving away more than 1,600 Brewers game tickets on 4/14 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
UScellular
April 8, 2022
(Photo by Adam Carr)
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
In honor of “Milwaukee Day” and the Milwaukee Brewers™ home opener on April 14, UScellular today announced that it will give away more than 1,600 tickets to select future Milwaukee Brewers games to the community. To participate, community members can stop into one of four participating Milwaukee-area UScellular stores on the day of the home opener sporting their favorite Brewers apparel. Four hundred and fourteen (414) future game tickets will be distributed at each participating store in pairs while supplies last*.
An ode to the city’s 414 area code, Milwaukee Day started in 2009 as a grassroots effort by a group of Milwaukeeans. It has grown over the years and April 14 was officially proclaimed “Milwaukee Day” by Mayor Barrett in 2012, followed by Governor Evers in 2019. Annually on April 14, local businesses, organizations, restaurants and residents join together to celebrate Milwaukee’s spirit and uniqueness.
“We love being a part of the Milwaukee and 414 community,” said Kristy Baron, director of sales at UScellular. “We are excited to celebrate Milwaukee Day and cheer on the Brewers in their home opener, and invite our community members to come out to a participating store on April 14 to collect their free ticket while supplies last.”
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UScellular has a longstanding commitment to the Milwaukee community, including through its 13-year sponsorship of the Milwaukee Brewers. Participating UScellular stores include:
*No Purchase Necessary. Must be U.S./D.C residents (excluding FL, NY & RI) 18 yrs or older (19+ in AL & NE). One prize per person. For full details, see Official Rules at participating stores.

author: UScellular


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
April 8, 2022


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5 things to know and do this week in Milwaukee: April 11 to April 15 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
April 11, 2022
Karlies Kelley (left in blue) will lead a workshop on Latin dance this week. (NNS file photo by Brittany Carloni)
It’s Monday in Milwaukee, and here are some things we think you should know about. If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please submit your news by clicking here.
1. Latin Dance Workshops: Tuesday, April 12 and Wednesday, April 13
Culture, fun and education come together at these Latin dance workshops led by Karlies Kelley, founder of Panadanza Dance Company. The classes start at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 12 and 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 13 at Latino Arts, located at 1028 S. 9th St. The cost is $8 per participant. Click here to register.
2. Mental Illness and Our Criminal Justice System: Tuesday, April 12
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Milwaukee Mental Health Task Force, Disability Rights Wisconsin and Milwaukee Turners present the third session of “A Look Inside: Mental Illness and Our Criminal Justice System.” This panel discussion covers the planning and discharge process when someone with serious mental illness who has been incarcerated returns to the community. The online discussion runs from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12 on Zoom. Register here.
3. “Latino Wisconsin” film screening: Wednesday, April 13
See “Latino Wisconsin,” the award-winning documentary on Latino history and meet film director Georgia Pabst. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13 at UW-Milwaukee Union Fireside Lounge, located at 2200 E Kenwood Blvd. READ: Documentary tells the story of ‘Latino Wisconsin’
4. Housing Resource Fair: Thursday, April 14
If you are a renter looking to buy a house or a homeowner in need of repairs, stop by this housing resource fair hosted by the Clarke Square Neighborhood Initiative. The event is from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 14 at Prince of Peace School, located at 1114 S. 25th St.
5. Ujamaa Business Shower: Thursday, April 14
Get tips on creating a business plan and learn from human resource experts and connect with financial advisers at this first of a three-part series for business owners. This session runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14 at Ambition Center MKE, located at 530 E. Vienna Ave.
BONUS: If you need help with your taxes, check out this article for resources: Need help with your taxes? These organizations offer free services for those who qualify


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
April 10, 2022


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Thursday is 414 Day. Here are five ways to celebrate Milwaukee’s unofficial holiday. | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
April 11, 2022
This could be your painting this 414 Day. (Photo provided by Vibez Creative Studio)
Thursday is 414 Day, an unofficial holiday celebrating all the things that make Milwaukee unique. There are events happening all over the city, but here’s what is happening in our neighborhoods.
Did we miss an event? Email samwoods@milwaukeenns.org and ronald.smith@marquette.edu and put “414 Day” in the email subject line so we can update our list.
1. 414 Day South Side Celebration
Join Keepnitmil and Blest at Ms. Yesenia’s Creative Studio for a networking event with music, merchandise and drinks from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 14 at 2926 W. Forest Home Ave.
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2. 414 Day Paint Party
Spend the day painting the skyline and the Milwaukee flag on a pre-sketched canvas at Vibez Creative Studio from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 14. Vibez is located on the second floor of the Southridge Mall at 5300 S. 76th St. in Greendale. RSVP for $35 is required and includes a pre-sketched canvas by Canned Beatz.
3. MKE 414 Day Music Festival
A celebration of Milwaukee would not be complete without a celebration of Milwaukee’s artists. MKExpanded hosts this four-day festival full of local music, food, dancing and more. The event takes place all over the city from Thursday, April 14 to Sunday, April 17. Register to volunteer or perform here. More information here.
4. Milwaukee Day Spring Cleanup at Butterfly Park
Celebrate Milwaukee with spring cleaning at Butterfly Park at the intersection of West Forest Home Avenue and South 13th Street. The cleanup is hosted by Muskego Way Forward and Versiti and will take place from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 14. More information here.
5. Avenues West Community Cleanup
Join the Near West Side Partners and Milwaukee High School of the Arts in beautifying the Avenues West neighborhood. The cleanup runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 14, beginning at 1255 N. 22nd St.


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An indoor garden of opportunities flourishes in the Amani neighborhood | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
April 12, 2022
Wes Landry, who maintains the Dominican Center’s hydroponics lab, shows how seeds can become produce without using soil. (Photo by Sam Woods)
In 2018, Shelley Mathews posted a picture on Facebook of her new grow box, which would allow her to cultivate plants indoors.
She then got a call from Wesley “Wes” Landry, a family friend, who wanted Mathews to visit the Dominican Center to look into setting up an indoor farm there.
“He gets ready to give me the address and says: ‘It’s your old elementary school.’ And I was like: ‘What?!” Mathews said.
Mathews grew up about five blocks from the current site of the Dominican Center, located at 2470 W. Locust Ave., and attended elementary school there at St. Leo’s in the 1960s. Since then, she has founded FullCircle26, an agricultural technology firm that sells hydroponic systems and educational materials to grow food indoors.
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The Dominican Center had attempted to start an outdoor garden, but there was too much lead in the soil to do so. The center, which partners with Amani neighborhood residents on quality-of-life issues, needed to find a way to start the garden indoors. Mathews’ company seemed to have what it needed.
Now there’s a hydroponics laboratory in the Dominican Center’s basement, supplied by Mathews’ company and maintained by Landry.
“My life is totally full circle in everything that I do, including the name of my company,” Mathews said. “When I sit here and think about what we were able to do and what we’ve done, it’s very emotional for me.”
Hydroponics is a method of growing food indoors that uses nutrient-dense water to grow plants without needing soil. Instead, seeds sprout from sponges that soak up water and typically grow faster than they would outdoors in soil and sunlight.
The Dominican Center’s hydroponics lab was furnished by FullCircle26, which also provided upkeep training as well as an educational curriculum for students. The lab includes multiple units that together are capable of producing tens of thousands of produce with minimal water and electricity costs.
The Dominican Center’s hydroponics lab grows all types of produce, including bok choy. (Photo by Sam Woods)
‘It’s an opportunity’
For Maricha Harris, the Dominican Center’s executive director, hydroponics is an opportunity to support the surrounding Amani neighborhood in multiple ways.
The most direct way is through making it easier to access fresh produce. While there are several corner stores in the area, the closest grocery store with fresh produce is about 1.5 miles away. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an urban neighborhood is a food desert if residents have to travel more than 1 mile for fresh food.
The hydroponics lab also offers opportunities for Amani residents, including students, to get experience that can qualify them for agricultural jobs and entrepreneurship. The Dominican Center and FullCircle26 are partnering with schools to bring hydroponics equipment and training to Amani youths. These partnerships began before the COVID-19 pandemic and have restarted now that schools are no longer virtual.
“It’s an opportunity to build a self-serving community,” Harris said. “I want us to be the Wakanda of” agricultural technology.
Wakanda is the fictional African country that is home to the superhero, the Black Panther.
‘This is a way to help yourself’
Landry is in charge of managing the equipment and its produce from seed to harvest. Before taking on this role, he said he only had a little experience working in his mother’s garden.
“I knew how to put a seed in the ground . . . and I had a few plants for flowers to make my house look pretty,” Landry said about his gardening experience. Now nearly four years into the project, he’s a full-fledged agricultural scientist stewarding a system that Harris said has the capability of growing 40,000 leafy greens per year.
Landry sees each seed, flower or crop given away as an opportunity to kick-start a life of energy and purpose.
“I want to encourage people to take their idle time that they have and use it for something beneficial,” Landry said. “This is a way to help yourself. It’s only going to take you half an hour in the morning every day.”
He added: “Just take one tomato plant and grow it. Then from that one you have 20 to 30 seeds to plant to eat, sell or whatever you want to do with it.”
How to support the project
Harris said that the Dominican Center is looking for support to fully realize the potential of the hydroponics lab, both through donations and sweat equity.
Donors can give to the center’s general fund by going here, or they can donate specifically to hydroponics lab here.
Volunteers also are needed to help Landry watch over the equipment as the laboratory grows. Volunteers can email info@dominican-center.org and mention they are interested in hydroponics.


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
April 11, 2022


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Spring cleaning? Here’s where you can donate household items. | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Matt Martinez
April 12, 2022
ReStore movers pick up a donation of kitchen cabinetry, home furnishings, and architectural items from a home in Fox Point. (Photo provided by Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity)
Leer en español: una versión traducida de este artículo está disponible debajo de la versión en inglés.
Spring cleaning has come around again, and with it, people finding items they don’t have much use for anymore around the house. If you want your items to go toward a charitable cause, we’ve put together a list of places that are eager to get them.
Capt. Steve Staneart, adult rehabilitation center administrator with the Salvation Army of Milwaukee County, the local arm of the nonprofit charity organization, encouraged anyone donating to only give materials that are in usable condition.
“If it doesn’t look like something you would use, don’t donate it,” Staneart said.
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The City of Milwaukee maintains a list of places where you can donate gently used furniture and household items. You can also use the Earth911 database to find more options for recyclable items.
The Salvation Army
To contact the Salvation Army of Milwaukee County for donations, call 414-276-4316. For information about pickup options, including furniture, call 800 SA-TRUCK or 800-728-7825.
Staneart said you can drop off items at any of the following locations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.:
The full list of locations can be found on the Salvation Army’s website.
Habitat for Humanity ReStores
Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit that focuses on affordable housing for families, accepts donations for its ReStore locations across the city. ReStores are resale shops that fund the organization’s efforts around the city.
The organization offers free pickup for larger items such as furniture and appliances. It also accepts household items such as tools and building materials. For a full list of items, visit the ReStore website.
To contact a ReStore, call 414-257-9078. To schedule a pickup online, visit milwaukeerestore.org.
ReStore locations are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. There are three locations in the Milwaukee area:
Meta House
Meta House, a local organization for women and families that provides substance abuse services, accepts donations for small household items. It does not accept donations for clothing.
Meta House is looking for smaller and practical items, such as lamps and small appliances, including toasters or blenders. Before donating, contact development and volunteer specialist Kate Rabe at 414-977-5823 or at krabe@metahouse.org.
Carryn Sami, development director at Meta House, said the organization also accepts donations for child care items, such as baby wipes and baby formula. It is located at 2625 N. Weil St.
Purple Heart Service Foundation
The Purple Heart Service Foundation, an organization that serves veterans, accepts donations at its Milwaukee location, 5380 S. 13 St. The location is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday for small item donations. It takes clothing, linen, décor and other household products in sellable condition. The foundation does not take cabinets, shelving or electronics.
For information about furniture and large item pickup and what small items you can donate, call 414-281-4281.
Pickups occur on a schedule based on your location, rather than by appointment. Call to find out when pickups will be occurring again in your area. Pickups are generally separated by four to six weeks.
Goodwill
Goodwill, a nonprofit chain that provides services for job seekers and operates retail stores, accepts donations of many household items, including clothing, tools and electronics. For a full list of accepted items, visit their website.
Items can be dropped off at Goodwill stores around the area on Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To find the nearest Goodwill location, visit the organization’s Store Locator.
Pickup services are not offered. Attendants at the stores will be available to answer questions and help donors unload their cars.
Goodwill does not accept donations of furniture or other items that might be difficult to recycle or that contain hazardous materials, such as cathode-ray tube televisions or monitors and large appliances. A full list of unaccepted materials can be found on their website.
St. Vincent de Paul Society of Milwaukee
The St. Vincent de Paul Society of Milwaukee is a nonprofit religious organization that accepts donations of household items, kitchen items, clothing and furniture. It can be reached at 414-462-7863; pickups can be scheduled at this number on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pickups will need to be set up a week to two weeks in advance and will only be eligible for large items such as a sofa, kitchen set or dresser. Donors can also drop off items at the following St. Vincent de Paul thrift store locations from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday:
Did we miss any organizations? Contact Matt.Martinez@marquette.edu to add to this list.
La limpieza de primavera ha vuelto, y con ella, las personas encuentran artículos que ya no tienen mucho uso en la casa. Si desea que sus artículos se destinen a una causa benéfica, hemos elaborado una lista de lugares que están ansiosos por obtenerlos.
El capitán Steve Staneart, administrador del centro de rehabilitación para adultos del Ejército de Salvación del condado de Milwaukee, el brazo local de la organización benéfica sin fines de lucro, alentó a cualquier donante a que solo entregue materiales que estén en condiciones utilizables.
“Si no parece algo que usaría, no lo done”, dijo Staneart.
La ciudad de Milwaukee mantiene una lista de lugares donde puede donar muebles y artículos para el hogar en buen estado. También puede usar la base de datos Earth911 para encontrar más opciones de artículos reciclables.
Para comunicarse con el Ejército de Salvación del Condado de Milwaukee para donaciones, llame al 414-276-4316. Para obtener información sobre las opciones de recogida, incluidos los muebles, llame al 800 SA-TRUCK o al 800-728-7825.
Staneart dijo que puede dejar artículos en cualquiera de los siguientes lugares de 9 am a 4 pm:
La lista completa de ubicaciones se puede encontrar en el sitio web del Ejército de Salvación.
Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity, una organización sin fines de lucro que se enfoca en viviendas asequibles para familias, acepta donaciones para sus ubicaciones ReStore en toda la ciudad. Las ReStores son tiendas de reventa que financian los esfuerzos de la organización en la ciudad.
La organización ofrece recogida gratuita de artículos más grandes, como muebles y electrodomésticos. También acepta artículos para el hogar como herramientas y materiales de construcción. Para obtener una lista completa de artículos, visite el sitio web de ReStore.
Para comunicarse con un ReStore, llame al 414-257-9078. Para programar una recolección en línea, visite milwaukeerestore.org.
Las ubicaciones de ReStore están abiertas de 10 am a 6 pm de martes a viernes y de 10 am a 4 pm los sábados. Hay tres ubicaciones en el área de Milwaukee:
Meta House, una organización local para mujeres y familias que brinda servicios de abuso de sustancias, acepta donaciones para pequeños artículos del hogar. No acepta donaciones de ropa.
Meta House busca artículos más pequeños y prácticos, como lámparas y pequeños electrodomésticos, como tostadoras o batidoras. Antes de donar, comuníquese con la especialista en desarrollo y voluntariada Kate Rabe al 414-977-5823 o en krabe@metahouse.org.
Carryn Sami, director de desarrollo de Meta House, dijo que la organización también acepta donaciones para artículos de cuidado infantil, como toallitas húmedas para bebés y fórmula para bebés. Está ubicado en 2625 N. Weil St.
La Fundación de Servicio del Corazón Púrpura , una organización que sirve a los veteranos, acepta donaciones en su ubicación de Milwaukee, 5380 S. 13 th St. La ubicación está abierta de 8 am a 4 pm de lunes a viernes para donaciones de artículos pequeños. Se acepta ropa, mantelería, decoración y otros productos del hogar en condiciones vendibles. La fundación no lleva armarios, estanterías ni electrónica.
Para obtener información sobre la recolección de muebles y artículos grandes y qué artículos pequeños puede donar, llame al 414-281-4281.
Las recolecciones se realizan en un horario basado en su ubicación, en lugar de por cita. Llame para averiguar cuándo volverán a realizarse recolecciones en su área. Las recolecciones generalmente están separadas por cuatro a seis semanas.
Goodwill, una cadena sin fines de lucro que brinda servicios a quienes buscan trabajo y opera tiendas minoristas, acepta donaciones de muchos artículos para el hogar, como ropa, herramientas y productos electrónicos. Para obtener una lista completa de los artículos aceptados, visite su sitio web.
Los artículos se pueden dejar en las tiendas Goodwill del área de lunes a sábado de 9 am a 7 pm y los domingos de 9 am a 5 pm Para encontrar la ubicación de Goodwill más cercana, visite el Localizador de tiendas de la organización.
No se ofrecen servicios de recogida. Los asistentes en las tiendas estarán disponibles para responder preguntas y ayudar a los donantes a descargar sus autos.
Goodwill no acepta donaciones de muebles u otros artículos que puedan ser difíciles de reciclar o que contengan materiales peligrosos, como televisores o monitores de tubo de rayos catódicos y electrodomésticos grandes. Puede encontrar una lista completa de materiales no aceptados en su sitio web.
La Sociedad St. Vincent de Paul de Milwaukee es una organización religiosa sin fines de lucro que acepta donaciones de artículos para el hogar, artículos de cocina, ropa y muebles. Puede comunicarse al 414-462-7863; las recogidas se pueden programar en este número los lunes, martes y jueves de 9 a. m. a 5 p. m.
Las recolecciones deberán programarse con una o dos semanas de anticipación y solo serán elegibles para artículos grandes como un sofá, un juego de cocina o una cómoda. Los donantes también pueden dejar artículos en las siguientes tiendas de segunda mano de St. Vincent de Paul de 10 am a 5 pm de lunes a sábado:
¿Nos perdimos alguna organización? Comuníquese con Matt.Martinez@marquette.edu para agregar a esta lista.


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OPINION: Women are missing from Milwaukee’s street names. Here’s how to fix that. | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ayodeji Obayomi
April 13, 2022
(Photo by Wes Tank)
Editor’s note: Have something on your mind? “Community Voices” is the place to let Milwaukee hear what you have to say. To be considered, we need your name, email address and phone number for verification. Please email your submissions to info@milwaukeenns.org.
This story has been updated to include a source for street name history.
(Photo provided by Ayodeji Obayomi)
Drive around Milwaukee and you are more likely to travel on streets named after men rather than women. The tiny proportion memorializing women are likely to be names related to men in power who influenced street naming.
For example, in 1926, Arthur Wenz, a land developer in Bay View, named Carol Street after his daughter Carol. In 1927, Sidney Gettelman, a developer in the Grantosa Heights Subdivision, named Carmen Avenue for his wife, Carmen Gettelman. In 1969, Michele Miller and Beatrice Prause, who were the granddaughter and wife of Alderman Clarence Miller, were commemorated with Michele Street and Beatrice Street, respectively. And the list continues.
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But how were these commemorations possible?
Before Milwaukee’s incorporation in 1846, there were three villages – Juneautown, founded by Solomon Juneau in 1818, as well as Kilbourntown and Walker’s Point, both founded in 1834 by Solomon Juneau and George Walker, respectively. Despite their proximity, Kilbourn attempted to isolate Juneautown by independently laying and naming Kilbourntown’s streets. This caused a rivalry between Kilbourn and Juneau, and on May 3, 1845, it escalated into an episode known as the Bridge War.
After incorporation of the three villages, Milwaukee inherited a haphazard street naming structure. Moving forward, Milwaukee’s early real estate developers assigned names to the streets, which heavily favored male names. In 1929, however, the city officially adopted a more coherent naming approach. Although this naming system was to be implemented by the city engineer’s office, real estate developers still influenced the naming, which exacerbated the gender issue.
In 1990, Milwaukee developed a democratic commemorative process. Among other requirements, the system required a petitioner for a street rename to obtain signatures of the property owners along the street, and at least 50% must agree to the name change. This made it almost impracticable to commemorate women, or anyone else for that matter.
In 2005, the honorary street naming system was adopted. Honorary names are usually in blue plates under the green official names. These names do not change the official naming and are not included in the address book of Milwaukee, making the commemoration less weighty. That said, this commemoration does not require the 50% signature requirement, which improves the possibility of commemorating women.
In 2021, an ordinance nullified the signature condition for official street renaming, replacing it with a four-fifths vote of Milwaukee’s Common Council members (12 out of 15 votes, currently). Although this rule is commendable, it by no means solves our gender problem.
I believe democracy, equity and diversity should guide Milwaukee’s street commemoration framework. Women should have a much more significant presence in our street names. We could start moving toward equity by redefining “heroism” to recognize the values and cultural contributions of women. Heroism should only not be associated with men’s narratives but should be socio-culturally inclusive.
Further, we need to increase public awareness about inequitable commemorative practices regarding Milwaukee’s streets. Perhaps local feminist organizations could exercise their rights to bring gender parity to street commemoration. This recommendation was supported by Alderwoman Milele Coggs in an interview  In 1994, while a student at Riverside University High School, Coggs played a leading role in renaming East Reservoir Avenue to Glover Street — Joshua Glover was a man who escaped slavery whose story includes a dramatic chapter in Milwaukee. Recalling that experience, Coggs mused: “We could change [a street name]? That’s what we can actually do? . . .  We started the process, but most people never do that. The more women know, the better.”
Milwaukee could also consider the co-naming principle for street names. For instance, a street could be named for two historically significant people by combining their names, which has precedent in Milwaukee. For example, in 1954, LYNne and MARy Zimmermann were memorialized on Lynmar Court and Lynmar Terrace. If adopted, co-naming would improve the chances of women’s street commemoration, even if she shared a street’s name with a man.
If Milwaukee decides to reconsider its street names, the intersection of race and gender also needs to be considered. Women of color should be significantly represented in the redistribution.
Indeed, street commemoration is an intersection of the politics of space and a place of politics that excludes women. If we value gender equity, democracy and diversity, it is important that we consider women’s values and identity in our street names.
Ayodeji Obayomi is a PhD student in University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s urban studies program. He is interested in the historical geography of memory and how it perpetuates inequity in Milwaukee.

author: Ayodeji Obayomi


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ayodeji | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
April 12, 2022


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Post from Community: A call to action symposium: The intersection of race and mental health | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Alison Wolf
April 13, 2022
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Tuesday, April 19th, 8:15am-12:30pm
Marquette University Alumni Memorial Union Ballroom, Milwaukee
Attendees will take the information gained at the quarterly WISE meetings of 2021 and work together to identify and commit to action. Even if you did not participate in one of our meetings in 2021, you are still welcome to attend.
MENTAL HEALTH SYMPOSIUM
A Call to Action: The Intersection of Race and Mental Health
Tuesday, April 19th, 8:15am-12:30pm
Marquette University Alumni Memorial Union Ballroom, Milwaukee
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Attendees will take the information gained at the quarterly WISE meetings of 2021 and work together to identify and commit to action. Even if you did not participate in one of our meetings in 2021, you are still welcome to attend.
RESOURCES: If you have pamphlets, flyers, business cards or other materials that you would like to share with attendees, you are welcome to bring them along and place on a general resource table.
You can attend In person or virtually
This event is FREE. Please register by 4/15/22.
Announcing our Topics & Panelists!
Brooks Griffin, The INSPIRED Network, will be our Emcee for the day.
1. Strengthening Resources – Reggie Jackson, Co-Owner and Lead Trainer Nurturing Diversity Partners; Brenda Wesley, Mental Health Advocate, Milwaukee County Mental Health Board Member
2. Diversity in the Mental Health Workforce –  Dr. Maria Amarante, SAC, LPC, PhD, Owner Multicultural Trauma and Addiction Resource Center
3. Disparity of Reimbursement Rates – Thomasina Jenkins, MSW, LCSW, CSAC, ICS, Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, UW Milwaukee
4. Training of Police Officers and Other First Responders – Captain Sheronda Grant, Milwaukee Police Department; Brenda Wesley, Mental Health Advocate, Milwaukee County Mental Health Board Member
Dr. Robert Smith, Director Center for Urban Research, Teaching and Outreach (CURTO) at Marquette University, Dr. Smith will discuss mapping the many excellent resources in the Milwaukee area.

author: Alison Wolf


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WISE_logo_1.5-01.jpg | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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April 11, 2022


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Post from Community: Greater Holy Temple Christian Academy acquires school building | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Greater Holy Temple Christian Academy
April 13, 2022
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Greater Holy Temple Christian Academy is pleased to announce their intention to acquire Fletcher Elementary School (9500 W Allyn St, Milwaukee, WI 53224). The facility is 60,000 square feet and located on nine acres of land. Synergy Development Group will renovate the facility in partnership with Greater Holy Temple Christian Academy (5575 N 76th St, Milwaukee, WI 53218) to serve as the new site for their school.
“We are thrilled to partner with the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee Public Schools, and Synergy Development Group to acquire a building that will allow us to create a dynamic school for our students and families” said Edward DeShazer, Executive Director of Greater Holy Temple Christian Academy. “We know that the northwest side of the city deserves a great school. We are excited to work with Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, and Rob Chandler to re imagine the partnership between neighborhoods, schools, and our community”, Mr. DeShazer added.
“Students deserve a dynamic environment to learn, but many times the teachers are an afterthought. Our new space will have an average classroom size of close to 1,100 square feet (the national average is 900 square feet). We will provide a dedicated workout facility and locker room for staff. Staff will be encouraged to use the facility before, during, or after work. We will even be adding a meal prep service for our staff as well. My goal is to serve the whole-child, as well as the whole-teacher. It’s time to change the narrative of urban education”, Mr. DeShazer exclaimed.
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About Greater Holy Temple Christian Academy:
Greater Holy Temple Christian Academy currently serves 500 students on Milwaukee’s northside. The school scored 75 out of a possible 100 points, earning the school a four-star rating also known as “exceeds expectations” on its state report card released in October.
To Learn More About Greater Holy Temple Christian Academy:

author: Greater Holy Temple Christian Academy


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Post from Community: Kohl’s and Alverno College partner to launch Kohl’s Scholars program | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Alverno College
April 13, 2022
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Alverno College and Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) announced the launch of the Kohl’s Scholars program, a $25,000 commitment from Kohl’s that awards a $5,000 scholarship to five Alverno students for the 2022-23 school year. As part of the Kohl’s Scholars program, recipients will be able to connect with Kohl’s women in leadership and learn what it’s like to work at a national retailer.
“For decades, Kohl’s has been actively giving back to the community. This scholarship is a continuum of their values by investing in the future of women leaders,” said Cheryl Moore, Ph.D., executive director of Career Development at Alverno. “This partnership will not only benefit our students financially, it will also offer mentorship. The opportunity to experience what it’s like to work in the Kohl’s corporate office will be invaluable to these young women as they carve a path for themselves through college and beyond.”
Current Alverno undergraduate students are eligible for the scholarship and can complete the application process here. First priority for scholarship awards will be given to first generation college students and/or women of color, with preference given to students in their sophomore or junior year who are majoring in business, communication or STEM fields.
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In addition to the financial scholarship, Kohl’s Scholars have the opportunity to participate in “A Day at Kohl’s,” a bi-annual event where scholars will meet with Kohl’s female leadership through a women’s leadership roundtable, tour the corporate headquarters and get a firsthand look at what it’s like to work in corporate retail.
“The professional development component of the Kohl’s Scholars program sets this scholarship apart from most,” added Moore. “It offers students the chance to learn from women who have built careers that have led them to leadership positions. It’s so important for our students to engage with female leaders beyond the traditional job shadow. As we continue to reimagine the future of work, we are intentional in supporting our students with more than job options, but meaningful, transformative opportunities.”
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Alverno to provide financial support and experiential learning opportunities that can help inspire the next generation of women leaders,” said Shanan Lesselyoung, Kohl’s senior vice president of human resources and talent acquisition. “Kohl’s is proud to have an extraordinary group of women leaders who have helped push our company to new heights during this exciting time in retail. We’re excited to have the opportunity to mentor Alverno Kohl’s scholars who might be interested in a career in corporate retail, or just see first-hand how the women at Kohl’s make a difference at our company every day, and how they too can build successful careers for themselves.”
To be eligible for the scholarship, Alverno students should be enrolled full time and be in good academic standing with a declared major. Learn more about the Kohl’s Scholars program at alverno.edu/Career.
About Alverno College
Founded in 1887 by the School Sisters of St. Francis, Alverno College promotes the academic, personal and professional development of its students in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Undergraduate programs for women are offered in more than 60 areas of study, and graduate programs in education, nursing, community psychology, school psychology, music therapy, music and liturgy, and business are open to women and men.
A leader in higher education innovation, Alverno has earned international accolades for its highly effective ability-based, assessment-as-learning approach to education, which emphasizes hands-on experience and develops in-demand skills. The college, Wisconsin’s first Hispanic-Serving Institution, ranks among the top schools in the Midwest for its commitment to undergraduate teaching and innovation by U.S. News & World Report. For two years, The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education named Alverno the country’s most inspiring college.
Based in Milwaukee, Wis., Alverno College is a four-year independent, Catholic, liberal arts college.
About Kohl’s
Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a leading omnichannel retailer. With more than 1,100 stores in 49 states and the online convenience of Kohls.com and the Kohl’s App, Kohl’s offers amazing national and exclusive brands at incredible savings for families nationwide. Kohl’s is uniquely positioned to deliver against its strategy and its vision to be the most trusted retailer of choice for the active and casual lifestyle. Kohl’s is committed to progress in its diversity and inclusion pledges, and the company’s environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) stewardship. For a list of store locations or to shop online, visit Kohls.com. For more information about Kohl’s impact in the community or how to join our winning team, visit Corporate.Kohls.com or follow @KohlsNews on Twitter.


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Alverno-aerial-1500.jpg | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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April 12, 2022