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Study finds mental healthcare system hard to navigate despite improvements | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Matthew Wisla
November 19, 2015
Héctor Colón, director of the Department of Health and Human Services, leads Milwaukee County’s efforts to improve a fragmented, complex mental healthcare system. (Photo by Matthew Wisla)
For many central city residents suffering from mental illnesses such as depression, a diagnosis is just the beginning of a long journey to treatment and healing. According to a new report, the mental healthcare system run by Milwaukee County is complex, fragmented and fraught with barriers preventing or limiting access to care.
“There is a shortage of mental healthcare providers serving low-income people on Medicaid and sometimes where there is capacity in the system it is not well used,” said Rob Henken, president of the Public Policy Forum, which recently published the report, “Milwaukee County Outpatient Behavioral Health Capacity Assessment,” in conjunction with the Human Services Research Institute and the Technical Assistance Collaborative.
Mental healthcare providers such as Dr. Julie Schuller, executive vice president of clinical affairs at Sixteenth Street Community Health Center, 1032 S. Cesar E. Chavez Drive, say part of the problem with the current system is that it doesn’t locate services where people need them. “There needs to be more mental healthcare clinics out in communities,” she said. “Building access is a priority issue.”
Under the current system, getting in to see a doctor can take a while. “Wait times, especially for people with urgent needs, are very disturbing,” said Barbara Beckert, director of the Milwaukee office of Disability Rights Wisconsin, an organization focusing on people with severe conditions that works with the state to advocate for patients.
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The mental healthcare system is transitioning from county-run centralized institutions to a community-based model with services provided at clinics such at the Sixteenth Street Community Health Center in Clarke Square. (Photo by Matthew Wisla)
The challenges typically begin when primary care physicians refer patients for mental healthcare and they are given a list of providers to call for an appointment, the report found. Researchers attempted to make an appointment with 249 organizations or individuals identified as mental healthcare providers. The list included clinics, psychiatrists, federally qualified health centers and private practice clinicians. After making at least three calls to each, researchers reached only 142, or 57 percent, of providers. The rest of the time calls were unanswered or messages were not returned.
When appointments could be made, the average wait time was between 10 days and a month, with the longest being 75 days. Waits of approximately two months were not uncommon.
David Hughes, vice president of the Human Services Research Institute, helped lead the recent study and has researched mental healthcare systems around the country. Comparing the situation here with other cities Hughes said, “It is challenging (in Milwaukee) to find a provider and then you’re faced with wait times that are reasonable but not ideal.”
As Beckert pointed out, “It’s a pretty complex system to navigate, especially when you’re not feeling well.”
There is a human cost as people search for a provider or wait to begin treatment. “The longer you delay, the more people suffer,” said Dr. Jon Lehrmann, chairman of the psychiatry and behavioral medicine department at the Medical College of Wisconsin and a member of the Milwaukee County Mental Health Board.
According to Lehrmann and others, people navigating the system can become discouraged and give up on finding a provider. But getting treatment at the earliest possible time helps prevent conditions from worsening, which can result in people receiving short-term treatment in hospital emergency rooms. Without ongoing care the “emergency room treatment and release” cycle often repeats.
The problem people face in finding providers may be based, at least in part, on a low acceptance rate of Medicaid payment among providers. Wisconsin has one of the lowest Medicaid reimbursement rates in the country, according to Hughes. The report found that despite a significant increase in Medicaid enrollment in 2014, Medicaid recipients used behavioral health outpatient services at about the same rate as in previous years.
The providers with whom researchers were able to make appointments accepted Medicaid and were taking new patients. Those who did not respond may have been unwilling to accept Medicaid patients. According to the report, “It may be that the low reimbursement rates for Medicaid relative to other payment sources create a disincentive for providers.”
Héctor Colón, director of the Department of Health and Human Services for Milwaukee County, says Wisconsin’s low Medicaid reimbursement rates, especially compared to surrounding states, hurts residents and needs to be increased. “We need to work with the state to address this so people who are eligible for Medicaid can receive treatment,” he said.
Since 2012, Colón and his department have been working to place more resources in communities. The county is “getting out of the inpatient business by 2018” by closing facilities and decentralizing mental healthcare delivery. More than $15 million has already been invested in the effort, which has resulted in increased collaboration between the county and other entities, including the private healthcare system, the state, small providers, non-profits, advocates and city residents, according to Colón. “But more needs to be done,” he said.
The county is working with the Mental Health Board to privatize its hospital for mental health patients needing short-term and emergency care. Colón said the board’s plan would include closing the county’s aging hospital on the mental health complex grounds at 9201 W. Watertown Plank Road. The solution could be to create a consortium of Milwaukee providers that would share responsibilities for a new facility, or a new partnership with a single national or local provider.
Next year, the county plans to open a Community Access Hub that would help take the place of emergency rooms for mental healthcare patients in crisis. The facility would provide emergency treatment and refer patients to other community-based providers for ongoing care. It is expected to open by the end of 2016; another one is planned for 2017.
According to Colón, the rebalanced system will “no longer be reliant on long-term care institutions and will be less reliant on psychiatric inpatient admissions from emergency room visits.”
As the county decentralizes its mental healthcare services, a complex, fragmented landscape of providers has emerged, according to the report. “The million-dollar question is who is best to convene oversight and align what we are all doing,” said Schuller.
Colón believes it should be the county. “We can rise to the challenge and play a key role in coordinating outpatient services,” he said. The county has already begun discussions with its partners and others in the mental healthcare community on how it can assume a hands-on role in managing the system, according to Colón.
Mental healthcare systems around the country organize themselves in a variety of ways to ensure quality and coordination, said Hughes. For example, decentralized systems in Massachusetts and Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, Pa., are managed by their local governments.
In Milwaukee, resistance to county management of a rebalanced mental healthcare system may run high. According to Beckert, the county lacks expertise and isn’t a nimble decision maker. “The county could be responsible for the system but they should outsource the management functions,” she said.
Lehrmann agrees, “It’s not what the county does; they definitely should not be running it.”

author: Matthew Wisla


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
November 18, 2015

source: news-milwaukeenns

created: November 18, 2015

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

author: Adam Carr


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MPS expected to shift how it approaches new charter schools | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Jabril Faraj
November 20, 2015
The MPS Central Office building, 5225 W. Vliet St. (Photo by Jabril Faraj)
The Milwaukee Board of School Directors and Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) administrators have signaled that they soon will take a major step toward becoming more proactive and intentional in chartering schools.
The administration is expected to bring an item before the board in January that would create a process to solicit proposals from potential operators for schools that meet specific needs, particularly for at-risk students.
“I’m sick of people coming with their dream ideas that may not benefit this district, overall,” said at-large board member Terry Falk at a retreat held last month to review the district’s charter school program. He noted that these types of charter proposals often compete with existing programs. “I’m done with that … The question is: what does the district need?”
President Michael Bonds said the board had been talking about making changes to its chartering process for the last two or three years. But MPS Superintendent Darienne Driver acknowledged that, given the context statewide, MPS needs to clarify its philosophy and process for chartering schools.
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Recent state legislation created the Opportunity Schools and Partnership Program (OSPP), expanded the controversial voucher school program and now allows charter schools to take state money for transporting students. The law, Act 55, also created five new independent charter authorizers, three of which can charter schools in Milwaukee.
Director Annie Woodward (left foreground) and MPS administrators recite the pledge of allegiance before a retreat focused on charter schools. (Photo by Jabril Faraj)
According to Chris Thiel, a legislative policy specialist with the MPS Office of Board Governance, “there are not substantial changes, in terms of what we necessarily have to do” as a result of the legislation. Nevertheless, Board Vice President Larry Miller called the legislation “a move against public education,” adding that it calls for “flooding the market with charters” and that the board needed to figure out a way to respond.
“This is not just a friendly adjustment by the state legislature,” he said in an interview.
Driver suggested the need to define a process to allow MPS-chartered schools to petition the district to expand. She said five or six of the district’s charter schools are interested in expansion. MPS charters 20 of the 42 charter schools operating in Milwaukee.
“Expansion is something that we’ve needed to do a better job of articulating,” Driver said. “We have a number of successful charters in our portfolio who wish to expand … and, so, I think this gives us the opportunity to be able to address that need in a way that can yield some positive and clear steps and outcomes for schools and for kids.”
Board members questioned whether expansion for the sake of increasing funding is the best strategy. They raised concerns about students returning to traditional MPS schools — from MPS or other charter schools — after the third Friday in September when per-head funding is determined. While MPS receives the same amount of state funding for all students in the district, it pays a negotiated amount to charter operators for students enrolled in charter schools. If students transfer from a charter to a traditional school after that date, MPS does not recover the amount paid to the charter operator.
MPS’s goal in chartering schools is threefold: to provide “new, high-quality innovative” programs for traditionally underserved or at-risk students; to institute programs that reduce dropouts; and to offer autonomy to schools that improve student achievement.
District 1 Representative Mark Sain questioned whether any of the district’s charters serve at-risk students or address the issue of dropouts.
While Driver initially responded that, “technically, they all do because our district is categorized as serving underserved children,” when pressed she said, “Currently, no,” adding that the schools that serve at-risk students are all partnership (alternative) schools.
Sain said, “It seems like those numbers (of at-risk students) are increasing, not only for our middle and high school kids but even for our elementary school populations.” He indicated that MPS could bring more charter schools under its umbrella that address those needs.
Driver said the administration is already pursuing the idea of a virtual school, which would serve “a number of different categories of students” and is an option “we really, desperately need in MPS.” The administration plans to solicit potential operators through a Request For Proposal (RFP) process.
According to Katie Polace, of the Office of Board Governance, experts have told her, “District authorizers should aim to be as ‘active’ as possible because [they] are in a unique position to be keenly aware of the needs of their community and their district.”
Polace added that it is to MPS’s advantage to use an “active” model of authorizing — which solicits proposals based on need — instead of a “passive” model — which allows operators to submit unsolicited proposals — or trying to “toe the line” between the two approaches.
The first step in an active model would be to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to identify areas in which MPS students need more support. MPS would also need to set up a process and timeline for approving charters that is clear and consistent, according to Driver. MPS currently allows potential operators to submit charter applications on a rolling basis.
The active approach would “give us control over what we want and what we need for the district,” said Bonds.
Miller and Falk noted the solution to meeting student needs may not always be a charter school. “If you look at the history of innovation coming from within the district … historically, it’s come from all sorts of places,” said Miller, claiming that teachers, principals, vice principals and administrators have all contributed “incredibly creative, innovative” ideas.
Board Clerk Jacqueline Mann added, “It may be beneficial to look at a process for replicating and expanding schools within the district, not just charter(s).”
District 2 Representative Wendell Harris said implementing the change would be good for the district. “All too often, MPS has been accused … that we don’t do enough to bring about change, that someone else or some other entity has to come in.”
Carol Voss, who represents District 8, said the decision is about “taking the bull by the horns,” adding, “It allows for predictability for scheduling, it allows for predictability for budgeting, it allows for predictability for board decision-making.”
Calling the new direction, “very healthy,” Voss said it is beneficial to the district, “and most importantly, to our children in the city of Milwaukee.”
Editor’s note: The original version of this article has been updated.

created: November 20, 2015

author: Jabril Faraj


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
November 19, 2015

created: November 19, 2015


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Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee kicks off click for kids online toy drive | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee
November 23, 2015
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee (BGCGM) will help bring smiles to thousands of its members this holiday season with the help of generous donations via its annual Click for Kids Online Toy Drive. The goal for the Toy Drive –  open now until Dec. 23 – is to give 6,000 gifts to club members, making it a holiday they won’t forget.
The Toy Drive is sponsored by Meijer, WaterStone Bank and Bayshore Town Center’s Olshan Outreach. For the second year, Meijer, the new Wisconsin one-stop shopping supercenter, will be matching the donations for each gift purchased through the drive. Meijer will donate up to 6,000 gifts.
“Meijer is excited to once again partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee for its annual toy drive,” Meijer Milwaukee Market Director Chris Hoffmann said. “We are committed to serving the communities where our customers and team members work and live, and The Click for Kids Toy Drive provides a great opportunity to share the joy of the holidays with local children.”
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Many of the youth members BGCGM serves come from families where household budgets have little room for holiday gifts. Through the Boys & Girls Clubs’ Click for Kids online toy catalog, individuals and companies have the ability to purchase the newest age-appropriate, kid-approved gifts to ensure that Club members have presents to open this holiday. The youth range from ages 4-18 years old and there are a variety of toys available from NERF sports equipment to Play-Doh kits.
As a part of the Toy Drive, Meijer will deliver the first round of donated toys to Bayshore Town Center on Dec. 2, where BGCGM volunteers will come together to sort and organize the toys in preparation for wrapping. On Dec. 12, more than 100 BGCGM volunteers will then gather for a Gift Wrap Party event in the Bayshore Town Center Rotunda to wrap thousands of the donated toys. All donated gifts will be delivered to the 43 BGCGM locations where they will be given to Club members during holiday parties.
Toys can be purchased online now through Dec. 23 through community partner, Onmilwaukee.com at https://shoplocal.onmilwaukee.com/boysgirlsclubs. Financial donations for the toy drive also can also be mailed to:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee
Mardak Center for Administration & Training
Attn: Development Department, Toy Drive
1558 North 6th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212

created: November 23, 2015

author: Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee


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Community offers wish list for Urban Ecology Center renovation | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
November 23, 2015
(From left) Beatrix (in pink), Loralei and Vivian Madson tell Quorum architect Kate Edwards (right) what they would like to see at the redesigned Washington Park Urban Ecology Center as their mother, Stacy Madson (center), looks on. (Photo by Andrea Waxman)
Six-year-old Beatrix Madson suggested hollowing out a log and making it into a slide with a long window on top. She and sisters Vivian, 9, and Loralei, 10, bubbled over with ideas for renovating the Urban Ecology Center in Washington Park, including a non-gravity room, bakery, more plant displays and edible plants, and kid-sized bathrooms.
“How about a tall fish tank with a slide around it,” added Vivian.
The sisters and their parents joined about 30 community members, as well as representatives of Quorum Architects, Milwaukee County Parks and Urban Ecology Center (UEC), to discuss a planned Washington Park branch renovation. The architecture firm, selected from three invited to submit proposals, stimulated the brainstorming session with a slide presentation of beautiful indoor and outdoor structures and spaces from other locations near and far.
Community members Clara Fleming (left) and Robert Brox contribute their renovation ideas as Quorum architect Allyson Nemec takes notes. (Photo by Andrea Waxman)
Stacy Madson, who home schools her daughters, said she brought them to expose them to how such a project takes “persistence, a long vision and hard work,” she said. The girls regularly participate in the Menomonee Valley UEC’s Young Scientists Club.
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Originally, there was a boathouse on a large lagoon in Washington Park where UEC is now located, at 1859 N. 40 St. That was later replaced by another boathouse and then, in the mid-1970s, with a recreation center. The Urban Ecology Center rented a third of that building for its second branch in 2007 and then, two years ago, expanded to the entire building, according to Judy Krause, UEC director of finance and operations.
“Since we signed a new lease in 2013 we’ve been thinking of expanding (further),” Krause said. The branch began holding meetings to discuss the renovation in fall 2014. Now Quorum Architects and community members are contributing their ideas to a shared vision for the building that will lead to a budget and a fundraising plan, she added. It will likely take two to three years to complete the project, according to several sources.
Dozens of ideas were offered, including a more visible and welcoming building and building entrance; a community kitchen suitable for cooking classes; a tower offering an overhead view of the park; outdoor classrooms; a petting zoo; and a winter outdoor café.
Guy Smith, chief of field operations for Milwaukee County Parks, said he is excited about the renovation and wanted to be involved. He said he especially likes the ideas offered by the children who attended. Smith added, “I’m a kid at heart and I love the slides and tree houses.”

author: Andrea Waxman


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
November 22, 2015

created: November 22, 2015


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Local storytelling organization encourages listening over Thanksgiving | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ex Fabula
November 23, 2015
This Thanksgiving, Ex Fabula in conjunction with StoryCorps, a national storytelling organization, urges the community to participate in The Great Listen on Friday, November 27, 2015 by sharing stories with family and friends.
“Everyone has true, personal stories worth sharing, but in this fast paced world, sometimes we forget to carve out time to really listen to each other,” said Ex Fabula co-founder and Executive Director Megan McGee. “However, Thanksgiving weekend is a great opportunity to slow down and reflect, and the StoryCorps app makes it easy to conduct and record interviews. We’re inviting Milwaukeeans to participate, meaningfully connect with each other, and create new storytelling traditions.”
How to participate in the Great Listen
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StoryCorps is working with teachers and high school students across the country to record interviews with people over 65 – but the free app can be used by anyone to interview people of any age. Here’s how:
Afterward, people are encouraged to share photos and comments about their experience on social media with the hashtag #ExFabListen15.  More information about Ex Fabula, the Great Listen, and volunteer Ann Marie Moss’ story of interviewing her grandma can be found at www.exfabula.com/listen

author: Ex Fabula


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
November 23, 2015


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Mexico Immigration Decline: Undocumented Mexican Immigrants Migrating Back to Mexico | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
November 23, 2015
Latino Post


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MPS alternative high school principal is under investigation | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
November 23, 2015
jsonline.com


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Senior companions honored for service to other seniors | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Social Development Commission
November 23, 2015
Nearly 70 seniors, ranging in age from 55 – 91, were saluted on Friday for their volunteer work at a luncheon for the Social Development Commission’s (SDC) Senior Companion Program. The program started in 1974, when SDC was one of 18 pilot programs across the nation. Senior Companions provide a free service to nearly 400 fellow Milwaukee County seniors and disabled adults to help them remain in their homes.
The Senior Companions were thanked for their efforts in 2014 which included helping prepare more than 6,700 meals, aiding with 3,500 light housekeeping tasks, and more than 2,300 outings. The trained volunteers also escort clients on walks, facilitate shopping trips, and provide assistance with medical appointments and more.
Stephanie Findley, vice-chair of the Social Development Commission’s Board of Commissioners extended her gratitude to the Senior Companions for their commitment to not only the community but to those clients who may not otherwise have the ability to leave their homes.
George Hinton, SDC’s CEO, praised the volunteers for the positive influence they have on the lives of so many seniors. Hinton emphasized the tremendous impact their efforts have on changing the lives of those they provide services and companionship to.
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Five of the Senior Companions who are military veterans were recognized in a special pinning ceremony thanking them their continued service to our country. Pastor Calhoun of Grace Fellowship Church and Hinton presented pins to the veterans. Calhoun served in the United States Navy for 12 years and Hinton is veteran of the United States Marine.
The President’s Volunteer Service Award was bestowed upon 21 Senior Companions that have offered five years or more of volunteer service to the program. India McCanse, State Director of the Corporation for National and Community Service, and SDC CEO George Hinton, presented each with a letter from President Obama, a framed certificate, and a special pin recognizing their volunteerism.
Those in attendance were treated to a wonderful keynote speech by longtime TMJ-4 anchor and reporter Charles Benson. Benson shared personal inspirations he drew from his own life and how inspired he was by the work of the Senior Companions. He applauded them for the companionship they provide and their commitment to the community.
Seniors age 55 and older who wish to join the program or who need its service can call 414.906.2779.

author: Social Development Commission


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Students to present “letters of love” | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Arts@Large
November 23, 2015
Join us for an important presentation as students respond to the.
For each targeted Latino business, students have created “letters of love” to show their support for immigrant-owned organizations.
At a time of heightened international attention on the immigration crisis, this project was developed specifically to engage students in issues of local extremism and to promote tolerance at home.
Students will  on #GivingTuesday (December 1) as a way to celebrate & give back to our community through Arts @ Large’s December Month of Giving.
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Tuesday, December 1. 4:00 – 4:30pm.
Arts @ Large, 908 S. 5th Street, Milwaukee, WI.
Interviews with student leaders and Pardeep Kaleka, Serve2Unite Program Coordinator, available upon request.


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Turning vacant spaces into meaningful places | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Margaret Rozga
November 23, 2015
Detail of a mural at Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Place depicting NAACP Youth Council Commandos and Father James Groppi. (Photo by Karen Slattery)
Margaret Rozga, poet, civil rights activist and professor emerita of English at UW-Waukesha, writes that Milwaukeeans have the power and talent to create their own future.
What does Milwaukee have going for it? State legislators apparently think Milwaukee is hopeless and impose their measures without the advice and consent of Milwaukeeans. But David need not be powerless against Goliath.
Milwaukee has the power, the creativity, the vision, hard work, and persistence of its people, artists and grassroots leaders, young people like Fidel Verdin, teacher, hip-hop artist and co-founder of Summer of Peace, an annual one-day youth rally celebrating positive contributions of young people throughout the city.
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Milwaukee can re-envision itself and what it can be. This vision consists of more than anti-violence rhetoric. Verdin steadfastly advocates a positive vision of peace. It is a vision not of unilateral takeover, but of collaboration among neighborhood residents working with their City Council representative, with community organizations, with artists and arts organizations, and with the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and the Milwaukee School of Engineering.
I had the honor to speak at the recent opening celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Place, a significant example of this vision. The creation of this meaningful place out of a vacant space owes much to Verdin, who had already led a successful project turning a vacant lot at 5 Street and Locust Avenue into a flourishing garden.
This new project on Martin Luther King Drive celebrates homegrown heroes from recent history and lays groundwork for the future. Verdin collaborated on this project with urban historian Michael Carriere and artists Nicolas Lampert and Paul Kjelland, who were seeking a public space for their mural panels honoring the Commandos of the 1967-68 Milwaukee NAACP Youth Council. The Youth Council led 200 consecutive nights of marching for local and national fair housing legislation.
With help from Alderwoman Milele Coggs, daughter of an NAACP Youth Council stalwart, they found the Martin Luther King Drive site that is a perfect fit, directly across the street from HeartLove Place. The center is described on its website as the “hub of the Harambee community offering many programs, activities, and events throughout the year.” Included among these programs are food services, a culinary training program, family resources and a child development center. That Claudette Harris, the director of the child development center, is another NAACP Youth Council fair housing campaign veteran once again connects social justice history to social justice present. This is the Milwaukee I’m proud to be part of.
In giving public honor to the courage and vision of Milwaukee civil rights participants, Peace Place also holds them up as a model for today. If the young people portrayed in the murals, Richard Green, Marion Glass, Karate Joe and Fred Bronson, among others, could stand up for justice then, young people today can be empowered to see themselves as people who will bring a vision of justice forward to additional places and situations.
Peace Place brings meaningful public art to what was a vacant space. It will also provide produce grown in the garden to the programs at HeartLove Place. It promises to nourish body and spirit.
Milwaukee neighborhoods can and will define themselves. They can best do the job without the top-down interference of glib politicians who have no appreciation for the public role of the arts and haven’t anything like this day-to-day stake in the well being of the community.
My applause and gratitude to the hard-working, visionary local leaders and artists willing to do the nitty-gritty work that makes our community a place where life will flourish.

author: Margaret Rozga


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Wisconsin Religious Leaders Continue Fight Against Mass Incarceration | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
November 23, 2015
Wisconsin Public Radio


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Lindsay Heights residents share redevelopment ideas at annual meeting | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Marlita Annette Bevenue
November 24, 2015
Lindsay Heights residents gather to hear plans for a new commercial redevelopment project coming to the neighborhood. (Photo by Marlita A. Bevenue)
When nearly 100 Lindsay Heights residents gathered recently to discuss commercial redevelopment in their community, it became clear early on what many of them want in the area: access to a high-quality grocery store, recreational venues for youth, and a school that offers vocational and trade classes for adults.
City officials, economic development leaders and community investors met with residents at Running Rebels, 1300 W. Fond du Lac Ave., for the annual “report to community” meeting organized by Walnut Way Conservation Corp.
The meeting featured a suggested blueprint for redevelopment with colorful images and drawings presented by the UWM School of Architecture and Urban Planning Campus Design Solutions team. The sketches were designed to give residents an idea of possible commercial developments including trendy restaurants and nightlife entertainment venues, a fitness center and health care clinic.
Ald. Russell Stamper II offers his support for a revitalization plan for Lindsay Heights. (Photo by Marlita A. Bevenue)
Jacqueline Ward, North Avenue/Fond du Lac Marketplace Business Improvement District (BID) manager, urged investors at the meeting to join community efforts to work collaboratively with the city to bring attention and resources to Lindsay Heights.
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“This particular neighborhood has been disinvested in for well over three decades,” said Ward, who led the discussion. “It’s time to turn that around and revitalize this area. The commercial corridor on North Avenue and Fond du Lac is right off the freeway and is a prime location for many businesses.”
Local investors Lenny Chu and Stephen Green purchased the Sears, Roebuck & Co. building, now known as the Milwaukee Mall, on 21 Street and Fond du Lac Avenue. They came to the meeting to share their ideas on commercial space in the area, including a plan to convert the building into an MATC campus.
Since Chu and Green purchased the property in February, they have been approached by developers to turn the building into affordable housing or assisted living apartments, but the businessmen have a different vision for the space.
“You can build apartments anywhere,” said Green. “Today, over half the people who go to MATC come from the North Side. They shouldn’t have to leave their neighborhoods just to travel all the way downtown or West Allis to take classes.”
Green said he has talked to Ald. Russell Stamper II about the plan. His next steps are to talk to MATC management and City Development Commissioner Rocky Marcoux, who was at the meeting.
Some people participating in the discussion urged local investors to consider bringing a new grocery store or supermarket to the area, while others talked about the need for youth to have places to gather after school and on weekends.
“I grew up with a movie theater and a skating rink in my neighborhood,” one woman told the group. “That was over 40 years ago, but where do kids go nowadays? We need to bring those social activities back to our neighborhoods.”
According to Ward, the meeting was the first step in the redevelopment process for Lindsay Heights. “This neighborhood is worth the investment, and we want the people who live here to be involved in the rebuilding plans every step of the way.”

created: November 24, 2015

author: Marlita Annette Bevenue


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On the Block: “I didn’t give up” | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Wyatt Massey
November 24, 2015
Milwaukee native DeLon Price has worked as an insurance agent for nearly 14 years. She said her community involvement keeps her informed about resources for her clients and teaches her two teenagers the importance of service. Price has volunteered at community events that connect residents with information about pubic services. “I didn’t give up on the community,” she said. “I’ve been here my entire life and I don’t think I’m going anywhere anytime soon. Anything I can do to give back, I will.”

author: Wyatt Massey


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Aurora provides Thanksgiving dinner for hundreds of local families | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Mark Doremus
November 25, 2015
Aurora Family Service provided Thanksgiving dinners for 3,100 Milwaukee-area families (Photo by Mark Doremus)
Thanksgiving is family time for most of us. And the centerpiece of the family gathering is a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. This year Aurora Family Service helped make that holiday dinner possible for 3,100 Milwaukee-area families. As it has for 19 years, Aurora collected money to buy 12-pound turkeys and all the associated side dishes, and gave them away at its clinic at 3200 W. Highland Ave.
The program is special in part because the food is prepared and served in the recipients’ own homes, not in a cafeteria or auditorium. Organizers say it’s much more personal and meaningful that way.
Food baskets included 12-pound turkeys and all the trimmings. (Photo by Mark Doremus)
“The food is secondary. We do it this way so that families can have dinner in their own homes, and make their own memories,” said Jane Pirsig, executive director of Aurora Family Service and the primary organizer for the event. The first year, she recalled, Aurora gave away turkeys to 55 families. This year, the project reached an estimated 20,000 people at a cost of about $90,000, Pirsig said.
The project also is an opportunity for volunteers to spend some family time together working for a good cause before they sit down to Thanksgiving dinners of their own.
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Angelic Carr, an Aurora employee, and her daughter Yvette have been helping out for more than 10 years. They both put in an 11-hour day at the food distribution site. Angelic’s sister, Sarah Santiago, was there as well. They all joined in, Carr said, because it’s a chance to give back to the community, and because it’s an emotionally satisfying experience.
“The people are grateful; it’s nice to see that,” Carr said. “They’re very appreciative. If they didn’t have the basket, some of them couldn’t bring their families together. This gives them the chance to do that.”
More than 100 nonprofit organizations picked up food baskets in the morning for families they had identified in the community. In the afternoon, other recipients lined up outside the clinic and waited patiently for more than an hour before the food distribution began.
Funds for the dinner kits were raised by the Aurora Health Care Foundation from a number of partner organizations, including Humana, Johnson Controls, Joy Global, Quarles & Brady, BMO Harris Bank, Walmart, iHeart Radio and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation Joseph R. Pabst Fund.
In front of the building, Nanette People and Martha Barnes were each waiting for a ride home, carrying a turkey and fixings. Neither People nor Barnes will be cooking this year because of health issues, but they each undoubtedly will be coaching the cooks. They both said dinner would be the main event on Thanksgiving, but not the only attraction.
The women agreed that what’s really important is to bring their family together, and the food is what makes that happen. They added they are grateful to Aurora, its fundraisers and legion of volunteers.

created: November 25, 2015

author: Mark Doremus


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
November 25, 2015


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
November 24, 2015


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How to shop local on Black Friday | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce
November 25, 2015
Lisa Torrence, of Torrence’s House of Threads, displays wares from the shop she owns with her husband, Elliot. (Photo by Jabril Faraj)
Skip the jam-packed stores and long lines on Black Friday and shop local instead. The Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce is putting on “Black Friday Nights,” an event for the community, sponsored by the community. Designed to encourage residents to invest in local businesses and restaurants, “Black Friday Nights” will feature nearly 100 black vendors with gifts for sale, including handmade jewelry, ethnic-themed artwork, books, natural skincare products and more.
Vendors will be available at the following two locations:
Wisconsin Black Historical Society
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2620 W. Center Street, Milwaukee
(414) 933-1652
Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wisconsin African American Women’s Center
3020 W. Vliet Street, Milwaukee
(414) 933-1652
Hours: 5 p.m. – Midnight
In addition, TRUE Skool is sponsoring a Black Friday market where local artists are banding together to provide a shopping experience that will put money back into the community.
TRUE Skool, Inc.
“Circulate” Creative Entrepreneur Market
161 W. Wisconsin Ave, Ste. 1000
(414) 445-9079
Hours: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
For more information, visit the Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce website. You can also find more information on TRUE Skool’s “Circulate” event here.

author: Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce


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Happy Thanksgiving | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
November 26, 2015
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service wishes you and your family a happy and bountiful holiday.

created: November 26, 2015

author: Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service


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On the Block: Finding happiness | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Jabril Faraj
November 26, 2015
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Amos Kennedy was born in Louisiana, where he spent the majority of his childhood and received a stellar high school education. Kennedy went on to college; he would eventually work at IBM and other corporate jobs. But, at 40, he was laid off, which would lead to a change in perspective and a thriving career.


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Teen advocates thankful for smoke-free homes this holiday | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Lorraine Lathen
November 26, 2015
Most of us are thankful for food, football and family on Thanksgiving, but in Wisconsin, where asthma is more prevalent among African American youth as well as those living in poverty; clean air can be added to that list.
“None of my family members smoke anymore,” said Matthew Broaden, who suffers from asthma.
Broaden and his sisters, all members of the Wisconsin African American Tobacco Prevention Network (WAATPN) FACT group, helped their uncle quit by letting him know that his habit was damaging their lungs as well as his. FACT is Wisconsin’s youth led tobacco prevention movement and consists of 5,000 members from 30 groups which are spread across the state.
Nia Kamara, a member of the Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention and Poverty Network (WTPPN) FACT, is also on the group’s youth board. Nia said the greatest benefit of being on the board is being able to take a leadership role in reaching out to other youth to help them spread the word about the dangers of tobacco use.
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One of the main messages she shares with teens is how damaging second hand smoke can be, especially to those with asthma.
“Secondhand smoke is one of the main triggers of asthma attacks,” Kamara said.
According to the CDC, exposure to environmental tobacco smoke is associated with adverse asthma related health outcomes. Citing dangers associated with exposure to secondhand smoke, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently proposed a rule to ban smoking in all of the nation’s 1.2 million public housing units. In a statement HUD Secretary Julian Castro wrote, “This proposed rule will improve the health of more than 760,000 children.”
Clear Gains, Wisconsin’s smoke-free housing initiative has been working with local property owners in recent years to help them implement similar policies here. James Hightower, a member of the WAATPN FACT group said his parents were among those who included a ban in their rental agreement as a result of Clear Gains.
“Tobacco products are not allowed on the premises,” Hightower said.
Matthew’s sister, Michelle Broaden, hopes for a day when that rule extends to all homes, but for now she said she’s just happy to be living in what she calls a “tobacco free zone” this Thanksgiving.
“Because nobody in my home smokes that increases the chance that we will get to spend many more Thanskgivings together,” she said.

author: Lorraine Lathen


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Lindsay Heights Lens: Neighborhood Challenges | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Running Rebels Youth Advisory Council
November 27, 2015
This is the first of a series of four Neighborhood Lens galleries of photos taken by the Running Rebels Youth Advisory Council (YAC) as part of an adapted photovoice project. Photovoice is a participatory action research method where individuals and/or communities determine community challenges and strengths through photographic documentation. The photos are analyzed, discussed and categorized by the residents into themes that highlight areas of importance. Often used as a tool for community empowerment and for raising awareness to bring about social change, photovoice reinforces the importance of allowing residents and communities to determine what’s important and why through their own photos, discussions and words.
Half of the YAC members grew up in Lindsay Heights, and all of them spend significant time in Lindsay Heights through their proud affiliation with Running Rebels. The youth who grew up in Lindsay Heights served as our leaders, and picked specific neighborhood areas to visit. The youth were then allowed to wander and take photos. Later, the photos were printed and the youth reflected on questions from the first half of the Photovoice “SHOWED” analysis method, writing photo captions to highlight 1) what you first see in the photo 2) the deeper story behind the photo and 3) what this says about the community and why this is happening. The YAC members then shared the thought processes behind their photos with each other and determined bigger themes that connect the photos within categories of “neighborhood challenges,” “neighborhood improvement” and “neighborhood strengths.”
The YAC asked us to first feature the “Neighborhood Challenges” gallery and end with the “Neighborhood Strengths” gallery (a fourth gallery will focus on the YAC).
In the Neighborhood Challenges gallery, the youth came up with themes: “Broken,” “People don’t care how it looks — so it looks like we’re an uncaring community,” “Abandoned” and “Gang Territory.” They spoke to how the gallery of neighborhood challenges, while indicative of problems, also reflects how they hear Lindsay Heights described over and over again in the media. They hope that together, the galleries will educate people about challenges and motivate action, and also highlight neighborhood strengths that should be better publicized. After seeing the galleries, Running Rebels director Victor Barnett echoed the youths’ call to action and noted that the photos also suggest a need for greater communication between city officials and youth.
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We hope you will check back each week to see the galleries that show other ways that YAC members see Lindsay Heights: as home, as a neighborhood with strong community organizations and vibrant beauty, and a neighborhood where the optimism of youth is one of its greatest strengths.

created: November 27, 2015

author: Running Rebels Youth Advisory Council


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County Senior Nutrition Program serves up more than just food | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Edgar Mendez
November 27, 2015
Joe Orr, 83, said he began participating in the meal program three years ago, after delivering county meals to the elderly for 16 years. (Photo by Edgar Mendez)
For 16 years, Joe Orr delivered meals to the elderly as a part-time truck driver for Meals on Wheels, the delivery arm of Milwaukee County’s Senior Nutrition Program. But on this day, Orr, 83 years old and three years retired, takes his usual seat in the dining room of the Brown Deer Senior Center, 7841 N. 47 St., sitting down to a lunch of soup, Swiss beef topped with mushrooms, green beans, small potatoes and a roll.
Orr now participates in the county’s senior meal program, which in 2015 will serve an estimated 250,000 meals at sites such as Brown Deer and deliver another 342,000 meals to homebound seniors, according to Beth Monrial Zatarski, director of the senior meal program at the Milwaukee County Department on Aging.
There are 26 senior dining sites in the county, four of which serve specialty ethnic meals geared toward Hispanics and Asians. In addition, meals for delivery are prepared at nine dispatch sites. The county owns some sites, while others are run out of social service agencies, public housing buildings and other locations. Most sites serve only lunch but some also provide dinner. There are no financial restrictions to participate in the program, but there are eligibility requirements to receive homebound meals. In addition all participants must be 60 or older.
Delia Melendez, 61, exercises and participates in guitar and singing classes at UCC’s ethnic meal site, in addition to eating lunch. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
Greeting the 44 seniors who’ve come for lunch at the Brown Deer site is Evelyn Fayne, who has been working there since 2010, during the past year as site supervisor.
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Fayne said the meal program relies heavily on volunteer workers, including the 17 who rotate days at her site. She said what she enjoys most about her job is hearing the senior’s stories.
“They love to share their memories; talking about the past,” Fayne said.
According to Orr and others, the conversations are just as important as the meal. “The food is good but I come here to meet and talk to nice people,” said Orr.
The opportunity to socialize draws seniors to the meal centers, according to Zatarski, who said many of them live alone and might not have anyone else to talk to. Drawing seniors from their homes allows the county to supplement meals with wellness programming, including visits from social workers, as well as field trips and other activities that vary by site.
The day usually flows based on the whims of the clients. “Some like to go on field trips and some like to play cards,” Zatarski said.
The home-delivered meal program offers the opportunity for a daily wellness check. “If a homebound client doesn’t answer their door their family members are notified,” Zatarski said.
The need for services for seniors in Milwaukee County is increasing; 16 percent of the population is 60 and older and that number is expected to grow, according to the 2014 American Community Survey. In addition, changes made to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have resulted in food stamp reductions for many elderly in Milwaukee. Perhaps as a result, the number of senior meals served will increase from 572,000 in 2014 to a projected 592,000 this year.
And for many, said Zatarski, the county-provided meal is the only one they’ll eat that day, which is why each meal contains a day’s worth of calories.
Seniors can often be seen packing away leftovers.
While seniors at the Brown Deer or Lapham Park meal site, at 1901 N. 6 St., might set aside spaghetti, Italian beans and pistachio pudding for later, at the United Community Center’s (UCC) ethnic meal site at 730 W. Washington St., it’s more likely to be enchiladas and Puerto Rican rice.
The site, which is open seven days a week, is connected to UCC’s senior housing and serves an average of 130 seniors a day. Many of the participants speak only Spanish, according to Hector Hernandez, program coordinator for the UCC Senior Center. Transportation to and from the site is also offered to residents in the surrounding neighborhood. Since the program is run by a major nonprofit, it can provide more services and activities for seniors to participate in, Hernandez said.
Those activities, which run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, include dancing, guitar lessons, zumba, outings to local parks and carnavales to mark special occasions. Antonio Chavez, 68, who lives in UCC’s senior housing facility and on this day sits in the lobby wearing a sombrero, is there from open to close.
“It’s better than sitting at home dying,” said Chavez with a laugh, before heading to the cafeteria upon hearing an announcement that meals would soon be served.
Hernandez said the draw is the meal, but the ultimate goal is to keep seniors from being isolated in their homes. The isolation can be magnified for those who now live far from their homelands in Mexico, Puerto Rico and other countries, he added.
“Sitting alone at home watching TV will make them feel even more deprived, unhappy and depressed,” Hernandez said.
The desire for company drew 61-year-old Delia Melendez, who is originally from Puerto Rico, to check out the meal program.
“I used to sit in the house doing nothing but being bored,” said Melendez, in Spanish. Now, she said, she enjoys a meal and other activities in the company of friends.
“Sometimes it can be like a party,” said Zatarski, “but we’re helping them stay healthy at the same time.”

author: Edgar Mendez


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
November 26, 2015


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Sherman Park neighborhood marks gateway with new sculpture | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
November 27, 2015
A sculpture comprised of two colorful hearts inset with mosaics of cultural and religious symbols was officially unveiled at 5919 W. Roosevelt Drive (at Burleigh and 60th St.). The sculpture evolved from residents’ statements and represents “the different kinds of people working together for the betterment of our community,” according to one statement. More than 10 organizations collaborated with sculptor Marina Lee and mosaic artist Ann Wydeven to produce the sculpture titled “Compassion.”
The project was supported by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s Mary L. Nohl Fund, and the City of Milwaukee Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation.


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15K dropped from food stamp program after not finding work | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
November 30, 2015
Wisconsin State Journal

created: November 30, 2015


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How the Gun Control Debate Ignores Black Lives | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
November 30, 2015
Pro Publica


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MPS theater students get dance tips from a pro | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
November 30, 2015
88NINE Radio Milwaukee


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Racial inequalities focus of new Milwaukee County office | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
November 30, 2015
Milwaukee Business Journal


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Time to restore voting rights | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Mark Rice
November 30, 2015
Mark Rice (at microphone) speaks at a press conference at the State Capitol to launch the ROC Wisconsin campaign on Nov. 3. He is joined by EXPO leaders William Harrell (left) and Jerome Dillard (background). (Photo by Kaitlyn Madison)
Mark Rice, who helps lead Ex-Prisoners Organizing (EXPO) and serves as a board member of Project RETURN, calls for restoring voting rights for all formerly incarcerated people.
Formerly incarcerated people from throughout the country, including members of Ex-Prisoners Organizing (EXPO) here in Milwaukee, recently led a campaign that prompted President Obama to ban the box that inquires about conviction and arrest history on federal job applications.
The president’s action removed a barrier to employment for more than 70 million people with records in the United States. Reducing employment obstacles for these individuals can make communities safer, strengthen families, decrease child poverty and strengthen the economy.
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The stories of numerous EXPO leaders illustrate why previously imprisoned people should not be excluded from participating in the civic life of their communities. Their stories show that women and men with records can not only change, but can become key leaders of organizations and social movements.
EXPO leaders drive the criminal justice reform campaign of WISDOM, a network of faith-based organizations in Wisconsin that organizes around social justice issues. During a public action on Nov. 3, the campaign officially became ROC Wisconsin: Restoring Our Communities – Beyond 11×15. This campaign, which was previously called the 11×15 Campaign for Safer, Healthier Communities, has called attention to the waste, injustice and ineffectiveness of Wisconsin’s mass incarceration, especially of low-income people and people of color.
In addition to contributing to the successful national ban the box campaign, EXPO members helped to lead efforts that resulted in other important policy changes. They made significant contributions to a campaign that prompted administrators of the Department of Corrections to reduce the use of solitary confinement in Wisconsin prisons. Additionally, their work played a key role in persuading legislators to expand the state’s Treatment Alternatives and Diversion (TAD) program and a transitional jobs program that helps men and women who face barriers to employment find jobs.
Furthermore, several EXPO members help to lead organizations that aim to reduce recidivism rates. For example, nine EXPO members currently serve as board members or staff members at Project RETURN in Milwaukee. Project RETURN helps men and women leaving prison make a positive and permanent return to our community. The recidivism rate for people who the organization helps to obtain employment is under 5 percent.
Despite all of the work that they have done to strengthen their communities, some EXPO leaders still cannot vote. Wisconsin policymakers should not continue to deny these individuals the right to vote.
Wisconsin law currently prohibits over 40,000 residents who have been convicted of felonies from voting. Denying voting rights to individuals with past convictions is a significant part of what we call “the New Jim Crow.”
Wisconsin has one of the most racially unjust penal systems in the nation. Wisconsin imprisons African-American men and Native American men at a higher rate than any other state. In Milwaukee County, one out of two African-American men in their 30s has been incarcerated in the state prison system.
Laws that prohibit people with records from voting have a highly disparate impact on African-Americans. These laws prohibit one out of every 13 African-Americans in the nation from voting. In Wisconsin, nearly 10 percent of African-Americans cannot vote.
Denying voting rights to women and men with past convictions is a form of structural discrimination that adds nothing to public safety. In fact, several studies suggest that voting and participating in other forms of civic engagement can help formerly incarcerated people desist from crime.
For example, a study conducted by the Florida Parole Commission found that previously imprisoned people who have their civil rights restored return to prison at a much lower rate than those who do not have their rights restored. Similarly, sociologists Chris Uggen and Jeff Manza found that previously imprisoned individuals who vote tend to be rearrested and reincarcerated at lower levels.
In 2014, State Rep. Evan Goyke of Milwaukee introduced a bill that would have enabled people to vote as soon as they return home from correctional facilities. However, legislators did not allow this bill to make it out of committee.
It is time for Wisconsin lawmakers to end this unjust system of exclusion. No formerly incarcerated person should be denied the right to vote.

author: Mark Rice


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
November 29, 2015

created: November 29, 2015


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UWM researcher says CEO pay is ‘motoring inequality’ in Milwaukee | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Jabril Faraj
November 30, 2015
Sheila Cochran speaks about her experiences as a labor leader in Milwaukee at a UWM panel to discuss inequality. (Photo by Jabril Faraj)
Between 1992 and 2013, CEO pay for the largest 25 publicly held companies in Milwaukee rose from $1.2 million per year (in 2013 dollars) to $7.5 million, according to numbers calculated by Marc Levine, director of UWM’s Center for Economic Development (CED). Levine said his calculations, which draw from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission data and will be included in a CED report to be released later this year, were based on conservative estimates.
“CEO pay is the leading force pulling the rest of the 1 percent along,” he said, adding that CEO pay and the financial sector are “the two key sectors that have been really motoring … inequality.”
Levine presented the statistics at a panel organized by the UWM Urban Studies Program to discuss inequality in Milwaukee. The program, which was held at the Hefter Conference Center on Lake Drive, included State Rep. David Bowen (D-Milwaukee), Rep. Dale Kooyenga (R-Brookfield), Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) President Tim Sheehy and Sheila Cochran, chief operating officer of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council.
Cochran, a labor leader, emphasized the need for more black human resources professionals as well as CEOs committed to improving diversity in their workforces.
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Marc Levine (center) challenges Tim Sheehy (right) on the best strategies for alleviating the achievement gap in schools. Sheila Cochran looks on. (Photo by Jabril Faraj)
Cochran said she was hired in 1979 by Delco Electronics, a subsidiary of General Motors, where she worked for almost 20 years, to fulfill a hiring quota for a government contract the company was pursuing. She said the HR director at Delco was a black woman who “scoured Milwaukee, worked with SDC (Social Development Commission) and brought in any number of black people,” but lost her job once the quota was met.
“You can talk about all the statistics in the world you want to about Milwaukee but the point is, as long as our white population is terrified of us, they are going to go [the other] way,” said Cochran, who sits on the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership (WRTP) and United Way boards.
Added Joel Rast, director of Urban Studies at UWM, “The reality is, sometimes, you need to have difficult conversations in order to move forward on an issue. And, this is an issue where the conversations are … not always easy.”
Cochran criticized the MMAC’s 2,000 member companies for employing too many white, female HR professionals. “They do not have a lot of black, male HR professionals, who wouldn’t be terrified to talk to a black man.”
She said the buck stops at the top. “I know how CEOs work, because I’ve worked with a lot of them. If they want something to happen, it happens. They can say, ‘We will hire black people,’ and it will happen. I know; I have seen it happen. And it has happened quickly. As long as it has to do with that bottom line.”
Sheehy responded, “I’m sure we have members that discriminate but most of them are in a position where, if they do, they’re not going to be competitive.” He added, “Our employers will do anything to compete.”
MMAC’s member companies employ about 300,000 people in Southeast Wisconsin. In response to a question about why it was the only local business association that did not support a recent summit hosted by the Urban Economic Development Association of Wisconsin (UEDA) to address black male unemployment in Milwaukee, Sheehy said, “I don’t represent a lot of companies that can employ people with less than a high school degree.”
Sheehy said he doesn’t think any MMAC member companies pay minimum wage. He said, “They’re looking for people that they can up-skill, they’re looking for people that they can train.”
Levine said the rise in inequality in Milwaukee, which is in line with national trends, is directly tied to dramatic increases in CEO pay, particularly during the last 20 years. “Average CEO compensation went up by almost 500 percent during this period. Average worker pay, only about 10 percent,” he said, noting that the ratio of CEO to worker pay went from 30 to 1, to 161 to 1.
The CEO of We Energies, a utility company that has an effective monopoly in southeastern Wisconsin, saw an increase in pay of 1,600 percent over the same period, from $837,000 to $15 million, Levine said. Other executive pay has followed suit, he added.
The increase in CEO pay, paired with a drop in union membership, “explains about 40 percent of the average increase at the top,” according to a recent report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The disparity has resulted in lower inter-generational mobility and economic inefficiency. Because income is concentrated in the top 1 percent at levels not seen since the Great Depression, there is less demand and less spending, making the economy more prone to boom and bust.
But there’s another result of increasing inequality. “We also get skewed politics and policies, which reinforce those inequalities,” Levine said.
And, even though Milwaukee is in the middle of the pack in terms of general inequality, Levine added, “On issues of race and poverty, on issues of income inequality relating to race, on issues of inter-generational mobility, Milwaukee ranks much, much, much worse than most metropolitan areas and most cities across the country.”
Wisconsin incarcerates one in eight working-age black males, the highest rate in the country and nearly twice the national average. Referring to Michelle Alexander’s “The New Jim Crow,” Bowen said, “When she talks about an under-caste system, she, in actuality, is talking about individuals that do not have access to the economy, that do not have access to resources because of the [criminal] record they now have,” he said.
He noted the trend toward incarceration is expensive. According to Bowen, if Wisconsin incarcerated people at a rate equal to Iowa, the state could save $600 million in its two-year budget. He also pointed out that the difference is one of priorities: in Gov. Scott Walker’s latest budget, higher education funding was cut by 13 percent, while spending on prisons increased. Wisconsin’s K-12 education spending has declined by 15 percent over the last seven years.
Kooyenga, who co-authored the New Opportunities for Milwaukee proposal and legislation that created a recovery district for failing MPS schools, said, “We need to challenge the status quo and try new ideas.”
He said the solution starts with education reform. “Essentially, if you have folks that can’t get through a proper education system, you are dealing with a symptom the rest of your life, as opposed to the disease.”
Kooyenga noted that “the horror of poverty” is that it robs people of the ability to find meaningful work. “Meaningful work makes us come alive,” he said.
“We want our students educated; we love our children just as much as the next community,” said education activist Marva Herndon, who added that African-American children are used as “cash cows” by education reformers. “What we’d like to see is for the MMAC to do what they’re supposed to do [and] get at the job issues … That would help our children from these low-income families more than anything else.”
Added Levine, “Providing jobs for people, providing family-supporting jobs … that’s the problem in neighborhoods across the city.”
Bowen noted when it comes to “educating young people in high-poverty neighborhoods that are dealing with adverse experiences that their counterparts are not experiencing, people are comparing apples and oranges.”
Stephanie Findley, an attendee representing African-American Ladies Empowered to Grow Opportunities, said a significant number of black professionals have gone from middle class to poverty since the recession. “You’re talking about layers and layers of racism in this city,” she said, adding that the panel was focusing too much on low-wage workers. “You’re driving out the black professionals.”
According to Findley, companies and CEOs need to get outside of their comfort zone. “You don’t have to look for black professionals — we are here,” she said.
Bowen said policies that would reverse the trend of inequality, such as an increased minimum wage and laws to strengthen collective bargaining rights and end discriminatory practices in employment and housing, “probably wouldn’t have that much political will in 2015, in Wisconsin.” But he added, “The public will must demand it.”


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22780604243_2c752a4a54_k | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
November 29, 2015


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Welcome to the New Layton Boulevard | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
November 30, 2015
UrbanMilwaukee.com


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2015 Journey House holiday opportunities | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Journey House
December 1, 2015
Adopt a Family
We ask for your help in providing gifts to some of our families.  A written profile and picture of each family will be provided. Gifts may be dropped off to Journey House, picked up at your location or delivered directly to the family by you. Gifts delivered to Journey House should be completed on or before December 16th.  If you deliver directly to the family you have till December 23rd.  Please contact Cherise Myers at #414-647-0548 ext.104 or respond to this email.
Adopt-A-Teen
We are looking for gift cards in increments of $10 to 25 to give to our teens (12-19 years of age) that attend our Youth Center, South Division and BayView Community Learning Center Programs this year.  We ask that all gift cards be dropped off at Journey House (2110 W. Scott Street) by .
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Our goal is to supply 150 teens with a gift card.
Some gift card suggestions: itunes cards, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Old Navy, Wal-Mart, Target, Kohls or local malls.

created: December 1, 2015

author: Journey House


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On the Block: Son of a preacher man | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Brendan O’Brien
December 1, 2015
Musician Ray Simpson developed his love of music and the importance of faith in his life at his father’s church, where he has been playing the organ since he was a youngster. Simpson said he feels closer to God when he plays the organ for the small congregation at Mountain Top Faith Church, 3707 W. Fond du Lac Ave.

author: Brendan O’Brien


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
November 30, 2015

author: Adam Carr


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City, nonprofit housing programs offer help purchasing and improving properties | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Wyatt Massey
December 2, 2015
Rick Banks (left) of Harambee Great Neighborhood Initiative was one of many community leaders available at the housing fair to help residents improve their neighborhoods through home ownership. (Photo by Wyatt Massey)
Charles Muhammad had enough of seeing people abuse the vacant lot next to his home. “For so many years the lot has been dumped on and trashed, so I wanted to do something about it,” he said.
When he heard District 6 Alderwoman Milele Coggs on the radio promoting the 5th Annual Housing Fair, an event for residents to learn about buying and renovating properties, he braved the snow to find out more.
Coggs and District 15 Alderman Russell Stamper sponsored the fair at UACB Lee Campus, 921 W. Meinecke Ave. Muhammad and other attendees were able to connect with representatives from 39 organizations and receive information about buying, repairing, financing or renting a home in the city.
Arthur Mays, broker and owner of Realty Among Friends, said his business constantly gets calls from people who are misinformed about the home-buying process.
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Charles Muhammad attended the housing fair to learn about city programs that can help him improve the empty lot adjacent to his home. (Photo by Wyatt Massey)
People shopping for a home have fallen for the Internet scam of paying for a list of available houses. These listings can be six months to a year old, Mays said. He said people who are unsure about the buying or financing process should seek help from nonprofit housing counselors.
“Our biggest challenge is just making sure that we get people to call and go through the right resources first,” he said.
Bethany Sanchez, senior administrator at Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council, shared information about scams in which an individual pretending to work for a mortgage modification service asks for money up front from a homeowner to re-negotiate mortgage payments. Scammers create authentic-looking letters and websites to gain trust and steal money from residents unable to keep up on their mortgages.
“There’s a lot of people struggling and they don’t know where to turn,” Sanchez said. “99.9 percent of people don’t know that it’s illegal to charge up front.”
The fair housing council also helps people who are discriminated against in the housing market. Race, disability and family status are the most common forms of housing discrimination in Milwaukee, Sanchez said.
Workshops at the resource fair included how to improve public safety by building healthy relationships with neighbors, resources to help elderly residents stay in their homes and information about buying or rehabilitating a city-owned home.
Information was available about several city programs, including the Homebuyer Assistance Program and the Strong Neighborhoods Plan. The Homebuyer Assistance Program, run by the city’s Neighborhood Improvement Development Corp., offers up to $20,000 in second mortgage loans to purchase and improve city-owned foreclosures. The Strong Neighborhoods Plan works to prevent tax foreclosures, mitigate blight and sell city-owned foreclosed properties to generate funds for renovation.
In addition, Take Root Milwaukee, a partnership between the city and local organizations, supports efforts to sustain homeownership and stabilize Milwaukee neighborhoods.
Several programs focus on home repairs. For example, the city’s Targeted Investment Neighborhood (TIN) program works to decrease crime by supporting homeowners and landlords with funds for common repairs, such as lead paint removal, heating, plumbing, weatherization or window replacement. The funds are available for properties in nine neighborhoods.
Select Milwaukee also is creating a new Home Loan Fund, which will finance home improvement projects for up to 100 homeowners and cover the cost of purchase and repair for up to 250 homes in its first three years of operation, according to the group’s website.
Repair assistance does more for a neighborhood than improve one home’s appearance, said Rick Banks, Harambee Great Neighborhood Initiative community organizer. Residents who improve their homes empower other residents to do the same and promote neighborhood values. This is only possible if people take advantage of the programs designed to keep neighborhoods healthy, he said.
“So many people need repairs to windows and roofs,” Banks added. “By giving help, crime goes down, homeownership goes up.

created: December 2, 2015


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
December 1, 2015


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How to donate to food pantries | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
UW-Extension
December 2, 2015
The holiday season is an excellent time to donate to local food pantries. (Photo by Molly Rippinger)
The holiday season is an excellent time to give back to the community by donating to local food drives. With that in mind, here are a few important things to remember to be sure your donation is doing the most good this season.
Look for quality, pull and expiration dates
Some labels read, “Better if used by” and a date. These mean that the food product will begin to lose its flavor after that date. These kinds of labels are often found on cold cereals, peanut butter, packaged mixes and canned fruits or vegetables. Donate foods that are well within the quality date, as the food may develop a bad taste if consumed after the date.
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Refrigerated items, such as eggs, salad mixes, milk, yogurt and cottage cheese have a “pull by” date, in which the food product is not sold after that date. Most food pantries do not accept perishable food items, with the exception of some salad mixes. Check with your local pantry before making a donation. Finally, do not donate foods that have passed their expiration date.
Check product packaging
Only donate foods in unopened packages. This ensures the product has not been contaminated or damaged, such as cans with broken seams or large dents. Home-canned items are typically not accepted. A good rule to follow when deciding to donate a food item is whether you would feed it to your family.
Donate nutritious foods
Some food products may be easy to donate but are not healthy, such as sugary cereals, salty noodle mixes and fruit-flavored beverages. These products are also difficult to make into nutritious meals. Instead, food donations should have a long shelf life and be full of nutrients. Examples of such products include canned vegetables without added salt, canned meats and fish, peanut butter, whole-grain cereals, low-sodium soup broth and low-fat salad dressings or condiments.
Food pantries also welcome cash donations, which allow them to purchase foods to fill specific shortages. To learn more, visit the Safe and Healthy Food Pantries Project website.

author: UW-Extension


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Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit Expiration in 2017 May Affect Millions of Working Latino Families | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
December 3, 2015
Latin Post

created: December 3, 2015

author: Andrea Waxman


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Gorman & Co. planning multi-family housing in Washington Park | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
December 3, 2015
BizTimes.com


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MANDI finalists compete for prestigious neighborhood development awards | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sharon McGowan
December 3, 2015
Cecelia Gore of Brewers Community Foundation (fourth from left) poses with finalists for the Brewers Community Foundation Public Space Award: (from left) John Dargle of Milwaukee County Parks; Kimberly Gleffe and Emily Thornberg of River Revitalization Foundation; Pepper Ray of the Dominican Center for Women (representing Moody Park) and Stacy Swadish of Historic Milwaukee. (Photo by Andrea Waxman)
Laura Bray, LISC Milwaukee executive director, welcomes the crowd of MANDI finalists and community members. (Photo by Andrea Waxman)
Finalists in five categories will compete for the Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (MANDI), which recognize people and projects working to make Milwaukee a great place to live, work, and play.
A 40-member volunteer committee selected the finalists from among nominees submitted by the public.
“The MANDIs provide an opportunity to celebrate Milwaukee’s diverse neighborhoods, and the many passionate, committed people working together to create a better future for themselves, their families and their communities,” said Laura Bray, executive director of LISC Milwaukee. “These finalists represent the future of our city.”
Sponsored by U.S. Bank, in partnership with LISC Milwaukee, the MANDIs recognize individuals, organizations and corporations that are improving conditions in Milwaukee’s central city neighborhoods.
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A sixth category, the “Wells Fargo People’s Choice Award” will be given to the finalist who receives the most votes from the public. Public voting will take place in March at the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service website.
The finalists in each category are listed below.
The BMO Harris Cornerstone Award recognizes an organization for its commitment and effectiveness over time.
The Northern Trust Navigator Award recognizes individuals for leadership and collaboration.
Jamie Reeve of Northern Trust Bank (right) poses with Dick Larsen (left) and Rodney Bourrage (center), finalists for the Northern Trust Navigator award, along with Larry and Sharon Adams, not pictured. (Photo by Andrea Waxman)
The PNC Bank Trail Blazer Award recognizes an innovative approach to a community problem.
The State Farm Building Blocks Award recognizes a real estate project that advances the community.
The Brewers Community Foundation Public Space Award recognizes a public space that helps build the community.
Winners will be announced at a gala on Wednesday, March 16, at the Potawatomi Hotel and Casino.

author: Sharon McGowan


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
December 2, 2015


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More Women Getting Breast Screenings Under Medicaid Expansion | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
December 3, 2015
Kaiser Health News


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New Diabetes Cases, at Long Last, Begin to Fall in the United States | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
December 3, 2015
The New York Times


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NNS on Lake Effect: MPS considering changes to chartering | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
December 3, 2015
NNS reporter Jabril Faraj goes on the air with Mitch Teich of WUWM Lake Effect Radio to discuss his recent story about changes Milwaukee Public Schools is considering for chartering schools.


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
December 3, 2015


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Saving Wally Schmidt: Historic restaurant and tavern plans a revamp | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
December 3, 2015
OnMilwaukee.com


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Shop for savings at a health insurance open house | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Clare Reardon
December 3, 2015
The Milwaukee Enrollment Network is offering two holiday open houses for consumers shopping for health insurance savings. On Thursday, December 10, from 2 pm to 7 pm, open houses hosted at Aurora Family Services, 3200 West Highland Boulevard and Walker’s Point Community Clinic, 130 Bruce Street will offer free and confidential help for individuals looking for affordable health care coverage.
“With so many families looking for holiday bargains, the health insurance open houses are a great way for folks to review their coverage options and find the best fit for their needs and their budgets,” says Heather Dummer Combs, of the Milwaukee Enrollment Network. “We know that many people are still unaware that they are eligible for affordable coverage in the Health Insurance Marketplace or BadgerCare Plus.”
During last year’s open enrollment period, individuals who compared plans in the Health Insurance Marketplace saved an average of $400 in premium costs. In Milwaukee, 9 out of 10 people received financial assistance for Marketplace coverage.
“Our enrollment assisters can help consumers understand what types of coverage are available and how to find the most affordable options,” adds Dummer Combs. “Working with a local expert can help alleviate stress and make the enrollment process run smoothly.”
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The open enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace runs through January 31st, but consumers must sign up by December 15th, in order to be covered on the first of the year.
Consumers should be prepared when signing up for healthcare coverage. Whether attending an open house, visiting healthcare.gov or calling 1-800-318-2596, they should have the following information about themselves and their household:
To find more information on the open houses and where local help is available, consumers should dial 2-1-1. Adults with income below 100% of the federal poverty level ($11,670 per year for an individual) and children and pregnant women in households with income under 300% of the poverty level ($71,550 for a family of 4), may enroll anytime in BadgerCare Plus.

author: Clare Reardon


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MKEN_logo_267-CMYK_tagline_hi-res | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Name *
December 3, 2015

author: Name *


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Volunteer income tax assistance program in need of matching funds | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Social Development Commission
December 3, 2015
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VTIA) program, operated by the Social Development Commission (SDC) since the 2001/2002 tax season, has prepared and filed free tax returns for more than 162,800 low-to-middle income households in Milwaukee County. More than $174 million has been returned to the Milwaukee economy through the program. The grant, awarded by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), requires SDC to provide matching funds for VITA. There is a current shortfall of $40,000. Funds need to be secured by December 31 for the 2015/2016 season. SDC is asking for help from the community to raise matching funds.
Tax preparation and filing is only one component of VITA. Clients served by the program have the opportunity to participate in financial workshops, meet with financial institutions to open new bank accounts, and are reconnected with the traditional banking community and their services. Hundreds of dollars can be saved by households partaking in VITA by using the free service instead of commercial tax preparation operators that often charge hundreds of dollars.
Donations are needed by organizations and individuals to support the operation of this valuable program that allows crucial dollars to stay within the household of low and middle-income individuals and families. Those interested in making a donation to help the VITA program reach its goal, can click on the “Donate/Volunteer” tab at www.cr-sdc.org or can contact Social Development Foundation Manager LaToya Jones at 414.906.2823 or ljones@cr-sdc.org.
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For more than 50 years, the Social Development Commission has operated as the Community Action Agency for Milwaukee County. SDC serves as a planner, coordinator, and provider of human service programs for low- income individuals and families residing in Milwaukee County. The agency is an intergovernmental commission and is governed by a board of 18 citizens from Milwaukee County, each of whom hold the title of “Commissioner.”

author: Social Development Commission


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Lindsay Heights Lens: Neighborhood Improvement | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Running Rebels Youth Advisory Council
December 4, 2015
While the first gallery identified some of the challenges facing Lindsay Heights, another word that is increasingly associated with the neighborhood is “revitalization.” Here, the youth took photos of things that show signs of neighborhood improvement, and organizations that offer programs with positive spaces, role models and activities. In this gallery, the youth came up with themes of: “It’s getting Better/It’s working,” “Good things come to those who wait,” “Keep the Community Healthy,” and “Positive Programming.”

created: December 4, 2015


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MKE Plays initiative moves to Snail’s Crossing Park in Riverwest | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Edgar Mendez
December 4, 2015
Snail’s Crossing Park, located on the 3000 block of Bremen Street, is one of 12 playgrounds to be rehabilitated as part of the MKE Plays Initiative. (Photo by Edgar Mendez)
Riverwest residents met recently to discuss the future of Snail’s Crossing Park, located on the 3000 block of Bremmen Street. It will be the third of 12 playgrounds to be rebuilt as part of the MKE Plays initiative.
Snail’s Crossing is different than the 11 other parks identified by the Department of Public Works (DPW) as the most deteriorated in the city. It’s well kept, and public engagement at its outdoor art space is strong. The playground features floor murals, sculptures and natural elements including large boulders, in addition to typical playground equipment such as swings and slides.
“At first everybody was kind of shocked that [the park] was chosen to be rebuilt,” said Marina Lee, who has led efforts to improve the space for the past 12 years. She added that thousands of volunteers have helped raise more than $60,000 for Snail’s Crossing over the years.
Ald. Nik Kovac, who represents the Riverwest neighborhood where Snail’s Crossing Playground is located, speaks to the audience during an MKE Plays planning session. (Photo by Edgar Mendez)
According to Joe Kaltenberg, program coordinator for MKE Plays, the process that identified parks/playgrounds most in need of repairs took into account the resources the city has provided for the space in recent years.
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Although residents have spurred investment in the park, “that doesn’t take away from the city’s responsibility to fund improvements or support the playground,” Kaltenberg said. A total of $120,000 has been allocated for the Snail’s Crossing project, he added.
Though she was apprehensive at first, Lee said that she and others eventually realized MKE Plays was a chance to make the park even better. “There’s opportunities to use the funds for more planting, more forestry or even for infrastructure,” she said.
Monica Reida, who moved to Riverwest in March, said she came to the meeting at the Gordon Park Pavilion, 4848 N. Humboldt, to encourage placement of more lighting at the playground.
Bruce Wiggins, who attended the meeting with his two granddaughters, said he hoped for more senior programming there. “Not just for me to spend time there with my grandkids, but for me to go there on my own to meet and talk to other seniors,” Wiggins said.
The first stage of the MKE Plays process, according to Kaltenberg, is engaging residents, along with organizational and city representatives, to collect data that will help shape the future of Snail’s Crossing.
More feedback will be collected during a community meeting focusing on the park’s new design in January, while construction will take place in the summer.
One park, Arlington Heights in Silver City, has been completed as a result of the MKE Plays initiative, while a second, located at North 17th and West Vine, is in the final stages. The planning process for six other parks will begin this winter, according to Kaltenberg. The majority of the initiative is being funded by private contributions of nearly $950,000 from organizations including the Helen Bader Foundation and Zilber Family Foundation. The city has allocated $719,000 through 2016 for the initiative. Most of the parks, including Snail’s Crossing, are small playgrounds.
Ald. Nik Kovac, who represents the area, said he expects the park to preserve its current feel while becoming a more safe and inviting place for a variety of residents. “We want visiting the playground and staying active to be part of the neighborhood routine,” Kovac said.


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Most operations at Select Milwaukee suspended as officials examine financial situation | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Brendan O’Brien
December 4, 2015
Raymond Schmidt, executive director of Select Milwaukee (File photo by Heather Ronaldson)
Officials at Select Milwaukee, a 24-year-old counseling and service agency for new and existing homeowners, suspended most of its operations after the board of directors learned of an unexpected financial situation in late November, the organization’s board chairman said on Friday.
The board of Select Milwaukee also hired an outside certified public accountant to examine the financial records of the organization, which has an annual operating budget of roughly $1 million, Board Chairman Ian Bautista said.
“An unexpected financial position was brought to our attention,” on Nov. 20, Bautista said. “We are concerned with the financial position of the organization and are trying to act in the most responsible way we can.”
Bautista could not elaborate on the organization’s financial condition. He also could not give a timeline as to when more information would be made available or when the certified public accountant will give the board a picture of the Select Milwaukee’s financial situation.
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“At this point, I don’t have clear answer,” he added.
Select Milwaukee has served Milwaukee homeowners and first-time home buyers since 1991 with financial counseling, foreclosure prevention strategies and energy efficient initiatives. The organization’s mission is to help Milwaukee residents achieve and maintain homeownership.
Bautista said the organization has suspended most operations except for helping close about a dozen mortgages for current clients. New clients are being referred to other homeowner organizations in Milwaukee.
“A handful of customers, who were suppose to close in November, successfully got across the goal line,” he said.
One staff member is currently working at Select Milwaukee and seven others have been furloughed, Bautista said.
Messages left for staff at the organization including Raymond Schmidt, the executive director, were not returned. Another board member reached on the phone said he was not at liberty to discuss the situation and referred the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service to Bautista, who also serves as executive director of the Clarke Square Neighborhood Initiative.


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
December 4, 2015


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On the Block: Tough love | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Jabril Faraj
December 4, 2015
Read more about Kevin Carlton at milwaukeestories.org.

author: Jabril Faraj


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SDC Development Properties purchases property in Walnut Way neighborhood for SDC operations | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Social Development Commission
December 4, 2015
SD Properties, a non-profit corporation that owns and manages properties that support the mission of the Social Development Commission (SDC), has purchased the property located at 1730 West North Avenue, Milwaukee. The main building, which is 32,400 square feet, will be leased to SDC for the operation of its social service programs. A 12,795 square foot warehouse will house program vehicles, equipment and provide storage. SDC will move operations in early February of 2016.
In excess of 100 parking spaces will be available to clients in three parking lots. The Milwaukee County Transit System also offers service routes to the new site on North Avenue.
SDC’s new facility will feature two computer labs, two classrooms, a training room, programming and administrative office space and conference rooms. Constructed in 1919, the facility, last occupied five years ago, was previously occupied by the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare and department store J.L. Marcus.
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The interior is a combination of open concept office space and perimeter offices. Classrooms and training rooms will be constructed to adapt the space to meet the needs of programs offered by SDC. In the spring, there will be improvements to the fascia of the building including the addition of windows to increase natural light and the reconfiguration of the entrance. In addition, a new exterior façade will be designed to align with the improvements that have and continue to occur in the Walnut Way neighborhood.
For several months, SDC has been scouting for properties that better fit the needs of the agency. Gerard Randall, chairman of the Board of Commissioners, said, “The board is excited that this will allow the agency to better serve clients from a centralized, accessible location. Even more so, it will become an additional catalyst for economic development and residential transformation along the North Avenue corridor.”
“Our fiduciary responsibilities called for SDC to find a location that reduced property expenses to better align with the size of the agency,” stated SDC CEO George Hinton. “Our new location in Walnut Way allows us to do that while moving to a more central location that provides our clients better access to the services they need. We are excited to help contribute to the growth and revitalization of the Walnut Way neighborhood.”
Continuum Architects of Milwaukee are configuring the interior and exterior design and C.G. Schmidt is serving as the construction manager for the project.
For more than 50 years, the Social Development Commission has operated as the Community Action Agency for Milwaukee County. SDC serves as a planner, coordinator, and provider of human service programs for low-income individuals and families residing in Milwaukee County. The agency is an intergovernmental commission and is governed by a board of 18 citizens from Milwaukee County, each of whom hold the title of “Commissioner.”


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Anti-violence effort’s report card: successes, but unfocused leadership | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
December 7, 2015
jsonline.com

created: December 7, 2015