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NNS Spotlight: Mentoring program guides teens on a journey of self-discovery | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Chesnie Wardell
January 19, 2023
Saving patients’ lives is what she does on a daily basis but touching the lives of Milwaukee’s North Side teens as they try to discover themselves is what nurse Jasmine Johnikin layers on top.
During the pandemic, Johnikin felt fulfilled after graduating from nursing school at Cardinal Stritch University in 2020.
Yet, she heard yet another calling.
This calling – a passion for youths – prompted the North Side resident to launch a nonprofit mentoring organization called As I Am Mentoring Inc. in March 2021.
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“My teenage years were my most hardest years growing up,” she said.
However, she added, this stage of confusion and discomfort is where teens discover who they are and what it takes to become an adult.
As I Am serves as an extra guide for youths to thrive and discover their purpose.
“I know it’s hard for them to see that sometimes, especially when the media gives them such a bad representation,” said Johnikin.
To try to help, she sees past teens’ attitudes and stereotypes.
“I see a human being trying to figure it out and make it in a big scary world,” she said.
To start, Johnikin gathered trusted friends and family to share her vision and researched what it takes to have a mentorship program.
To tap into more knowledge, she partners with other mentor advocacy programs, including MENTOR Greater Milwaukee.
All finances come from her own income as a community outreach nurse at Gee’s MKE Wellness Clinic.
Working alongside Johnikin is her best friend, Sarah Smith, who is one of four volunteer mentors.
“Seeing Jasmine’s growth and passion for teens made me want to help in any kind of way,” Smith said.
Smith remembers how it felt not having anyone to lean on for help during her teen years, and it led to depression.
Each time a mentee’s eyes light up with knowledge brings Smith joy.
The teens have done vision boards, discussed body image and made portraits of themselves. Sessions are held once a month every second Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 6801 N Yates Road. in Duns Scotus Hall at Cardinal Stritch University.
The sessions begin with prayer, an ice-breaker game and then a curriculum created and taught by Johnikin and her team. Most of her curriculum comes from surveys that have a list of topics that the teens want to work on.
Drawing on her nursing background, Johnikin employs one of the terms she learned, SBAR, which stands for Situation, Background, Assessment and Recommendation. This is a term used in the nursing profession to facilitate conversations among health care workers. Johnikin has repurposed this term. At As I Am, it stands for Speaking It, Believing It, Achieving It, and Receiving It. This is the organization’s model.
Sixteen-year-old Faith Jones is one of nine teens who participate in the program. She said she feels that she has expanded her horizons since surrounding herself with more positive people.
The Brynwood neighborhood resident said: “Sometimes you can tell if someone is going through it and here, we point it out, and everyone is there to help fix it.”
Johnikin has a struggle that sometimes prompts disappointment: getting more enrollment.
But at those moments of disappointment, Smith tells her: “Sometimes the smallest settings are the most intimate.”
Milwaukee North and South Side teens and mentors interested in becoming a part of the organization, can go to the MENTOR Greater Milwaukee portal or email asiamentoring@gmail.com to inquire.
Someone from the team will send an application and a consent form for parents to sign. Inquiring mentors will undergo a background check, interview with Johnikin and go over a code of conduct.

author: Chesnie Wardell


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52593528987_89364964ef_h-1 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ron Smith
January 18, 2023

source: news-milwaukeenns

created: January 18, 2023

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

author: Ron Smith


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52621217669_664067d32e_b-1 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ron Smith
January 18, 2023


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5 things to know and do the weekend of Jan. 20 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
January 20, 2023
It’s Friday in Milwaukee, and here are some things we think you should know about. If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please submit your news by clicking here at least two weeks in advance.
Walker’s Point Center for the Arts is opening its newest exhibition, “Music to My Fingers.” The exhibition is a collection of fiber art work by Abigail Engstrand “connecting to music while looking at musical and performing artists at work.” The exhibition runs until March 31, but the opening exhibition happens from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 20 at Walker’s Point Center for the Arts, located at 839 S. 5th St.
Metcalfe Park Community Bridges has organized a “mutual aid shed” where Metcalfe Park residents can get items such as clothing, cleaning supplies and diapers. The shed is open from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20 at 2620 N. 34th St.
Health Connections Inc. is hosting a series of community conversations to provide updated health information. Learn about Black health needs and gather feedback on how to reduce racial disparities in health outcomes. This week’s conversation will take place from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21 at Center Street Nail Technology Academy, located at 3819 W. Center St.
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Voces de la Frontera has organized a coat drive where you can drop off or pick up gently used winter clothing for men, women and children. The drive will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Voces de la Frontera office, located at 1027 S. 5th St.
Join Amani United and neighborhood partners to discuss housing issues and economic development strategies for the Amani neighborhood. Bethany Sanchez from Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council will give a presentation about housing in Milwaukee. The meeting takes place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 2927 N. 26th St.
This monthly pop-up market featuring Black-owned businesses returns to Sherman Phoenix from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 3536 W. Fond Du Lac Ave.
Young people ages 12 to 16 years old are invited to “youth night” hosted by the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition. At this event, youths will create collages based on the question “who are we without our dreams and desires?” The event takes place from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22 at 5235 S. 27th St. Materials will be provided.

created: January 20, 2023

author: Sam Woods


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43675887544_ad07b52663_k-1 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ron Smith
January 19, 2023

created: January 19, 2023


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5 things to know and do this week in Milwaukee: Jan. 23 to Jan. 27 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
January 23, 2023
It’s Monday in Milwaukee, and here are some things we think you should know about. If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please submit your news by clicking here at least two weeks in advance.
MKE Black, The Pink Hustle and Fresh Coast Labs have organized “Pitch Black,” a workshop to provide experience, networking and community between Black entrepreneurs. The event takes place from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 23 at Sherman Phoenix, located 3536 W. Fond Du Lac Ave. Tickets cost $12.
The Milwaukee Public Library wants to know what brings you to your neighborhood library and what you would like to see in the future. City Librarian Joan Johnson will lead a discussion on the topic from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 23 at the Martin Luther King Branch, located at 310 W. Locust St.
Latino Arts Inc. managing artistic director Jacobo Lovo leads a tour of the gallery’s current exhibit “Between Yesterday and Where – The Magic of Macondo.” The exhibit explores the genre of magical realism and themes of identity in physical and figurative spaces. The tour runs from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26 at Latino Arts, located at 1028 S. 9th St. Tickets are $5 and include coffee and churros.
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People with disabilities, family members or people serving people with disabilities are invited to this lunch and conversation about available resources and information. The lunch takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26 at the Wisconsin African American Women’s Center, located at 3020 W. Vliet St. You can register by clicking here.
Learn more about birth workers, doulas, doula training and ways to improve birth outcomes at this dinner organized by the African American Breastfeeding Network’s WeRISE Community Doula Program. The dinner runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26 at Sojourner Family Peace Center, located at 619 W. Walnut St. Dinner and child care provided.

created: January 23, 2023


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27583731930_d7affae988_k | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ron Smith
January 21, 2023

created: January 21, 2023


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Inside the NNS Newsroom: We are partnering with Report for America to hire a new community engagement reporter | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ron Smith
January 23, 2023
The Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service is once again among the news organizations selected as a Report for America host newsroom partner.
We will join an expanding network of some 220 newsrooms benefiting from the support of this nonprofit program.
Through this partnership, we will expand our reporting on neighborhood and community groups by hiring a community engagement reporter who will collaborate with residents to identify their needs; create resource-laden stories to meet those needs; write stories that offer solutions to their challenges; and will make elected leaders accountable through rigorous watchdog reporting.
This reporter will cover grassroots neighborhood-focused groups and the nonprofits that serve our communities.
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We seek to put readers in the driver’s seat in helping us create and shape coverage they feel is important. To do this, we will take advantage of News414, where we use text messaging to find out what information readers want in order to give them what they need—in real time. The project, which we run in collaboration with the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, received $234,000 in support from the Google News Initiative Innovation Challenge in 2020 – one of only 34 projects in North America. Since then, we have expanded our efforts and now reach Spanish-speaking residents by translating our articles and hiring bilingual “ambassadors” who go to community events to listen to residents and then connect them with our reporters.
This reporter will also monitor data from social service providers to identify community needs that should be addressed by creating resource lists that help residents navigate their challenges. For example, in the beginning of the pandemic, we noticed that we were getting texts from readers looking for places where they could get free food as were social service providers. In response, we compiled a list of food pantries, which we regularly update, and we created a “food insecurity” beat.
The community engagement solutions journalism reporter will help lead newsroom efforts to respond quickly to such trends and work with editors and reporters in both the NNS newsroom and the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism to make sure the topics get the coverage they deserve.
If you are interested in applying, go here to read about the position, including salary and benefits, and to submit your application.
The application deadline is Jan. 30.
Report for America is a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues and communities. It is an initiative of The GroundTruth Project, a nonprofit media organization, and is structured to harness the skills and idealism of an emerging group of journalists plus the creative spirit of local news organizations—like ours.
Report for America is a two-year program (with an option for three) that delivers a wide range of benefits to its corps members. Beyond paying up to half of the journalists’ salaries, it provides ongoing training and mentorship by leading journalists, peer networking and memberships to select professional organizations.
Please contact the Report for America Recruitment team if you have any questions at recruitment@reportforamerica.org


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NNSNEWSROOM2022 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ron Smith
January 22, 2023

created: January 22, 2023


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RFA_FinalStacked | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ron Smith
January 22, 2023


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The most transmissible strain of the coronavirus in the country is also now the most prevalent. Here’s what you need to know. | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Devin Blake
January 24, 2023
The strain of coronavirus known as XBB.1.5 has become the most prevalent in the country.
The strain accounted for 49.1% of reported cases in the country for the week of Jan. 15 through Jan. 21, up from 43% of reported cases the week before, and 30.4% of reported cases the week before that one.
In the beginning of December, the variant was only about 2% of reported cases in the country, said Dr. Benjamin Weston, chief health policy adviser for Milwaukee County.
Currently, the new variant is far more prevalent in the eastern portions of the country, particularly the Northeast.
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But local health leaders suggest the same will soon happen in the Midwest.
Here’s what you need to know:
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, breaks the country into 10 regions. For the week of Jan. 15 through Jan. 21, the new variant accounted for a vast majority of reported cases in Regions 1, 2 and 3. The new strain accounted for 84.7% of reported cases in Region 1, which comprises Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont; 86.8% of the reported cases in Region 2, which comprises New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands; and 59.7% of the reported cases in Region 3, which comprises Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
By comparison, in Region 5, which includes Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Ohio, the new strain accounted for 23.8% of reported cases.
But even though it is currently a “bit lower in Wisconsin,” it is only a matter of time, Weston said.
There is always variance in how strains progress and travel through regions, and there is “no doubt in the coming weeks this is going to gain dominance in Wisconsin as well,” he said.
What is known as “immune evasion” accounts for the speed at which XBB.1.5 is spreading through communities, Weston said. Measures that were successful at preventing infection with previous strains are less likely to prevent infection with this newer one.
Weston said, “The virus is responding and learning. … It seems to some degree, with vaccination and boosting, you are more likely to be infected than you were six months ago.”
While it does not seem the illness associated with the new variant is more severe than previous variants, the fact that it spreads so quickly means more people will get infected, resulting in more hospitalizations simply by the sheer number of cases, Weston said.
For the week ending Dec. 6, there were 132 hospitalizations due to COVID-19. For the week ending on Jan. 10, there were 172 hospitalizations due to COVID-19.  These figures do not segment the new strain but include all cases of COVID-19.
Although healthy individuals who become infected with the virus may experience no, little or few symptoms, it is still “important to remember that certain individuals will be at greater risk of getting sick and suffering more severe symptoms, even to the point of hospitalization,” said Kim Litwack, dean of the College of Nursing at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
These people include those over age 65 and those with multiple chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart and lung disease, Litwack said.
Vaccines and boosters “are effective in reducing the severity of symptoms, preventing hospitalization and death. Those are three very important reasons to get vaccinated,” she said.
Weston concurred, saying that “new data from the CDC shows hospitalization rates were 16 times higher among adults who are unvaccinated compared to those who have received a bivalent booster and 2.7 times higher among adults who are vaccinated but have not yet received an updated bivalent booster.
As of Jan. 18, 61.9% of eligible county residents have completed a primary series of vaccination, but only 16.5% have received the bivalent booster, according to data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Everyone six months of age and older is recommended to get one updated, or bivalent, booster. But the course of action is different depending on age and which primary series was administered, according to the CDC’s latest update.
As with previous strains, other precautions, including wearing a mask, social distancing, regular hand washing and staying home when feeling ill, will also reduce the likelihood of infection.
Weston also emphasized the importance of “high quality” masks, rather than cloth ones.
“Let’s face it,” Litwack said. “Everyone is tired of masking and social distancing. That said, we know those measures work. Every individual needs to make the best choice for themselves and their families.”
Vaccination and testing information can be found at HealthyMKE or by calling 2-1-1.
Information can also be found by calling the COVID hotline for the City of Milwaukee Health Department, which is 414-286-6800 or by clicking here.
Do you have more questions? Let News414 help you! Text MKE to 73224 and then text 7 if you would like to speak to a reporter.

created: January 24, 2023

author: Devin Blake


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51006340638_88ed1632b4_k | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ron Smith
January 23, 2023


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Advocates worry proposal to change Wisconsin’s cash bail system will penalize the poor | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Edgar Mendez
January 25, 2023
A proposed constitutional amendment approved last week by the state Legislature to change the cash bail system in Wisconsin for those accused of violent crimes is spawning concerns that it will penalize the poor.
The issue: Will suspects with financial means be released on bail while those with low income accused of the same crimes still languish in jail.
The Wisconsin Assembly approved a constitutional amendment Thursday, to change the cash bail system in Wisconsin by giving judges more flexibility in determining bail amounts for accused violent criminals. Because the state Senate approved the measure days earlier, the fate of the measure will now go before Wisconsin voters during the April 4 election.
Among others, the proposal troubles Wendel Hruska, executive director of Project RETURN (Returning Ex-incarcerated people To Urban Realities and Neighborhoods), an organization that supports men and women returning to the community from incarceration. He’s had clients who have been detained for not being able to pay bails as minimal as $100. If passed by voters, the constitutional amendment still threatens to penalize those who are poor, Hruska said.
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“By passing this legislation, more individuals will be forced to be incarcerated while they wait for their day before the judge,” Hruska said. “This is an overly punitive action that will have an unfair impact on those living in poverty in our community.”
The proposal would allow judges more flexibility in determining higher cash bail. This is being done to “assure the appearance of the accused in court, protect members of the community from serious bodily harm, or prevent the intimidation of witnesses,” according to text from the proposed resolution.
Although judges are free to consider these other factors, they can only use bail as a mechanism to try to ensure an appearance in court.
The proposal would remove that mechanism as the only deciding factor for cash bail and change the language from “serious bodily harm” to “serious harm.” The proposal is co-authored by state Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, and state Rep. Cindi Duchow, R-Town of Delafield, and supported by Democratic state Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez of Milwaukee.
Unlike many other states, bail bonds, in which an outside agency pledges money or property to ensure a defendant’s presence in court, is prohibited in Wisconsin, though defendants are sometimes released on signature bond without having to hand over money.
Ortiz-Velez said that while some of her colleagues may be unhappy that she’s supporting the proposal, doing nothing about the current cash bail system would be a mistake.
“This is what’s on the table, and it makes sense that a judge looks at someone’s violent past, and these are convictions,” she said. “I think it sends the wrong message when people get out for really violent crimes for $250 bucks and then they get out and put a knife to someone’s back.”
Ortiz-Velez said allowing violent suspects out on minimal bail, which the current system allows, also sends the wrong message to victims.
“Will they call the police again?” said Ortiz-Velez, adding that constituents with whom she’s spoken also support the measure.
Although she has concerns about the amendment, she said the need to protect the public overrides them. She added that the new rules would only pertain to violent crimes.
State Democratic Rep. Evan Goyke of Milwaukee, who is against the measure, agreed that the current system is flawed. But, he said, the proposal is even more flawed because it discriminates against individuals with less income.
“Whenever we rely on money as the way someone is held or let out,” then “it is about access to money and not about public safety,” he said. “I prefer a system that fixes Wisconsin’s pretrial detention system.”
Goyke said protecting the public would be better accomplished by removing the option to post a cash bail if someone is deemed that much of a danger, similar to the federal system.
Supporters of the bill have cited Darrell Brooks, who was sentenced to life in prison in November for the Waukesha Christmas parade attack but was out on bail when he committed that crime. Goyke said there are a number of additional examples of individuals who posted high bail amounts who also committed crimes upon release.
He used the example of Mark Benson, who was released on $500,000 bail while awaiting trial in Waukesha for multiple counts of homicide by negligent use of a vehicle. While out on bail, he was arrested for purchasing prescription drugs via a delivery service while also having several guns and 20,000 rounds of ammunition in his house.
The purchase of prescription drugs from more than one pharmacy and possession of firearms both violated the conditions of his bail. The subsequent crime occurred in 2009.
Goyke also said whether someone is held in jail or released on bail can impact outcomes.
There is ample research to suggest that the outcome for a person who walks into a courtroom in a coat and tie is different than for a person in an orange jump suit, said Goyke, a former public defender. “I can attest to that,” he said.
The ACLU of Wisconsin submitted testimony to the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety and the Assembly Committee on Judiciary in January, citing studies that also showed poorer outcomes for those who are held during pretrial.
“The inability to pay cash bail hurts the very things that help someone charged with an offense succeed: employment, stable housing, and strong family and community connections. On top of the risk of job loss, eviction, and the impact on child custody and parental rights, people incarcerated pre-trial can find themselves under a mountain of system-imposed debt,” read the ACLU’s letter of testimony.
Shanyeill McCloud is the founder of Clean Slate Milwaukee, an organization that provides expungement services for adults convicted of misdemeanors or who have nonviolent felony convictions. She said she sees both sides of the argument.
She knows that dangerous individuals such as Brooks need to be kept off the streets. But, she said, the system being proposed would still lead to unfair treatment of those in poverty.
“It’s always been that way,” she said. “Jail is only for poor people really because when people have the money, they don’t sit in jail.”

created: January 25, 2023

author: Edgar Mendez


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13456849755_59a58677b6_k | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ron Smith
January 24, 2023


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26791723257_39bd3dc044_k | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ron Smith
January 24, 2023


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Early childhood educators can receive $1,500 from a new Milwaukee program | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
January 25, 2023
If you work in early childhood education, you are likely eligible to receive a $1,500 stipend through the City of Milwaukee’s Early Childhood Workforce Stipend Program.
The program was developed by the Milwaukee Early Childhood Education Coalition, a group of industry partners working collectively to solve problems in the sector. It is meant to help early childhood educators stay in an industry that does not typically pay well. The program is facilitated by the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association and paid for using money from the American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA.
Since its official launch on Nov. 30, the program has received nearly 3,000 applicants. Of these, 95% were women.
The stipend program makes up the majority of a $7 million investment the City of Milwaukee has made to support early childhood educators using ARPA funding from the federal government. This funding comes in addition to $85 million in federal pandemic relief funding that the state of Wisconsin has granted to early childhood education providers since 2020 through the Child Care Counts program, some of which was passed on to child care staff.
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Both sources of funding are temporary, with the city’s stipend program set to be paid out by the end of 2023 and the state’s Child Care Counts program set to expire in 2024.
Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, who led the effort to include early childhood education funding in the city’s allocation of ARPA funding, said that although the benefit is temporary, it provides a blueprint for future investment.
“We hope this investment shows positive trends toward stabilizing this sector, and I’m excited the City of Milwaukee tried something new,” Dimitrijevic said. “We’re trying to fix a system that’s been broken for a while.”
Daria Hall, early childhood education director at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and co-lead of the Milwaukee Early Childhood Education Coalition, also emphasized a desire to see more investment like this in the future.
“Milwaukee’s early educators make sure that parents can go to work, and that our youngest children are set up for success,” Hall said. “We believe that this is just the beginning of early childhood educators getting what they deserve.”
According to survey data from the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families collected from 2020-‘21, 99% of Milwaukee’s early childhood education workforce are women, and 61% identified as either Black (49%) or Hispanic (12%) in the survey.
Carmen Salinas began working at Yimma’s Bright Beginnings Daycare LLC, an early childhood education center on the far South Side, in November. She said that she loves the work and the children but believes the profession is more difficult than most people realize.
She said there is a perception that child care is something that women are just naturally good at, and therefore the job is easier for them.
As a woman, caring for children is seen as something you just need to do, Salinas said. “But (early childhood education) is hard work, I mean immensely hard work. You have to be mentally able to handle the stress, and some people are just not ready for that.”
Salinas added that the low pay contributes to staff turnover, particularly with educators continually dropping out of the sector to pursue higher-paying, lower-stress jobs. This not only hurts child care business owners who have to constantly replace staff, but it hurts children because they lose the bond they shared with an educator when they leave.
However, Salinas and advocates such as Hall do not put the blame of low pay on employers, noting that the entire industry operates on razor-thin margins.
Data on how early childhood education providers spent money from Wisconsin’s Child Care Counts program since 2020 indicated that more than half of the providers in Milwaukee spent money they received on some form of pay raise for their employees. This data was last updated in September.
When Salinas receives the wage stipend, she said she will put the money toward food, bills and in her savings to prepare for a rainy day.
“As a single mom, I have to be ready for anything,” Salinas said.
For more information
For educators who are eligible, the stipend will be paid in three installments of $500 spread out over 2023. You can read more about eligibility requirements here and start an application here.


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52637595884_79d49fa74f_k | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ron Smith
January 24, 2023


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Post From Community: District 9 Aldermanic Forum | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sheneana Sledge
January 26, 2023
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Milwaukee Residents of District 9, you’re Invited!!
As most of you know, the seat for District 9 Alderman is now vacant.  There will be a special election on April 4, 2023 to fill this seat.  There are currently eight candidates in the running for this seat. We have invited them to a panel style forum at Alexian Village and they have all been confirmed to attend.
When:  February 2, 2023
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Where: 9301 N. 76th Street (Main Entrance)
Milwaukee, WI. 53223
Time: 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

created: January 26, 2023

author: Sheneana Sledge


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Post From Community: 10th Annual “Phobruary” | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
VIA CDC
January 26, 2023
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
VIA Community Development Corporation is excited to announce the  February has become a month of celebration and appreciation for locally owned businesses. VIA invites the community to enjoy a signature Vietnamese dish, Pho.
‘Phobruary’ is an initiative promoting awareness for the local restaurants in Milwaukee’s near southside. It has been a tradition that has taken place in Silver City, and this year VIA is excited to welcome the Layton Park neighborhood!
The 10th Annual Phobruary participants include Thai Bar-B-Que and Vientiane Noodle Shop in the Silver City neighborhood and AsianRicana new restaurant in the Layton Park neighborhood. These restaurants will  and run additional menu specials throughout the month.
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Thai Bar-B-Que | 3417 W National Avenue | Wednesday – Monday from 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., (Closed Tuesdays) | (414) 647-0812
AsianRican Foods
Starting Wednesday, February 1st, and throughout February,  will host giveaways to restaurant goers. Customers will have the chance to win a $25 gift card to come back and visit Thai Bar-B-Que, Vientiane Noodle Shop, or AsianRican. Winners will be contacted at the end of Phobruary and will be announced on VIA’s social media platforms. To learn more about how to enter the giveaway, visit  www.viacdc.org/event/phobruary/ Follow VIA on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated.

author: VIA CDC


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Screenshot-2023-01-25-10.52.46-AM.png | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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January 25, 2023

author: Name *


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Post From Community: Alverno College receives $2.89 million grant for school psychologist training | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Kelly Cole
January 26, 2023
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Alverno College has been awarded a five-year, $2.89 million grant by the U.S. Department of Education to increase the number of highly trained, bilingual, and racially and ethnically diverse school-based mental health professionals. The Bilingual and Multicultural School Mental Health Professionals Program (BiM-SMHP) will have a direct impact on K-12 public schools in southeastern Wisconsin serving youth from culturally diverse backgrounds who are at risk for, or who have developed, a mental health disorder.
“There is a need for school psychologists who represent the communities they serve, especially in Milwaukee,” said Jessica Willenbrink, PhD, assistant professor in the educational specialist training program for school psychologists at Alverno and the project director. “There are significant financial and scheduling barriers to complete a school psychology program, especially for underrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups. Through this grant, we will be able to offer students scholarships, provide mentorship, and place them in a job in a high-needs school district. We hope that this, in combination with our flexible hybrid program that offers all courses on the weekend, breaks barriers that individuals from underrepresented groups face.”
The goal of the program is to create and expand school-based behavioral health care for bilingual and multicultural students in six highly diverse and high-need school districts in southeastern Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Waukesha, West Allis/West Milwaukee, Greenfield, Racine and Cudahy – with the possibility of expanding to additional school districts. Students enrolled in Alverno’s highly immersive educational specialist training program for school psychologists are eligible, as are those who will be recruited into the program.
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The program will also provide continuing education to practicing school psychologists through two certificate programs – one is designed for bilingual school psychologists who will be able to provide mental health services in a language other than English, and the other is designed for monolingual school psychologists who will learn culturally and linguistically sensitive mental health assessment, intervention, and consultation with educators and families.
The program will have an immediate impact, placing school psychology practicum students and interns in the partner school districts during the spring 2023 semester. Additionally, interns who receive financial support through the grant will make a minimum commitment of two years serving as a full-time employee within one of the partner school districts, if hired.
“Creative solutions are required to prepare more school psychologists who share language and cultural similarities with the students and families they serve,” said Jeffrey Molter, PhD, director of Alverno’s school psychology program. “Alverno is delighted that this grant award will allow our school psychology program to respond to this need by focusing on bilingual and culturally responsive training, recruitment, and retention strategies.”
For more information on Alverno’s school psychology program, please visit this link. The program will be fully funded by the federal grant.
About Alverno College
Founded in 1887 by the School Sisters of St. Francis, Alverno College promotes the academic, personal and professional development of its students in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Undergraduate programs for women are offered in more than 60 areas of study, and graduate programs in education, nursing, community psychology, school psychology, music therapy, music and liturgy, and business are open to women and men.
A leader in higher education innovation, Alverno has earned international accolades for its highly effective ability-based, assessment-as-learning approach to education, which emphasizes hands-on experience and develops in-demand skills. The college, Wisconsin’s first Hispanic-Serving Institution, ranks among the top schools in the Midwest for its commitment to undergraduate teaching and innovation by U.S. News & World Report. For two years, The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education named Alverno the country’s most inspiring college.
Based in Milwaukee, Wis., Alverno College is a four-year independent, Catholic, liberal arts college.

author: Kelly Cole


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January 19, 2023


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Post From Community: Alverno College receives $360,000 CCAMPIS grant | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Kelly Cole
January 26, 2023
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Alverno College has been selected by the U.S. Department of Education to receive a Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant. The grant, which will provide $90,000 a year for four years, will help offset the costs of on-campus child care for undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need.
“Research demonstrates that students who are parents are more likely to complete their degrees when they have access to affordable, quality child care,” said Jodi Eastberg, PhD, acting vice president for Academic Affairs at Alverno College and the CCAMPIS project director. “This grant will offer qualified students the financial relief they need to expand their access to Alverno’s five-star rated Early Learning Center.”
The program will increase both the number of low-income student parents served by Alverno’s Early Learning Center as well as the amount of childcare need met for each student parent, with the goal of serving 20 to 30 new student parents. Combined with wrap-around services and student parent engagement activities, the additional available childcare hours provided by this grant will allow students to complete more credits each semester, narrowing the gap for completion rates between parents and non-parents.
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Alverno’s Early Learning Center serves up to 122 children ages six weeks through six years. It is state licensed, nationally accredited and holds the highest five-star rating by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families’ YoungStar program. Alverno student parents receive priority enrollment, and their rates are discounted on a sliding scale based on the number of hours used and the age of the child.
All Pell-eligible undergraduate student parents enrolled at the college qualify for the funding. Graduate students whose expected family contribution (EFC) meets the Pell-eligibility requirements may also qualify. Alverno students who are interested in receiving CCAMPIS funds for child care provided at Alverno’s Early Learning Center should reach out to the Alverno Financial Aid Office or Alverno’s Early Learning Center to complete an application upon which final selection will be based.
About CCAMPIS
The CCAMPIS program is a competitive grant program administered by the Department of Education. This program supports the participation of low-income parents in postsecondary education through the provision of campus-based child care services. Funds are used to support or establish campus-based child care programs primarily serving the needs of low-income students enrolled in institutions of higher education. The $90,000 per year award to Alverno College is fully supported by the Department of Education grant.
About Alverno College
Founded in 1887 by the School Sisters of St. Francis, Alverno College promotes the academic, personal and professional development of its students in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Undergraduate programs for women are offered in more than 60 areas of study, and graduate programs in education, nursing, community psychology, school psychology, music therapy, music and liturgy, and business are open to women and men.
A leader in higher education innovation, Alverno has earned international accolades for its highly effective ability-based, assessment-as-learning approach to education, which emphasizes hands-on experience and develops in-demand skills. The college, Wisconsin’s first Hispanic-Serving Institution, ranks among the top schools in the Midwest for its commitment to undergraduate teaching and innovation by U.S. News & World Report. For two years, The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education named Alverno the country’s most inspiring college.
Based in Milwaukee, Wis., Alverno College is a four-year independent, Catholic, liberal arts college.


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January 24, 2023


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Post From Community: MKE Business Now Entrepreneurship Summit to feature workshops, vendors, special keynote, and much more | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ald. Milele A. Coggs
January 26, 2023
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
The 11 annual MKE Business Now Entrepreneurship Summit will take place this Saturday, January 28 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School located at 3275 N. 3rd St.  The event, hosted by Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, is free and open to the public. Media coverage is invited.
The MKE Business Now Entrepreneurship Summit is held to support the growth of local entrepreneurship and help innovators stimulate economic development, neighborhood reinvestment, and job creation. The event is sponsored by the Historic King Drive Business Improvement District 8, the City of Milwaukee, the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin, US Bank and Alderwoman Coggs.
Four workshops will be held throughout the day beginning at 10:15 a.m. with Financing 101: How to get Money for your Business and Permits, Licenses, and Plans: Navigating City Processes for your Business.
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At 11 a.m. Milwaukee’s own Chef Joya (Adjoa Courtney), an award-winning private celebrity chef, the author of four cookbooks, and  cultural influencer known for “veganizing” traditional recipes, will deliver her keynote address about how to make creativity and passion your business.
Workshops continue at noon with Culture + Capital: Making A Bankable Brand and Numbers Don’t Lie: How to Use Analytics and Data to Cut Through the Noise and Win.
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2023 Business Summit/ADD ONE
The summit concludes at 1 p.m. with a panel discussion featuring a variety of local business owners who will share their stories and experiences with the audience. This year’s panel includes: Gregory Davis, co-founder of One 5 Olive; Adija Greer-Smith, owner of Confectionately Yours; Jonathan Adams and Myron Smith, co-owners of Yum Yum Fish and Chicken; and Djdade Denson, owner/operator of Coffee Makes You Black. The panel will be moderated by Reggie “Smooth Az Butta” Brown of V100.7.
Vendors will be on-site throughout the event and include representatives from various city agencies, financial institutions, business development groups, and more.

author: Ald. Milele A. Coggs


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January 26, 2023


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Post From Community: Residents are the heart of Milwaukee and city officials want to hear their input throughout February | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
City of Milwaukee Department of Administration
January 26, 2023
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Residents are being asked to share their love for Milwaukee by sharing their input on how they think the remaining $92.7 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding should be spent – during three upcoming public input meetings in February.
Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, chair of the city’s ARPA Funding Allocation Task Force, said residents should attend one or more of the following public input meetings:
• Saturday, February 4 from 10 a.m.-noon- Riverworks, 526 E. Concordia Ave. RSVP on Facebook
• Saturday, February 11 from 10 a.m.-noon- Mitchell Street Library, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St. Bilingual Spanish Session RSVP on Facebook
• Wednesday, February 22 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.- Register for virtual meeting
Alderwoman Coggs said members of the public are invited to provide testimony on what they would like to see ARPA funds used for to solve issues and improve their neighborhoods, and noted that testimony may be limited in duration at the discretion of the task force.
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Additionally, members of the public are invited to also provide input via an online survey as follows:
“This once-in-a-generation funding has included money for unemployment assistance, child care help, small businesses, health care and more — especially for those communities hardest hit by the crisis that was brought on by the (COVID-19) pandemic,” the alderwoman said. “These input meetings will provide a prime opportunity for residents to provide ideas and priorities for how the city should spend this important remaining tranche for ARPA funding.”
A quorum of ARPA Funding Allocation Task Force members may or may not be present. In the event of no quorum, no action other than information gathering will be taken.
Reasonable accommodations provided for persons with disabilities upon request. Call 414-286-3475 or email ADACoordinator@milwaukee.gov.
Visit milwaukee.gov/LoveMyMKE for additional details and to download digital Valentines, flyers, and more.


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January 24, 2023


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Post From Community: Ski & Tea for Intermediate Skiers | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
David Snell
January 26, 2023
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Saturday, February 18
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Urban Ecology Center, Menomonee Valley
(For adults & teens) Crisp, sparkly snow and steamy, aromatic tea pair together perfectly. Bundle up and join us for a group ski with fellow cross country enthusiasts. We’ll follow a route through the Menomonee Valley, glide down a few small hills, and lengthen our strides in a wide open field. Skis, poles, and boots provided. Caffeinated and Herbal teas from Rishi Tea will be provided, bring your own thermos or favorite mug!
Price: $9 – $15. Registration is required for this event and will close 24 hours prior to program start time.
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For questions about this program, please contact Registrar, Augie Rodenbeck, at arodenbeck@urbanecologycenter.org or call (414) 626-8518.

author: David Snell


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January 26, 2023


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Post From Community: Urban Candlelight Hike returns to Three Bridges Park | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Michelle Kramer
January 26, 2023
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Saturday, February 25, 5:30-8 p.m.
One of Milwaukee’s favorite winter events returns – the Urban Candlelight Hike in Three Bridges Park! Grab your stocking cap and your crew and join us outside for a winter adventure.
Candlelit trails, roaring campfires, marshmallow roasting, tea tasting, food trucks, hot chocolate, cookies, and a magical winter walk await!
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Entrance is free to all. But you can have even more fun and help support this event by purchasing an individual ($10) or family ($20) “Fun Pass” for awesome extras, including BOGO beer/rootbeer at Third Space Brewing and a 20% discount at Orenda Cafe.
This event is co-hosted by the Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail and Urban Ecology Center.
For more information and to save time by purchasing your Fun Pass in advance, visit UrbanCandlelightHike.com.

author: Michelle Kramer


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January 20, 2023


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NNS update: Rest in peace, Jose Vasquez: Remembering a mentor and active community member | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Edgar Mendez
January 26, 2023
Rodney Campbell (left) and Jose Vasquez sit near the back entrance at the original location of Project Excel, 621 S. 4th St., now the Montessori Institute of Milwaukee. (Photo by Edgar Mendez)
Editor’s note: Milwaukee is mourning the death this week of Jose Vasquez, whom we wrote about four years ago. Reporter Edgar Mendez shared some reflections on his Facebook page: “My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Jose Vasquez, who passed on to heaven today. I met Jose in 2019 and wrote a story about his life change and journey. His faith in God, dedication to youth in the community, and sincerity left a big impression on me. I can’t help but to feel like his story was not supposed to end yet and he had so much more good to give. My condolences to all who knew him, especially his children, their mother and his siblings. His life may have ended too soon but his impact will not be forgotten. RIP Jose.”
Rodney Campbell still remembers his first impression of Jose Vasquez.
“Bad,” said Campbell, of the 15-year-old who proudly sported a bandana that revealed his gang affiliation.
Vasquez, now 36, said he had turned to the streets as a youngster, viewing his gang as the family he lacked at home. Yet Campbell saw something else in him.
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“On the streets, we call it heart, but what it’s really about is sincerity and going 100. If there is something he believes in, he fully stands for it,” explained the salt-and-pepper goateed Campbell, a youth mentor who’s been working at Project Excel for nearly 30 years.
At the time, Vasquez’s dedication was to the streets and a gang culture that dominated the South Side in the 1990s. He was all in, in terms of the gang culture, and had moved up in stature among his peers, Vasquez admitted. Campbell thought that if Vasquez could redirect his focus to something positive, he could find success.
But change wasn’t in the cards yet for Vasquez, not even after getting shot six times at point-blank range by a rival gang member in 1999. Not long after, Vasquez was shipped off to a penitentiary.
“To wake up on your 18th birthday in prison, and to know you’re going to be spending some time away, it was a wake-up call,” Vasquez said. “I had so much anger built up still inside me.”
As he sat in prison, Vasquez remembered lessons he received from Campbell.
“When I got shot he was one of the first people that reached out to me,” Vasquez said.
In prison, Vasquez turned to the Bible and emerged a changed man. He worked to make amends by becoming a community organizer in Clarke Square, a neighborhood he terrorized as a youngster, and as a facilitator for an after-school program at South Division High School.
Over the summer, Vasquez met with George Goulet, the man who lives in the house he was shot in front of. Pockmarks from the bullets meant for Vasquez are still visible.
“You’re looking a lot better than the last time I seen you,” said Goulet, who remembered helping to carry Vasquez into his kitchen and wrapping him in towels to stem the bleeding.
“Being with gangs was lots of fun when you were young, but as you start to get into your teenage years and older, you found out it was taking your life more than it was giving,” he told Vasquez.
Vasquez’ journey toward redemption has almost come full circle now, and 20 years after first meeting Campbell, they’ve reconnected at Project Excel, working side-by-side to help prevent teens from following the broken paths they took as youngsters.
“We’re working with young men who see themselves on that path to failure and showing them that they can be successful and live a positive lifestyle,” Campbell said. “It helps when they see Jose, someone who’s been there and done that, to know that they can do it too.”
Antonio Gill, 17, attends Project Excel. (Photo courtesy of Milwaukee PBS)
At Project Excel, they work with teens already in the justice system, most of whom enter the program as part of court-ordered sanctions. Some are there to receive anger management treatment, others to attend alcohol and drug abuse classes or to complete community service and make restitution. Sometimes Vasquez and Campbell take them to feed the homeless, and other times they pick up trash on the streets.
But, mainly, they’re there to alter a path that leads to prison or death, and to receive something that many of them have been lacking, Vasquez said.
“A positive male influence who cares for them and loves them unconditionally,” he said.
Antonio Gill, 17, is on probation and completing community service at Project Excel. His friends from the neighborhood still call him, wanting him to take part in fights or other activities that could land him in trouble. Sometimes he picks up the phone and reaches out to Vasquez.
“He doesn’t pass judgment on me. He’ll come and talk to me about how to walk away from situations that could get me in trouble,” Gill said.
While Campbell, who is also a preacher, acts as more of a fatherly figure, Gill said, Vasquez comes at him more from a level of someone who knows exactly what he’s going through.
“I got to be that kid I was back then in my approach to relate to them, but I also have to tell them what I did to get over that,” Vasquez said.
Though their contrasting styles work well, Campbell said he knows that just as he followed his mentor into the field, there will come a time to pass the torch.
“I’m almost too old for this field,” said Campbell, 53. “You spend a lot of your life trying to help people, and when you see the end of the race coming, it’s good to pass the baton,” he said. “My mentor passed it to me, and I hope I’m in a position where I can pass it to Jose.”
You can learn more about Jose Vasquez and Rodney Campbell’s journey by tuning into PBS’s 10thirtysix show at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21.


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Adam Carr
February 20, 2019

created: February 20, 2019

author: Adam Carr


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These students don’t have to miss school to see the doctor. They can just go down the hall. | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Devin Blake
January 26, 2023
South Division High School and the Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers have partnered to create a school-based health clinic within Milwaukee Public Schools, expanding access to health care for a predominantly Hispanic student body.
“This health clinic will fulfill a significant need for our students and staff,” said Principal Jose Trejo. “We know that access to quality health care is an issue in this community, and we are absolutely excited to be able to help fill that need.”
Sixteenth Street and MPS held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in October to celebrate the center’s grand opening.
With 24 school-based clinics, Sixteenth Street provides health services to over 6,800 students throughout Milwaukee and Waukesha.
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In many ways, South Division was the natural choice to inaugurate a clinic for MPS.
Over 85% of Sixteenth Street’s patients are Hispanic, and South Division is the largest bilingual high school in the state, with English/Spanish instruction and curriculum.
“Too many communities we serve are not reached by the traditional medical outlets and approaches,” said José Pérez, alderman for District 12, the district in which South Division is located. “The immigrant, the Spanish dominant, the underserved and underemployed need to be reached in new ways … We weren’t doing enough of that and our desperate outcomes at the hands of the pandemic show us the consequences of what that means.”
Students and staff have access to free primary health care services every day of the school week, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and the clinic accepts  walk-ins. The clinic will also stay open during summer, but with a reduced schedule.
The clinic offers a range of primary care services and provides preventive services, vaccines, hearing and vision screenings as well as physicals.
Those with special needs, such as epilepsy, can also get care, and students with learning differences can be evaluated.
A particular focus will be addressing ongoing health problems, said Dr. Emilia Arana, medical director for school-based clinics at Sixteenth Street. “For example, kids with asthma, diabetes, hypertension, ADHD – they have access to our team on a daily basis. Many schools have school nurses, and that’s great, but we bring the next level of care with a nurse practitioner.”
For concerns that require specialized referrals or for appointments that need to be made outside of school hours, appointments can be scheduled at one of the other nearby Sixteenth Street clinics.
The two closest ones are at 1032 S. Cesar Chavez Drive and 2906 S. 20th St.
“We don’t put any barriers to care,” Arana said. “The students can develop a trust in our system and our team and be comfortable accessing those services. It’s easy for them. They’re not going to miss school. Parents are not going to miss work.”


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Ron Smith
January 25, 2023


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5 things to know and do the weekend of Jan. 27 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
January 27, 2023
It’s Friday in Milwaukee, and here are some things we think you should know about. If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please submit your news by clicking here at least two weeks in advance.
Dream Team United MKE and partners have organized a free grocery giveaway from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Saturday, Jan. 28 at City of Light Church, located at 6725 W. Burleigh St.
Camille Mays and Lynne Woehrle will be receiving Rid Racism MKE’s spotlight award for “their extraordinary dedication and commitment to fighting racism in our metropolitan area.” Mays is the founder and co-director of Peace Garden Project MKE, and Woehrle is the co-founder of Tosa Together. The ceremony is free to attend and runs from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, located at 1937 Vel R. Phillips Ave.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley will be meeting with residents and taking questions from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28 at Sherman Perk Coffee Shop, located at 4924 W. Roosevelt Drive. RSVP for free here.
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The City Review is your chance to see the next Jordan Poole or Zuzana Klimešová in person at this showcase of Milwaukee Public Schools and Milwaukee youth basketball. Games run all day starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Al McGuire Center at Marquette University, located at 770 N. 12th St. Tickets are $5. You can purchase tickets and get more information here.
This is a monthly series for small-business owners and entrepreneurs to connect and reflect on their professional and personal wellness. This month’s meeting theme is “renewal.” The meeting takes place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29 at The Table, located at 5305 W. Capitol Drive.
Adjoa Courtney, known professionally as Chef Joya, will give the keynote at this gathering of Milwaukee entrepreneurs. The summit will showcase available resources and guiding strategies for new entrepreneurs. It is free and runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28 at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School, located at 3275 N. 3rd St.

created: January 27, 2023


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Ron Smith
January 26, 2023


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UPDATE: Housing leaders say rental assistance funds are still available for Milwaukee County residents | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
PrincessSafiya Byers
January 27, 2023
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to make clear that Milwaukee County residents can still get rental assistance despite Tuesday’s deadline to apply for funding from the Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance program.
Although the deadline to apply for funds from the Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance program is Tuesday, Jan. 31, Milwaukee housing leaders said Friday that money is sill available for struggling residents.
Milwaukeeans can apply for assistance through either Community Advocates or the Social Development Commission, two local agencies that receive federal funding through the state. There is no deadline for those agencies’ rental assistance programs.
Eligible households can receive assistance to help with current or overdue bills, but priority is given to households facing imminent eviction.
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There is still help available for those with housing concerns.

author: PrincessSafiya Byers


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Ron Smith
January 26, 2023


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5 things to know and do this week in Milwaukee: Jan. 30 to Feb. 3 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
January 30, 2023
It’s Monday in Milwaukee, and here are some things we think you should know about. If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please submit your news by clicking here at least two weeks in advance.
Since October, MPS has been collecting mittens and winter clothing for students. You can donate through Tuesday, Jan. 31. More information on how to donate here.
“Phobruary” is a monthlong celebration of the Vietnamese soup “phở” and the South Side businesses that serve it, taking place all of this February. Organized by VIA CDC, this is the 10th year the celebration has taken place. This year, Vientiane Noodle Shop, Thai Barbq and AsianRican Foods will be offering deals on bowls of phở and other items through the end of the month. From Our Archives: PHOTOS: What ‘Phobruary’ looks like in 2021
Every first Friday of the month is “Financial Friday” at Coffee Makes You Black. It’s an opportunity to learn more about financing a home and investing. Representatives from Acts Housing will be on site. This month’s workshop takes place from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3 at Coffee Makes You Black, located at 2803 N. Teutonia Ave. From Our Archives: NNS Spotlight: ‘He doesn’t want to be king but he’s a kingmaker’: Meet the man behind Coffee Makes You Black
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Meet program officers at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, the folks who help set funding priorities for the philanthropic organization. They can answer questions about current and future grant funding opportunities. The program officers will be available from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, Feb. 3 at 101 W. Pleasant St., Suite 210. No registration necessary.
Black History Month officially begins on Wednesday, Feb. 1 and continues throughout the month. You can find a list of things to do throughout the month by clicking here.

created: January 30, 2023


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Ron Smith
January 29, 2023

created: January 29, 2023


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Here’s how you can celebrate Black History Month in Milwaukee in 2023 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
January 30, 2023
February is Black History Month. It’s an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on Black history both local and international.
Here are some events you should know about in Milwaukee and ways you can support your community.
(Did we miss a Black History Month event? Help us fill in the gaps by posting in the comments below or by sending an email to info@milwaukeenns.org with the subject line “Black History Month 2023.” You can always submit your news by clicking here.)
Throughout February, Milwaukee Film has organized a slate of film screenings and events as part of its fifth annual celebration of Black History Month. Events explore topics such as Afrofuturism, conversations on Black love and more. Find a full catalog of events here.
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Milwaukee Area Technical College, or MATC, is hosting “Magical Black Tears Experience,” an interactive exhibition designed for children to learn how to create a more just society for Black people. The exhibition is based on the children’s picture book “Magical Black Tears: A Protest Story” by Decoteau J. Irby. The exhibition is available for free public viewing from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays through Feb. 28 at Create Gallery at MATC’s downtown campus, located at 1015 N. 6th St.
Milwaukee Public Library is hosting a slate of events related to Black history for all ages at multiple locations throughout February. A complete list of events and more information here.
Tricklebee Cafe is hosting a series of readings from the book “The Night is Long but Light Comes in the Morning: Meditations for Racial Healing” by Dr. Catherine Meeks. Each week will include readings from the book and a light meal. These gatherings are free and take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Thursday starting on Feb. 2 at Tricklebee Cafe, located at 4424 W. North Ave.
Receive a tour of Milwaukee Art Museum’s collections from artists of the African diaspora, particularly African American and Haitian artists, every Saturday throughout February from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. This is a drop-in tour at the museum located at 700 N. Art Museum Drive  that’s included with the purchase of a museum entrance ticket or free for Milwaukee Art Museum members.
Join Friends of Havenwoods State Forest for stories featuring Black environmentalists, both local and international. This event runs from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18 at Havenwoods State Forest, located at 6141 N. Hopkins St.
“The Give Back Kickback” is an opportunity to donate food and supplies toward the goal of tackling hunger in Milwaukee, while also taking in a joyous atmosphere of music, games, raffles and more. The event takes place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18 at Coffee Makes You Black, located at 2803 N. Teutonia Ave. Entrance to the event requires purchasing items for one of two pre-prepared lists, totaling around $10 and $20, respectively.
Nearby Nature Milwaukee and partners host their fourth annual awards ceremony celebrating Black Milwaukeeans “working for a better environment.” The awards ceremony starts at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 20 at Wisconsin Black Historical Society, 2620 W. Center St., and livestreamed online. The event is free but RSVPs for the in-person event are encouraged. More information on the award honorees can be found here, and RSVP here.
Actors and models will be re-enacting Black leaders in history, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Rosa Parks,      and more in this play directed by Willie Abney of the Hansberry-Sands Theatre Company. Admission to the play includes a fashion show of historical clothing related to the play. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show takes place from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Wisconsin African American Women’s Center, located at 3020 W. Vliet St. Tickets are $10.
During Black History Month and beyond, find Black-owned businesses to support through the MKE BLACK app and website. MKE BLACK’s catalog includes local Black-owned businesses offering products and services in a variety of sectors, including legal, automotive, culinary services and more. See a complete directory here.
The Wisconsin Black Historical Society at 2620 W. Center St. offers scheduled tours of its museum all throughout Black History Month and beyond.
America’s Black Holocaust Museum at 401 W. North Ave. is a resource for Black history year-round, and will be open throughout Black History Month. You can tour the museum in person, or visit the museum’s virtual exhibit here.


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47127383651_09a45336ce_k | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ron Smith
January 29, 2023


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Are you a homeowner looking to make improvements? Here are some programs and services that can help you. | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
For more information, , Other opportunities for homeowners, STRONG Homes Loan Program, ,, Wisconsin Help for Homeowners, Neighborhood Improvement Project, Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council, Housing Resources Inc, Acts Housing, Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee, Bronzeville Resident Homeownership Initiative, Common Ground-Milwaukee Rising
January 31, 2023
The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, or WHEDA, is offering a loan to enable  homeowners to make improvements and needed repairs.
The Home Improvement Loan Program had been previously offered but not widely used, said Robert Stafslien, WHEDA’s director of single family lending. “We expanded the program to be more beneficial to homeowners and lending partners to meet the needs of the current housing market.”
The program initially offered homeowners meeting WHEDA’s income limits of $15,000 to improve the quality and value of a home. Now it’s offering up to $50,000 to qualifying properties.
The Home Improvement Loan Program is a fixed-rate, first or second mortgage with a 15-year term, available to homeowners statewide to enable them to fix or update aspects of their current home rather than purchase a new one.
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“The limited supply of affordable, move-in ready properties doesn’t match the need, so we want to encourage the revitalization of existing homes,” WHEDA CEO and Executive Director Elmer Moor, Jr. said in a news release.
Qualifying properties must be owner-occupied, and owners must comply with household income limits. Current non-WHEDA first mortgage holders are eligible to apply.
Certain program and property restrictions, along with eligibility requirements, apply. WHEDA mortgages are available through a network of local mortgage lending companies, banks and credit unions statewide. More information on WHEDA single-family loan products is here.
You can get updates here.
The city’s STRONG Homes Loan Program, offers partially forgivable loans for emergency and essential repairs.
Wisconsin Help for Homeowners is a new statewide program that can assist with past-due bills such as mortgage payments, property taxes and utility bills, among other things. Individuals and families who live in Wisconsin and have overdue housing-related payments, both with and without a mortgage, meet income and other qualifying standards and have experienced a qualified economic hardship since January 21, 2020, are eligible to participate in the program. For unpaid housing costs up to $40,000 per home may be available. Fill out and submit an online application via the Neighborly application portal. Call 1-855-2-HOME-WI to get additional information or find out how to apply in person.
The City of Milwaukee’s Neighborhood Improvement Project provides eligible homeowners located in the Community Development Block Grant area with home repairs based on building code violations, lead reduction, or health and safety concerns. The minimum scope of work to qualify is $5,000 with a maximum cap of $24,500 per home. Funds can be used for exterior fixes and emergency interior fixes.
Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council can help homeowners protect themselves from mortgage and foreclosure prevention scams as well as from predatory home loans. For more information, call 414-278-1240.
Housing Resources Inc. can provide counseling to homeowners and has programs to help people avoid foreclosure. Housing Resources Inc. continues to offer its free homebuyer program, which assists residents in preparing for and completing a home purchase. For more information, contact the Mortgage Help Line at 414-369-6914 or email mortgagehelp@hri-wi.org.
Acts Housing provides counseling and real estate agent representation to help low-income families transition from renting to home buying. Acts Lending will lend up to $50,000 to qualified homebuyers who are completing a purchase/rehab project. For more information, call 414-933-2215 or email acts@actshousing.org.
Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee offers guidance through the home-buying process and sells rehabilitated homes to low-income residents.  For more information, call 414-286-5405.
Bronzeville Resident Homeownership Initiative: The Bronzeville Homebuyer Assistance Program provides forgivable loans of up to $25,000 and technical assistance to help with property renovation for residents buying city-owned foreclosed homes in the Bronzeville Initiative area. For more information, 414-286-5608 or visit its official site.
Common Ground-Milwaukee Rising: Milwaukee Rising rehabilitates and sells foreclosed properties in the Sherman Park neighborhood. Matching grants of up to $5,000 are available for homeowners wanting to make repairs and improvements. Contact Bob Connolly at 414-491-5910 or at bconnolly@jamescompany.com for more information.

created: January 31, 2023


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44235955834_79ab743e01_k | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ron Smith
January 30, 2023


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NNS Spotlight: How one Milwaukee couple works to ensure students succeed in school | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
PrincessSafiya Byers
January 31, 2023
After COVID-19 hit and schools went virtual,  Jamal Cosey noticed his son, who was in his first year in high school, was falling behind.
“He was failing almost every class,” Cosey said. “It was so bad that I wanted to hold him back a year.”
With the help of family, Cosey found Edwards Educational Solutions to tutor his son.
“Now, he’s excelling in school, getting all A’s and B’s,” Cosey said. “I’ve realized that students might get the information at school, but at home is where it sticks.”
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Bonnie and Cary Edwards created Edwards Educational Solutions after the couple retired: Bonnie served as a teacher for Milwaukee Public Schools, and Cary was a photojournalist for WISN-TV (Channel 12).
Their business tutors K-12 students while offering professional development and training to adults and educators.
“I just still had the burning desire to have an impact,” said Bonnie Edwards, who led the charge on getting the business started.
“There was definitely a need, especially once COVID hit,” she said.
And it all started with a Google search.
“We were just looking up opportunities and found the opportunity to purchase a tutoring franchise,” she said.
After purchasing a Club Z! Tutoring franchise, they hired a dozen tutors and started partnering with organizations like the Milwaukee Public Schools and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee.
Then came the pandemic.
“We signed our second contract on Friday, and Monday the world shut down,” Edwards said. “MPS shut down, and the Boys and Girls Club shut down.”
Edwards said the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation, or WWBIC, became the pair’s saving grace. The organization helped the couple get back on their feet and launch their own business.
WWBIC provides nontraditional loans, services and resources to small businesses in Wisconsin.
According to Ed Byrnes, a small-business consultant for WWBIC, Edwards Educational Solutions has become a success despite the challenges created by the pandemic.
“Just last year, Edwards attended one of our luncheons and met the director of St. Joan Antida High School, and now they have a relationship with the school and tutor there,” he said. “We speak often, and they work hard to be involved and progress.”
Edwards said tutoring service can range from $42 to $45 an hour, but her organization works to make things cheaper by creating partnerships.
Cosey, however, said what client get in return is invaluable.
“We waste money on so many things,” said Cosey. “We have to be willing to invest that same money into our children.”
For information on Edwards Educational Solutions, you can look here.
Milwaukee Public Library offers free online tutoring to Milwaukee residents with a library card.
New Hope Youth and Family Services offers tutoring for students ages 6 to 16 in it’s free after-school program.
Summit Education Association offers free tutoring to its members.


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Ron Smith
January 30, 2023


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BONNIE-AND-CARY-EDWARDS | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ron Smith
January 30, 2023


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New building, same mission for Outreach Community Health Centers | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Devin Blake
February 1, 2023
The next phase has begun on the construction of a four-story addition to Outreach Community Health Centers – an addition that will expand the clinic’s ability to serve its patients, particularly people experiencing homelessness.
Outreach Community is one of five Federally Qualified Health Centers, or FQHCs, in the county. These are clinics designed and funded to work with people who are uninsured or underinsured.
Ninety five percent of the individuals Outreach Community works with are at or below the federal poverty line.
Although there is no hard-and-fast rule about which patients go to which FQHC, there is a natural flow of patients to the one in their general area, said Angela Sanders, interim CEO and chief clinical officer.
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Over 70% of the patients who go to Outreach Community come from 12 primary ZIP codes in the northeastern portion of the city.
Outreach Community is also only one of three FQHCs in the state that gets funding specifically for programs and services for people experiencing homelessness. The original goal of Outreach Community, originally called Healthcare for the Homeless, was to provide services to this population.
When Outreach Community received its designation as an FQHC in 2000, it expanded the type of patients it serves, but “we did not abandon our commitment to serving the homeless,” said James Hill, vice chairman of the board.
Outreach Community serves people experiencing homelessness from 37 different ZIP codes and three different counties in southeastern Wisconsin.
The space in which Outreach Community currently does its homeless services proved insufficient for the need.
“We were growing too big,” Sanders said.
When the 58,000-square foot building is completed this fall, it will more than double Outreach Community’s space, facilitating the hiring of more case management and behavioral health staff members who directly support people who are living on the street or unstably housed.
This population struggles with chronic health conditions such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes as well as mental and substance use disorders, Sanders said.
The new staff will also collaborate more formally with providers on the primary care side of services to better serve the whole individual.
Rather than treating a patient’s hypertension as separate from a chronic anxiety, for example, staff from different disciplines will be able to look together at ways in which these conditions interact, then assist the patient collaboratively.
The difficulties in integrating types and levels of care is, in part, due to the fact that these disciplines are currently spread throughout two different locations – one at 210 W. Capitol Drive and the other at 711 W. Capitol Drive about a 10-minute walk apart.
“A lot of the people that we work with have barriers for access to care, including transportation, child care, a variety of different things,” Sanders said. “We explored a variety of options and we decided … that we would have one location, one-stop shopping for all the individuals that we serve.”
The new building will be located next to the outpatient clinic at 210 W. Capitol Drive.
Outreach Community also is partnering with Ascension Seton Dental Services to locate a permanent dental clinic in the new building.
As an FQHC, Outreach Community is required to have a portion of its board filled by current patients at the clinic. In this way, the realities and the voices of the people who need the services were incorporated into the vision and planning of the  building.
There will be “quiet” rooms for staff to decompress as well as outdoor and roof gardens.
The needs of its staff have also influenced the design.
“It’s a rewarding job – what they do. But it’s exhausting,” said Carla Cross, board secretary and treasurer. “We want to make sure that this is a healthy place and a really good environment.”

created: February 1, 2023


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52477273563_6c3ac468ec_k | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ron Smith
January 31, 2023


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Post From Community: Gentle Flow Yoga | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
David Snell
February 1, 2023
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Saturday, March 4
10 – 11 a.m.
Urban Ecology Center – Menomonee Valley
(For adults) Gentle Yoga Flow is a session brought to you by yoga instructor, Parisa. Parisa incorporates yoga and sound healing. New to yoga? This session is for you. We welcome folks with all kinds of yoga experience, especially beginners.
$5 – $7. See website.
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Gentle Yoga Flow will have participants also feeling a sense of belonging, relaxation, and community.
We ask you to bring a yoga mat/blanket, a water bottle – the center will provide these if you do not have them (while supplies last). We also ask that participants check with their doctor if they are pregnant and/or if you have a pacemaker – the session includes the use of sound.
For questions about this program, please contact Menomonee Valley Neighborhood Engagement Specialist, Denise Manjarrez-Renteria, at dmanjarrezrenteria@urbanecologycenter.org.
Registration is required for this event.


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January 30, 2023


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Post From Community: HYFIN to host “HYFIN Business Breakfast” at Radio Milwaukee on Feb. 21 with African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sarah Lahr
February 1, 2023
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
HYFIN, a Radio Milwaukee station (WYMS-88.9FM HD2), will host the “HYFIN Business Breakfast” on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at Radio Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point studios, 220 E Pittsburgh Ave., from 8:30 to 11 a.m.
Hosted in conjunction with the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin (AACCWI), the breakfast will be co-emceed by Nikki Purvis, President and CEO of the AACCWI, and Element Everest-Blanks, HYFIN brand ambassador and on-air host.
“The AACCWI is proud to join HYFIN for the upcoming Business Breakfast,” said Purvis. “As two organizations committed to amplifying Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, we look forward to discussing how businesses can effectively and authentically promote their products and services.”
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The event will feature a presentation from Radio Milwaukee, with special guest Emerald Mills of Turning Tables, on the opportunities for businesses to cultivate lasting professional relationships through underwriting with HYFIN. After the presentation, attendees will be able to network with one another and account executives at Radio Milwaukee. Complimentary breakfast for the event will be provided by Turning Tables.
“We hope to use this breakfast as a way to share with our community the ways that HYFIN can help support and amplify their business,” said HYFIN Program Director Tarik Moody. “We’ll share examples about the dynamic relationships we’ve built with local businesses so far, like that of our collaborative relationship with Soul Brew Kombucha.”
Details for the morning are as follows:
The breakfast is free and open to all. Guests and business owners can register to attend at bit.ly/HYFINBizBreakfast. Media can download event artwork at bit.ly/HYFINBizBreakfastMedia.
For more information or interview requests, please contact Sarah Lahr at sarahm@radiomilwaukee.org or 815-260-7218.
About HYFIN
HYFIN is a media movement dedicated to playing the full spectrum of Black music and connecting the culture. A pioneer of the Urban Alternative format, Radio Milwaukee launched HYFIN on Juneteenth 2022 with the support of a $450,000 grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. HYFIN broadcasts on-air at 88.9FM HD2, online at hyfin.org and via the HYFIN mobile app. Additionally, HYFIN is simulcast on 88.9FM HD1 from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. every day.
About Radio Milwaukee
Radio Milwaukee (WYMS-88.9FM) has been a positive force for Milwaukee on air, online and in the community since its 2007 launch. Through its creative programming and content, non-commercial Radio Milwaukee utilizes a multimedia platform for creating a better, more inclusive and engaged community. 88Nine broadcasts and streams a unique blend of musical styles, including at least one song by a Milwaukee artist each hour, and short Uniquely Milwaukee stories that foster engagement and positive change. On 88.9FM-HD2 and hyfin.org, the station operates an Urban Alternative channel, HYFIN, that focuses on connecting with young, diverse audiences through the full spectrum of Black music. The organization runs a 24/7 all-Milwaukee music channel at 414Music.fm online and 88.9FM-HD3 on-air. The award-winning station receives the great majority of its financial support from its 6,000 contributing members, more than 150 underwriters and 25 foundations. Learn more about Radio Milwaukee and stream the station at RadioMilwaukee.org or via the Radio Milwaukee mobile app.

author: Sarah Lahr


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Post From Community: Nominations now being accepted for 2023 Vel R. Phillips Trailblazer Award | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs
February 1, 2023
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
The Vel R. Phillips Trailblazer Award is bestowed annually to recognize a female Milwaukeean who exemplifies Vel R. Phillips’ legacy of selfless service and trailblazing work toward improving the quality of life for residents in Milwaukee. Nominations for the 2023 Vel R. Phillips Trailblazer Award are now being accepted and are due by the close of business on Friday, February 24.
“There are countless people throughout Milwaukee who work to better our community, and the Vel R. Phillips Trailblazer Award is one avenue for us to recognize an individual who captures the spirit, dedication, and passion for Milwaukee that Vel Phillips demonstrated throughout her life,” said Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs. “If you or someone you know fits the description of a trailblazer, make sure to nominate them for this prestigious award.”
Nominations must include a description of the nominee’s work in the areas of social justice and/or civic engagement, challenges the nominee has overcome in these areas, and any other examples of the nominee embodying the spirit of Vel R. Phillips.
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Nominees must be female City of Milwaukee residents who are not publicly-elected officials. Applicants may nominate themselves or others. The winner will be announced during the Girl’s Day @ City Hall program in March. For more information including detailed eligibility requirements and to secure a nomination form, please click here, or contact Joanna Polanco at (414) 286-2366 or jpolan@milwaukee.gov.

author: Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs


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Post From Community: Pinch Pots & Succulents | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
David Snell
February 1, 2023
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Friday, February 10
5 – 7 p.m.
Urban Ecology Center – Washington Park
(For adults & teens) Gather your creative family members & friends! Join us in making your own pinch pots out of clay using three different techniques. We will show you the basics, provide a hot beverage, and include the succulent plant! This is a great way to get creative and have some fun at the end of a busy week.
$15 – $18. See website.
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For questions about this program, please contact Registrar, Augie Rodenbeck, at arodenbeck@urbanecologycenter.org or call (414) 626-8518.
Registration is required for this event and will close 24 hours prior to program start time.


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January 30, 2023


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Post From Community: Revive Integrated Health Center | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dr. Octavia Manuel-Wright
February 1, 2023
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Revive Integrated Health Center, LLC is a Nurse Practitioner owned and operated health care organization. The organization was established by Dr. Clarissa Lawrence, NP, the owner of Community Health Primary Care Services, LLC, and Dr. Octavia Manuel-Wright, NP the owner of Balanced Mental Health and Wellness, LLC; the two practices have joined to integrate primary care, behavioral health, aesthetics and laboratory services at one location.
After the wake of the pandemic, it was evident that collaboration with primary care and behavioral health was necessary to address healthcare disparities among low-income and vulnerable populations in Milwaukee County. This integrated care model will promote the delivery of effective and efficient care that reflects the comprehensive approach to healthcare needs. Additional benefits of integrated care are increasing access to primary and psychiatric care, providing continuity of care, and improving health care outcomes.
Dr. Clarissa Lawrence is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in primary care. Dr. Lawrence is a strong patient advocate who believes in meeting patients where they are with their healthcare. Her focus is preventative care, chronic disease management, and weight management. Her overall goal is to decrease the overuse of the emergency department and prevent hospital readmissions. Dr. Lawrence’s purpose is to close the gap in health disparities by providing more access to primary care to improve patients’ overall health.
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Dr. Octavia Manuel-Wright is a dual-certified Adult-Gerontology Primary Care and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She strives to build strong therapeutic relationships with her patients using a patient-centered collaborative care model. Dr. Manuel-Wright specializes in a holistic approach to care that integrates behavioral modifications, dietary changes, and physical activity. She provides medication management, supportive therapy, and wellness services such as (yoga, light therapy, cranial electrotherapy, and reiki) for patients with mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, insomnia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia.
The practice officially opened on January 3, 2023, and is located on the Northwest side of Milwaukee at 7929 N 76 Street. Both providers are accepting new patients. If you are interested in becoming a patient or have questions feel free to contact Dr. Lawrwnce or Dr. Manuel-Wright
Dr. Clarissa Lawrence( Primary Care Nurse Practitioner)
Community Health Primary Care Services
Phone: 414-554-9774
Web: https://communityhealthpcs.com/
Dr. Octavia Manuel-Wright ( Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Balanced Mental Health and Wellness
Phone: 414-376-8830
Web: https://mybalancedcare.org/

author: Dr. Octavia Manuel-Wright


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octaviaandclarissa.jpg | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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January 18, 2023


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FoodRight gives kids an early start on making healthy meals | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
February 2, 2023
Lisa Kingery is on a mission.
The founder of FoodRight teaches kids how to prepare healthy foods.
Now serving about 1,200 students citywide in five MPS schools, FoodRight has developed curricula for students in kindergarten through eighth grade to help them gain experience with cooking different foods and using kitchen equipment.
This hands-on approach to learning is important to Kingery, who said that it helps break up the school day and get kids moving and learning with their hands when they otherwise may not have the chance to do so.
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“Our curriculum is very experiential; they’re learning by doing,” Kingery said.
Maddy Kruckowski took part in FoodRight’s program for fifth graders in the fall. She said she did not know what to expect at first but came away with new foods she liked and new cooking vocabulary words like “mincing” and “chopping.”
“They explained what healthy foods are and broke down everything about healthy eating habits before bringing in materials and letting us do our own thing,” Maddy said. “It was really like it was us cooking on our own.”
FoodRight’s origins can be traced to 2006, when Kingery conducted a needs assessment while she was working at the Fondy Food Center using a grant from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. The goal was to explore the need for culinary education in Milwaukee, and Kingery found that there was “almost zero” culinary curricula available in the central city, particularly in middle school.
Kingery noted that this lack of middle school culinary education was especially concerning because middle school is a time when many kids are beginning to make more food on their own. This made for an opportunity to expose kids to healthy foods early on.
In 2007, Kingery began developing a curriculum for middle schoolers that would become FoodRight’s  Youth Chef Academy. The curriculum was designed to get students out of their seats and practice making healthy foods in a way that also incorporated literacy and math lessons.
In 2012, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee did an official evaluation of the middle-school curriculum, confirming that it actually did change eating habits.
For Kingery, this was big. Not only because it affirmed her programming was on the right track, but because it matched her personal goals for encouraging healthy eating.
“I’m a registered public health dietician. I want to change how they eat,” Kingery said.
FoodRight was officially registered as a 501(c)3 nonprofit in 2015. By 2018, it had developed elementary school curriculum to match its middle school offerings and hired full-time employees to help implement the curriculum in school buildings.
Then 2020 (and COVID-19) came, and suddenly all students were learning virtually.
While FoodRight could no longer rely solely on providing in-person programming, the nonprofit pivoted to providing meal kits with preparation instructions so students could learn alongside family members.
Kingery credits the Kohl’s Healthy Families program and the American Cancer Society for making this pivot possible. The grant enabled Kingery to purchase the take-home kits that augmented FoodRight’s virtual programming.
Even as students have returned to in-person learning, the program has remained.
“Now the kids have eight lessons in the classroom with us, two ingredient kits to make at home and two virtual lessons with us to make meals that the whole family can share,” Kingery said.
Andrea Rivera, who is Maddy’s mother, has chaperoned the class in person and made recipes from the class at home with her daughter.
Beyond providing an engaging in-person curriculum that has introduced Maddy and the family to new foods such as zucchini fritters and Cajun popcorn, Rivera is confident that FoodRight’s programming is changing lives for the better.
“It will change their eating habits. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but in the long run,” Rivera said.
For Kingery, this kind of feedback is exactly what keeps her going.
“Food choices as a kid have a long-term impact on your life,” Kingery said. “It is my life’s work to change how Milwaukee kids eat.”

created: February 2, 2023


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Ron Smith
February 1, 2023


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52664307888_76b396cc3b_o-1 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ron Smith
February 1, 2023


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52664307888_76b396cc3b_o | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ron Smith
February 1, 2023