Community Advocates
Connections
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Hello again --
We survived the polar vortex! For many of us, the bitter cold and snowstorms were merely inconvenient. But for members of our community who lack shelter, this stretch of brutal winter weather was life threatening. Fortunately, there are many street outreach professionals and volunteers who worked diligently during the storms to make sure that vulnerable individuals came in from the cold. Among those professionals were Community Advocates' Homeless Outreach Nursing Center staff, who dedicate themselves year-round to connecting with and supporting individuals who do not have a home and live with mental health challenges. Our staff don't ask for recognition, but they certainly deserve our praise and appreciation for the unique service they provide to our community.
In gratitude,
Andi Elliott
Chief Executive Officer
Community Advocates
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Community Advocates’ Homeless Outreach Staff
Connected During the Polar Vortex
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January’s polar vortex didn’t stop our Homeless Outreach team from connecting with the most vulnerable members of our community during the worst weather of the year.
Fox 6 interviewed Mary Ann Patti
,
Program Manager for our Homeless Outreach Nursing Center (HONC), about the challenges facing individuals without shelter during the bitter cold. "They don't necessarily have an accurate read of what the temperature is. If you ask someone, they don't think it's as cold outside as it is," Patti told reporter Hannah Jewell. Plus, many individuals are suspicious of and reluctant to accept help. Patti and her staff were among the dedicated professionals and volunteers who encouraged individuals on the street to come in from the cold and find shelter and services. We can say without a doubt that they saved lives this winter. We are truly grateful for their professionalism and compassion.
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The Public Policy Institute Asks State Leaders to Look Ahead
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On February 8,
Community Advocates Public Policy Institute organized a lively and thoughtful forum
, "State Leaders Look Ahead: Which Policies Will Ensure All Wisconsinites Thrive?" with three Milwaukee legislators: State Senator LaTonya Johnson and State Representative Evan Goyke, both of whom serve on the budget-writing Joint Finance Committee, and State Representative Daniel Riemer, a member of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee. (State Senator Dale Kooyenga canceled and wasn’t able to participate as planned.) PPI's Research and Program Coordinator Mike Bare moderated the discussion in Centennial Hall of the Milwaukee Public Library.
The legislators discussed strategies to ensure that all Wisconsinites thrive, including Transitional Jobs; access to affordable health care, housing, and child care; reliable transportation options; and criminal justice reform. Goyke also encouraged community members to form coalitions and reach out to legislators from both parties, from all parts of the state, to inform and enlighten them about the impact of their work.
"Where we live and the world around us shapes our view of policy and our agenda," said Goyke, who lives in the Sherman Park neighborhood.
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March Meter Madness Is On!
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Milwaukee County Energy Assistance helps make your heat and electric bills more affordable.
And during March Meter Madness, if your bills have piled up, let us help you set up a payment plan and we will handle the down payment.
That's right: We can help you set up a payment plan with We Energies before you get a disconnection notice without paying a down payment, and without the stress and rush!
It takes less than an hour to apply! Schedule your appointment during the month of March at
keepwarmmke.org
or call 414-270-4MKE (414-270-4653).
Contact us now so we can help you set up a payment plan and cover your down payment during March Meter Madness!
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An Evening with Alex Kotlowitz
Author,
An American Summer
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On Wednesday, March 13, please join us for a remarkable author event.
Community Advocates Public Policy Institute is welcoming acclaimed author
Alex Kotlowitz
, who has provided a searing, intimate look at the impact of violence on individuals and the community in his latest book,
One American Summer: Love and Death in Chicago
. You may know Kotlowitz's previous work, the national best-seller
There Are No Children Here
and the revelatory documentary
The Interrupters
.
Kindly RSVP here
to allow Boswell to plan for and accommodate everyone who wants to attend.
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Raising Awareness of Housing Issues throughout the Community
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Our Housing Department Manager Shawanna Lindenberg appeared on two panels in late January to raise issues of tenants' rights, responsibilities, and challenges. On January 24, she participated in a panel discussion on eviction in Milwaukee at the
Avenues West Association and Near West Side Partners luncheon
alongside Amy Koltz of Mediate Milwaukee, Raphael Ramos of Legal Action of Wisconsin, and
Joe’Mar Hooper of CommonBond Communities
. Then, on January 26, she spoke at Empower MKE’s panel on Housing and Tenant 101, organized by State Senator LaTonya Johnson at Washington Park Senior Center.
Senator Johnson has posted the materials from Empower MKE on her website.
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You Are Not Alone:
Join Our Support Groups for Older Women
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Older women who have experienced domestic violence are encouraged to participate in group meetings at the
Milwaukee Women’s Center
. During these discussions, women can learn more about domestic abuse, how to end the cycle of abuse, and feel a sense of hope and camaraderie. Contact Myrtle at 414-221-0152 or
mdillon@camwc.net
to learn more.
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Do you love to cook? Want to make people smile? The
Milwaukee Women’s Center
is looking for groups, clubs, or individuals to purchase, prepare, and serve an Easter meal, ideally a brunch for the 20 adults and 30 kids staying in our Emergency Shelter. The Center has a commercial kitchen, so food can be brought in already cooked and ready to serve, or the meal can be cooked onsite.
If you can’t help us out on Easter, we always welcome volunteers to purchase, prepare, and serve meals at the shelter. Best days are Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, when roughly 50 adults and children gather for meals. Bring in your ready-to-serve food or cook it onsite. Interested? Contact Jeri Kavanaugh at 414-270-2984 or
jkavanaugh@communityadvocates.net
. On behalf of the adults and families relying on the Milwaukee Women’s Center for shelter and safety, we thank you!
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48 Hours of Giving 2019
March 26-28
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During just 48 hours, you can make an incredible impact on someone’s life when you
donate during our 48 Hours of Giving
, from 10 a.m. on March 26 to 10 a.m. on March 28. Your participation and support will make it possible for us to reach and touch the lives of thousands of individuals and families in need of housing, energy assistance, mental health, disability, substance use disorder, and domestic violence services. Look for more details in our March newsletter. We appreciate you!
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Are you smart, compassionate, and committed to helping your community? We’re looking for you!
We have some wonderful career opportunities right now:
- Client Support Specialist (On Call)
- Older Abused Women’s Program Outreach and Community Case Manager
- Public Policy Institute Policy Program Associate
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Save the Date
WGIRLS Milwaukee: A Night Under the Big Top
Friday, May 17
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Don’t miss this unique fundraiser for the Milwaukee Women’s Center’s Emergency Shelter.
WGIRLS Milwaukee is creating a Big Top-themed evening
that will include carnival games, a silent auction, a wine and beer pull, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dancing, and live entertainment. WGIRLS is a national philanthropic organization made up of young professional women dedicated to empowering women and children in underserved communities.
We’ll send details as the date gets closer, but for now, mark May 17 on your calendar. Interested in sponsoring? Email
wgirls@milwaukee.wgirls.org
.
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March 13:
An Evening with Alex Kotlowitz at Boswell Books, cosponsored by Community Advocates Public Policy Institute and the City of Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention. Kotlowitz is the author of
An American Summer: Love and Death in Chicago
and
There Are No Children Here
.
Get details and your free ticket here
.
March 15:
MCSAP Youth Summit: The Milwaukee County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition is sponsoring its third youth summit designed to give straight talk to young people about the dangers of substance use. This year, the topic is “What’s Your Natural High?” to shed light on positive alternatives to substance use. Youth groups are encouraged to attend.
Get more information here
. Contact Jody Rhodes at
neulife1@sbcglobal.net
or 414-933-3924 to register.
March 16:
Helping with Hops III Charity Bottle Share Benefiting Community Advocates/Milwaukee Women's Center: Join us at this fun fundraiser for our Milwaukee Women’s Center programs. Meet us between 5 and 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, at Freight 38, 838 S. First St., Milwaukee. This fundraiser is held in collaboration with Mobcraft Beer.
March 26-March 28:
48 Hours of Giving: Lend a helping hand to a community member who needs one on their journey to independence, health, and wholeness. Your contribution to Community Advocates’ programs and services during our 48 Hours of Giving campaign can change a life.
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Community Advocates
2019 Board of Directors
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Leadership
President: Sheree Dallas Branch | Public Relations Consultant
Vice President: Jodi Wire | We Energies
Treasurer: Sandra Samse | Johnson Keland Management
Secretary: Bryan House | Foley & Lardner, LLP
Board Members
Marquette Baylor | Aurora Health Care
Anne DeLeo | Community Volunteer
Valerie Gabriel | Community Volunteer
Dr. Stephen Hargarten | Medical College of Wisconsin
Erin Henry | Northwestern Mutual
Betsy Hoylman | Northwestern Mutual
Gary Ingram | Igary Events
Moriah Iverson | Medical College of Wisconsin
Sharon Jordan | Direct Supply
Pamela Klein | Fresh Coast Partners, LLC
Jim Liedtke | Community Volunteer
Kate Venne | Brady Corporation
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