Issue 7-17 | August 20, 2018
Thank you for your commitment to making Milwaukee a better place by investing in prevention efforts. Do you have:

  • Job openings?
  • Upcoming events?
  • News to share?
  • Suggestions?

Forward the information to Elysse at  EChay@CommunityAdvocates.net . Thank you for your service to Milwaukee!

Yours in prevention,
Elysse Chay 
Prevention Manager
Community Advocates
Public Policy Institute 
News
Celebrating Mitchell Street’s Youth-Friendly Library
During the afternoon of July 27, our PPI Prevention Services team had the opportunity to tour the Makerspace in the lower level of the Mitchell Street branch of the Milwaukee Public Library.

When the Milwaukee Public Library system purchased the five-story Hill’s Building, they conducted a restoration and repurposing project for the entire neighborhood.

This is the largest branch of the Milwaukee Public Library system, with 23,000 square feet of space on the three lower floors devoted to library activities. The renovation restored the historic, natural beauty of the space, and added spectacular, modern updates.

One of those modern updates is the Makerspace, which consists of a large central area filled with screens, overhead outlets, and flexible-use furniture that can be repositioned for individual work, small-group activities, or larger group presentations or workshops. At the time we visited, four small groups of youth (ages 10-18) were engaged in video game design projects, one group was taping a video, and several were working independently with mentors. In addition to the 26 youth, six community mentors assisted with everything from basic use of the equipment, to improving game designs and programs.

53206 DFC Applauds Neighbors Who Spoke Out
on Problematic Liquor Store
In a victory for health and safety, members of the Amani community spoke out at a Milwaukee Common Council hearing in July when the liquor license renewal for S&S Liquor came up for a vote. The store has been linked to drug sales, illegal tobacco possession, and loitering, according to the MPD's and residents' testimony, with many neighbors saying they didn't want their kids to walk past the store, located at 27th Street and Auer Avenue. Members of the Dominican Center, Amani United, and COA Youth & Families Center-Goldin Center made their voices heard at the hearing.

While residents spoke both in favor and against renewal, in the end the Licenses Committee and the full Common Council both voted unanimously against renewing the store's license when it expires in September. Fox 6 interviewed 53206 Drug-Free Communities Project Coordinator John Eshun about the controversial store.

"We know that liquor stores and convenience stores can be a force for good. We're just trying to promote responsibility and accountability," Eshun told reporter Evan Peterson.

As Eshun explains, there are valid reasons why residents supported and opposed the presence of this liquor store in their neighborhood. Find out why in Eshun's blog post, "Two Competing Visions of the 53206 Community."

Photo Credit: Fox 6
MCSAP International Overdose Awareness Day Event
Wednesday, August 29
The Milwaukee County Substance Abuse Prevention (MCSAP) coalition is providing resources and outreach at Washington Park Wednesdays on August 29 to mark International Overdose Awareness Day. It's the final concert in this summer series and will feature the Diaspora Arkestra presented by James Julius Anderson and Tarik Moody. Plan to stop by Washington Park, 1859 N. 40th St., Milwaukee, on August 29.

You asked, so you are receiving another opportunity to learn  Motivational Interviewing  with the Alma Institute's Shawn Smith. This two-day training is offered free of charge to Milwaukee Brighter Futures/Title V and Stay Strong Milwaukee grantees. The sessions will be held on two Wednesdays, September 12 and 19, and include a light breakfast and lunch. Contact Shawn Smith at  shawn@almacenter.org  or 414-235-1930 with questions. Register here.
Brighter Futures Initiative RFP Released
The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families has released its competitive RFP for the Brighter Futures Initiative (BFI). Funding for the BFI program began in 2001 to help Wisconsin youth, families and communities achieve their maximum potential by promoting healthy and safe families, school readiness for children, and the successful navigation from childhood to adulthood. The Initiative supports evidence-based prevention strategies and a positive youth development approach, and focuses on the legislative outcomes set forth in state statutes. Here are the bid details on VendorNet:

Save the Date
Governor’s Faith-Based Summits on Opioids
Milwaukee Summit, Monday, October 29
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is sponsoring three no-cost regional faith-based summits focusing on the opioid crisis for all faith-based groups, organizations, and individuals. The Milwaukee summit – organized by the Southeast Wisconsin Region of the Alliance for Wisconsin Youth – will be held on Monday, October 29, at the Tripoli Shrine Center, 3000 W. Wisconsin Ave. Click on this link for details and to register. Questions? Contact Southeast AWY Prevention Coordinator Jazzmyne Adams at jadams@communityadvocates.net. 
Wisconsin Peer Recovery Conference
Thursday, November 1 & Friday, November 2
UW-Stevens Point’s Wisconsin Peer Recovery Conference will focus on “Discovering Pathways of Recovery” in November. Keynote speakers are Mettie Spiess, founder of A World Without Suicide, and Clem Richardson, CEO and founder of Manna Behavioral Services. Scholarships are available; deadline for applications is Monday, August 27. Get details and register here.
Events
Volition Franklin Community Dinner
Tuesday, August 21
Enjoy this no-cost family-friendly dinner and presentations and learn more about the importance of sharing a family meal. The event will be held on Tuesday, August 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Southbrook Church, 11010 W. St. Martins Road, Franklin. Sponsored by Volition Franklin, The Parenting Network, Mimosa, and Michelangelo’s Pizza. Registration is required at this link. Contact Volition Franklin Coalition Coordinator Lauren Lube at llube@franklinwi.gov or at VolitionFranklin.org with your questions. Volition Franklin is a Partnerships for Success Milwaukee County partner.
Starting the Conversation
August 22 & 29, September 5
Starting the Conversation is a group for parents or caregivers of children ages 3-10 to eliminate the stigma of childhood mental health problems. This four-session program aims to give parents the tools to make decisions about their child’s mental health challenges. Parents must meet from 6-7:30 p.m. on August 22, August 29, and September 5 (the final date is to be determined based on participant availability) at Rogers Behavioral Health Outpatient Center, 4555 W. Schroeder Drive, Suite 185, Brown Deer. For details, contact Sarah Reed at sarah.reed@rogershospital.org. 
Shining the Light on What Works
Thursday, August 23
UW-Milwaukee Associate Professor and Institute for Child and Family Well-Being Cofounder Dimitri Topitzes will discuss implementing evidence-based interventions to meet the complex needs of children and families coping with trauma. This free event will be held on Thursday, August 23, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at UWM Alumni House, 3230 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee. Register here.
Backpack & School Supply Fundraiser
Saturday, August 25
Help the kids being served at the Milwaukee Women's Center when you donate backpacks full of school supplies. Every contribution will help a student succeed this school year. Enjoy complimentary appetizers, participate in a raffle, and learn about their work. Milwaukee Women's Center, a division of Community Advocates, serves adults and children impacted by domestic violence and homelessness. Sponsored by Sharon Jordan's Management & Promotions, Garfield's 502, the Milwaukee Women's Center, and the Commanders of the Rite Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, PHA, Orient of Wisconsin.
Grief Following Trauma
Tuesday, August 28 & Wednesday, August 29
The Salvation Army is presenting this two-day course on developing a basic understanding of how to help grieving people after trauma. Targeted participants will be trained clergy, chaplains, mental health professionals, and CISM-trained crisis responders who work with people who experience grief and loss following a traumatic event. Must attend both days to receive a certificate of completion. Get details and register here. 
NAMI Peer-to-Peer
Wednesday, August 29
NAMI Greater Milwaukee’s popular Peer-to-Peer education program is a free and confidential 10-session course for adults living with mental health challenges. It’ll be held on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. beginning August 29 at NAMI Greater Milwaukee, 3200 S. Third St., Milwaukee. Contact Theresa Jemison at 414-344-0447 to register.
Welcome Back to School
Tuesday, September 4
Auer Avenue Community School is inviting the community to welcome its students and their families back to school. Those celebrating the first day of school are asked to arrive at 7:15 a.m. to greet the students before the 7:35 a.m. first bell. Contact Michelle Allison at 414-875-4636 if you would like to attend. 
Our Future Starts Now: Healing, Hope & Resilience
Tuesday, September 11
The Milwaukee Mental Health Task Force invites you to their 2018 Forum, “The Future Starts Now.” Guest speakers will be Michael Joranger of SaintA, Tammy Scheidegger of Mount Mary University, and Mary Neubauer of the Milwaukee Mental Health Task Force and the Milwaukee County Mental Health Board, plus voice of youth sharing their ideas about support and recovery. The forum will begin with a 12:30 to 1 p.m. registration, refreshments, and networking session before offering its program and presentation of the Fifth Annual Karen Avery Award from 1-5 p.m. This free-of-charge event will be held at Independence First, 540 S. First St., Milwaukee. Register here.
Changing the Conversation on Opioids
Tuesday, September 11 & Wednesday, September 12
The state Department of Health Services is offering this unique opportunity for all public health, tribal health employees, and substance abuse prevention coalition members to take part in a free-of-charge two-day training with top experts. The sessions, held at the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Wisconsin Dells, will feature experts from Evergreen Data and Frameworks Institute to learn about data visualization techniques to enhance your presentations and message framing to change the conversation on opioids. Get the details and register here.
Women & Justice Morning Conference & Luncheon
Wednesday, September 12
What might happen if we addressed street prostitution as a public health issue, and not as a crime? Find out at the Benedict Center’s conference and luncheon on Wednesday, September 12, at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee. The morning conference (9-11 a.m.) is free of charge; individual tickets and tables for the luncheon are offered at varied prices. Click here for details and to register. 
Prevent Suicide Greater Milwaukee
Quarterly Coalition Partner Meeting
Friday, September 14
The PSGM coalition partners will honor National Suicide Prevention Day and Week at their quarterly meeting, to be held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 14, at Independence First, 540 S. First St., Milwaukee. 
Adolescent Recovery Program Lunchtime Open House
Friday, September 14
Learn more about Rogers Behavioral Health’s expansion in West Allis. Its Adolescent Recovery Program treats young people ages 12 to 17 who are struggling with substance abuse. Tour the new space, meet the team, and learn more about substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. Guests will also receive a box lunch from West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe. The open house will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rogers Memorial Hospital, 11101 W. Lincoln Ave., West Allis. Get details and register here.
Research & Resources
Community Advocates Public Policy Institute
Launches New Quarterly E-Newsletter
The Public Policy Institute is launching a new quarterly e-newsletter in September to let our community know more about our policy, prevention, and training work so that we can improve our collaborations and partnerships. If you enjoy reading the Milwaukee Prevention Journal, you'll gain even more insights from our new e-newsletter.

Free Driver Education Program
Attention MPS students between 15.5 and 17.5: The MPS Drive program provides FREE driver education for MPS students and there are still a few openings for the upcoming fall session. Register today at https://tinyurl.com/ycs77j7r  or call 414-647-6067 with any questions.
Mental Health America's Back to School Toolkit
MHA's 2018 Back to School Toolkit will provide young people with information to help them understand the effects trauma can have on the mind and how traumatic events may trigger the onset of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and psychosis. By increasing understanding of trauma and recognition of early warning signs of mental health conditions, we hope to encourage young people to seek help and support as soon as possible so that they can address issues Before Stage 4.  The toolkit will be released on Tuesday, August 21, but you can find previous toolkits before then.
Job Opportunities
Our Partners & Allies Are Seeking...




















Fall Intern Sought
Community Advocates Public Policy Institute is seeking a writing intern for the fall semester. The intern will help to write and produce the Milwaukee Prevention Journal, blog items, social media posts, and additional e-newsletters. Strong background or interest in journalism, public health, social services, policy or advocacy a plus. Email Lisa Kaiser at lkaiser@communityadvocates.net for details.
Elysse Chay | Community Advocates Public Policy Institute | 414-270-6936  | EChay@CommunityAdvocates.net | ppi.communityadvocates.net
Community Advocates is supported by ReCAST MKE, a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Mental Health Services, under Grant No. 5H79SM063524.