Happy New Year! 15 years ago, Jeff Duncan-Andrade penned the article “Note to Educators: Hope Required When Growing Roses in Concrete”.1 Rereading it, 15 years later, the core of the message resonates with me still. As we stand at the threshold of a year brimming with local, national, and global issues that are testing our people, and our civic institutions, it is imperative that we remember this. This year will test our resolve, as fear can often grip us, leading to paralysis. Yet, our political history has illustrated time and again that when caught between fear and hope, hope invariably prevails. In such times, it is easy to be swayed by the currents of fear - fear of uncertainty, fear of change, fear of the unknown. As we get ready for 2024, I choose to be guided by hope - a hope that is not naive, but informed; a hope that is not passive, but active. It is this hope that drives us at Common Wealth to continue our work in community, to persevere in our efforts to empower and uplift, and to steadfastly believe in the potential of every individual and every community we touch. As we navigate through the complexities of geopolitics, the fervor of elections, and the challenges posed by climate change, our focus remains unwavering. We are committed to creating sustainable change, fostering resilient communities, and building a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. This mission is not just our guiding star; it's our collective responsibility. Reflecting on the past year, we have witnessed remarkable achievements across our program areas. The successful completion of the CINH-funded projects in Q3 and Q4 of 2023 stands as a testament to our commitment to providing healthy, safe, and affordable housing. The upgrades and renovations we undertook have not only improved living standards but have also reinforced our dedication to sustainable and responsible community development. Our Youth Workforce Development programs continue to be a beacon of hope and opportunity, setting the bar for excellence in youth work, particularly in terms of the rigor around economic and financial fluency training for youth and young adults. Through comprehensive and empathetic programming, we are equipping Madison's youth with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to navigate their professional journeys. The enthusiasm and success of our participants inspire us every day and reaffirm our belief in the transformative power of education and mentorship. As we step into 2024, we are excited about the prospects and opportunities that lie ahead. The Big Share event on March 5th is more than just a day of giving; it's a celebration of community spirit and the collective impact we can achieve. We invite you to join us in this endeavor, to contribute in ways big or small, and to be part of the change you wish to see. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you - our staff, our program participants, our residents, and our community partners. Your support, dedication, and belief in our mission fuel our efforts and make everything we do possible. Together, let us embrace 2024 with hope, courage, and the unwavering belief that our collective actions will pave the way for a hopeful and thriving future. I do this work because I, too, hope audaciously”.1 Here's to a year filled with growth, collaboration, and meaningful impact. Thank you for being part of our journey. “The idea that hope alone will transform the world, and action undertaken in that kind of naïveté, is an excellent route to hopelessness, pessimism, and fatalism. But the attempt to do without hope, in the struggle to improve the world, as if that struggle could be reduced to calculated acts alone, or a purely scientific approach, is a frivolous illusion".2 Onward. Respectfully Submitted, Justice Castañeda Executive Director Common Wealth Development, Inc.

1“Duncan-Andrade, Jeff “Note to Educators: Hope Required When Growing Roses in Concrete” Harvard Educational Review Vol. 79 No. 2 Summer 2009 Copyright © by the President and Fellows of Harvard College” 2“Freire, Paulo, 1921-1997. Pedagogy of the Oppressed. New York :Continuum, 1997”

Save the Date for the 2024 Big Share on March 5th! Are you getting ready for the 2024 Big Share!? Because we sure are! The Big Share is a day dedicated to online giving that will feature 70 nonprofit members of Community Shares of Wisconsin (CSW). As a proud member of Community Shares of Wisconsin, Common Wealth Development is excited to be a part of The Big Share again this year! If you save the date for the 2024 Big Share on Tuesday, March 5th, then you can celebrate with us ALL DAY LONG! You can find us at these fun events on March 5th:  Morning Coffee Hour at the Rotunda Café from 8-10 am  Happy Hour at the Weary Traveler Freehouse from 5-6 pm Karaoke Competition and Common Wealth’s 45th Anniversary Kick-Off at Weary Traveler Freehouse from 7- 10 pm

We would love your support to make this year’s Big Share the best yet. When donating to Common Wealth Development for the Big Share, your donation goes that much further in helping us plant the seed. You can be part of starting someone on their employment journey, or providing the comfort someone feels as they walk into their new apartment or supporting the foundation for adults who face significant barriers to acquiring or sustaining long-term employment.   We know that the growth of a garden is only possible through consistent, loving care. When you donate to Common Wealth, your donation truly helps sustain our work in supporting residents of Madison and Dane County!  You can donate to Common Wealth Development at https://www.givegab.com/nonprofits/common-wealth-dev from March 4th at 6 pm to March 5th at 10 PM.  For more information on The Big Share or Community Shares of Wisconsin, visit their website: https://www.communityshares.com/

Donate to CWD for The Big Share!

Community Shares of Wisconsin Webpage

We are celebrating promotions and new staff!

Common Wealth is excited to celebrate three very special promotions and two new hires!  Sataro Sato is now our Maintenance Manager; Nick Lee has stepped into our Housing and Resident Relations Coordinator role; and Evelyn Betts has transitioned from her work in Youth Workforce Development to enter a new position as our Real Estate Development Coordinator! We are so grateful for all the work Sataro, Nick, and Evelyn have done to serve our community over the past years, and we are excited to see how they thrive in their new roles.   At the end of 2023, Sabrina Gilliam joined the team as a Housing & Resident Relations Specialist, and Sarah Batarfi as our Housing Administration Coordinator.

In their own words...

"My name is Sabrina Gilliam, and I am the new Housing & Resident Relations Specialist.     I have been working in the housing industry for the past two years and have gained a wealth of experience in all aspects of the field. Though it’s a short amount of time I’ve had the opportunity to assist so many in our community with varying living situations. From those currently experiencing homelessness, to families living in affordable housing, to private homeowners needing assistance to prevent foreclosure. I strongly believe everyone is deserving of a place they call home and to have been without that myself, I am proud to be part of an organization driven to assist in making that a reality for those who need it most.    Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my children, playing board games, listening to music, any arts and crafts but especially diamond painting and scrapbooking."

"My name is Sarah, and I am the Housing Administration Coordinator. Initially, I was searching for an initiative that aligned with my values regarding community building and health equity, particularly within the context of housing. Thanks to the Facebook algorithm suggesting recommendations, I stumbled upon a social media post by Common Wealth Development that indicated they were hiring. This presented me with an opportunity to do some research about what services Common Wealth provides to the community. I was intrigued, and I decided to take a leap of faith and apply. It wasn't until I had an interview that I truly had the chance to get to know the team and understand the strong foundation that had been established throughout the years. That is when I knew I wanted to be here, and I was confident about joining the organization.     Outside of work, I am heavily involved in the Latin dancing community. I regularly dance with Luis Armacanqui’s Capital social dance studios and Francis Medrano’s Afro Peruvian classes. Additionally, once a month I love to go to Bolero night and sing with friends and listen to good music. You may also find me on stage at "The Moth," where I enjoy telling stories.    It’s been a good week downloading new information and getting to know the team and what we do. I am looking forward to being able to contribute to the goals of the organization’s future growth."

Congratulations to the promoted and a huge welcome to Sarah and Sabrina!!

Rehabilitation & Maintenance Updates

In October, we were granted a $250,000 grant from the City of Madison’s Capital Improvements for Non-profit Housing (CINH) Program. According to the City of Madison, this program was created as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, where non-profits were challenged to fix routine repairs and improve their properties due to the increasing cost of improvements and waitlists for contractors.   This grant gave us the opportunity to replace aged water heaters and windows throughout our portfolio and pave parking lots that were significantly in need of repair. We were also able to repaint 601 S Baldwin and 1306/08 Jennifer St, along with additional painting and refinishing at YRVA, Jennifer Place, and units throughout our portfolio. These funded capital improvements projects help us to continue providing healthy, safe, and affordable housing for the Madison community.

Healthy Housing for Winter Months

As we are hunkering down in the winter months, we have been reminded of our urban animal cohabitants. Animals such as mice, rats, squirrels, and raccoons are looking for a cozy place to spend the winter, which means that they often enter into homes and buildings. It is essential to our healthy housing mission that residents report rustling in the walls, ceiling, or attic even if animals are not directly in apartments.  Overwintering animals not only carry disease but also do swift damage to properties. Whether it's accumulation of their waste, fire hazards from chewed wires, or exterior damage letting in water, we want to get any unwanted guests removed as quickly as possible. For mice and rats, bait and traps will be placed in the apartment and around the building. For others, such as squirrels, raccoons, or bats, we contract with a wildlife removal company that will humanely extract the animals.  It is an important reminder that Common Wealth Development will NOT evict or non-renew our residents for reporting pest issues. In fact, early reporting and detection is critical for management.  We understand that many landlords and property managers do evict or non-renew, which is an unfortunate practice, because if residents are afraid to report pest problems, then the problem gets so much worse. Because we take pest control seriously, there can be repercussions for failing to report pest issues or not complying with treatment. However, we want everyone to have pest free homes.

It's also that time of year to check windows and dryer vents! Windows that are not properly closed and locked can cause substantial heat loss, costing you more money and even making it impossible to keep your apartment at a comfortable temperature.  Healthy housing reminders for windows in the winter:  1) One of the most common mistakes is that the window locks aren't actually latched but sitting on top of the latch. Ensure that the window is pushed down all the way so the lock and latch line up, creating pressure that seals out draughts.  2) The other problem that often causes heat loss, specific to double hung windows(i.e. windows that open from the bottom and the top), the upper window or "sash" slips down . This makes it impossible for the lock and latch to line up. Make sure to push the upper window back up into place and then close the locks. If residents are having any concerns with the above issues, they can contact our Maintenance Line: 608-573-8832.  Finally, check dryer vents! This is a 10-minute task that can keep people from burning down their and their neighbors' homes.  Step 1) Unplug the dryer from the outlet and access the back of your dryer. If needed, pull out your dryer but make sure interrupt, damage or disconnect the gas line. There is usually a clamp or duct tape around where the exhaust vent (i.e. the big metal pipe that comes out the back and goes out of through the wall) connects to the dryer.  Step 2) Loosen the clamp or remove the tape.   Step 3) Pull the vent straight back so it comes off the dryer. If there is any collected lint or other debris, remove it. Step 4) Reattach the vent with the clamp or reapply tape and move your dryer back into place. Done!

Updates for Grills on Patios

Although we are a few months out from peak grilling season, we want to remind residents that the storage of any / all grilling devices--charcoal or gas--on their porches, balconies, or patios is prohibited.  Grills must be stored 10 feet away from the building or any other combustible material. This is a serious issue, and we will be required to issue lease violations for households that do not move their grills.

Updates from Youth Workforce Development

After a transformative year, Youth Workforce Development is really looking forward to implementing our new goals in 2024. Through our broad spectrum of programming, we strive to support students throughout their workforce development journey—from their first job to when they enter the workforce as a young professional. With a holistic approach rooted in a foundation of racial justice and health equity, we seek to provide the best possible programming for Madison and Dane County youth.

Promotions!

Our Youth Workforce Development Team celebrated three very special promotions last quarter!  Wanlee Lor was promoted to Youth Program Operations Coordinator, and Jaley Bruursema has stepped into the Youth Employment Coordinator role. Finally, Common Wealth’s Youth Workforce Development team has a new Program Lead: Samantha Heim was promoted to Youth Workforce Development Coordinator, and now oversees all of our award-winning programming. Sam, Wanlee, and Jaley have been an integral part of our Youth team, and we are excited to see how they continue to impact Madison youth in their new roles  Congratulations everyone!!

Youth Mentoring Program (YBMP)

Wrapping Up Fall YBMP Sessions Our Youth Workforce team has been busy hosting our Youth Mentoring Program (YBMP) at Vel Phillips Memorial High School, La Follette High School, West High School, and East High School. In this program, teens receive support to set goals and develop their resumés, while training on networking, elevator pitches, and mock interviews to help them enter the job market. Students also get exposure to the reality of day-to-day work from our partners at the Chocolate Shoppe and Summit Credit Union. During our fall session at the Chocolate Shoppe, students learned about customer service and practiced their skills by scooping ice cream for customers. Summit Credit Union staff presented to students about financial literacy, specifically banking, credit, various fees, and potential scams. The students’ excitement let us know that Fall YBMP was a success, and we celebrated 28 students who graduated!

La Follette High School YBMP At La Follette High School, 13 students completed the YBMP program.

West High School YBMP At West High School, 13 students completed the YBMP program.

East High School YBMP At East High School, eight students graduated.

Vel Phillips Memorial's High School YBMP At Vel Phillips Memorial, seven students graduated.

Upcoming Spring YBMP Session After a successful fall semester series, we are excited to offer Common Wealth’s Youth Mentorship Program (YBMP) once again this spring. The program will take place for two weeks after school at each of the four main Madison High Schools. Students will have the opportunity to learn skills for entering the workforce, navigating employment, and building healthy financial foundations. Topics covered in this program include networking, impressions, interviewing, financial health, workers’ rights, communication, resumes and job applications, and much more!

CWD staff members mentor and support each student throughout the training and beyond to connect them to resources and provide access to all CWD programs. Students who complete the training will also receive $100, work with their mentor to secure a job, and be eligible to earn elective school credit for the hours they work at their job.  To learn more about this program, apply, or connect with Youth Programs staff please reach out via email to info@cwd.org or via phone (608) 256-3527.  Applications for YBMP include a Youth and a Parent/Guardian application—both are located on our website. Workshops Our Youth Workforce Development Team hosted workshops at Capital High Parenting that focused on financial health, resumé development, and job applications. Additionally, we facilitated resumé development workshops for two classes of 10th graders at Capital High School. Are you looking for a workforce development workshop that will meet the specific needs of your unique group? Our Youth Workforce Development Team can facilitate a workshop just for you! Please reach out to Sam Heim, our Youth Workforce Development Coordinator, at samantha@cwd.org.

Youth Advisory Board Our Youth Advisory Board, comprised of 16 City of Madison Youth, participates in a constructive dialogue between MPD Chief Shon Barnes and other Community Outreach and Resource Education (CORE) team representatives. Over the fall, our board explored complex topics, such as the origins of policing in the US and the western world, the theoretic underpinnings constituting a safe society, the discursive construction of order and control in the US, and nuances of the discussions around the nature of police involvement in schools, along with ongoing conversations around issues happening in and around Madison. While discussing these issues, students have gotten a more in-depth look at policing as they visited with Canine Officers, the Forensic Unit, Mental Health Unit, and Mounted Horse Officers, along with local elected officials, city staff and other local leaders, activists and community stakeholders. In the words of one YAB student: “This board has made me consider ideas, systems, and concepts I have never thought of before. It’s super informative and I could learn about it all day.”

Youth Advisory Board Student with the MPD Forensic Unit Youth Advisory Board Students with the MPD Canine Officers

If you would like more information about the Youth Advisory Board, please contact Common Wealth Development’s Executive Director, Justice Castañeda at justice@cwd.org or by phone at 608.620.7745.  2024 Wanda Fullmore Youth Internship Program Applications open January 16th, 2024-March 24th, 2024. Applications open January 16th for our 2024 Wanda Fullmore Youth Internship Program. Staff are excited to begin recruiting and interviewing potential interns!  In this program, Common Wealth provides a paid internship opportunity for 25 City of Madison Youth to learn more about employment with the City of Madison over 8-weeks in the summer. Through on-the-job training, structured lessons, and a rigorous civics curriculum, youth learn about City departments and processes. Youth Workforce Development staff help interns build community and connections that help launch them into their post-secondary careers.    Interns work collaboratively, under the guidance of Common Wealth staff and UW-Madison technical assistants, to critically assess real-world projects happening throughout the city. Youth provide insight, analysis, and critique in conversations with city staff, elected officials, and community members around development initiatives and projects. Upon completion, interns earn elective school credit and the Department of Public Instruction’s Employability Skills Certificate.  To be eligible for the Wanda Fullmore Youth Internship Program, youth must have a City of Madison address OR be enrolled in an MMSD school, and be, at minimum, 14 years of age.      Applications can be found on our website. If you have further questions, please contact Samantha Heim Youth Workforce Development Coordinator at samantha@cwd.org.

Madison Metropolitan School District- Experiential Learning Program  Common Wealth’s Youth Workforce Development staff facilitate MMSD’s Experiential Learning Program. Through this opportunity, students can earn elective school credits by working a part-time job or volunteering. CWD staff coordinate and communicate with school support staff, counselors, students, and guardians to ensure all requirements are met and students are on track to earn credits. They hold weekly office hours at each of the four main Madison high schools, and support students through enrolling in the program, completing assignments, and earning credit for their work and skill development.  CWD staff will soon begin enrolling students for the Spring Semester. For MMSD students who are working a job or volunteering and want to earn high school elective credits, click here to register.

For additional information or questions about any of Common Wealth Development's Youth Workforce Programs, please contact Samantha Heim at samantha@cwd.org.

Updates from Adult Workforce Development Serving Southwest Madison Residents in Achieving their Employment Goals

Work Up Academy We are excited to announce the gradual rollout of our new WorkUp! Academy! This is a training program that will support the skill development of our community members as they pursue employment opportunities. After years of curriculum development, we crafted a meaningful progression of content that will help program participants to:  1) Clarify their personal and career goals  2) Increase motivation, accountability, and personal boundaries  3) Understand mental health and increase tools for personal wellness  4) Navigate conflict resolution with more ease  5) Develop financial and technological literacy  6) Successfully communicate in a professional context and ace job interviews  7) Apply for jobs and set long-term goals!   This program is on track to be piloted in March 2024 – stay tuned for more specifics on how to sign up! 😊

Job Shop At Job Shop, our Adult Workforce Development Coordinator Kari Alston has been busy with our partners from Joining Forces for Families and Early Childhood Initiative to continue providing individualized support for community members to address the full spectrum of their concerns related to getting and maintaining a job. Our team collaborates with job seekers to address resume development, housing concerns, daycare acquisition, and more. Job Shop is currently being held Wednesdays 9 AM-12 PM at the Meadowood Neighborhood Center. This voluntary service is an opportunity for face-to-face, one-on-one support for people trying to find work. The goal of all providers is to create a caring environment and offer ongoing support for individuals. Many people come to address immediate concerns and others show up weekly and connect with the additional programming available. As we head into the post-holiday winter months, we understand that many community members are searching for rental assistance and support with basic living needs due to major changes in eligibility for State Subsidy benefits, including Medicaid, FoodShare, and unemployment. Job Shop is an opportunity for community members to ask individualized questions to address these concerns. Stop by for some free support!

South West Transitional Employment Program (STEP)   Many people don’t know about our unique offering STEP (Southwest Transitional Employment Program). This program was created specifically for those who are struggling to find a job because they are inhibited by systemic barriers, such as previous justice involvement, or logistical barriers, such as a gap in job history or a lack of employment references. STEP seeks to mitigate these barriers by providing a short-term paid employment opportunity, where individuals can earn a living wage while working a temporary position to gather work history, build connections, and possibly gain a work reference based on the individual’s demonstrated performance. We have discovered that the most successful participants are 1) Open, 2) Goal-Oriented, and 3) Accountable.  One of our recent success stories features Christine (name changed to protect privacy) who had a significant break in her employment history due to personal reasons. Kari helped establish her employment plan, connected her with the UW writing lab to create a new resume, and supported her to attend custom coaching with American Family Insurance to prepare her for interviews. The biggest highlight of this story is that Christine did not believe she’d be able to interview for certain roles based on her lack of previous experience, but our team worked with Christine to articulate her skills and find a STEP position that she was passionate about. While working her temporary position, Christine was offered a full-time position and now feels extremely grateful for everyone’s inspiration and belief in her! In response to this story, Our AWD Coordinator stated “I want my participants to look back and recognize that they can break bad employment habits and create a new future! Let’s take the time to do things right and then maybe this hard time will be the last time.”

For any additional information or questions regarding Adult Workforce Development programs or available resources, you can contact Workforce Development Coordinator Kari Alston at kari@cwd.org or (608) 516-5332.

Contact Kari Alston

Updates from our Business Incubators

In case you weren't there... 2023 Events at the Gallery Dia de los Muertos In early November of 2023, LOUD (Latinos Organizing for Understanding and Development) hosted a Dia de Los Muertos Exhibit at the Common Wealth Gallery that featured art and altars which commemorated the significance of the holiday. Artists included Rodrigo Carapia, Issis Macias, Miguel Cardenas, Natalie Ergas, Heidie Figueroa-Velez, Javier Guerrero Millalonco, Jessica Gutierres, Tony Castaneda, Roberto Mata, Carlos Mireles, Chele Ramos, Mario A. Rico Sandoval, Nilvio Alexander Punguil Bravo, Megan McAndrew, Sophia Voelker, Christie Tirado, and Tony Reyes. During Madison’s Gallery Night, the exhibit attracted many visitors to celebrate the beauty of Dia de Los Muertos and gather together in honor of this sacred day. Common Wealth Development staff served refreshments to visitors and showcased our organization alongside the Gallery Night event.

Small Business Saturday  At the end of November, tenants from Madison Enterprise Center hosted a gorgeous Open House and Market at the gallery on Small Business Saturday. The market included creations from bernie & zuzu, Not Your Angel Artistry, TacoCat Creations, T.L. Luke Art, Tori’s Trinkets, and others. This event encouraged patrons to shop local for the holiday season, and we were able to showcase our tenants’ amazing products, which helped them build community with our Madison community members.

December Art Show In the first week of December, we transitioned to feature a variety of art, including jewelry, paintings, and pottery. Artists included: Jennifer Bastian, Catherine Capellaro, Leo Rohn-Capellaro, Valerie Hodgson, Wendy Fern Hutton, Isaac Lyons, Teri Messinides, Emily Popp, Eddie Plunkett, Shelli Lee, Lillian Sizemore, and Tona Williams. These artists’ various styles and mediums captivated audiences who were also able to purchase the work.

2023 Wrapped Improvements In 2023, Main Street Industries upgraded their facilities through several capital improvement projects. We had solar tubes installed in the hallways of the common areas, which now adds brightness to the space and free light during the daytime! We also had the parking lot seal coated and stripped, making it easier for driving and parking. Finally, new tile was also installed in the two main entrances in early November. We are happy to see how the upgrades at Main Street industries are creating an even better environment for our tenants and their patrons.

We're Welcoming New Businesses! Bunky’s has joined Main Street Industries, our second-stage business incubation center; and Stephanie Barenz Studio, Heirloom Bakery and Kitchen, and Shade Tree Naturals have entered our first-stage business incubation center at Madison Enterprise Center.  In their own words...

Bunky's Wholesale “We are now concentrating on our booming wholesale business! We are currently in over 20 locations in the Madison area. We are continually adding more of your favorite Bunky’s products. Please look for our Hummus-Baba Ghanouj-Falafel-Grape leaves. We currently added our famous Lentil soup and Moroccan Lentil along with Homemade Baklava.” – Rachid & Teresa Visit Bunky's Website by clicking here.

Stephanie Barenz Studio “Art brings us back to ourselves.  Having lived a life of constant movement, I often go for walks in nature as a means of grounding myself. Through my art, I hope to share that same sense of relief and calm with the viewer.  We can never go back to an exact experience as it once was. My art honors the places and times that have felt like home so that as we move forward through life’s challenges and changes, we don’t lose touch with that feeling of connectivity and calm.  Nature is constantly changing, yet constantly there. It is reliable. In life, the only constant is change. Learning to ground oneself in visions of nature is learning to ground oneself despite the consistency of change. And that, I believe, is the art of living.” – Stephanie Barenz  Visit Stephanie Barenz Studio’s Website by clicking here.

Heirloom Bakery and Kitchen 100% vegan bakery using organic ingredients wherever possible. One-of-a-kind custom made cakes and pastries. Heirloom caters to a diverse audience, providing everything from baby smash cakes and wedding cakes to scones to accompany your morning coffee. Cake is a timeless means of celebration and ties together the vision of Heirloom; to honor memorable occasions and to do so with memorable desserts.”  – Mickey Walker  Visit Heirloom Bakery and Kitchen’s Website by clicking here.

Shade Tree Naturals “Shade Tree Naturals is all about living a simple, natural life! Providing body and home products that promote a healthy, natural lifestyle. In our body products, we utilize only natural ingredients, the finest oils and butters, and additives straight from nature. All products are made in small, quality controlled batches to ensure you get the freshest product available. Our first choice, and priority, is to recycle and reuse when possible in all of our packaging and material use. Providing products that promote a sustainable future for us, our children and the many that come after.” – Tara Parish  Visit Shade Tree Natural’s Website by clicking here.

The Baked Lab is Moving! The Baked Lab is graduating from our first stage business incubation center at Madison Enterprise Center to our second stage business incubation center at Main Street Industries. We are excited to see their business continue to grow and prosper!

Upcoming Events at MSI The Deliciouser is hosting a variety of cooking classes and pop-up events. More details can be found on their website. Giant Jones Brewing Company is hosting a variety of events in their tasting room. More details can be found on their Facebook page.

Upcoming Events at the Common Wealth Gallery We will be hosting The Wisconsin Art Education Association for their Southwest Regional Show from February 17th to February 25th at the Common Wealth Gallery. Their show is a part of the 2024 Wisconsin Youth Art Month.  Your Future Event? The Common Wealth Gallery is a community art gallery located in the historic Madison Enterprise Center at 100 S. Baldwin Street on Madison’s near east-side. The 2,000 square foot gallery can accommodate solo and group shows. The rental rate is $200 per week, with a minimum rental period of one week. Reserve Common Wealth Gallery for a solo or group show. Please check availability by visiting our gallery calendar!

Gallery Calendar

For more information about renting spaces at MSI, MEC or the Common Wealth Gallery, please contact Brendan Vandenburg-Carroll, Business Development Coordinator, via phone: (608) 438-6804 or e-mail: brendan@cwd.org.

Cultivating Wellness during Mental Wellness Month

This month, we are joining the nation in celebrating January as Mental Wellness Month. With the dawning of a new year, many of us are quick to set goals based on what wellness means for each of us. Social media often portrays “self-care” goals as a new gym membership, more bubble baths, or maybe a mid-day mindfulness moment. While each of these things are deeply valuable, we at Common Wealth Development, also want to emphasize how wellness can be created through neighborhood development and community initiatives.   What defines wellness? SAMHSA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s agency that leads public health efforts, has characterized eight dimensions of wellness: social, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, occupational, financial, environmental, and physical. On an individual basis, we can check in with each of these dimensions and ask ourselves some reflective questions:  How is my social support?  What do I do to care for my emotions?  What does spiritual connection look like for me?  How am I feeding myself intellectually?  How is my security in my work and finances?  How do I interact with the beautiful nature around me?  What am I doing to support and nurture my physical body?   Each of us has the individual power to support our own wellness; however, based on privilege and various aspects of identity, some of us have easier access to these resources than others. Specifically in the case of mental health, many may find this resource inaccessible or out of their price range. If you are looking for resources, please consider the following:

Supporting our own individual wellness is extremely important, but it can often feel like the systems in place, such as the workforce, economic institutions, and housing, are preventing care for our social, emotional, and spiritual selves. Our team at Common Wealth is asking: How can we create community structures to support these eight dimensions of wellness so that all of Madison’s residents can thrive? We know that there are various barriers that may influence how our community members have access to the basic human right of housing and to sustainable work that pays a living wage. Without these supports, we know that many of Madison’s residents struggle to find social support, mental and physical healthcare, access to education, and more. Through our program areas, we are committed to a mission for community wellness by Creating workforce development programming for youth and adults that centers the BIPOC community. Our program opportunities not only seek to help participants find a job; they center the unique situation of each individual and focus on holistic care that includes addressing basic needs, such as housing support, food security, mental health and wellness, transportation, childcare needs, and access to health care. Developing and providing safe and stable housing for low-moderate income families. For us, it’s not just about the acquisition or creation of housing; it’s about all the things that make up healthy living: resident relations, care and love in the maintenance, and sustainable land use. Providing affordable local business incubation which directly supports the creativity and financial security of our neighbors, provides opportunities for local events, and fosters a felt sense of Madison community. Each of these program areas are rooted in initiatives for racial equity and violence prevention to promote well-being for all of Madison’s residents. We know that this is work we cannot do alone, and we are grateful to uplift and support the work of our collaborators who work alongside us in this mission, including Early Childhood Initiative (ECI), Joining Forces for Families, the Marquette, Meadowood and Arbor Hills Neighborhood Associations, Elevate Energy, Roots & Wings Foundation, and School-Aged Parenting Program (to name a small few). We are grateful to celebrate the New Year with you. We hope that you are entering January with an inspired sense to create personal wellness goals that will help you feel more peace, belonging, and health. Thank you for also joining us in our wellness mission to create a better Madison. Happy New Year!

The Mayor's Corner By: Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway

A Look Back on 2023   As we embark on a new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the work your City government has done for our community in 2023. We’ve made significant progress in funding and building affordable housing, and in permitting market-rate housing. We’ve improved public safety, thanks to Chief Barnes’ strategic planning and data-driven approach to reducing gun violence. We’ve added solar generation capacity to our own City buildings, and we supported the installation of solar on homes and businesses around the community. We’ve invested in infrastructure to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety across the City. We’ve seen ridership on Metro Transit increase dramatically. We’ve repaired and rebuilt miles of sidewalks and streets. And every day, our Fire Department answers dozens of EMS calls, our libraries serve hundreds of families, our Streets Department cleans our streets and picks up our trash, our Parks provide recreation opportunities for all, and our water and sewer utilities keep the water flowing in both directions.    None of this would have been possible without the dedicated hard work of City staff. I want to thank each and every one of our almost 3,000 City employees for the work they do every day to keep our City safe, sustainable, and equitable. I also want to thank you, Madison’s residents, for everything you do in your daily lives to keep Madison a great place to live. I hope each of you have a chance to enjoy everything Madison has to offer in winter, and I wish you and your families a happy New Year.

MMSD Superintendent Search

The Madison Metropolitan School District is searching for a new Superintendent. They are asking for the community's participation for interview panel participants, and their input for interview questions. See the flyers below for more information on how to share your voice for the new MMSD Superintendent.

Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center 504 S. Brearly Street We’re an inclusive neighborhood center that’s provided diverse programming for our community and all those in need since 1968. Click here for the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center website.

Arbor Hills Neighborhood Association We create a sense of community by holding events and developing spaces that are welcoming and inclusive for all residents. Click here for the Arbor Hills Neighborhood Association website.

Meadowood Neighborhood Association We work for community betterment and promote fellowship for the Meadowood neighborhood. Click here for the Meadowood Neighborhood Association website.

Marquette Neighborhood Association Click here for the Marquette Neighborhood Association website.

Common Wealth Development news@cwd.org P: 608.256.3527