Community Advocates Connections
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Friends,
We’ve waved goodbye to summer and we’re looking forward to autumn. This October, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are sharing resources and information about the need to get help when you or a loved one is feeling unsafe in their relationship. Our Milwaukee Women’s Center Emergency Shelter serves domestic violence survivors, both individuals and families, who are taking the difficult but necessary steps to live safer, healthier lives. Our 24/7 Shelter not only provides safety and security during a risky time, but our staff helps these survivors heal, no matter what their age and life circumstances. In addition to providing shelter, the Milwaukee Women’s Center staffs a 24-Hour Crisis Line (414-671-6140) and provides help specifically for older survivors (ages 50+); treatment in Spanish and English for individuals and families coping with substance use disorders; groups for men who have caused violence in their relationship; and work-appropriate clothing and counseling for job-seekers. You can learn about these life-saving programs and services on our website. Thank you, as always, for your support of these brave community members during their time of need.
In gratitude,
Andi Elliott
Chief Executive Officer
Community Advocates
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October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month |
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At this crucial time in our community, the Milwaukee Women's Center's Emergency Shelter is a safe haven and life-saving resource for individuals and families who have been affected by domestic violence, homelessness, and other co-occurring issues. The pandemic has further escalated the rates of domestic violence and incidents turning deadly. During just two weeks in July, six women lost their lives at the hands of their current or former intimate partners. Our Emergency Shelter and 24-Hour Crisis Line are available 24/7 to assist survivors who are reaching out to access safety and support. Over the past two+ years, the Shelter and 24-Hour Crisis Line have seen a 30% increase in the need for services as compared to pre-pandemic years.
In addition to providing immediate safety and support, our Shelter provides food, clothing, personal care items as well as assistance to address safety planning, housing, income/benefits, employment, and other basic needs. We are committed to meeting the unique needs of those fleeing abusive relationships to help them build safe, independent, and healthy lives.
If you or someone you know is in need of emergency transportation, safe housing, and support, please call our 24-Hour Crisis Line at (414) 671-6140.
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Thank You for Your Generosity |
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We want to share our gratitude for the many generous gifts for our guests and program participants donated by the community. In addition to our individual donors, special thanks go out to:
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Eaton Corporation, which presented a big check to support our guests at the Milwaukee Women’s Center Emergency Shelter
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Harley-Davidson retirees, who collected school supplies at their August picnic
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Direct Supply, which held a school supply drive for the students who stay at our Emergency Shelter
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Milwaukee Record, which will donate a portion of the proceeds from their Roast of Milwaukee, to be held on October 5, to the Milwaukee Women’s Center. You can get tickets at this link.
We're grateful for your support. Thank you!
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MCSAP International Overdose Awareness Day Memorial Event
Honored Friends and Loved Ones
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The Milwaukee County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition and partners marked International Overdose Awareness Day with a heartfelt gathering in Humboldt Park with lots of resources, including HOPE kits, plus the City of Milwaukee's Community Memorial Tree, Wisconsin Faces of Addiction and Recovery Quilts, testimonials, and healing. A big thank you goes to volunteers, vendors, and community members who showed up and honored those we loved and lost to overdose as well as loved ones who have survived overdose.
MCSAP’s International Overdose Awareness Day Memorial Event included partnering organizations BMO Harris Bank, CleanSlate Medical Group, Community Advocates, Community Medical Services, Gateway Foundation, Goal Chasers 2020 LLC, Milwaukee Fire Department, Milwaukee Women’s Center, Rogers Behavioral Health, Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers, Street Angels, Vivent Health, and Wraparound Milwaukee, just to name a few.
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Stronger Families Milwaukee Program in the News |
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In April, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute and partners Neu-Life Community Development and The Parenting Network were honored to launch the five-year pilot of the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families’ Stronger Families Milwaukee Program to support families experiencing instability at home.
This referral-only program assists families who have had contact with Child Protective Services but have been found to have no need for further intervention by CPS. If they consent, families are referred to Community Advocates, where our team and partners provide case management and access to basic needs resources, such as rent assistance, parenting classes, positive youth development programming, and other wraparound resources that can help to improve circumstances in their home and prevent child maltreatment. This project is led at Community Advocates by Manager Lauren Faulds with Engagement Specialists Jackson Neal, Karina Perez, and Christine Wiese.
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We Are Here to Help Tenants & Property Owners |
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If you have questions about an application status or need to pick up or drop off documents, we are here to help. The Emergency Rent Assistance Program is open to the public 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at our downtown offices, 728 N. James Lovell St., Milwaukee, for those who prefer to come in person. You can also call 414-270-4646 or email [email protected].
The Milwaukee RHRC Triage Team accepts walk-in appointments Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Community Advocates offices, 728 N. James Lovell St., Milwaukee. The RHRC Triage Team can assess your situation and make referrals so you can get the help you need. You can also call 414-895-RENT (7368), email [email protected], or visit the RHRC website for more information.
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Heeld Luxury Fashion Show to Benefit MWC |
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Tickets are available for the Heeld Luxury Fashion Show on October 29 featuring guest host Cynthia Bailey, Real Housewives of Atlanta alumna. The event includes a silent auction, which will benefit the Milwaukee Women’s Center and Susan G. Komen. Get details and tickets here.
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Energy Assistance Season is Here |
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Colder weather is on its way, and with it is the need to keep your home warm and safe. Fortunately, the Milwaukee County Energy Assistance program will help eligible residents save money on their utilities bills and weatherize their home. Go to keepwarmmke.org or call 414-270-4653 (4MKE) to learn more about the program, schedule an appointment, or apply online. Community Advocates is a proud partner in this vital program.
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Mental Health & Wellness Workshops & Resource Guide |
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We are offering Mental Health and Wellness workshops for our community members on Mental Health First Aid for adults and adults who work with youth, verbal de-escalation techniques, Mindful Gratitude, and suicide prevention. Check out our online calendar and register today! To schedule a session for your workplace or organization, contact Rita at [email protected].
In addition, you can find our Mental Health & Wellness Resource Guide on our website. The guide includes special sections with resources for families and youth, by/for People of Color, crisis lines, survivors of domestic violence, LGBTQ+ individuals, Spanish speakers, and more.
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Community Advocates' Wish List |
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Can you help Community Advocates and the Milwaukee Women's Center meet the needs of our program participants? We serve families and individuals who have experienced homelessness or domestic violence, and most of them come into Emergency Shelter or our Autumn West Safe Haven with few belongings. We're currently seeking these items for our guests:
- Twin sheets
- Blankets
- Socks, boys and girls, men and women
- New underwear for all ages, from toddlers to adults
- New pillows
- Tennis shoes for boys, girls, men, and women
- New or gently used towels
- School supplies
- Pots and pans, utensils, dishes, blankets, and other household items
If you are able to give, please reach out to Jeri at [email protected] to ensure receipt of your donation. Thank you!
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Community Advocates’ Services and Resources |
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You can get in touch with us in the following ways:
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Community Advocates
2022 Board of Directors
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Leadership
President: Jodi Wire | We Energies
Vice President: Bryan House | Foley & Lardner, LLP
Treasurer: Sandra Samse | Community Volunteer
Secretary: Sharon Jordan | Direct Supply
Board Members
Sheree Dallas Branch | The Salvation Army
Anne DeLeo | Community Volunteer
Natasha Dotson | Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative
Valerie Gabriel | Community Volunteer
Erin Henry | Northwestern Mutual
Gary Ingram | Igary Events
Pamela Klein | Community Volunteer
Jim Liedtke | Community Volunteer
Ashley Pavlic | Medical College of Wisconsin
Alexandra Urrutia-Comas | Advocate Aurora Health
Kate Venne | Brady Corporation
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