Community Advocates Connections: December 2022

December 2022 - January 2023

Community Advocates Connections

Friends,

Happy 2023! As this New Year begins we hope for better and brighter days ahead. Yes, our community faces many challenges that seem to never end. But at Community Advocates we are focused on learning from our past and present to create a better future. We are continually listening to our community members about the barriers they face to good health, stability, and well-being so that we can improve our services and programs to better meet their needs. We also collaborate with community, public, and private partners so that we’re pulling in the same direction. As always, we thank you for your care and concern and welcome your input and support.

In gratitude,

Andi Elliott

Chief Executive Officer

Community Advocates

To Our Valued Donors and Volunteers,

Thank You for Your Support!

As we welcome a new year, everyone at Community Advocates is very grateful for the wonderful support of our friends and donors over the past year. Special thanks to the hundreds of individual donors and volunteers who so generously invested in our programs and those we serve! We couldn’t do what we do without you!

To our volunteer Board of Directors, thank you for your donations of time and expertise and continued leadership, commitment, and generosity!

Many thanks to our corporate and foundation donors who also help us advance our mission by providing general and direct program support. Most recently, we’d like to acknowledge the support from the following companies and foundations:

Advocate Aurora Health
AF Technical Resources, LLC
American Family Insurance
Anon Charitable Trust
Brady Corporation Foundation, Inc.
Cloud Red
Direct Supply Foundation
Eaton Charitable Fund
Felcenera Charitable Fund at the East Bay Community Foundation
The Mark and Janice Franzen Fund
House Family Foundation
John T. & Suzanne S. Jacobus Family Foundation
Krause Family Foundation
Kurz Industrial Solutions
Milwaukee Record
Northwestern Mutual Foundation
Charles R. O’Malley Charitable Lead Trust
Jane Bradley Pettit Foundation, Inc.
Shorewest Realtors
Francie Luke Silverman Foundation
We Energies Foundation
Joseph and Vera Zilber Charitable Foundation
Zonta Foundation

On behalf of Community Advocates, the Milwaukee Women’s Center, and the Public Policy Institute, we appreciate each and every one of you!

Nevermore Celebrated 40 Years of Service

In December, the leaders, participants, and supporters of the Milwaukee Women’s Center’s Nevermore Batterers Prevention and Intervention Program and the Milwaukee Fatherhood FIRE Program gathered to celebrate Nevermore’s 40th anniversary, as well as the elders who have served those who have experienced abusive relationships. Nevermore Program Manager Steve Thomas led the celebration of the late Cleveland (CJ) Doxtater, formerly End Abuse Tribal and Elder Outreach Program Director, Craig Mayfield of the Milwaukee Women’s Center, and James Mosley of the Alma Center. Proclamations from Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley were also read to the audience, who enjoyed good company, a delicious buffet dinner, and live music.

ECOM Workshops for Advocates

Return in February

Community Advocates Public Policy Institute is happy to bring back the Empowerment Coalition of Milwaukee (ECOM) Workshops for Advocates in February after they were suspended during the pandemic.

This monthly information-sharing and networking event is designed for social service providers who want to learn more about services in Milwaukee for consumers and partners. Topics in 2023 include shelter, warming rooms, and housing; Milwaukee County entitlement programs, W2, and FSET; harm reduction and AODA services; mental health; human trafficking, exploitation, and sex work, and much more.

Fee is $5 per workshop, which will be held the third Wednesday of each month in person (location to be determined). Registration is required by registering on PPI's website. Questions? Contact Lauren Faulds at lfaulds@communityadvocates.net.

Substance Misuse Prevention Mini-Grants

Want to launch a special project but don't have the extra funds to do so? RISE Drug Free MKE (formerly the Milwaukee County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition) invites 501c3 tax exempt organizations in Milwaukee County or government entities operating within Milwaukee County to apply for stipends to enhance their substance (mis)use and prevention activities. Community Advocates Public Policy Institute coordinates RISE Drug Free MKE.

Eight stipends (up to $2,500 each) will be granted quarterly on a variety of specific themes determined by RISE Drug Free MKE members. RISE Drug Free MKE 2023 first-quarter stipends will support activities related to:

Light & Unite Red Week
New Year Resolutions

The stipends are part of the RISE Drug Free MKE coalition's rollout in 2023. Last week, RISE Drug Free MKE launched its redesigned website, and throughout the next few months the coalition will be introducing Milwaukee County to RISE's mission, which is to "raise awareness on substance (mis)use, and, through inclusive education, elevate our entire community, from our youth to our elders, out of the harms caused by substance (mis) use." Interested in joining RISE Drug Free MKE? Contact Coordinator Ismael Luna at iluna@communityadvocates.net.

2023 Stipend Applications

Walk In for Housing Help

Our Housing Department has resumed its ability to help community members in person without an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome in the Rental Housing Resource Center, located in Community Advocates’ downtown offices at 728 N. James Lovell St., Milwaukee.

Monday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tuesday-Friday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

You can also find available rentals in Milwaukee and surrounding areas on our website. We update the listings every week on our website and Facebook page.

Click Here for Rental Listings

We Are Here to Help Tenants & Property Owners

Community Advocates continues to provide temporary rent assistance to Milwaukee County and Waukesha County tenants who have lost income in the past 60 days or whose income has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to start the application process online right now or to check on a rent assistance application status if you are a tenant.

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 renthelp@communityadvocates.net.

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 info@renthelpmke.org, or visit the RHRC website for more information.

Are you a landlord and need help? Email landlord@communityadvocates.net.

Energy Assistance Season is Here

Colder weather has arrived, 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.

Mental Health & Wellness Workshops & Resource Guide

We are offering Mental Health and Wellness workshops for our community members on Mental Health First Aid for adults who work with youth, verbal de-escalation techniques, trauma and the brain, and suicide prevention. Check out our online calendar and register today! To schedule a session for your workplace or organization, contact Rita at rliesiefsky@communityadvocates.net.

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.

Community Advocates’ Wish List

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: