That's why we're asking you to join us as a Member of Community Advocates Public Policy Institute—to share your insights, learn from our staff and partners, and help us to improve the health and well-being of our community members by changing the upstream conditions that cause poverty, substance misuse, and trauma.

Concerned about providing culturally informed, inclusive services to your LGBTQ+ clients? PPI’s new Improving Behavioral Health Services and Care for Your Sexual and Gender Diverse Clients: A Series of LGBTQ+ Educational Opportunities for Health Providers is a six-part monthly convening to promote greater awareness of the experiences of sexually and gender diverse individuals in the behavioral health care system to improve services. 

Sessions are provided free of charge thanks to generous support from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Division of Care and Treatment Services. Beginning in Pride Month 2023, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute will offer six sessions once a month via Zoom and will archive the videos for viewing upon request. Sessions will be posted on PPI's website as they are made available.  

Recognizing that substance use prevention must speak to the moment, the Milwaukee County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (MCSAP) revived its name and mission to RISE Drug Free MKE with the aim “to raise awareness of 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.” RISE Drug Free MKE relaunched in March during Light & Unite Red Week, when the coalition and partners sponsored family-friendly, substance-free activities throughout the county. Local landmarks like the Hoan Bridge lit up, too! PPI has coordinated the coalition since 2013. Like RISE Drug Free MKE on Facebook!

PPI is happy to bring back the monthly meetings of the Empowerment Coalition of Milwaukee, which were suspended during the pandemic. Each month we bring together social services providers, advocates, and consumers around matters concerning their work. In June, the topic is Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking. It’ll be held in person at United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County, 201 W. Pleasant, Milwaukee, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on June 21. Cost is $5 for light refreshments. 

In March, PPI organized a panel discussion on how the state budget could impact Milwaukee and essential issues such as housing affordability, behavioral health services, tax credits, and child care. We were honored to host State Rep. Evan Goyke (D-Milwaukee), Sen. Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield), and State Sen. LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee), who brought their unique perspectives to the conversation, which was moderated by PPI's Senior Policy Advocate Julie Kerksick.

This year, our advocates spoke out in support of Milwaukee's disadvantaged residents in the following ways:

In Spring 2022, PPI was honored to be awarded a five-year Wisconsin Department of Children and Families grant to pilot the Stronger Families Milwaukee program to support families who may be experiencing instability at home that puts the children at risk of maltreatment. This referral-only, strengths-based program established a Program Manager and three Engagement Specialists at PPI to provide four months of case management services and resources to families, plus additional peer specialists at Neu-Life Community Development and The Parenting Network to work with adults and youth on their life skills and provide enriching activities.

Upon completing Year 1, we’re proud to say that 49 families enrolled, with 33 families successfully completing their participation. A full 88% made progress toward their self-set goals, most of which involved their housing. We’re looking forward to serving even more families in the coming years.

PPI offers a range of mental health and wellness workshops, including Mental Health First Aid for adults and adults who work with youth, suicide prevention, trauma and the brain, and verbal de-escalation techniques. All are welcome to attend; workshops are free for those who live or work in Milwaukee County. Take a look at our calendar and reserve your space now. You can also find our Mental Health and Wellness Resource Guide at this link. Want to host a workshop for your organization? Contact Rita at rliesiefsky@communityadvocates.net.

President: Bryan House | Foley & Lardner, LLP

Vice President: Sharon Jordan | Direct Supply

Secretary: Natasha Dotson | Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative

Jodi Wire | We Energies