Issue 8-11 | May 20, 2019
News
Spotlight On:
MCSAP Releases Its 2019-21 Strategic Plan
The Milwaukee County Substance Abuse Prevention coalition (MCSAP)  revealed its new strategic plan to its members last week, the result of 10 months of brainstorming, debate, and visioning.

"We did it," said Healistry’s Natalie Cooper, the consultant who shepherded the process, at MCSAP’s May 16 meeting. "It’s been a long journey but we did it."

Cooper and MCSAP Coordinator Kasaundra Brown stressed that the current plan is a "living document," meaning that members are encouraged to provide feedback and edits to ensure that the coalition’s strategies and tactics are serving the community’s needs.

Spring Wellness Fair Brought Together the Community
For Mental Health Month
The Spring Wellness Fair, organized by Community Advocates Public Policy Institute and Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division , celebrated May as Mental Health Month with its offerings of free demonstrations of yoga with Denna Haslett of Grounded Soul Yoga; line dancing with Mind, Body & Soul Urban Line Dancers; martial arts with Frederick Coleman of Studio69; creativity exercises with Joshua Jenkins; and mindfulness tips with Ambrose WB. Plus, more than a dozen community-based organizations provided resources and information on achieving wellness. We had a great time and are grateful for all who are committing to making their mental health a priority.
2019 Wisconsin Statewide Substance Use Prevention Conference
“Meeting Needs, Advancing Change”
Tuesday, June 11 & Wednesday, June 12
Topics at this year’s Substance Use Prevention Conference range from building coalition capacity to toxic stress, tools for data visualization, and risk and protective factors for LGBTQ+ youth. Andrea Palm, Secretary-designee of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and Paul Krupski, Director of Opioid Initiatives, are scheduled to speak on June 12. This two-day conference will be held on June 11 & 12 at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells. Registration is $175. Get details and RSVP here.
Safe Summer Community Healing Project Funding
Application Deadline Is May 24
The May 24 deadline is fast approaching!

The City of Milwaukee Health Department’s Office of Violence Prevention released a Request for Proposals that will provide up to $25,000 for Milwaukee community-based organizations to conduct community healing projects in the summer of 2019 targeting priority neighborhoods of the Blueprint for Peace . For more information, check the Office of Violence Prevention website.
Pink Umbrella Theater Offers
Accessible Theater Experiences for All
The mission of Pink Umbrella Theater Co.   is to promote and provide theater that is accessible, inclusive, and sensory immersive for people who identify with a physical, intellectual, or emotional disability. Sensory Immersive Theater includes the five senses (sight, sound, taste, smell and touch) combined with Shakespeare's senses (wit, imagination, fantasy, estimation and memory) to create an innovative accessible theater experience for all. Its June workshop offerings include: All ages playwriting workshop (begins June 3), ages 18+ musical theater (starts June 4), musical performance for ages 8-17 (begins June 12), and movement for the actor for ages 18+ (starts June 17). Check out the company’s website for details about their work and classes/workshops. 
The Parenting Network Announces Summer Programs 
As we all know, parents don’t get a summer break. Fortunately, The Parenting Network has new, ongoing, and one-on-one programs to help moms, dads, and caregivers learn the skills they need to be better parents.

New!

Family Links: Connects families to programs and services that will help families set goals, identify their support networks, meet their basic needs, and address additional challenges – as well as refer them to community supports. Contact Krista Verduzco at 414-671-0566 Ext. 19 or kverduzco@theparentingnetwork.org to see if you are eligible or to make a referral.
Classes:
Effective Black Parenting: An acclaimed parenting skill-building program teaches parents and concerned adults how to raise African American children to become healthy, proud, and capable people. Six Thursdays, June 27-August 8, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Parenting Network, 7516 W. Burleigh St., Milwaukee. A meal is included. Call the Parent Helpline at 414-671-0566 to register.
Parent Cafes: Meet parents just like you, share your experiences, and build on your family’s strengths. A family meal, transportation, and child care are provided.

  • Heartlove Place (St. Francis Parish), 1927 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave., Milwaukee. Tuesdays 5 to 7:30 p.m., May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20.
  • Metcalfe Park Community Bridges (Lighthouse Bookstore, Second Floor), 3624 W. North Ave., Milwaukee. Tuesdays, 5 to 7:30 p.m., June 25, July 23, August 27.

Contact Andrea Libber at 414-671-5575 ext. 12 or alibber@theparentingnetwork.org to register.
Stewards of Children: This Registry-approved training provides tools to help prevent sexual abuse of children and will benefit adults who work and volunteer with children. Friday, June 14, 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon; Monday, July 8, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sessions will be held at The Parenting Network, 7516 W. Burleigh St., Milwaukee. Call 414-671-0566 to register or to schedule a group training.
Ongoing:
Positive Parenting: Join a class anytime. Topics include nonviolent discipline, managing stress, and more. Complete 10 of 14 classes to receive a certificate. There’s a $30 materials fee for the series. Classes are held at The Parenting Network (7516 W. Burleigh St., Milwaukee) on Tuesdays at 10 to 11:30 a.m. and Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m.; on Thursdays, 6:30 to 8 p.m., they’re held at St. Josaphat Basilica Parish House, Rear Door, 2322 S. Seventh St., Milwaukee. Call the Parent Helpline at 414-671-0566 to sign up. Free child care is provided with advance notice.
Welcome Baby: Learn nurturing parenting skills, receive coaching, and meet other new parents during these free sessions. Thursdays, 10 to 11:30 a.m. at The Parenting Network, 7516 W. Burleigh St., Milwaukee. Child care, breakfast and bus tickets are provided. Registration is requested by calling 414-671-0566.
Dad Matters 24/7: This ongoing group is based on the 24/7 Dads curricula of the National Fatherhood Initiative and awards a certificate after 10 sessions. The materials fee is $30. Groups meet Saturdays from 10 to 11:45 a.m. at The Parenting Network, 7516 W. Burleigh St., Milwaukee. Call the Parent Helpline at 414-671-0566 to register.
One-on-One Coaching
Triple P Positive Parenting Program: Need help with a difficult parenting problem? Get answers from a parent coach in one or more 50-minute sessions. Contact Sue Volkman at svolkman@theparentingnetwork.org or 414-403-1563 to set up a session.
Save the Date
Wisconsin’s Annual Drug Endangered Children’s Conference with
The National Drug Endangered Children’s Conference
July 16-18
~Registration Is Open~
The national and Wisconsin conference on drug endangered children will be held at the La Crosse Center (300 Harborview Plaza, La Crosse) from July 16-18. Jerry Moe, the national director of the Hazelden Betty Ford Children’s Program, will provide the opening keynote speech, while Carlton Hall, a former leader with the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), will offer the closing plenary. Breakout topics include reports on drug trends, drug endangered children and driving, as well as an in-depth look at meth’s impact on children. You can find more information and register here.
Fourth Annual Wisconsin Peer Recovery Conference
August 1 & 2
The Fourth Annual Wisconsin Peer Recovery Conference, "Recovery Outside the Box,"  is designed to demonstrate aspects of effective peer support within community services of mental health and substance use recovery. Peers, consumers, and service providers are able to enhance their individual skills and explore innovative applications of peer support in various communities statewide. Keynote speakers are Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC, on "The Therapeutic Benefits of Humor for Peer Specialists," and Pardeep Singh Kaleka on "Embracing Survivorship and Repairing Harm." The conference will be held Thursday, August 1, and Friday, August 2, at Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center, Onalaska. Get details here .
Events
Free Line Dance for Wellness Classes
May 21 & 28
To celebrate Mental Health Month, Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division and Mind Body & Soul Dancers are offering free line dance classes every Tuesday in May. Everything is free, including light refreshments, dancing, and a lot of positive energy and stress relief. These family-friendly classes will be held every Tuesday throughout May from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Wisconsin African American Women’s Center, 3020 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee. Register here to let the organizers know you’re coming.
Transforming Youth Justice
Wednesday, May 29 & Thursday, May 30
These two sessions sponsored by Milwaukee Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton , Youth Justice Milwaukee , and the City of Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention are intended to engage the community in Milwaukee’s youth justice movement and utilize OVP’s Blueprint for Peace. The first session on May 29 will provide an overview of youth justice in Milwaukee. The May 30 session will focus on where youth justice needs to be. These sessions are free and open to the public, and will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, and Thursday, May 30, at Destiny High School, 7210 N. 76th St., Milwaukee. Refreshments will be provided. RSVPs are welcome but not required here .
Innovation Day 2019
Thursday, June 6
This year’s Innovation Day, "Think Differently & Innovate Uniquely," will focus on mental health. The session will include opening remarks from Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, a special presentation of "Pieces: In My Own Voice," a TED-style talk with local mental health leaders, and an overview of the system redesign of Milwaukee County’s mental health services by Mike Lappen, Milwaukee County BHD’s administrator. Innovation Day 2019 is sponsored by UnitedHealthcare, Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division, and Miracle. It’ll be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (includes lunch) at Zoofari Conference Center, 9715 W. Bluemound Road, Wauwatosa. Get details and RSVP here no later than May 30.
Advancing Behavioral Health Summit
Monday, June 10
The Second Annual Advancing Behavioral Health Summit , pres ented by the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment , will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, June 10, at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells . This event is free. Space is limited, so please register in advance here . This year’s keynote speaker, John Kania, is a renowned expert in systems and social change. 
2019 Annual Youth Workforce Conference
Tuesday, June 11
The keynote speaker at this year’s conference is Larry K. Brendtro, Ph.D., director of The Resilience Academy, who will discuss "Raising Courageous Kids: From Trauma to Thriving." The event also includes a youth voice panel, workshops, door prizes, and Child and Youth Care (CYC) certification. It’ll be held on Tuesday, June 11, at Cardinal Stritch University, 6801 N. Yates Road, Milwaukee. Early bird registration rates are available before May 28. Organized by the Association of Children’s Residential Centers and Wisconsin Association of Child and Youth Care Professionals . Get details and register here . 
Leading to a Standard of Excellence
Wednesday, June 12
This one-day training is targeted toward leaders and supervisors who want to establish a standard of excellence instead of settling for "just okay." Led by Frank Delano, LMSW, topics to be covered include: key leadership qualities, setting clear and high standards and helping people achieve them, and making a plan for your own leadership growth and development. Cost is $75. It’ll be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Neu-Life Community Development , 2014 W. North Ave., Milwaukee, and is sponsored by Wisconsin Association of Child and Youth Care Professionals . Register and get details here .  
Requests
Volunteer Facilitators Needed
Mental Health America of Wisconsin is in need of both clinical and peer volunteer facilitators for their Milwaukee County Suicide Loss Survivor (Survivors Helping Survivors/SHS) Support Groups. Groups meet for two hours once a month in various locations throughout Milwaukee County. If you are interested, please submit a resume and note of interest to Leah Rolando at leahr@mhawisconsin.org . 
Milwaukee Safe Summer 2019 Events Sought
The City of Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention is putting together a calendar of events and activities planned for the summer of 2019. OVP will assist in promoting and supporting events throughout the community. If you have an event or program happening between May 20 and September 20, please complete this form.
Circles of Support Welcome New Participants
Circles of Support are expanding throughout Milwaukee for those touched by the criminal justice system. These circles explore hope, healing, and accountability in restorative justice-style gatherings that include returned citizens, community members, and a circle keeper. An evening meal is shared before the circle forms.

Circles of Support gather at:

  • Hephatha Lutheran Church, 2906 N. 18th St., Milwaukee
  • St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church, 1015 N. Ninth St., Milwaukee
  • Community Advocates, 728 N. James Lovell St., Milwaukee
  • Project RETURN, 2821 Vel R. Phillips Ave., Suite 223, Milwaukee
  • St. Vincent de Paul, WCTC Campus Building W, 892 Main St., Pewaukee

See the flyer below for details about times and dates.

In addition, a weekly Peer Support Circle gathers at Project RETURN every Monday evening from 6 to 8 p.m., and welcomes new participants whose lives have been impacted by incarceration and supervision.

Interested in joining a circle? Contact Amanda Smit at 414-374-8029 or 414-858-6885 or amanda@projectreturnmilwaukee.org .
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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.