Leo Ries, Executive Director of LISC (Photo by Sue Vliet)

Finalists for the 2014 Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innnovation, known as the “MANDIs,” were announced Wednesday evening to a crowded room of nominees, community leaders and corporate sponsors.

Sponsored by U.S. Bank, in partnership with LISC Milwaukee, the awards recognize individuals, organizations and corporations that are working to improve conditions in Milwaukee’s central city neighborhoods.

“Milwaukee’s neighborhoods have their challenges, no question. But you can’t help but be inspired by the individuals and groups who work with tremendous passion and tenacity to turn things around and to create a better life for all of our fellow citizens,” said Leo Ries, LISC executive director. “The MANDIs are an opportunity for us all to acknowledge these neighborhood leaders for their work,” he added.

Finalists were selected by an independent, cross-sector volunteer committee, based on public nominations. Winners will be announced at a gala on Wednesday, April 9, at the Pfister Hotel.

Finalists are listed below.

The “Brewers Community Foundation Public Space Award” (for a public space that helps build the community):

• Three Bridges Park
• Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum
• Journey House Packers Football Stadium

Front Row (left to right): Chris Capper, Just One More Ministry; Lee Schulz, Independence First Mobility Store; Chris Goller, PNC Bank; Jacob Stein, Independence First Mobility Store; Nadia Bogue, 16th Street Health Center
Back Row (left to right): Amanda Milford, 16th Street Community Health Center; Alex Hernandez, 16th Street Community Health Center, Iris Gonzalez, 16th Street Community Health Center

The “BMO Harris Cornerstone Award” (for an organization demonstrating commitment and effectiveness over time):

• Havenwoods Economic Development Corporation
• Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation
• Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity
• United Methodist Children’s Services of Wisconsin

The “Northern Trust Navigator Award” (for an individual demonstrating leadership and collaboration):

• Charles Brown, Journey House
• Jan Christenson, YMCA of Metro Milwaukee
• Howard Snyder, Northwest Side Community Development Corp.

The “PNC Bank Trail Blazer Award” (for an innovative approach to a community problem):

• 16^th Street Community Health Center’s Kinnickinnic River Corridor Initiative
• Independence First Mobility Store
• Just One More Ministry

The “State Farm Building Blocks Award” (for a real estate project that improves the community):

• King Drive Commons IV, Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation in partnership with Impact 7
• Rent to Own Homes, Layton Boulevard West Neighbors in partnership with Impact 7
• Westlawn Gardens, Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee

The board of LISC also announced that the “Vision Award” will be presented to Northwestern Mutual, in recognition of Northwestern Mutual Foundation’s strong philanthropic focus on neighborhood investment, and for choosing downtown Milwaukee for its corporate headquarters.

Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service is a media sponsor of the 2014 MANDIs.