How service agencies work, from inside and out | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
This special report focuses on eight agencies that provide services to neighborhood residents in a variety of communities. For each agency, NNS told the story from a service provider’s viewpoint and from a service recipient’s viewpoint. Students from Marquette’s Diederich College of Communication created the pieces under the supervision of Prof. Herbert Lowe and NNS Editor Sharon McGowan.
Organizations include (follow link for first story of the pair) Our Next Generation, Urban Ecology Center, Artworks for Milwaukee, Centro Legal, Next Door Foundation, Select Milwaukee, Milwaukee Habitat For Humanity, and COA Youth & Family Center.
By Sarah Butler and Tessa Fox
Sammie Lou Krieger reads with a student at Our Next Generation (Photo by Sarah Butler)
Dedicated volunteer works toward literacy
For 16 years, Sammie Lou Krieger has volunteered at Our Next Generation, a community-based nonprofit that offers after-school, academic and enrichment programs. For the last six years, she has worked with the same student and said she hopes to continue doing so for years to come.
Nonprofit center keeps next generation on track
Four days a week, “Ashley” (not her real name) attends Our Next Generation, a community-based nonprofit that offers after-school academic and enrichment programs. Ashley and her tutor, Sammie Lou Krieger, have worked together for six years, meeting every Monday for a one-on-one tutoring session.
By Ben Stanley
Young scientists gather at the Urban Ecology Center. (Photo by Ben Stanley)
Young Scientists headed in the right direction
The Urban Ecology Center created the Young Scientists Club to teach children in the neighboring community about nature and social responsibility, and expose them to new environments and experiences.
Young Scientists Club keeps kids coming back
At 14, Darrin Madison is too old to be a member of the Urban Ecology Center’s Young Scientists Club any more, so he returned as a volunteer.
By Andrea Anderson and Rebecca French
Photo by Rebecca French
Artist Jon Brown makes art work for teenage interns
Artist and educator Jon Brown is a mentor and lead artist for teenage interns at ArtWorks for Milwaukee. Brown helps his students design anti-drug and anti-violence campaigns and develop the skills necessary to succeed in the art and design world.
ArtWorks intern creates art with deeper meaning
High school student Domonique Whitehurst is one of eight interns at ArtWorks for Milwaukee worked on anti-drug and violence campaigns this fall. The semester-long program strives to foster collaboration and promote the arts, while training students for careers.
By Allison Kruschke and Katie Doherty
Heather Ramirez, executive director of Centro Legal (Photo by Katie Doherty)
Bilingual legal services ‘unique’ to Centro Legal
The nonprofit Centro Legal clinic has provided free bilingual legal services for 20 years on Milwaukee’s south side. The need is particularly strong in family courts, according to Heather Ramirez, executive director.
Centro Legal attorney serves the Milwaukee community
Jason Mishelow, senior attorney and CFO of Centro Legal, provides low-cost legal help to families who cannot afford high legal fees. Centro Legal specializes in family law cases, domestic violence issues and misdemeanor criminal offenses.
By Ryan Ellerbusch and Alec Brooks
Carol Keintz, executive director of the Next Door Foundation.
Next Door’s early childhood program gives kids head start
Next Door Foundation’s Educare program offers “a prep school for low-income kids” in one of Milwaukee’s poorest neighborhoods.
Next Door Foundation is “home away from home”
Stephanie Williams and her youngest daughter go to school together at the Next Door Foundation in the Metcalfe Park neighborhood. Williams attends GED classes while her daughter participates in the Early Head Start program.
By Heather Ronaldson and Erin Caughey
Raymond Schmidt, executive director of Select Milwaukee, works at his office. (Photo by Heather Ronaldson)
Select Milwaukee marks 20 years of supporting homeownership
Since Select Milwaukee was established in 1991, it has provided homeownership education and foreclosure prevention in city neighborhoods. The nonprofit organization, which has served about 2,000 Milwaukee residents, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with partners, clients and staff.
Select Milwaukee, LISC launch loan fund to stabilize neighborhoods
Select Milwaukee and Local Initiatives Support Corp. (LISC) joined forces to initiate a loan fund to stabilize homeownership in Milwaukee neighborhoods. The loan fund will assist local homebuyers with home improvement loans, mortgages and repair costs.
By Sarah Hauer
left to right: Linda Brown, Tanicha Suggs and Tysheana Jennings light a candle in front of Suggs’s new home. (Photo by Sarah Hauer)
Organization builds homes, helps families
With the help of more than 15,000 volunteers, Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity has built 40 homes this year, many for first-time homeowners.
Mother of eight makes Habitat home her own
Tanicha Suggs, a mother of eight, has settled into her new home in the Harambee neighborhood, where she moved in December. The house is one of five on the block built by Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity.
By Liz McGovern and Benjamin Sheehan
Monique Strickland (left), helps her 5-year-old daughter, Madison, make a hand puppet as daughter Brijanni, 16, looks on. (Photo by Ben Sheehan)
COA director helps parents help their children
Julie Esteves, bilingual co-director of a school-readiness program for young children, has grown personally and professionally during her 17 years at COA in the Riverwest neighborhood.
Mom, preschooler happy with HIPPY
COA’S HIPPY program provides extra support to prepare preschoolers for kindergarten. HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) is a national program that encourages parental involvement and works to strengthen family relationships.