Resources for Families Coping with Violence
These resources offer support and engagement for youth and counseling for trauma.
414 Life is one of many programs in Milwaukee dedicated to stopping violence in the city. Here, Chris Conley, 414 Life outreach and resource coordinator, Uniting Garden Homes, speaks with reporters in 2019. File photo by Andrea Waxman/NNS.
2020 was a deadly year in Milwaukee, with 189 deaths compared with 97 the year before.
This breaks the record, set in 1991, of 165 homicides.
As we start a new year, here are resources to help keep you safe and our kids engaged. As COVID-19 has forced nearly everyone to go remote, please contact each organization directly to determine what they are offering virtually or in person.
SAFETY, CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND HEALING RESOURCES:
414 Life is a violence interruption team based in Milwaukee neighborhoods and hospitals through partnerships with Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin and Uniting Garden Homes.
Project Ujima, based out of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, works with youths who have experienced violence and end up in the hospital. The project provides crisis intervention, case management, social and emotional support, youth development and mentoring and mental health services.
Safe and Sound’s mission is to “unite residents, youth, law enforcement and community resources to build safe and empowered neighborhoods.” You can find its neighborhood safety resources here. See where Safe and Sound works here, and what events it’s organizing this year here.
Sojourner Family Peace Center provides services, support and safety resources to victims of domestic violence. Its 24-hour hotline is (414) 933-2722.
The Trauma Response Team provides support to children and families in Milwaukee who have been exposed to trauma or stressful experiences. It’s a partnership between the City of Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Police Department and Wraparound Milwaukee. If you or someone you know could benefit from these services, you can call the team at (414) 257-7621.
YOUTH PROGRAMS, RESOURCES AND CENTERS:
Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Milwaukee
Boys and Girls Clubs offers safe spaces and activities for youths from kindergarten to high school all over the city to learn, play and hang out. Find a club near you by clicking here.
City on a Hill is a faith-based organization located at 2224 W. Kilbourn Ave. that offers a variety of services for the community, including youth, family, health and social programs.
COA offers programming and safe spaces for youths of all ages—including athletics, art and gardening—at its two locations: 909 E. Garfield Ave. and 2320 W. Burleigh St. For more information on specific opportunities, look here.
Located at 1927 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave., HeartLove Place is a faith-based organization that offers youth programming and family resources. Find more information here.
HAWA has several programs geared toward Southeast Asian youths that focus on “empowering leadership in youth through community organizing and involvement.” More details are here.
Journey House offers youth development, athletic and art programs on Milwaukee’s near South Side at 2110 W Scott St. You can find the different options here.
Ma’ruf Center for Youth Innovation
Ma’ruf is a youth center at 2110 W. Hampton Ave. It offers mentorship and has a gaming zone, a science lab, a technology lab, a library and a gym. Its programs range from leadership to coding to martial arts. Learn more here.
Milwaukee Public Libraries
Milwaukee Public Libraries are full of resources, programs, events and activities all free and open to the community. Check out the events being offered at your neighborhood library.
Neu-Life works to empower and instill leadership in neighborhood youths through a wide array of programs and is located at 2014 W North Ave. Check out more here.
Silver Spring is located in Westlawn at 5460 N. 64th St. and has programs for all ages. You can learn more here. Space is limited due to the COVID-19 crisis.
St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care – Bucyrus Campus
The center, located at 2450 W. North Ave., offers programming and safe spaces for school-age youths.
Urban Underground offers after school programming for youths age 13-18. Find contact information here.
To learn more about violence prevention efforts and strategy in Milwaukee, check out the Blueprint for Peace.
This story was originally published by Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, where you can find other stories reporting on fifteen city neighborhoods in Milwaukee.
