MANDI People's Choice Award Voting
Winners receive $1,000 and the Wells Fargo People's Choice Award at the Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation on August 14th. Click on any of the nominees to learn more via profiles written by LISC.
MANDI Awards 2025
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Karen Higgins
loves being a community builder. Over 45 years she has worked as an executive director, volunteer, and consultant to build on assets within the nonprofits she has touched, developing mission and purpose, growing the talent of people within and outside the organizations she served. Everyone goes away positively changed even in the midst of challenges. She loves seeing how the gift of community develops in powerful ways.
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Serenity Inns
helps men overcome addiction, reclaim dignity, and rebuild their lives through compassionate treatment and supportive housing. We serve those often overlooked with trauma-informed care, job readiness, and a path to healing. Every man who walks through our doors is met with hope, respect, and the chance to begin again.
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HoneyBee Sage Wellness & Apothecary
is Milwaukee’s first apothecary, herbal tea café and alcohol free craft cocktail lounge, buzzing with bold flavors, healing herbs, and good vibes. Rooted in wellness and powered by purpose, we create jobs, elevate minority makers, and inspire a homegrown healing movement, one intentional sip at a time
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Bridge Builders
transforms inner-city neighborhoods—one block at a time through a replicable, grassroots model. Since 2017, we’ve reduced crime by 39% and restored dignity through home repairs, affordable homeownership, and embedded community presence. Our Model Block strategy fosters sustainable, resident-led revitalization that’s transforming Milwaukee—and can be duplicated in cities nationwide.
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Housing Resources, Inc.
is a HUD-approved housing counseling organization founded in 1991. We help first-time homebuyers identify and overcome barriers to purchase homes and homeowners maintain and keep their homes by providing post purchase services. Since 1991, we’ve educated 30,500 buyers, helped over 7000 purchases, & supported over 5300 homeowners.
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Walnut Way Conservation Corp
is a resident-founded, resident-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to advance economic, environmental, and health equity in Milwaukee’s Lindsay Heights neighborhood. Through wellness, climate resilience, social enterprise, and community-led initiatives, Walnut Way puts neighbors at the center, building a national model for inclusive, sustainable, and thriving communities.
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Urban Ecology Center's Washington Park
Since 2007, the Urban Ecology Center's Washington Park branch has played a vital role in the community. The renovated and expanded building connects more people in Milwaukee to nature and each other by increasing environmental education programs, summer camps and community programs while expanding land management to increase biodiversity in the park.
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Historic King Drive Business Improvement District No. 8 (King Drive BID)
uplifts the district's businesses and commercial property owners by providing targeted resources, convening partners to drive revitalization and celebrating the area's rich history and culture. We help create a vibrant, inclusive destination where businesses thrive, and serve as a convener - bringing together business owners, property owners and community groups to identify, collaborate on and advance shared goals for the district.
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Concordia 27
is a vibrant hub for living, working, and gathering in Milwaukee’s Near West Side. Home to Centers for Independence, Near West Side Partners, Scaling Wellness in Milwaukee, and Fruition MKE, alongside 33 affordable apartments and rentable event spaces, Concordia 27 is a destination shaped by and for our neighbors.
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Havenwoods State Forest
is a 237-acre forest and nature center located in the northwest side of Milwaukee with free recreation, community events, and public programs occurring year-round. It serves as a site for a high number of school trips. Come visit us and enjoy the benefits of nature!
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National DIY Skatepark
transformed a neglected Milwaukee County Park & Ride into a thriving community skatepark. Fueled by community stewardship and public partnership, it is now a safe and vibrant third space for connection through skateboarding, serving inner city residents through genuine grassroots effort.
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Brenda Campbell
has led SecureFutures, a Milwaukee nonprofit dedicated to equipping teens with essential money management skills, tools, and mentoring, since 2006. As President and CEO, she has grown SecureFutures into a leader in teen financial education, impacting 140,000 teens and young adults through its comprehensive programs.
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Milwaukee Diaper Mission
empowers families in need by providing a reliable source of free diapers and period supplies. As Milwaukee's first and only basic needs bank, Milwaukee Diaper Mission has provided over 3 MILLION diapers and 1 MILLION period products to our community since 2020.
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The Bread of Healing Clinic
serves uninsured people with chronic illness. We provide medical provider visits, counseling, dental services and social work services. Medications and labs are included as needed. We actively manage hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, asthma. The goal is to bring our neighbors to good health and productive lives.
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