15 Named for Improving Central City Neighborhood

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the Grand Opening of the Innovation & Wellness Commons. Photo by Mike Holloway.

MILWAUKEE (December 7, 2016) — The Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (known as the MANDIs) celebrate the “good news” of successful efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and strengthen the community. From public nominations, a volunteer Selection Committee has named 15 finalists for the awards this year.

“The MANDIs celebrate Milwaukee’s diverse neighborhoods, and the many talented, committed people working together to create a better future for our communities,” said Donsia Strong Hill, Executive Director, LISC Milwaukee.

Finalists in five categories were announced at a public event at Mr. J’s Lounge on Milwaukee’s north side to an audience of one hundred community leaders.

Sponsored by U.S. Bank, in partnership with LISC Milwaukee, the MANDIs recognize individuals, organizations, and projects that are improving conditions in Milwaukee’s central city neighborhoods. Finalists are selected from public nominations by a 40-member, independent, cross-sector volunteer committee. Winners will be announced at an Oscar-style gala at the 18^th Annual MANDIs on Thursday, April 6th, at the Potawatomi Hotel and Casino. The event draws a diverse audience of more than 800 leaders from the private, philanthropic and nonprofit communities.

MANDI 2017 finalists include:

The “Brewers Community Foundation Public Space Award” recognizes a public space that helps build the community. Finalists include:

• Green Tree Community Garden in Havenwoods
• Johnsons Park Revitalization in Lindsay Heights
• Journey House Community Garden in Clarke Square

The “BMO Harris Cornerstone Award” recognizes an organization for their commitment and effectiveness over time. Finalists include:

• City on a Hill
• Milwaukee Christian Center (MCC)
• Silver Spring Neighborhood Center

The “Northern Trust Navigator Award” recognizes an individual for leadership and collaboration. Finalists include:

• Diane De La Santos from City on a Hill
• Darryl Johnson from Riverworks Development Corporation
• Gretchen Mead from the Victory Gardens Initiative

The “PNC Bank Trail Blazer Award” recognizes an innovative approach to a community problem. Finalists include:

• The Arts@Large Fill in the Gaps Initiative in partnership with the Milwaukee Public Schools
• The Layton Boulevard Home Improvement Matching Grants Program
• The Historic Wally Schmidt Tavern Redevelopment

The “State Farm Building Blocks Award” recognizes a real estate project that advances the community. Finalists include:

• Innovation and Wellness Commons, Walnut Way Conservation Corp.
• Milwaukee Asian Public Markets Phongsavan, Pai Yang
• Milwaukee TechForce Training Center, Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee

The “Wells Fargo People’s Choice Award” will be given to finalists who receive the most public votes between March 27-April 6.

About LISC: Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is the recognized leader in neighborhood development. Since 1980, LISC national has marshaled $9 billion from 3,100 investors, lenders and donors to foster the revitalization of more than 300 urban neighborhoods and rural communities. Since 1995, LISC Milwaukee has invested $130 million in Milwaukee’s neighborhoods through grants, loans and technical assistance to neighborhood-based community development efforts. More information is available at www.lisc.org or www.lisc.org/milwaukee.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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