Created in fall 2016, the Reasons for Hope MKE Fund grantmaking cycle supported community-based actions and activities designed to encourage social connections, promote peace and build community cohesion in Milwaukee neighborhoods. Listed below are the projects and programs that received funding in 2018.
Near West Side Partners: $5,000 to help engage economically and racially diverse community members of the Near West Side and members in the adjacent neighborhoods such as Washington Park and Midtown. The Spirit of Wakanda event is designed to attract art and comic book fans of all ages from across the city to meet and mingle with Near West Side residents, helping to change the perceptions of the area.
Walnut Way Conservation Corp: $5,000 for its Walnut Way’s Harvest Day Celebration, an event in September that celebrates residents and projects a positive image of Milwaukee’s Lindsay Heights neighborhood. It is expected to draw more the 500 residents who will receive information and participate in health and wellness activities, resident-led tours of the Walnut Way campus solar installation, fruit orchards and community garden.
WestCare Wisconsin: $5,000 for its Hoops Against Violence tournament, bringing together residents who are moved to action through activities that build community leadership. The event targets low income and youth participants. Tournament admission is free, but individuals must participate in the following: sportsmanship-like peace circles exercise prior to each game with a concentration on healing from daily stress; a community clean up and workshops about eating healthy and drug prevention.
Frank Zeidler Center for Public Discussion: $5,000 for its three-prong approach to engagement listening circles: Youth and Police Initiative workshop, youth facilitation training and mentorship and listening circle dialogues.
Foundations for Freedom: $4,900 to support its efforts to strengthen women and girls, reduce vulnerabilities and eradicate human trafficking. Moving the needle is a multi-tiered engagement approach with faith-based entities and other community stakeholders that includes training, outreach and walking the blocks.
Asset Builders of America: $4,000 for its Go4it Entrepreneurship Day camp onsite at one or more of the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee facilities for youth and young adults ages 16-24. Through the camp, participants learn personal finance and entrepreneurship basics.
Albright Methodist Church: $3,000 to support the Capitol Heights Neighborhood Association’s Back-to-School Bash. The event will feature live jazz, free haircuts and school supplies for youth. The goal is to build intergenerational social connections with those who live in the area and give residents a sense of community in a safe and fun environment in their neighborhood.
Lighthouse Youth Center: $2,150 for its Taste of the Good Life project, which will provide social and dining etiquette skills to youth ages 10 to 18 to help build self-confidence and foster respect for others. Students will participate in a three-course meal and attend the Black Nativity musical at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.
Garden Homes Evangelical Luther Church and School: $1,500 supports its community youth BBQ, which brings together youth and families from Garden Homes Lutheran Youth Group, Lighthouse Youth Center and the Garden Homes neighborhood. The event will provide food, games and activities to promote peace and gather the community in a fun activity.
Decent Housing for Decent Living: $1,470 for a community block party in the Amani neighborhood. The event will create a space for residents to build connections, access community resources and promote peace.
Silver Spring Neighborhood Center: $2,400 for a partnership with the Westlawn Resident Council on its series of neighborhood cookouts. With the goal of encouraging neighbors to build stronger and more positive social networks, build partnerships and strengthen the overall perception of the community in which they live.
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