By Kathy Gaillard
When Andi Elliott completed an internship at Community Advocates as part of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Social Work requirements, she was offered a position with the organization. She never imagined that 32 years later she not only would still be working there, but she is running the agency as its CEO and President.
“I thought I’d be at Community Advocates for two to three years, but I found the work so rewarding that I stayed. My tenure here has fulfilled my need and desire to serve,” said Elliott.
Since 1976, Community Advocates has provided basic needs, advocacy and services to low-income, at-risk individuals and families in the Milwaukee area. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services to include the Women’s Center. At the heart of its mission is its goal to reduce poverty in Milwaukee and Wisconsin.
Community Advocates provides health care advocacy, case management and protective payee services, homelessness prevention, energy assistance, disability advocacy services, and housing/case management services for individuals who are homeless and also have chronic mental illness.
With a rich history of fostering and creating partnerships, Community Advocates regularly collaborates with other organizations to help solve problems and challenges.
Community Advocates is also one of only a handful of agencies that accepts clients on a walk-in basis. The organization delivers its services using a wraparound approach in which clients work in partnership with staff to help them achieve their individual goals.
Elliott has worked in almost every department of Community Advocates. She started out assisting with tenant rights, so she always cautions that individuals experiencing landlord issues should call Community Advocates first before taking any actions. For example, if tenants are behind in rent and they connect with the Department of Neighborhood Services first, once landlords are notified, they can start the eviction process.
“We are a direct service provider and a funder of other organizations. Since 2006, we created the Public Policy Institute that is designed to look at our work through a policy lens. We take a hard look at what the community is experiencing that can and should be addressed further upstream to strengthen the community.
“Too often, people who need services the most don’t know where to go. We want to get the word out that help is available, whether it is housing, or energy and food assistance. I’m happy to say that we stay really grounded in our mission – serving people in a dignified way.
“Our reputation of addressing community needs is one of our strengths. It is really about the force of people coming together as a collective to say we are not going to accept this anymore. We are tired of the crime and of the discriminatory practices of systemic racism. We must get together and speak with that combined voice,” said Elliott.
Community Advocates continues to serve this community with the same determination and passion that caused a young intern to stay at the agency for more than 32 years. Indeed, Community Advocates is a diamond in our community.
Community Advocates is located at 728 N. James Lovell, between the police and fire stations. No appointment is necessary.
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