Local News

Sojourner will honor Dolly for serving 36 years as Shelter Director

April 4, 2019 By MKE Community Journal Leave a Comment

Honoring a Lasting Legacy of Love and Hope

Sojourner will honor Dolly Grimes-Johnson for serving 36 years at crisis shelter

Milwaukee, WI (Thursday, April 4, 2019) – For 36 years, Dolly Grimes- Johnson has been the leader of Sojourner Family Peace Center’s shelter operations. In her role as Shelter Director at Sojourner Truth House, Dolly has done everything from helping women give birth to making beds, serving meals, and everything in between. In honor of Dolly’s recent retirement, Sojourner is hosting a celebration to commend Dolly and her compassion, kindness, and selfless dedication to serving women and kids in the Milwaukee community.

“Dolly represents what Sojourner Family Peace Center is all about,” says Carmen Pitre, Sojourner President and CEO. “Dolly constantly provides care, love, and guidance to shelter residents and helps women transform their lives. She will be greatly missed.”

To honor Dolly, Sojourner will be hosting Dolly’s Retirement Party on Friday, April 5th from 5:30 – 6:30 pm at The Box (311 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee). A short program will begin at 6 pm. In addition to this celebration, Sojourner has launched Dolly’s Legacy Fund, which invites donors to make a donation in honor of Dolly and the thousands of lives she has transformed. Donations will continue the love and support for which Dolly is best known. Her impact will continue to be felt and donations given in her name will fund shelter services into the future. Donations to Dolly’s Legacy Fund can be made at familypeacecenter.org/donate/dollys-legacy-fund

“I feel fortunate to have touched so many women and children’s lives, and played a role in helping women improve their lives for the better,” says Dolly,

retired Shelter Director at Sojourner Truth House. “I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Dolly has been a source of support, inspiration, and hope to thousands of women who came to Sojourner’s crisis shelter during what was likely one of the worst times in their lives. For 36 years, Dolly offered survivors of domestic violence a safe place to build a different life for themselves and their children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

About Sojourner

The mission of Sojourner is to transform lives impacted by domestic violence. Sojourner provides crisis housing, system advocacy, and individual support to people who are hurting. Sojourner is the largest provider of domestic violence prevention and intervention services in Wisconsin, serving over 12,000 clients annually. Our primary goals are to ensure the safety of victims of family violence and to provide a pathway out of violence for victims and abusers through opportunities to make positive and lasting changes for themselves and their children. Sojourner is committed to creating communities where people live peacefully. For more information, visit www.familypeacecenter.org or call Sojourner 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 414-933-2722.

About Family Peace Center

Sojourner is one of the first in the nation to house holistic services for survivors of domestic violence, all under one roof. Sojourner and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin formed a unique partnership to create one of the first co-located child advocacy and family violence centers in the country. The Family Peace Center accommodates a number of co-located and visiting partner organizations including the Milwaukee Police Department Sensitive Crimes Unit, Milwaukee Public Schools, the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, Aurora Healthcare Abuse Response Services, and others. Families receiving services at the Family Peace Center have access to a wide array of services to support their efforts to achieve healing, self-sufficiency and freedom from abuse.

Celebrate Spring at the Milwaukee Marathon

April 4, 2019 By MKE Community Journal Leave a Comment

President Ashanti Hamilton invites the community to the Milwaukee Marathon on Saturday (April 6) presented by the Milwaukee Bucks. Join thousands of runners and community members for this event, including at the after-party for chances to win free Milwaukee Bucks tickets. All races will start and finish right at the Bucks’ brand-new Live Block entertainment complex. President Hamilton will be making the opening remarks and shooting the gun to begin the race. Alderman Robert Bauman will also be there to give out the awards at the finish line. Additional information can be found on the organization’s website at www.runmilwaukee.com.

“We are beyond excited to have a world class marathon event brought back to Milwaukee. I would encourage residents to support the athletes at the race and utilize this weekend as an opportunity to show the non-local athletes how truly special our City is,” President Hamilton said.

What: 2019 Milwaukee Marathon presented by the Milwaukee Bucks

When: Saturday, April 6 – first race beginning at 6:30 a.m.

Where: Fiserv Forum (1111 Vel R. Phillips Ave.)

Milwaukee Marathon Road Closures to Affect 10th District Streets

April 4, 2019 By MKE Community Journal Leave a Comment

Alderman Michael J. Murphy shares the following information concerning a traffic alert for the Milwaukee Marathon on Saturday, April 6:

The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works (DPW) has announced traffic changes for the Milwaukee Marathon on Saturday, April 6. The 26.2 mile Milwaukee Marathon begins and ends at Fiserv Forum and will wind through Milwaukee, visiting many neighborhoods, including the 10^th District.

Rolling street closures along the route start on April 6 at 6 a.m. and will stay in effect until 2:30 p.m. There are four areas along the race course that will be closed affecting the 10^th District:

W. Lloyd St. from N. Sherman Bl. to N. 60th St.
N. 60th St. from W. Lloyd St. to W. Washington Bl.
W. Washington Bl. from N. 60th St. to N. Hawley Rd.
N. Hawley Rd. from W. Washington Bl. to W. Vliet St.

Roads may be closed several hours earlier to ensure the course is clear and safe for runners. Please pay attention to posted road closure signs. North/south vehicle traffic will be very limited during this race. DPW suggests making use of the I-43 freeway or WIS 175 (Stadium Freeway).

Residents, churches, restaurants and other businesses, and all other organizations with driveways on the route should be aware that access during the races will be limited – make your travel/parking plans accordingly.

A full map of the marathon route and a full list of street closures can be found athttps://runmilwaukee.com/race-details/#course.

Supervisor Marcelia Nicholson Appointed to the Milwaukee Public Museum Board of Directors

March 25, 2019 By MKE Community Journal Leave a Comment

The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors approved (16-0) the appointment of Supervisor Marcelia Nicholson to the Milwaukee Public Museum’s (MPM) Board of Directors today for a term ending March 19, 2022.

Nicholson thanked Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr., for his appointment, and her fellow supervisors, who voted unanimously in support.

“I want to thank Chairman Lipscomb for appointing me to the Milwaukee Public Museum Board, and my colleagues for their faith in my ability to serve. The Milwaukee Public Museum is one of Milwaukee County’s most popular amenities, attracting visitors from all over Wisconsin and beyond. I’m particularly proud to serve on the board of a cultural institution that provides educational opportunities to youth and adults alike. Serving on the Board of the Milwaukee Public Museum is an honor and a privilege, and I am committing to serving the best interests of the Museum and the public,” said Nicholson.

The function of the MPM’s Board of Directors is to advise the museum director on matters of long range planning, marketing, educational programming, scope of collections, relationships with the public, and any matter deemed to be in the best interests of the museum betterment, as well as to establish governing bylaws.

Supervisor Nicholson also serves on the Board of the Milwaukee Art Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Library Board of Trustees.

She is the First Vice Chair of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors and chairs the Committee on Economic and Community Development.

Supervisor Nicholson represents the 5th District of Milwaukee County and was an MPS educator for several years.

Condolences from Alderman Khalif J. Rainey to the Family, Friends, and Colleagues of Neyaka Oliver

March 22, 2019 By MKE Community Journal Leave a Comment

This past Monday, March 18 Ms. Neyaka Oliver was shot and killed, an apparent victim of domestic violence in an abusive relationship – one she had tried to end.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ms. Oliver’s family, her friends, and her colleagues at Next Door Foundation Milwaukee, where she taught pre-school children. Students and their parents and grandparents are particularly mourning her loss, as her presence in their lives and her dedication to teaching our youth were outstanding, and will be sorely missed.

If you are suffering from domestic abuse, or know someone who is, get help using the resources at milwaukee.gov/health/AZLinked/Domestic-Violence–Sexual-Assa.htm#helplines.

DCF Honors Six Social Workers for Outstanding Service to Families

March 22, 2019 By MKE Community Journal Leave a Comment

From left, Jeanne Nutter, Emma Lutzke, Sara Strong, Secretary Amundson, Pam Weber, Dutch Leydel, and Corey Roth

(MADISON) – In recognition of Gov. Tony Evers declaring March as Social Work Month in Wisconsin, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) honored the efforts of six child welfare professionals with the 2019 Caring for Kids award.

DCF Secretary-designee Emilie Amundson presented the awards during a ceremony today at the State Capitol. The six professionals represent Lutheran Social Services, University of Wisconsin – Madison’s School of Social Work, and Milwaukee, Racine and Winnebago counties. The individuals exemplify dedication and passion in service to the people of their communities.

“Child welfare professionals are devoted to helping people overcome difficult situations and cope with the trauma they have experienced,” said DCF Secretary Amundson. “They are the unsung heroes within our communities and I am proud to honor such amazing and compassionate individuals – many of whom dedicated their entire professional lives to the children and families of Wisconsin.”

Presented with awards were:

Emma Lutzke of Lutheran Social Services
Dutch Leydel of Racine County Human Services Department
Jeanne Nutter of UW-Madison’s School of Social Work
Sara Strong of DCF’s Division of Milwaukee Child Protective Services
Pam Weber and Corey Roth of Winnebago County Department of Human Services

Award selection criteria included years of service and experience, adapting to new initiatives, advocacy, leadership and a proven record of ensuring the well-being of children and families.

To learn more about the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, visit www.dcf.wisconsin.gov or follow@WisDCF on Twitter.

Residents Can Still Donate Baby Supplies for the It Takes a Village Community Baby Shower & Resource Fair

March 22, 2019 By MKE Community Journal Leave a Comment

A reminder from Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs and Alderman Khalif J. Rainey:
Residents can still donate baby supplies to benefit the It Takes a Village: Community Baby Shower & Resource Fair. Planned in conjunction with Awareness for World Doula Month, donations will provide resources for expecting mothers and families.

WHAT: Baby supplies donations that include diapers, baby blankets, hygiene kits,

dye/perfume -free laundry detergent, dye/perfume free baby soap, wipes, Desitin, A&D ointment, saline nasal spray, nose suction device, breast pumps, breast pads, onesies, bibs, bottles, gift cards, and wipes.

WHERE: City Hall, 200 E. Wells Street

Bins for donation drop-offs can be found in the first floor rotunda

The baby shower and resource fair will take place at The Sherman Phoenix, 3536 W. Fond du Lac Ave., on Saturday, March 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More information about the event can be found here: https://milwaukeenns.org/2019/02/27/it-takes-a-village-community-baby-shower-resource-fair/

Noelani Robinson remembered at vigil

March 21, 2019 By MKE Community Journal Leave a Comment

Compiled by MCJ Editorial Staff

Strangers came together recently to bow their heads, pray, and remember 2-year-old Noelani Robinson, whose body was found in Minnesota Friday after being abducted by her father Dariaz Higgins days earlier.

Higgins was arrested several days after he abducted Noelani and fatally shooting one of two women, Noelani’s mother Sierra Robinson in the area of 91st and Mill Road on the Northwest side. The other was wounded, but is expected to recover.

An Amber Alert went out in the city and state for Noelani. That alert came to an end late Friday when her body was found in Steele County, Minnesota.

Noelani was memorialized at a prayer vigil in a memorial garden, which honors the youngest victims of violence, on the city’s northside. It was organized and conducted by “Guardians of the Children,” a local organization whose mission is to recognize and react to child abuse and educate the public to do the same; to serve as advocates to provide strength and stability to families in crisis; and be an answer to the prayer of an abused child or teen for courage, support and protection.

Many at the vigil never met Noelani, but the loss hit close to home, especially for Margarita Fogl, the grandmother of Laylah Petersen, who was shot and killed in 2014 as she sat inside her grandparents’ home. “It’s really hard because it takes me there, because it’s my Laylah,” Fogl reportedly said. “Even though we’re going forward, we hear another story about another innocent child,” she said.

Fogl said she prays no other family has to feel this pain, adding the community has to be strong and keep Noelani’s family in prayer to give them strength.

Ald. Cavalier (Chevy) Johnson expressed his condolences after learning of Noelani’s fate. “There is collective heartbreak across our entire community after learning of the cold-blooded killing of Sierra Robinson, Noelani’s mother, and now learning about the loss of Noelani,” Johnson said in a press statement. “Whenever someone is missing, it’s important that we bring all of our resources to bear in order to locate and return them safely to family.” Johnson thanked all members of the community who prayed for Noelani, and used their social media platforms to spread the word immediately after the 2-year-old was abducted. He also thanked local media for using their airwaves to keep the story top of mind.

“Although the outcome of this case was not what anyone desired, we must remain vigilant in caring for all people and all children in our community— just like we care for Noelani.” Higgins faces one count of first degree intentional homicide, use of a dangerous weapon and one count of first degree recklessly endangering safety, use of a dangerous weapon. Cash bond was set at $1 million.

A second person was arrested for harboring/aiding a fugitive, Milwaukee police said.

—Source for this article: Ashley Sears, Fox6News

Hearing for newly appointed FPC director, other key items on deck for committee

March 20, 2019 By MKE Community Journal Leave a Comment

La Keisha Butler, Mayor Barrett’s newly appointed executive director of the Fire and Police Commission will appear Thursday (May 17) before the Public Safety and Health Committee to answer questions from Council members and to discuss her approach in her new role, according to Committee Chair Alderman Bob Donovan.

The meeting will also include discussion about a proposal to partner with Milwaukee Area Technical College to bring on part-time police officers, a communication from Milwaukee Professional Fire Fighters Local 215 about cuts to the Milwaukee Fire Department and related concerns about safety across the city and a proposal to transfer $1 million from the Common Council contingent fund to increase Health Department outreach efforts about lead hazards in homes.

“Thursday’s meeting features an agenda packed with important legislation and critical topics and I invite our residents to make plans to attend or tune in and watch on the City Channel,” Alderman Donovan said.

Thursday’s committee meeting will be televised liveon the City Channel (Channel 25 on Spectrum Cable and on AT&T U-Verse Channel 99) in the City of Milwaukee. It can also be viewed via streaming video on the city website at www.city.milwaukee.gov/Channel25.

What:

When: Thursday, May 17 at 9 a.m.

Where: Room 301-B at City Hall, 200 E. Wells St.

Bria Smith receives Vel Phillips Trailblazer Award

March 15, 2019 By MKE Community Journal Leave a Comment

Today during the Girls’ Day at City Hall event, Bria Smithreceived the Vel Phillips Trailblazer Award for her service to the community.

Bestowed by Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, the award recognizes selfless service and work to improve the quality of life for residents in Milwaukee.

Ms. Smith is a senior at Franklin High School and is President of the City of Milwaukee Youth Council. She was named Miss Juneteenth in June 2017 and is planning on studying journalism, mass communication, and broadcast in college.

Last year she spoke during the national March for Our Lives event in Washington, D.C., addressing tens of thousands about the scourge of gun violence. She also took part in political campaign events across the U.S. with fellow young anti-gun violence activists in the run-up to the fall 2018 mid-term elections.

“Through her leadership Bria has exemplified the spirit of Vel Phillips by helping raise awareness on key issues affecting Milwaukee and our nation, including gun violence, and she has especially captured the attention of young people as an engaging voice for change,” Alderwoman Coggs said.

“It was my honor to bestow the 2nd Vel Phillips Trailblazer Award to Ms. Bria Smith,” she said.

Ms. Smith will be honored during a special presentationat 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26th(prior to the start of the regular meeting of the Common Council) in the third floor Vel R. Phillips Ante Chamber at City Hall, 200 E. Wells St.