By Kathy Gaillard
More than 25 years ago Safe & Sound was founded under the premise that achieving safe neighborhoods involves residents, youth, and law enforcement working together. Safe & Sound is preparing to celebrate its Jubilee Anniversary this September.
“We’re not the experts in any one area but when all players are involved, we really can achieve a safe community. Sometimes when we think of creating a safer Milwaukee, we assume it takes a big organization to get the job done. What I find is that it is really a matter of neighbors individually and collectively feeling empowered to be the change they want to see.
“At Safe & Sound, we host many ‘front porch’ meetings where we talk with residents about getting involved, becoming mentors, attending crime meetings, or starting a neighborhood watch. I believe it takes a creative effort to become a city where there are not so many violent crimes. We must change the climate of having so many fatalities and reckless driving incidents. It takes more engagement from every resident. We are not there yet, but we are making headway,” said Bridget Whitaker, Executive Director.
Coincidentally, Safe & Sound, which had always been allocated space within a downtown law enforcement facility, recently purchased a building in the Sherman Park neighborhood.
“Previously we could perform administration functions but we could not convene programming and events in that limited space. The purchase and renovation of the facility at 4422 W. Leon Terrace, will allow us to host programming and events,” said Whitaker.
While Safe & Sound offers a number of initiatives and resources aimed at fostering safer neighborhoods, one of its more popular initiatives is Barbershop Monday, where youth 12-18 years of age meet at different locations throughout the city for intergenerational conversations about gun violence, bullying and drug prevention. The youth receive free haircuts at each event as an incentive to attend. According to Whitaker, they usually have been 20-25 youth at each event.
Barbershop Mondays have been so successful that Safe & Sound also started a similar initiative for girls. Called “Smile and Slay,” the program creates a safe space to encourage young women, share information on how they can advocate for themselves, discuss domestic violence and healthy relationships, and introduce them to STEM programs. The girls also receive free services such as skincare, hair, and manicures.
Whitaker is hopeful about Milwaukee’s future and remains undeterred by some of the negativity heard too frequently in mainstream media.
“I try to be thoughtful and focused on the great work that is happening across our community. Sometimes we lean in too much on the negative issues and stories. There are some amazing residents and youth leaders who are doing their part—working in partnership with one another—and it just shows that we are better together. I am so proud to be part of Safe & Sound, an organization that values and recognizes that partnerships are the key ingredient to safe neighborhoods. We are stronger together,” said Whitaker.
For more information about Safe & Sound, or to download their bi-weekly resource guide, visit their website at www.safesound.org/.