Community Advocates

50th Anniversary Celebration

September 18, 2026

For 50 years, Community Advocates has been a cornerstone in our community, providing individuals and families in need with essential support and advocacy to help them overcome these challenges and live with dignity.

Through our 40+ programs across Basic Needs, Behavioral Health, the Milwaukee Women's Center, and the Public Policy Institute, we serve over 60,000 people annually, addressing essential needs such as:

Rental housing and eviction prevention
Emergency shelter and services for domestic violence survivors
Homeless outreach and supportive housing for those with disabilities experiencing homelessness
Employment assistance
Energy assistance
Shelter and support for families in crisis
Mental wellness and substance misuse prevention
Positive youth development and case management

You're invited to join Community Advocates as we celebrate 50 years of nurturing hope in our community.

What's in store? An Evening You Won’t Want to Miss.

Powerful moments of inspiration and storytelling
Opportunities to connect with Milwaukee’s changemakers
A milestone 50th anniversary experience
A lively, celebratory atmosphere with food and drink

We can't wait to see you there!

Join us!

Join Us for an Unforgettable Evening of Impact and Celebration

We invite you to be part of a special night honoring our 50th anniversary—an evening that brings together community, inspiration, and celebration.

5:30 – 6:30 PM | Social Hour

Begin the evening with a vibrant social hour featuring live musical entertainment, curated grazing stations, drinks, and opportunities to connect with fellow supporters, community leaders, and changemakers.

6:30 – 7:30 PM | Program & Fund-a-Need Live Appeal

The program will include powerful, real stories of impact, a dynamic 50th anniversary video experience, and a live Fund-a-Need appeal that offers a meaningful way to make a difference.

A highlight of the evening will be a keynote presentation from Yusuf Dahl, “What It Takes to Build a Thriving Milwaukee: Housing, Stability, and Opportunity,” offering insight and inspiration rooted in bold vision and community transformation.

7:30 – 10:00 PM | After-Party! Staff & Partner Recognition

Following the program, stay and celebrate with us at a lively staff and partner appreciation gathering—an energetic close to the evening filled with music, connection, and joy.

Secure Your Spot Today!

Sponsorship Menu & Registration

Event Emcee: Diana Gutierrez

We are honored to welcome Diana Gutierrez, WISN 12 News evening anchor and Emmy Award-winning journalist, as the emcee for this event. Known for her engaging storytelling, community involvement, and dedication to bringing important local stories to light, Diana has become a trusted voice across Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin. We are excited to have her help guide and celebrate this special evening.

Keynote Speaker: Yusuf Dahl

Yusuf Dahl's journey defies expectations. A creator, educator, and catalyst for change, he has transformed adversity into opportunity, shaping ideas, programs, and spaces that drive impact.

He founded Milwaukee Metro Management (MMM) with a vision to create high-quality, affordable housing. Starting with a single duplex in one of Milwaukee's poorest zip codes, he built MMM into an award-winning development and management company with over 200 residential and commercial units.

Elected president of Wisconsin's largest apartment owners trade association, Yusuf championed legislation solutions to tackle the industry's toughest challenges. His work in policy and innovation led him to Princeton University, where he earned a Master of Public Administration (MPA) as a graduate fellow at the Center for Information and Technology Policy.

His work and story has been featured in The Washington Post, Good Morning America, VICE Media, and other major media outlets. Dahl's short film, Inequity Indoors, received the Emmy for Diversity/Equity/Inclusion at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Emmy Awards.

Community Advocates' 50th Anniversary