Milwaukee Women's Center's
45th Anniversary Celebration
In July 2025, Community Advocates celebrated the 45th anniversary of our Milwaukee Women’s Center (MWC) division with special events honoring past and present MWC staff, as well as the survivors who have courageously taken steps toward safety and stability.
MWC's mission is to provide innovative, culturally competent holistic care that will empower women, men, and children to live safe, independent, and healthy lives. The center provides round-the-clock, life-changing services each day to survivors of domestic violence and families at risk of homelessness, who often have nowhere else to turn. The Milwaukee Women’s Center is truly where abuse ends, and hope begins.
To honor this legacy, we hosted a celebration of the staff and survivors who have changes so many lives during these 45 years, and look ahead to how we can create a safer, healthier community.
On July 10, 2025 Community Advocates hosted a joyful and moving celebration marking the 45th Anniversary of the Milwaukee Women’s Center, a division of Community Advocates that has served individuals and families affected by domestic violence and housing instability for over four decades.
Held at the Direct Supply Innovation & Technology Center, the evening was filled with connection, gratitude, and inspiration. Attendees were welcomed with warmth and purpose, reflecting the on impact of the Milwaukee Women’s Center and the strength of our community. We are incredibly thankful to Direct Supply, our Presenting Host, for creating a beautiful and welcoming space to raise hope and awareness.
We’re also deeply grateful to our event co-chairs and Community Advocates Board leaders, Kate Venne and Sandra Samse, for their leadership and dedication to our mission. Thank you both for all you do.
The evening’s program, graciously emceed by Alexandria Mack, featured heartfelt reflections, a powerful and personal spoken word performance by Miss Dia, and messages from Community Advocates CEO Andi Elliott, Board President Sharon Jordan, and former Board President Bryan House. Emotions ran deep as stories and antidotes were told of the connection, collaboration, and community effort it has taken to help nurture families through their difficult times.
A highlight of the night was the presentation of official proclamations from Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Karin Tyler from the City of Milwaukee’s Office of Community Wellness and Safety, honoring the Milwaukee Women’s Center’s legacy of service. The collective support of our community has made our mission possible and we are tirelessly grateful to the City and County for their continued support.
Amidst podium speeches, videos played to educate our audience on the history of the Milwaukee Women’s Center, highlight the programs and services offered, and showcase through a client testimonial an example of who the donations benefits. Liceal’s story touches the heart and soul of those who hear it and we’re incredibly appreciative to her for sharing it with us.
The program concluded with a Fund-A-Need Live Appeal, orchestrated by the talented Jenny Gehl. The generosity and its momentum never slowed down as we asked our friends, colleagues, and community partners to help ensure the Milwaukee Women’s Center will carry on it’s mission for another 45 years.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our guests and supporters, we’re honored to share that the Raise Hope Campaign and Fund-A-Need Live Appeal raised a total of $52,587. These vital funds will help us continue offering safety, support, and healing to those experiencing domestic violence and housing instability. We extend a heartfelt thanks to every sponsor, supporter, attendee, and donor who made this celebration such a success. Thank you.
Hosts
Direct Supply & Community Advocates Inc.
Milwaukee Women’s Center 45th Anniversary Co-Chairs
Kate Venne & Sandy Samse
Presenting Co-Sponsors
Foley & Lardner LLP & The House Family Foundation
Thank You to Our Sponsors
