Autumn West Safe Haven residents and staff welcomed four musicians into their multi-purpose room for a concert filled with purpose. From holiday classics and The Sound of Music to Coldplay and Billie Eilish, each note struck a chord in the hearts of those listening.

Seeking a good home for their mother Anne Goode's passion projects, daughters Dana Eick and Caron Trataris donated dozens of paintings to the Milwaukee Women’s Center.

Statistically, women aged 50 and older are more likely to experience abuse from intimate partners. Community Advocates' Older Abused Women Program is dedicated to supporting older women who have experienced abuse. The program offers a comprehensive range of services designed to empower survivors and promote their well-being.

Nationally and locally, the number of adults ages 50 and up who experience homelessness and housing insecurity is increasing. To spark a conversation around aging adults’ health and housing experiences, Community Advocates convened the Aging without a Home symposium on October 29 at Direct Supply in Milwaukee on what is being done to improve these elders’ quality of life and how we as a community can provide better care for them.

When she first held the key to her Autumn West apartment in Milwaukee, describing the feeling of having a door to protect her from the rest of the world, she was overcome with emotion. “I had my own key to the door and that was beautiful,” she said.

From arriving at the Milwaukee Women’s Center with nothing but the clothes on her back to being able to call herself a homeowner, Daviana is rightfully proud of herself and grateful to those who have helped her get to where she is. Daviana is committed to fostering a supportive community.

At Nevermore, no man is turned away. Over the years the Nevermore men have achieved remarkable success. Many of them say that the program allowed them to openly examine their personal hopes, history, and challenges for their first time in their lives. In 2023, 251 men participated in the Nevermore Batterer’s prevention and intervention program to break the cycle of intergenerational violence.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It is often experienced in silence and with stigma, making it more challenging for survivors to seek help. Recognizing the warning signs is crucial, not only for individuals who may be experiencing this trauma, but also for friends and family members who want to offer support.

National Latinx Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15. It is a time to pay tribute and celebrate the contributions of Hispanic Americans for enriching our nation. Latinx citizens have been broadening, beautifying and benefiting our community for generations through art, business, sports, science and culture.

Community Advocates was grateful to receive the BMO Cornerstone Award at the 25th Annual MANDI Awards in Milwaukee. The award honors Community Advocates' long-standing commitment to our community and effectiveness over time.

Community Advocates' CEO Andi Elliott was recognized yesterday at the 11th annual BizTimes Nonprofit Excellence Awards as a finalist in the Nonprofit Executive of the Year category. We were in good company at the Italian Community Center as the ballroom filled with executives, board members, and staff for some of the most influential nonprofit organizations in our community.

Every month Community Advocates' Empowerment Coalition of Milwaukee (ECOM) hosts a workshop specific to exploring topics that are vital to professionals who show up eager to expand their knowledge of human services. Workshops are held on the third Wednesday of the month and are lively, engaging, and diverse with professional and lived experiences. July's topic was Domestic Violence, Elder Abuse, Child Abuse and Neglect.

It has been almost five years since Community Advocates connected with Milwaukee muralist Mauricio Ramirez to bring color and culture to the east side of our downtown offices. Titled "Heart & Sol," the 6th Street-facing mural represents the vibrancy and diversity of our Milwaukee neighborhood as two girls gaze over our city into the future.

Community Advocates' Milwaukee Women's Center gratefully welcomed country music singer/songwriter Steven Cade to Milwaukee yesterday.

During the RNC convention, Community Advocates’ downtown offices, 728 N. James Lovell St., will be closed for in-person meetings and appointments from Monday, July 15, through Friday, July 19. Staff will be working remotely to provide services.

Nina is grateful for the kindness, support, and encouragement that the staff of the Milwaukee Women’s Center has provided as she continues her journey toward self-sufficiency.

We are honored to present our inaugural Community Advocates Impact Report, which highlights the individuals we had the privilege to serve and the positive impact of our programs throughout 2023.

The world observed the 25th anniversary of Denim Day on April 24, the day devoted to wearing jeans to show support for survivors of sexual assault, services for survivors, and creating violence-free communities. Locally, those connected to the Milwaukee Women’s Center marked the day by decorating jeans, tie-dyeing T-shirts, making poster boards, and picking up garbage around the neighborhood.

During Women’s History Month, we want to celebrate the resilience of generations of women, girls, and female-headed families who have been part of the Milwaukee Women’s Center’s community of care.

Community Advocates Public Policy Institute invites proposals from not-for-profit organizations or government entities servicing Milwaukee County to provide substance misuse prevention programming and services.

We're grateful to be recognized in the "Diamonds and Discoveries" section of the Milwaukee Community Journal on December 7. Community Advocates CEO Andi Elliott discussed her career journey from student intern at UWM School of Social Work to CEO of the organization.

Karen Delvecchio volunteered to lead a redesign of a room at the Milwaukee Women’s Center Emergency Shelter. The shelter is home to a steady stream of adults and kids who have survived domestic violence or homelessness, and each room must withstand a good amount of wear and tear over time.

Community Advocates' property tax foreclosure prevention program helps homeowners in Milwaukee who fell behind on their property tax payments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community Advocates met with other Milwaukee advocacy groups, including Habitat for Humanity and The Legal Aid Society, at Marquette University at United Way's 2023 Project Homeless Connect to raise awareness of Community Advocates and Community Advocates Public Policy Institute's services for Milwaukee's unhoused community.

Shamara works in the WI Housing Support Services Program at Community Advocates to help tenants find resources for their housing.

This month we’re highlighting the work of Astrid Ryan, a Bilingual English/Spanish Disability Services Advocate at Community Advocates. Our SSI and Disability and Advocacy programs provide much-needed services for those who are living with a disability and trying to navigate various systems so that they can live with dignity.

February is Black History Month, when we raise awareness of and appreciate the myriad accomplishments and experiences of African Americans. This year’s theme is “Black Resistance.”

Community Advocates' Reality Check highlighted potentially hidden items that may indicate a youth is engaging in form of risky behavior involving substance use, while also guiding parents of youth through Small Talks tips.

The Child Tax Credit (CTC) helps out parents (and some grandparents and aunts and uncles and other primary caregivers). The CTC for 2021 was bigger and better. Most parents already received monthly CTC payments last year, but they need to file a 2021 tax return to get the full amount due. Here's what you need to know.

In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), we’re drawing attention to the work being done by our Milwaukee Women’s Center staff who serve in the Family Intervention Program (FIP). FIP is a nontraditional no-cost outpatient substance use disorder treatment program that serves Latinx and their families in English and Spanish, as well as African Americans.

As we discussed in our June 2 community conversation with Senator Tammy Baldwin, the American Rescue Plan includes an important (but temporary) expansion of the Child Tax Credit. The rollout of the expanded Child Tax Credit will happen in July 2021. While we are still gathering details on how this will happen, who is eligible, and what recipients should expect, please note that we will be updating this website with information as we receive it.

The late Paul Hauer’s clothing—hundreds of pieces in perfect condition ranging from everyday essentials to shoes to business suits—will be distributed to individuals participating in The Bottomless Closet’s services for job seekers overcoming barriers to enter or rejoin the workforce.

Milwaukee Women’s Center welcomes its new Emergency Shelter Manager, Shamika May. Ms. May joined our staff in February and she brings with her a wealth of experience in health care and long-term care. Her experience in both patient care and facility management will no doubt be an asset to our shelter for individuals and families experiencing domestic violence or homelessness.

Community Advocates is thrilled and honored to accept a donation from The Jack and Barbara Recht Family Fund. This contribution will enable our Homeless Outreach and Supportive Housing Programs to continue to assist individuals who are living on the streets or are transitioning from the streets into permanent housing. 

The Milwaukee Women’s Center’s Substance Use Disorder Treatment counselors have shifted to telehealth options to provide outpatient treatment and support to their clients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The team is made up of State of Wisconsin certified counselors or counselors in training, with a combined 40-plus years of experience.

A big thank you goes out to the Milwaukee chapter of WhoIsHussain?, which has been helping the Milwaukee Women’s Center’s guests for many months.

Community Advocates' statement on the CDC's temporary eviction moratorium. “The new moratorium will help our clients avoid homelessness, but it’s important for renters to know that they must continue paying rent and that rent assistance is available,” Andi Elliott, CEO of Community Advocates, said.

Declaration form for temporary halt in evictions due to COVID-19 financial hardship.

Frequently asked questions about the September 2020 federal eviction moratorium for tenants impacted by COVID-19.

The new eviction moratorium from the Centers for Disease Control does not forgive rent or prevent late fees; tenants are still required to pay their rent as usual to prevent an eviction after the moratorium expires, even if they have lost income due to COVID-19. Milwaukee County residents can seek help from Community Advocates.

Community Advocates is pleased to announce that the Rental Housing Resource Center is working in partnership with the Milwaukee County Eviction Prevention Funds to assist Milwaukee County residents in need of rental assistance.

Community Advocates’ core values of dignity and respect for all we serve guides us in our work each day. We are incensed by the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Dontre Hamilton, Sylville Smith, Tony McDade, Joel Acevedo and countless other men and women whose lives have been stolen, many at the hands of law enforcement. 

You can help Milwaukee’s most vulnerable neighbors in need by donating to Community Advocates on #GivingTuesdayNow. Click here to make your gift today.

The state of Wisconsin has been working to get the online systems in place for the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. 

Community Advocates' priority is the health and well-being of our staff, clients, community partners, and volunteers during the coronavirus public health emergency. Here, we're collecting resources to help our community members meet their basic needs, like energy assistance, rent, food access, and more.

Community Advocates' priority is the health and well-being of our staff, clients, community partners, and volunteers during the coronavirus public health emergency. Here, we're collecting resources to help promote health and wellness during this difficult time.

Community Advocates is concerned about the health and safety of those who access our services and our employees during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Therefore, we are temporarily closed to the public but will be offering services over the phone or by email.

Due to the Coronavirus public health emergency, we are temporarily closing our physical locations and moving to phone appointments. If you are having a no heat emergency, call 2-1-1 In the best interest of the health and safety of our staff and those we serve; we are temporarily closing our sites.

To connect more residents with Energy Assistance benefits, the Milwaukee County Energy Assistance Program is offering extended hours in March.

To mark National Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, Tre Rivali (200 N. Broadway, Milwaukee) and The Outsider (310 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee) will feature specialty cocktails to pay homage to the inspirational women in our lives. $1 of each cocktail sold will be donated to the Milwaukee Women’s Center.