Community Advocates was grateful to receive the BMO Cornerstone Award at the 25th Annual MANDI Awards in Milwaukee. The award, to honor an organization or program with long-standing commitment to a neighborhood and demonstrated effectiveness over time, was accepted warmly. Community Advocates' CEO Andi Elliott, COO Maudwella Kirkendoll, and Board of Directors Vice President Sharon Jordan took the stage to accept the award. 

The MANDIs, which stands for Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development and Innovation, acknowledges and honors nonprofit organizations and individuals who are committed to the work they do to improve and enhance the community. 

While we are all so focused on our missions to city and resident development, evenings like this provide a bright opportunity for collaboration and partnership. Nominees, finalists and winners truly compete not against one another, but against the challenges present in our neighborhoods. Networking turns to brainstorming, and we end these evenings wiser and more determined than when we arrived. 

Community Advocates is honored to be recognized for our long-standing commitment to serving our community members who experience housing insecurity, lack of resources, domestic violence, and substance misuse. None of the work we do is done for praise, recognition or awards, making moments like this both humbling and appreciated. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners in each category, and thank you to U.S. Bank, in partnership with LISC Milwaukee, who made the evening possible. Of all those who received their flowers, we are grateful to be among them.