On April 18, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley announced $800,000 in ARPA funding for six community organizations that support kids and parents and those who work with them.
Community Advocates Public Policy Institute issued the competitive RFP earlier this year and convened an independent review panel to select the awardees, who are Jewish Family Services, The Parenting Network, Penfield Children’s Center, United Community Center, Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health, and Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce.
“I believe it’s critically important to invest in early childhood development and make sure Milwaukee County families have the support they need to realize the bright futures they all deserve,” Crowley said.
Crowley, plus staff from Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services, PPI, and the new grantees gathered at Community Advocates to officially announce the awards.
“This is timely because April is also known as Strengthening Families Month,” said De’Shawn Ewing, PPI’s Community Outreach and Engagement Manager. “While this is a national initiative, it is a time to lift up the work of organizations working to support families in our community.”
Jewish Family Services – Their project will allow for the expansion of services to develop two levels of classroom interventions. Tier 1 is for the whole classroom and promote social emotional learning, while Tier 2 will be small group focusing on teaching kids to identify and regulate intense emotions.
The Parenting Network – Their project will implement a new initiative, Triple P for Baby, designed to prepare first time parents for a positive transition into parenthood and their baby’s first year.
Penfield Children’s Center – Their project will increase the Early Education & Care Teacher’s understanding of the foundations of neurodevelopment, and enhance knowledge of strategies that support and empower families and caregivers, to extend work into the home and other environments.
United Community Center – Their project will create a sustainable model of whole child care and family support that will enhance home/school continuity.
Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health – Their project will aim to build and sustain a culturally responsive and holistic Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation system that supports the mental, social, and emotional health of infants and young children in the context of their primary relationships.
Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce – This project will create 15 new childcare centers with an anticipated 100 new childcare slots within targeted regions of Milwaukee County to address the specific needs of the Latino community.
