The Stronger Families Milwaukee program is a new five-year prevention initiative developed by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families aimed at reducing child maltreatment and keeping more families within their homes. This family-centered, strengths-based program utilizes a combination of case management services and peer advocates to assist families in finding local supports that fit their needs and help them thrive in-home.
Launched in April 2022 in conjunction with Strengthening Families Month, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute is serving as the lead agency for the Stronger Families Milwaukee Consortium, along with Neu-Life Community Development and The Parenting Network.
The Stronger Families Milwaukee project employs a two-generation, culturally informed, client-centered, strengths-based case management model that provides wraparound services to caregivers and kids. When the Division of Milwaukee Child Protective Services has contact with families who need help with their basic needs or more support for their family, they will refer them to us at Community Advocates.
About Stronger Families Milwaukee
We have pulled together a consortium of trusted partners to wrap our arms around these families and provide all of the resources and support they can use.
- Using a strengths-based approach, our team of Engagement Specialists and Peer Specialists can work with a family through case management and home visitation to set personal and family goals. Staff will meet with families twice weekly to support them as they work towards achieving those goals.
- Our Stronger Families Milwaukee team at Community Advocates can connect participants to a number of services within our own organization, including housing resources, energy assistance, domestic violence services, mental health services, outpatient treatment, client financial assistance, and more.
- In addition, caregivers and children can be referred to our consortium partners The Parenting Network and Neu Life Community Development for parenting classes, the Parent Helpline, peer support services, youth programming and various youth engagement activities.
- Families will also receive referrals to other sources for additional needs such as healthcare, school supports, employment, and more.
These services can help to alleviate the stress placed on parents who are struggling and empower them to focus on the most important thing – having a healthy and loving family.
More Information
Meet The Team!
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Lauren Faulds Program Manager
Stronger Families MilwaukeeLauren Faulds joins the Public Policy Institute as Program Manager of the Stronger Families Milwaukee program, which seeks to prevent child abuse and neglect by delivering supportive services and resources to vulnerable families. Prior to this position, Lauren served in Community Advocates’ Housing Department for almost three years. As a Housing Advocate for the Siemer and My Home programs, she helped to ensure that individuals and families maintained stable housing; assisted with budgeting, relocation, and children’s needs; and mediated and advocated for tenants and landlords. She also has experience at Pathfinders Shelter and Drop-In Center, St. Ben’s, Comfort Keepers, and Project Homeless Connect. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Concordia University.
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Gabriel DrinkwaterEngagement Specialist
Stronger Families MilwaukeeGabriel Drinkwater has served Community Advocates for seven years in the Call Center, Energy Assistance, Housing, Project Bridge, FSET and now the Public Policy Institute serving in the Stronger Families Program as an Engagement Specialist. Gabe, a Marine Corps veteran, is also doing an internship with the Nevermore Batterers Prevention and Intervention program as well. Gabe brings a wealth of knowledge to the table when it comes to all types of community resources and is eager to serve the community in any way that he can.
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Bridgette KnechtIntake Specialist
Milwaukee Family Intervention Services
Stronger Families MilwaukeeBridgette joins the Public Policy Institute as an Intake Specialist working with Stronger Families Milwaukee and Milwaukee Family Intervention Services. She has a background in psychology and research. Most recently, Bridgette worked as a Research Program Coordinator with the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She also received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree from UWM as well. Driven to more directly help people in the community, she made the decision to switch career fields. For the next step in her education and training, she will be pursuing her Master’s in Social Work degree from UWM in Fall of 2024. She is grateful to be a part of the PPI Team as a next step in her career! In her free time, Bridgette enjoys biking, making jewelry, and being in the sun.
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Devin MannsEngagement Specialist
Stronger Families MilwaukeeDevin earned a Bachelor's of Arts degree with a focus in communications from Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee. Prior to joining PPI, Devin served as a Case Manager for the FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) Program, in which she assisted individuals with structuring a plan to accomplish both personal and educational goals. Through providing immediate and long-term resources, these individuals have successfully completed educational goals such as job trainings and obtaining a GED or HSED.
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Erik PrescottEngagement Specialist
Stronger Families MilwaukeeErik earned a degree in Criminal Justice from Concordia University Wisconsin and joined Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc in 2011. Prior to joining PPI, Erik had served as a Case Manager for the FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) Program since 2017, in which he assisted individuals with structuring a plan to accomplish both personal and educational goals. Through providing immediate and long-term resources, these individuals have successfully completed educational goals such as job trainings and obtaining a GED or HSED.
