News & Features

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White House Champions of Change: Reducing Drug Use and Building a Healthier America

Barb Notestein, Executive Director of Safe & Sound, was interviewed while on her trip to the White House to receive the Champions of Change recognition on behalf of Safe & Sound.

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This Makes It All Worthwhile

Oftentimes, it’s difficult for those working with youth to measure the success of their work.  We are constantly asked to show outcomes.  Some of those outcomes don’t always tell the real story.  But, Yarek Locia has summed it up perfectly in his recent editorial to the Journal Sentinel newspaper.  The 17 year-old acknowledges the impact [...]

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PRESS RELEASE: Restoring Communities – Metcalfe Beautification and Youth Town Hall

What litters the streets and alleys of our Milwaukee neighborhoods? What do school children see as they walk home from school? What messages does debris, graffiti and vandalism send to our families? What are the challenges confronting Milwaukee youth and how can our community support them? These are the questions that youth and adult volunteers [...]

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2012 Safe & Sound VISTA Service Opportunities

Safe & Sound is looking for a dynamic individual to serve as a VISTA member for one year as a Restorative Justice Coordinator.

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63rd Annual Crime Prevention Awards: Special Contributions to Crime Prevention Award

At its 2012 annual Crime Prevention Awards luncheon, the Exchange Club of Milwaukee honored Safe & Sound for its successful community crime prevention work while also recognizing law enforcement officers and civilians that have made outstanding professional contributions to crime prevention.

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Generous Grant Provided to Safe & Sound

“The Forest County Potawatomi Foundation has a rich history of supporting a diverse array of non-profit organizations that do important work to alleviate the effects of crime and poverty and build self-sufficient communities,” said Neil Albrecht, Safe & Sound Development Director.

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Community Building Through Community Partners

Through community building strategies, Safe & Sound is fostering a fundamental transformation in high-crime/low-income neighborhoods that changes the circumstances of families and neighborhoods for the long term.

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Community Prosecution Unit Teams Evolving

Safe & Sound significantly expanded its capacity to reduce crime and violence in Milwaukee when it brought on three Community Prosecution Unit (CPU) Coordinators in March of 2010. Since then, the CPU Teams across the city have evolved and realized numerous accomplishments.

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2011 Year in Review for Safe & Sound Community Partners

In 2011 Safe & Sound Community Partners worked towards decreasing criminal activity and increasing the overall quality of life for residents in Milwaukee’s high-crime, low-income neighborhoods. We look forward to 2012 and refining our strategies to have even greater impact through anti-crime community organizing and youth development.

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“The days of Lone Ranger policing are long past…”

“The days of Lone Ranger policing are long past” stated Milwaukee Police Chief and Safe & Sound Board Chair Edward A. Flynn on January 6th at the Oath of Office Ceremony for officiating the beginning of his second term.

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Help Make a Difference

Safe & Sound has been accepted to participate in Pick ‘n Save’s “We Care Community Dollar Program”. We’d like to invite you to become part of Safe & Sound’s giving community. Simply . . .

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New Grantees Welcomed

Safe & Sound welcomed its 2012 Safe Place grantees at a meeting on last Friday, Dec. 16. Expecting around 30 for the meeting to discuss requirements for the new program year, more than 40 Safe Place staff attended. There will be 21 Safe Places in 2012. Eleven are S.A.F.E. sites that focus primarily on delivering [...]

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Safe Places for 2012

Proud sponsor of Safe Places…

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Canada’s “Most Dangerous City” Calls Milwaukee for Help

Joe Kubisiak of Safe & Sound was interviewed on the news show “Connect with Mark Kelly.” When asked why Milwaukee was successful at reducing crime he commented that it was all about youth, residents and law enforcement working together to address neighborhood problems.

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Building a Better Milwaukee

Community building is challenging work and we cannot succeed without the stories, tools and inspiration, as well as the strengths, experiences and talents of each other.

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Restorative Justice Coordinator Pulling Resources to Safe & Sound

Lauren Thrift, Safe & Sound’s Restorative Justice Coordinator, a Masters Candidate student in SIT’s Self-Designed MA in Intercultural Service, Leadership, and Management program, was interviewed by SIT about her position as Restorative Justice Coordinator with Safe & Sound. Read the full blog article at SIT’s website here: http://blogs.sit.edu/graduate-institute/2011/11/29/voices-from-the-field-sit-student-shares-practicum-experiences-2/ In the blog Thrift states about her [...]

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Community Based Prosecution: Finding Solutions Through Team Work

The Community Prosecution Unit Teams work towards addressing resident complaints and ongoing criminal nuisance issues medium to long term, while at the same time increasing the utilization of a range of resources rather than just policing.

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2010 Safe & Sound Annual Report

As you review this report, you will learn the stories of Bilal and Pilal Carrington, two dedicated block watch captains who reclaimed their neighborhood, and Kinyada, a young man who developed the skills and wisdom to break down the age barriers that compromised his neighborhood.

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Summit Sends Unifying Message: Demand Equity Now…

The Milwaukee delegation will continue to meet via online forums and meetings to share the inspiration and ideas from the summit. The application and implementation begins at the neighborhood level with the authentic engagement of community stakeholders. Safe & Sound is an integral part of this work in Milwaukee and can begin to implement new or revised strategies and approaches.

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Bank Account or Burglary Prevention?

Having direct deposit can also significantly reduce your chance of being robbed or burglarized, an all too common occurrence for many low income families using check cashing services.

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ONDCP Deputy Director Visits Safe & Sound

Mineta was able to hear the ideas and concerns of youth, residents, young offenders, Probation and Parole, youth workers, Police Officers, and Safe & Sound staff working in the field every day. It was a pleasure to have such a respected guest take valuable time to become more acquainted with the work of Safe & Sound and the issues surrounding illegal drug use in Milwaukee.

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Safe Night/YCAM Media Advisory

MEDIA ADVISORY For Immediate Release Contact: Norma J. Balentine September 6, 2011 414-220-4796 nbalentine@milwaukeehidta.org Safe & Sound Teams up with Safe Places on Safe Night/YCAM Event WHAT: Safe Night/YCAM Event WHY: Safe Nights have provided youth with a refuge from the violence and drugs found on the streets and in other venues that organized to [...]

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2011 Safe Night/YCAM Press Release

Safe Nights have provided youth with a refuge from the violence and drugs found on the streets and in other venues that organized to entertain young people for nearly 20 years. This event, organized with youth and staff of the Safe Places, will feature the STOP program developed by Officer William Singleton of the 5th District, a crime analysis presentation by CLO Jesus Gloria of the 2nd District, and showcase talented youth performers displaying their vocal and musical prowess. DJ wiz Pakk Mann, a sought after spoken word performer from Running Rebels, will also be on hand to entertain the audience.

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White House Champion of Change Award: White House Honors Safe & Sound

Last week, the White House named Barbara Notestein, Executive Director of Safe & Sound, a Champion of Change for the organization’s innovative and unique approach to addressing drug abuse and drug-related crime in Milwaukee.

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White House Recognizes Safe & Sound

“This program is a unique, effective, and shining example of how community efforts can reduce drug use and its consequences,” said Gil Kerlikowske, White House Director of National Drug Control Policy. “Safe & Sound is an example of a local community taking action and addressing this issue head on. Drug use and its consequences strain our economy, our health care and criminal justice systems, and harm the well-being of young people, service members, and America’s workforce.”

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Safe & Sound in Biz Times Nonprofit Weekly

“We’re very excited about the honor,” said Barbara Notestein, executive director of Safe & Sound. “Milwuakee should be celebrating this achievement. So often we undervalue the positive things we have happening in this community.”

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Herb Kohl Congratulates Safe & Sound for Protecting Our Children

This week President Obama released the Administration’s blueprint for reducing drug use on the national scale, known as the 2011 National Drug Control Strategy. The strategy highlights Safe & Sound as a shining example of an organization collaborating with community members to reduce drug-related crime.

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PRESS RELEASE: Southside “Basura Bash” Back for 2011

Carmen will be hosting a “clean-up” tomorrow at one of her businesses on Cesar Chavez Drive to give residents an opportunity to show their support for the neighborhood. We have planned with other community stakeholders for an exciting day that will remove the signs blight and of crime from the Southside of Milwaukee, and we hope will lead to more community collaborations and a positive energy for change.

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Community in Action Strategies for Safer Neighborhoods

Safe & Sound utilizes a variety of strategies that involve residents, youth and volunteers in cleaning up blighted areas and improving community safety. Many of these strategies are based on CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) principles and work towards making neighborhoods safer and bringing residents together to develop relationships and a sense of community. [...]

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Community Action Projects Coming to Four Milwaukee Neighborhoods

Safe & Sound is helping to coordinate the many community improvement efforts with local block clubs, neighborhood associations and Safe Places. These projects will benefit residents and neighborhoods in Milwaukee by decreasing blight and increasing safety while demonstrating “community in action.”

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Good News on Crime in Milwaukee… Again

For the fifth year in a row, violent crime is down in Milwaukee. Now, citizens and police need to work together better to reduce crime in troubled neighborhoods.

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Thank You Marquette!

Thank you Marquette System Analysis and Design Class!

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Community in Action Strategies: Graffiti Removal

When vandalism occurs, the most effective weapon against graffiti is the quick removal of it. The longer graffiti is up, the greater the chances of its return.

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Community in Action Strategies: Trash Clean-up

Safe & Sound utilizes a variety of strategies that involve residents, youth and volunteers in cleaning up blighted areas and improving community safety. Many of these strategies are based on CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) principles and work towards making neighborhoods safer and bringing residents together to develop relationships and a sense of community. [...]

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Community in Action Strategies: ‘No Dumping’ Sewer Stencils

Illegal dumping of anti-freeze, oil, and household chemicals in sewer drains is a significant problem in many parts of the central city. The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District has been supportive of efforts to stencil sewer grates in alleys and on curbs to send a message to residents about the danger of illegal dumping.

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Community in Action Strategies: Volunteer Team Leaders

Safe & Sound utilizes a variety of strategies that involve residents, youth and volunteers in mobilizing residents and improving community safety. Many of these strategies are based on Community Building principles and work towards making neighborhoods safer and bringing residents together to develop relationships and a sense of community. The goal of Community in Action [...]

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Community in Action Strategies: Brush Removal for Increased Visibility, Blight and Safety

Safe & Sound utilizes a variety of strategies that involve residents, youth and volunteers in cleaning up blighted areas and improving community safety. Many of these strategies are based on CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) principles and work towards making neighborhoods safer and bringing residents together to develop relationships and a sense of community. [...]

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Community In Action Strategies: Neighborhood Outreach and Awareness

Community outreach is a great activity for youth and adults to get involved in. It is easily scalable and supplies are available through Safe & Sound. Door-to-door outreach can be combined with other Community Building initiatives such as community walks or street surveys.

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Community in Action Strategies: Neighborhood Gardens

Community gardens are popping up all over Milwaukee on vacant lots and backyards. The gardens are an excellent way for residents to work together for a common good.

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Community in Action Strategies: Alley Identification Numbering

Many alleys lack basic house address numbering. When emergency vehicles, such as police and fire, or city services (housing inspectors or Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission) are at work they are less effective and efficient in responding without house identification.

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Community in Action Strategies: Burglary Prevention and Safety Updates

Combining enhanced lighting with a exterior home safety inspection by a Milwaukee Police Officer completes the package for burglary reduction.

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Say YES to Youth Empowerment Solutions for Peaceful Communities

YES is a community-level violence prevention program that empowers youth to work with adults in making positive changes in their communities.

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Cast your votes for Safe & Sound!

To celebrate WaterStone’s 90th anniversary, the Bank is giving away a total of $90,000 to a few lucky local charities or schools during the month of April…and the community gets to choose! The $90,000 will be donated based on the votes submitted by the general public from April 1 through April 30, 2011.

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2010 Outcomes for Safe & Sound Community Partners Program

Safe & Sound is proud of the positive community building efforts realized in 2010, making the Milwaukee neighborhoods we serve safer places to live, work, and raise families

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Journal Sentinel Editorial: A deadly rise

“Poverty, broken homes, gangs and drugs are eating away at the core of some neighborhoods. People in these areas need the support of the police, and together, they need to work to squeeze out the criminal element. It’s not easy. But when neighbors and police work together, both win.”

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Meeting and Events Calendar

The 27th Street West Drug Free Coalition is making plans for an event and everyone is invited! The April Coalition meeting invites families to participate in the Restoring Communities Neighborhood Beautification event and Town Hall Luncheon. Safe & Sound is leading the events which will take place on Saturday, April 21st, 10:00am-2:00pm convening at Masterlock [...]

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Meeting and Events Calendar

The 5th Annual Basura Bash is hosted by Safe & Sound, Inc., with the support and partnership of Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful, the Department of Neighborhood Services, and Milwaukee County Parks. Basura Bash will be held on June 9th from 10 AM to 2 PM and is a community building and beautification project on the [...]

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Safe & Sound Awards $870,000 to Help Reach Youth During High-Crime Hours

Safe & Sound is firmly committed to supporting youth-serving organizations that are dedicated to providing safe, meaningful programs during the crucial afterschool hours, when studies show that youth are at a greater risk of involvement in crime, drug abuse and other destructive behaviors.

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Mobilizing the Resources of Neighborhoods: Safe & Sound 2009 Annual Report

While we support young “change-makers” through our Safe Places, we are “bridge builders” within neighborhoods through our Community Partners. Safe & Sound’s collaborative approach joins residents, Safe Places and law enforcement in strategies to restore resident control and lay the groundwork for change in our target neighborhoods.

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Red Ribbon Week: Creating Dialogue and Mobilizing Communities

The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) encourages everyone to use Red Ribbon Week as an opportunity to create dialogue with youth, to mobilize communities and to honor law enforcement officers who work every day to keep neighborhoods safe from drugs.

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Working with Youth at High Risk

Providers of youth services are continually seeking creative strategies to impact the lives of the high-risk youth they serve. Many of these young people face significant challenges and obstacles to their healthy social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.

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Police Aide Career Opportunity for 17-19 Year Olds

This unique position provides the opportunity to help Milwaukee’s citizens every day, while also focusing on the individual’s educational, physical fitness, personal and professional development.

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Important Message from Senator Kohl: Safely Dispose Unwanted Prescription Drugs

September 25 (2010), Wisconsinites can safely dispose of their leftover and unwanted prescription drugs at one of over 85 collection points throughout our state as part of National Take-Back Day.

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Mayor Barret Recognizes Safe & Sound for FEMA Outreach

Although the primary focus of Safe & Sound Community Partners is crime reduction work at the neighborhood level, the FEMA outreach wass a great example of the power and flexibility a large team of trained organizers commands.

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Safe & Sound To Introduce National Youth Crime Prevention Program

Safe & Sound will introduce an exciting national program that teaches teens about police and community, crime prevention and reporting, substance abuse and drug dealing, gun violence, and gangs. Participants will also learn ways to help young people with the development of youth-led action projects to prevent crime and build safer neighborhoods.

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Learn How Smart Teens Can Make Safer Communities

A program that provides trainers with interactive, topical lessons to use with young people to help them understand how crime affects them and their families, friends, and communities will be introduced at a workshop later this month.  The goals of the “Community Works” program are to provide a practical understanding of crime and crime prevention that’s [...]

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Authorities Round Up 35 Alleged Gang Members

Those arrested include alleged members of the Latin Kings, Mexican Posse and Black Gangster Disciples accused of crimes ranging from cocaine distribution to probation violations…

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2010 Anti-Gang Summit: Leveraging the Resources of Community and Law Enforcement to Combat Gangs

No single agency can solve gang crime and violence alone. It’s imperative that all agencies work together and develop partnerships in an effort to improve the quality of life throughout Wisconsin. The 2010 Southeastern Wisconsin Anti- Gang Summit will bring diverse agencies together to learn…

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PRESS RELEASE: Milwaukee Police Announce Crime Decreases

The scores of residents who are part of Block Watch groups and neighborhood associations are the key to crime prevention in Milwaukee. What we do together with the community matters and we can prove it.

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Youth Anti-Violence Professionals Benefit from Symposium

We need to know what programs work and don’t work  - that was the message participants heard from presenters at the symposium on Best Practices in Youth Violence Prevention sponsored on July 13 by Safe & Sound.  Attended by youth professionals, law enforcement representatives, social workers, and community members, the event drew over 100 individuals [...]

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Best Practices in Youth Violence Prevention Symposium

Safe & Sound and the Medical College of Wisconsin Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI) are pleased to present a one-day symposium entitled Building on Our Strengths: Best Practices in Youth Violence Prevention. This event, to be held at the Marquette University Alumni Union on July 13, 2010, will feature…

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VIDEO: Chief Flynn Praises Collaborative Efforts at Safe & Sound Awareness Event

On Friday, June 4th, U.S. Senator Herb Kohl, U.S. Attorney James Santelle, District Attorney John Chisholm and Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn hosted the Safe & Sound Update to the Community Luncheon. The discussion focused on Milwaukee and the important collaboration between law enforcement and crime prevention efforts. Participants were given an overview of Safe [...]

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Safe & Sound Prevention Efforts Honored By Drug Czar

Nominated by the Milwaukee HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area), Safe & Sound was the recipient of the 2010 Treatment and Prevention Efforts Award at the Annual ONDCP/HIDTA Banquet in Washington, DC.

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Safe Medication Disposal for Milwaukee

Safe & Sound has provided safety and awareness information to Milwaukee residents door-to-door, however most people are completely unaware of how unused medications may be abused by our young people and toxic or even deadly when not disposed of properly.

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Program to Combat Drug Trafficking Expands to Rock and Brown Counties, Kohl, Feingold Announce

Today, U.S. Senators Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold announced that the Office of National Drug Control Policy has included Rock and Brown Counties to be designated as part of the Milwaukee High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), which is one of the three prongs of the Safe & Sound strategy.

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Community Organizers Conference: Mobilizing Resources for Safer Neighborhoods

The focus of the conference is to create a dialog among community mobilizers which fosters collaborative relationships. Moreover, we hope attendees will learn about new resources and begin to see their existing neighborhood assets in a new light.

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“This city is moving in the right direction” – Chief Flynn

In a report by WUWM’s Ann-Elise Henzel, Chief Flynn states that violent crime went down in Milwaukee in 2009, but relays concerns about this trend continuing. Barbara Notestein, Executive Director of Safe & Sound, was also interviewed for the segment.

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VISTA Challenges and Successes of 2009; Exciting Goals for 2010

One thing is clear; that there is no one path to success in building the capacity of Safe & Sound and Milwaukee neighborhoods. The unique talents and experiences each VISTA brings will be as diverse and the solutions they develop.

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Community Partners Report Impressive Results for 2009

Safe & Sound Community Partners is working towards decreasing criminal activity while increasing the overall quality of life for residents in Milwaukee’s high-crime, low-income neighborhoods. We look forward to 2010 and refining our strategies to have even greater impact through collaboration with law enforcement, anti-crime community organizing and youth development.

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Milwaukee’s Community Prosecutors

Milwaukee’s Community Prosecutors Community Prosecutors are Assistant District Attorney’s that work out of each of the seven Milwaukee Police Districts addressing criminal nuisance issues at the neighborhood level. Prosecutors work as part of a team to identify and leverage the most efficient resource to address criminal concerns identified by residents. Contact your District Prosecutor using [...]

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Milwaukee’s NSP Community Organizers

Milwaukee’s Neighborhood Strategic Planning (NSP) Community Organizers are a valuable resource for mobilizing communities throughout the city. Eighteen NSP Organizers are funded by Milwaukee’s Community Development Block Grant funds. Safe & Sound manages the Midtown NSP 12 and works closely with other organizers staffed and supported by local non-profits. Together, we organize residents in collective efforts to [...]

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Support Safe & Sound with year-end gift

These are unprecedented times. It is easy to feel fearful—for our jobs, our businesses and our children’s future. For some children and their families fear of crime and violence is a regular part of their lives.

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Safe & Sound: One of Mutual of America’s 10 Best Partnerships in U.S.

The Mutual of America Foundation announced November 19th that it has selected the 10 best non-profit partnership organizations in the United States. The New York City based foundation has notified Safe & Sound that it is one of the honorees.

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New Initiative to Fight Graffiti Announced

The mission of the peer-to-peer educational campaign is to help turn youth away from graffiti and towards more productive activities.

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Safe & Sound to hire three Community Prosecution Unit Coordinators

Safe & Sound is currently seeking three Community Prosecution Unit Coordinators to serve within targeted Safe & Sound neighborhoods. It is a needed expansion of the incredibly successful geographically based Community Prosecution Units in Milwaukee.

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Partners Educate Residents for Upcoming 2010 Census

As one block event participant later stated, “I just never really understood how important it is to our city.” Safe & Sound’s outreach and education is an opportunity to dispel myths and inform the residents in the least represented communities of why the Census is important, not only to Milwaukee, but to each and every individual and family.

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Press Conference: Crime in Milwaukee falls 12.3% overall this year

It is the day-to-day collaborative efforts of law enforcement, residents and great community mobilizers like Annie that can take pride in the 12.3% drop in crime in Milwaukee.

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2008 Safe & Sound Annual Report Now Available

Our collaborative efforts in 2008 led to a safer Milwaukee, more engaged residents, and youth committed to changing their neighborhoods while developing their skills and opportunities.

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Rock County targeted to join drug task force area

Stuck at the crossroads of major drug routes, beset by rising unemployment and stung by escalating violent crime, Rock County has experienced 12 heroin overdose deaths this year and is seeking federal help.

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Police Aide Career Opportunity for Youth

In this unique position, young women and men have the opportunity to help Milwaukee’s citizens every day as well as to enhance their own educational, physical fitness, personal, and professional development.

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Anti-Gang Summit Planned for November

There are many collaborative community and law enforcement relationships that will be highlighted at the summit in an effort to spread these successes into more and more communities.

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Block Captain Larry “Spike Bandy” Featured in Riverwest Currents

“I would urge everybody in Riverwest to get to know your neighbors and work with them. If you know who lives on your block, you know who doesn’t belong there. Start a block watch. District 5 will help. I’ll help. Safe & Sound will help. It’s something everyone can do.” “Part of my agenda is selfish,” he admits. “Riverwest is a great place to live, and I don’t want to live anywhere else. But I want it to be safe.”

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Operation Payback makes its mark after graffiti taggers leave theirs

By Tom Tolan of the Journal Sentinel
“At first, Payback was a program just for taggers on probation, Edwards said, but then word of it got out to probation officers, and some of them assigned clients with other offenses. It got so successful that similar operations were launched in police Districts 2 and 5 – which, like District 6, contain some of the city’s biggest graffiti hotspots, on the south and east sides.”

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Should we teach kids gun safety?

“This anti-gun effort was no theoretical exercise for these kids. They told me, as wise ones would a clueless relation, that guns were everywhere in their lives, in their neighborhoods.” – James E. Causey, JSOnline: Opinion

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Safe & Sound and Running Rebels Host Community Conferencing Training

Conferencing is not shaming or lecturing, rather a sharing of personal stories and experiences. Moreover, it is an opportunity to really listen to victims and to hear offenders while holding them accountable.

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Civic Leadership Institute Volunteers Intern with Safe & Sound

Safe & Sound staff appreciated the opportunity to work closely with the Civic Leadership Institute interns and to take a step back and appreciate their own efforts from a fresh perspective.

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Congresswoman Gwen Moore Welcomes New Safe & Sound VISTAs

“We will either find a way, or make one. That was the motto when I was sworn into Volunteers in Service to America in the 1970’s, and it became my personal mantra.” stated Congresswoman Gwen Moore.

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Art in Action: See What Art Can Do! Celebrate the Work of Milwaukee’s Youth

Safe & Sound, Inc. together with its collaborating partners – WCS-Project Excel and ArtWorks for Milwaukee – unveiled the first in a series of anti-violence t-shirts designed and produced by youth working as artist apprentices. The t-shirts were revealed at a party celebrating what art can do, and showcasing the important missions of these local [...]

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Partners Collect Resident Input for Neighborhood Strategic Planning Meetings

Safe & Sound Community Partners hit the streets with Neighborhood Strategic Planning Organizers from 18 NSP areas over several months. A total of 1,894 “quick surveys” of resident neighborhood strategic planning priorities were completed.

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How’s that for community-oriented policing?

In 2007 several people were convicted and sentenced to probation and community service hours for thousands of dollars of graffiti damage throughout the City of Milwaukee. Project Pay Back was officially started on April 3, 2008 and was developed to use people on probation who had required community service, to work removing criminal acts of graffiti.

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Safe & Sound Receives Program of the Year Recognition

Safe & Sound Community Partners were recognized for the Program/Agency of the Year Award by the Wisconsin Association of Child and Youth Care Professionals.

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7th Annual Youth Leadership Conference: Best One Yet!

The 7th Annual Youth Leadership Conference was one of the best yet with the help of Safe & Sound Community Partners.

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Annual Spring Clean-up Efforts Reduce Blight, Build Community Across the City

Every April, Safe & Sound coordinates with the Department of Neighborhood Services, Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful, Marquette University, law enforcement and a host of resident groups to organize numerous neighborhood block beautification events and neighborhood block parties. This year was no different, kicking off with nine events involving over 600 participants.

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Basura Bash 2009: Removing Crime and Grime from Milwaukee’s Southside

Another instance of Safe & Sound facilitating collaborative efforts is exemplified by the Basura Bash. Safe & Sound Community Partners and KGMB brought diverse groups to the table to plan and…

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Ongoing Training and Community Resource Updates Keeps Safe & Sound Effective

The advantages of having a team of well trained, well informed organizing staff that work with youth serving organizations across the city are many.

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First United Community Day Event Held

The first United Community Day was organized by Safe & Sound Community Partners and NSP 4 Organizer Barry Mimis…

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Safe & Sound’s New Web Presence Offers A New Resource for Mobilizing our City to Reduce Crime

The newly redesigned Safe & Sound website officially launches today, March 19, 2009…

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JSOnline Editorial: Unwanted neighbors

Closing a drug house is most effectively done when police and citizens work cooperatively. Together they can make dealers and users uncomfortable. This editorial recognizes that law enforcement cannot do their job alone and emphasizes the importance of citizen involvement in making neighborhoods safer. Link to Article

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Safe & Sound staff and block captain recognized in Mayor’s Address

The Mayor emphasized that when he took office, he made public safety a top priority. Specifically, he noted the cooperation among police officers, the clergy, community agencies and individuals which has led to “some very gratifying results.” One of the most significant results is the 65% drop in homicides among young African American men in [...]

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Rose Pritchett Receives Community Service Award

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a religious organization, international in its scope, with branches in over 193 countries around the world. As part of Black History Month, the Community presented awards to 11 individuals whose dedication, contributions and achievements exemplify the standards of excellence. These contributions are recognized as a service to humanity as well [...]

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Operation Payback Community Service Project

Working with 6th District Police Capt. Gaglione, Alderman Donovan, Probation and Parole, Sharon Blando of DNS Graffiti and local Safe Places, Safe & Sound Community Partners played an integral role in the removal of hundreds of instances of graffiti on homes and businesses during neighborhood improvement efforts. This project called ‘Operation Pay Back’ was highlighted [...]

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Community Partner Al Hegwood Receives Starfish Award

Al Hegwood was presented with one of three Starfish Awards and honored as an unsung urban hero at the 5th Annual Restorative Justice Conference at…

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2009 Safe & Sound Grantees Announced

Safe & Sound is proud to announce that 28 Milwaukee community centers have been selected as 2009 Safe Place Grantees. Safe Places offer after-school activities …

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VIDEO: Southside Community Walk

This YouTube video shows residents, business owners, and law enforcement on a nieghborhood walk organized by Safe Place youth and Community Partner Maria Sandoval. The walk was part of the the United Community Center’s Crime Strategy Initiative project and reslted in the first “YCAM.” A youth led crime analysis meeting that brought together youth, residents and officials [...]

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VIDEO: Southside Block Club Success Story

Safe & Sound Community Partner Annie Weidert worked with the 6th District Police and Community Prosecutors to address the immediete concerns of residents and create several new block groups in the Historic Southwest neighborhood. This video highlights two resident success stories from these efforts.

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VIDEO: A Visit to the Harambee North Neighborhood

Sometimes it takes a little closer look to see all of the positive people in a neighborhood. Join Al Hegwood of Safe & Sound for a walk and see the visible signs of residents working together to improve the quality of life in their neighborhood. The video was produced as part of the Safe & [...]

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Community Impact Alert: Charged Drug and Gun Crimes in Milwaukee County

Safe & Sound is a non-profit anti-crime collaboration, which is part of Milwaukee HIDTA’s community intervention strategy. The Impact Community Offense Alert is a collaborative effort…

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You can’t save them all, but you can make a difference

The black dog was curled up on the porch. The porch roof did little to protect the puppy from the fierce and bitterly cold wind that blew across its body. As I drew closer, the approximately 5 month-old stood up and…

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VIDEO: Neu-Life youth develop multi-faceted community safety project

The Neu-Life Youth Leadership group developed a community safety project with the help of Safe & Sound Community Partner Paula Butler. The talented youth were featured in the Safe & Sound 10th Anniversary Celebration video.

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Safe & Sound Hires Public Allies to Develop Youth Leadership Efforts

Caleb Streich and Stephanie Paul are Safe & Sound’s Public Allies for 10 months of service in 2008 and 2009. The Public Allies will work directly with designated Safe &…

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Milwaukee Police Department 6th Dist. News: ‘WR’ Crew Efforts

Milwaukee Police Department 6th District newsletter features collaborative effort with Safe & Sound called “Operation Payback” which has successfully removed graffiti while helping young offenders payback their debt to society. Download: MPD Newsletter

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Safe & Sound Community Partners: Mid-Year 2008 Accomplishments

Strategic planning in January and continued meetings with our community stakeholders has led to significant accomplishments towards Safe & Sound goals and outcomes already this year.

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National Night Out 2008

Twenty four meetings and events were facilitated in August by Community Partners, including neighborhood business walks, block club meetings and youth led events. The National Night Out events held across…

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Safe Places and Community Conferencing Opportunities

Over the years we have integrated Community Conferencing and Safe & Sound by utilizing ‘Safe Places’ as neutral locations for conferences. We are currently in the process of training…

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Better Voluntary Compliance Through Written Warnings and Resources

Safe & Sound issued 63 of 100 scheduled Department of Neighborhood Service’s warnings, but at 833 warnings to date we have already exceeded our yearly goal of 800 warnings.

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Resident Demographics

Thirty six meetings and events were facilitated in July alone by Community Partners, including neighborhood business walks, block club meetings and youth led events.

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Safe & Sound Community Partners Program Overview September 2008

In June of 2007 the Community Partners program was brought under Safe & Sound. Since then we have strengthened the best of Community Partners while developing new initiatives to address…

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PRESS RELEASE: Safe Sound Grant Helps Kids

Safe & Sound Helps Keep Doors of St. Catherine’s Gym Open A generous $10,000 grant from Safe & Sound will allow hundreds of youngsters to continue to play basketball and take part in educational activities this summer at a parish on the city’s west side, according to Ald. Michael J. Murphy.

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PRESS RELEASE: Basura Bash

Together with community stakeholders, we are holding the first annual ‘Basura Bash’ on May 31st from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Basura (trash) Bash is an effort to build upon our diversity and community pride, while removing the signs of crime and grime from the Southside of Milwaukee.

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PRESS RELEASE: Kops and Kids Clean-up the Southside

Major Neighborhood Clean Up Saturday to Cover Huge Swath of Near South Side More than 30 Milwaukee police recruits are joining forces tomorrow with 60 children to pick up litter and beautify a large area of the city’s near south side, Ald. Bob Donovan said.

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Safe & Sound Implements ‘Talking Circles’ for at-risk youth

Talking Circles are being coordinated by our Public Ally Julie Knorowski and implemented at several Safe Places, including Kozy Park. These involve a youth led discussion centered on…

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Board Elects Chief Ed Flynn to Board of Directors

For Immediate Release,
(March 14, 2008, Milwaukee, WI)–Safe & Sound, Inc.’s Board of Directors recently elected Chief Ed Flynn of the Milwaukee Police Department to Board membership.

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Safe & Sound Ongoing Professional Development and Community Resource Education

Safe & Sound Community Partners have participated in a variety of professional development activities, some specifically oriented to their work in…

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Restorative Justice and the District Attorney’s Community Conferencing Program

Safe and Sound’s three pronged approach addresses crime by utilizing youth development, law-enforcement and community organizing. These strategies include building relationships…

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Advantages of Community Partners Joining Safe & Sound

As of June 2007, Community Partners became Safe & Sound Community Partners. Although the programs have operated under the Safe & Sound collaboration since 1997 with a shared vision of reducing…

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The Power of Collaboration: Community Partners Works Closely with Existing Resources to Achieve Objectives

Safe & Sound Community Partners continues to develop collaborative relationships…

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Board Elects District Attorney as Chair

Safe & Sound, Inc.’s Board of Directors recently elected Milwaukee County District Attorney John C. Chisholm as its Chair.

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Featured Articles

Notestein Video

White House Champions of Change: Reducing Drug Use and Building a Healthier America

Barb Notestein, Executive Director of Safe & Sound, was interviewed while on her trip to the White House to receive the Champions of Change recognition on behalf of Safe & Sound.

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2012 Basura Bash is Coming to Kozy Park

The 5th Annual Basura Bash is hosted by Safe & Sound, Inc., with the support and partnership of Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful, the Department of Neighborhood Services, and Milwaukee County Parks. Basura Bash is a community building and beautification project on the Southside of Milwaukee that involves working with block watch groups, residents, Safe & [...]

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HYFC Staff

Safe Place Featured on Radio Milwaukee Interview

Damien Smith is just one of the great people serving the community through  the Holton Youth + Family Center, a funded Safe & Sound Safe Place. He was featured on Radio Milwaukee talking about the Violence Prevention Initiative and the excellent work already underway. LINK: Safe Streets, Healthy Kids Interview Linda Wade is another talented and wonderful [...]

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