Posted on: Jan 27th, 2012

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.

Posted on: Jan 26th, 2012

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.

Posted on: Jan 14th, 2012

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.

Posted on: Jan 13th, 2012

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.

Posted on: Jan 6th, 2012

“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.

Posted on: Dec 20th, 2011

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 structured [...]

Posted on: Dec 18th, 2011

Posted on: Dec 17th, 2011

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.

Posted on: Dec 12th, 2011

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.

Posted on: Dec 8th, 2011

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 position [...]

Posted on: Nov 29th, 2011

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.

Posted on: Nov 16th, 2011

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.

Posted on: Nov 12th, 2011

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.

Posted on: Nov 2nd, 2011

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.

Posted on: Sep 14th, 2011

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.

Posted on: Aug 13th, 2011

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.

Posted on: Aug 12th, 2011

“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.”

Posted on: Jul 22nd, 2011

“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.”

Posted on: Jul 18th, 2011

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.

Posted on: Jun 1st, 2011

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. [...]

Posted on: May 18th, 2011

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.

Posted on: May 5th, 2011

Thank you Marquette System Analysis and Design Class!

Posted on: May 1st, 2011

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.

Posted on: May 1st, 2011

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. [...]

Posted on: May 1st, 2011

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.

Posted on: May 1st, 2011

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. [...]

Posted on: May 1st, 2011

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.

Posted on: May 1st, 2011

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.

Posted on: May 1st, 2011

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

Posted on: Apr 5th, 2011

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

Posted on: Apr 4th, 2011

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.

Posted on: Mar 17th, 2011

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

Posted on: Feb 3rd, 2011

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

Posted on: Jan 7th, 2011

“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.”

Posted on: Dec 22nd, 2010

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.

Posted on: Nov 1st, 2010

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 . . .

Posted on: Oct 25th, 2010

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.

Posted on: Oct 14th, 2010

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.

Posted on: Oct 7th, 2010

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.

Posted on: Sep 29th, 2010

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.

Posted on: Sep 23rd, 2010

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.

Posted on: Sep 23rd, 2010

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.

Posted on: Sep 17th, 2010

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.

Posted on: Sep 17th, 2010

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 useful [...]

Posted on: Sep 15th, 2010

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…

Posted on: Aug 24th, 2010

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…

Posted on: Jul 29th, 2010

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.

Posted on: Jul 17th, 2010

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 [...]

Posted on: Jun 21st, 2010

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…

Posted on: Jun 7th, 2010

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 [...]

Posted on: Mar 18th, 2010

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.

Posted on: Mar 8th, 2010

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.

Posted on: Mar 7th, 2010

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.

Posted on: Jan 22nd, 2010

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.

Posted on: Jan 20th, 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.

Posted on: Jan 12th, 2010

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.

Posted on: Jan 1st, 2010

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 the [...]

Posted on: Jan 1st, 2010

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 [...]

Posted on: Dec 18th, 2009

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.

Posted on: Nov 19th, 2009

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.

Posted on: Nov 19th, 2009

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

Posted on: Nov 18th, 2009

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.

Posted on: Oct 23rd, 2009

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.

Posted on: Oct 20th, 2009

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.

Posted on: Oct 13th, 2009

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.

Posted on: Oct 7th, 2009

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.

Posted on: Oct 6th, 2009

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.

Posted on: Oct 1st, 2009

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.

Posted on: Sep 5th, 2009

“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.”

Posted on: Aug 26th, 2009

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.”

Posted on: Aug 22nd, 2009

“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

Posted on: Jul 12th, 2009

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.

Posted on: Jul 10th, 2009

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.

Posted on: Jun 25th, 2009

“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.

Posted on: May 20th, 2009

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.

Posted on: May 15th, 2009

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

Posted on: Apr 21st, 2009

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

Posted on: Apr 21st, 2009

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.

Posted on: Apr 3rd, 2009

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

Posted on: Mar 25th, 2009

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

Posted on: Mar 18th, 2009

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

Posted on: Feb 25th, 2009

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 [...]

Posted on: Feb 24th, 2009

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 [...]

Posted on: Dec 12th, 2008

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 [...]

Posted on: Dec 12th, 2008

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…

Posted on: Dec 12th, 2008

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 …

Posted on: Nov 25th, 2008

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 [...]

Posted on: Nov 13th, 2008

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.

Posted on: Nov 13th, 2008

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 & [...]

Posted on: Nov 12th, 2008

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…

Posted on: Nov 10th, 2008

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…

Posted on: Oct 13th, 2008

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.

Posted on: Sep 12th, 2008

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 &…

Posted on: Aug 27th, 2008

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

Posted on: Aug 12th, 2008

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.

Posted on: Aug 12th, 2008

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…

Posted on: Jul 12th, 2008

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.

Posted on: Jul 12th, 2008

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

Posted on: Jul 12th, 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…

Posted on: Apr 12th, 2008

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…

Posted on: Feb 12th, 2008

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

Posted on: Jan 12th, 2008

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

Posted on: Jan 12th, 2008

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…

Posted on: Dec 12th, 2007

Safe & Sound Community Partners continues to develop collaborative relationships…