News in Amani
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Dominican Center to Host Green & Growing | June 21, 2022 // The Dominican Center (DC), a nonprofit dedicated to working with residents and partners in Milwaukee’s Amani neighborhood to build a better future for the community, will host “Green & Growing,” a fundraising event in celebration of past, present and a growing future. The event will also pay tribute to several community members and organizations that have been an integral part of DC and the Amani neighborhood.
Dominican Center Employee Named Father of the Year | June 15, 2022 // Juneteenth Day and Father's Day share a calendar square this year – and leaders with the Northcott Neighborhood House are taking advantage of that opportunity. The theme for this years celebration is A Tribute to Dads. Wesley Landry "Mr. Wes" was named Father of the Year at the 2022 Freedom Ball.
Rock the Block to Foster Community, Beautify Amani's Beta Block | June 1, 2022 // Residents, along with staff and volunteers from local organizations and businesses will come together and clean and beautify the 2800 block of North 22nd Street on Saturday, June 4
Milwaukee Projects Ranging from Redeveloped Distillery to Artistic Bus Stops are Among Winners of this Year's Mayor's Design Awards | May 12, 2022 // The annual awards honor Milwaukee projects that contribute to the character of their surroundings. The Amani Block by Block project is up for an award.
2022 Mayor's Design Awards Announced | April 25, 2022 // A Milwaukee tradition now spanning three mayors is in its 25th year. The winners of the annual Mayor's Design Awards were announced Thursday by Mayor Cavalier Johnson and the Department of City Development. The Amani Block by Block project won the Renaissance Award for adding value to the city by providing new or improved options for neighborhood housing.
Milwaukee Hidden Gem Brings Fresh Produce to Amani Neighborhood | April 25, 2022 // Amani is considered a food desert because many people here live more than a 10-minute walk from a place where they can get fresh foods. At the Dominican Center in Milwaukee, you'll find one of the few hydroponics labs on the city's north side.
How to Celebrate Earth Day in Our Neighborhoods | April 22, 2022 // Dominican Center, Amani Untied and partners celebrate Earth Day by cleaning up the Amani neighborhood.
Earth Day Clean-Up to Clean Entire Milwaukee Neighborhood of Amani | April 20, 2022 // Residents, along with staff and volunteers from level local organizations and businesses will come together in honor of Earth Day and clean throughout the Amani Neighborhood.
An Indoor Garden of Opportunities Flourishes in the Amani Neighborhood | April 12, 2022 // In 2018, Shelley Mathews posted a picture on Facebook of her new grow box, which would allow her to cultivate plants indoors. She then got a call from Wesley "Wes" Landry, a family friends, who wanted Mathews to visit Dominican Center to look into setting up an indoor farm there. "He gets ready to give me the address and says: 'It's your old elementary school.' And I was like: 'What?!" Mathews said.
Amani Neighborhood Gets a Facelift that's About So Much More than Fresh Paint | April 5, 2022 // The Amani Block by Block initiative was created in 2019 to assist residents in revitalizing their neighborhood.
How Milwaukee Neighborhood Takes Charge of Revitalization | April 1, 2022 // Milwaukee’s Amani Neighborhood has a reputation for poverty, crime and violence, but the Wisconsin Policy Forum sees it as a model for revitalizing communities with little resources. We talk with three neighborhood leaders about what they're doing to strengthen their community.
Milwaukee Basement Turned into Urban Farming Space | March 16, 2022 // A new kind of urban farm is growing in Milwaukee and hopes to be a solution in neighborhoods that don't have access to grocery stores.
Bringing Hydroponics to Amani | March 8, 2022 // "There is power in building self-sustainable communities," said DC Executive Director Maricha Harris. "Not only can urban agriculture and agriculture technology be leveraged to create access to fresh produce in our communities, but it can also be leveraged to create jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities."
Farming for the Future | March 8, 2022 // If you walk past the Dominican Center (DC) at 24th and Locust in the heart of the Amani Neighborhood, you will see something you could never expect. A warm red glow radiates from the basement windows. Inside is DC's hydroponics lab and what hits you firs are the smells of spring and walls of glistening green produce.
Open House Offers Public Opportunity to Give Input on Fond Du Lac and North Plans | Feb. 19, 2022 // Earlier this year, the city of Milwaukee and its partners announced a plan to update the Fond Du Lac and North area with a comprehensive plan. On Wednesday, the group – which includes Dominican Center, Metcalfe Park and Walnut Way – hosted an open house to give an update on the plan and hear from locals.
'Every House is a Classroom': How Amani's Block by Block Program is Creating Change | Feb. 7, 2022 // Barbara Smith has been excited to get repairs done on her home and her neighbors' homes through her work with the Amani Block by Block program. The program is helping Amani residents get necessary repairs done on and in their homes. But the program is doing much more. It is rebuilding and empowering community.
End of 3G in Milwaukee | Dec. 20, 2021 // Dominican Center Executive Director talks about the added challenge that the end of 3G will bring to older and low-income Milwaukee residents.
The Listen MKE Holiday Show: How You Can Help Others | Dec. 16, 2021 // Many local organizations lend a hand year round, not just in this season of giving. Join Listen MKE to learn about several that may not be so well known but have a big impact in the community.
Block by Block: Milwaukee's Amani Housing Pilot as a Model for Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization | December 2021 // After analyzing the city's affordable housing efforts and challenges through a systemic and citywide lens, in this report we turn to a neighborhood-based initiative to improve housing conditions in Milwaukee. That project is the Amani Housing Pilot, which was launched in 2019 and aims to take comprehensive and community-engaged approach to improve housing on one block.
Community Housing Project Providing Training, Renovations | Dec. 13, 2021 // Milwaukee's Amani Housing Project is providing construction training for local residents while renovating and repairing homes in the area.
Milwaukee's Amani Housing Pilot Could Be a Model for Neighborhood Revitalization | Dec. 10, 2021 // The pilot was launched in 2019 and is a comprehensive, community-engaged effort to improve housing conditions on the 2900 block of N. 26th Street in the Amani Neighborhood. Three vacant homes are being renovated, while smaller repairs and upgrades are being made to many other homes currently occupied. Some of the repairs include code violation corrections, roof and lead pipe replacements, electrical services and exterior improvements.
How to Save a City, One Block at a Time | Dec. 10, 2021 // The Northwestern Mutual Foundation announced an initiative to do just that in July 2019. With a series of partners, they would work to revitalize the 2900 block of N. 26th St. in the Amani Neighborhood. The 38-parcel block was chosen by the Dominican Center and Amani United.
Disconnected: The Digital Divide is Not Just in Rural America. In Poorer Urban Neighborhoods, Internet Access Remains Elusive | Dec. 8, 2021 // Sofia Hernandez is a top student at a Milwaukee school. She asks for books, not toys, for her birthday and wants to be a doctor when she grows up.
Success is a Journey. Dominican Center Executive Director Comes Full Circle | Nov. 30, 2021 // "I wholeheartedly believe in Arthur Ashe's view that 'success is a journey, not a destination,'" said Dominican Center Executive Director Maricha Harris. This fall, Harris reached a destination that brought her full circle: She because the executive director of Dominican Center, a nonprofit that partners with residents in the Amani neighborhood to support community change.
Where to Find Meals this Thanksgiving | Nov. 22, 2021 // The Dominican Center is hosting a turkey giveaway from 11 a.m. to 2p.m. Thursday, Nov 18 in its parking lot.
City of Milwaukee: Fond du Lac North Area Plan Earns Approval | Oct. 30, 2021 // The City Plan Commission has approved the Fond du Lac and North Area Plan that will create future land use and policy recommendations, generate economic activity, establish design expectations for development, and foster collaboration between the City, local stakeholders and neighborhood residents.
COLLABORATION: Fond du Lac North Area Plan Earns City Plan Commission Approval | Oct. 22, 2021 // "We are grateful for the opportunity to have served in this process. The Fond du Lac and North area planning process demonstrates the power of collective action. There is more work ahead of us, but the collaboration and momentum are inspiring and exciting," said Maricha Harris, Executive Director, Dominican Center.
It's Never Too Late: Dominican Center Among Six Adult Education Programs in Milwaukee | Oct. 20, 2021 // The Dominican Center offers adult education programs. In the Adult Basic Education program, students receive one-on-one support in reading, writing, math, computer literacy and social studies. It offers GED/HSED preparation classes in partnership with Milwaukee Area Technical College.
Dominican Center Receives Grant to Work with Legal Aid Society to Offer Housing Assistance to Amani Residents | Oct. 11, 2021 // The Dominican Center is pleased and honored to announce it has received a generous $32,500 grant from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation for Amani housing support.
New Executive Director of Milwaukee's Dominican Center Prioritizers Resident Leadership | Oct. 5, 2021 // As Maricha Harris settles into her new role at Dominican Center, she says the most critical aspect of her position is listening and learning from community members. Harris explains that the Dominican Center has a history of listening to women, and through the women's concerns, a need was found for literacy and community revitalization.
Gov. Evers Announces $75 million in Grants to Aid Small Minority-Owned Businesses at Dominican Center | Oct. 5, 2021 // Gov. Tony Evers announced $75 million in grants to aid small businesses on Tuesday. "Some businesses were especially hard hit and haven't been able to recover at the same pace. This is especially true for communities of color and diverse businesses," Evers said during a press conference outside the Dominican Center in Milwaukee.
Gov. Evers Visits Milwaukee's Dominican Center, Announces Grant Programs | Oct. 5, 2021 // Gov. Tony Evers on Tuesday at Dominican Center announced two new competitive grant programs totaling $75 million to support diverse business investment in communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
How Amani's Newest Ambassador Maricha Harris Plans to Serve Community | Sept. 23, 2021 // Harris said she wanted the opportunity to work in Amani and the 53206 ZIP code. "There's so much passion, so much love, so many amazing things that are happening here and I wanted to be a part of that."
LIVING LEGENDS: How Sister Patricia Rogers Became a Quiet Force to be Reckoned with in the Amani Community | Sept. 17, 2021 // Sister Patrica Rogers, 72, believes in the power that comes from having high expectations for people. Rogers retired in June after serving 10 years as executive director of the Dominican Center.
Dominican Center Names Safe & Sound Leader as its Next Executive Director | Sept. 16, 2021 // The Dominican Center, a nonprofit organization that supports resident-led revitalization efforts in Milwaukee's Amani neighborhood, has named Maricha Harris as its next executive director.
Milwaukee Native Maricha Harris to Lead Amani's Dominican Center | Sept. 16, 2021 // The Dominican Center has announced that Maricha M. Harris, a Milwaukee native will take on the role of Executive Director of the organization. "I'm humbled, honored and grateful for this opportunity," said Harris. "I'm excited to work alongside DC staff, Amani United, community partners and other stakeholders to continue moving the important work that's happening forward."
Wisconsin Cities Look to Basic Income to Close Racial, Other Wealth Gaps | Aug. 15, 2021 // Dominican Center's Office Manager Towanda Perkins has dedicated her career to the nonprofit sector in Milwaukee, helping people every day with a smile on her face. She has an amazing success story that started with the New Hope Project, a program she wishes was still supporting families today. "We need somebody to step in to say 'Hey, here we're going to give you some help to push you,'" she said.
Youth Strive to Make Change in Amani | July 23, 2021 // Youth Earn & Learn participants are working as community organizers at Dominican Center in Milwaukee's Amani Neighborhood. Through their work, the students ae improving the community, making connections and fostering civic engagement within themselves, their peers and Amani residents.
Northwestern Mutual Donates $1.9 Million to Nonprofits in Three Milwaukee Neighborhoods | July 5, 2021 // Northwestern Mutual Foundation is donating $1.9 million to support 33 nonprofits and community-led efforts in Amani, Metcalfe Park and Muskego Way neighborhoods, lifting its investment in Milwaukee communities to $28 million since 2013. "We chose these areas because they were in need of the most help and nobody was stepping up," said Eric Christophersen, president of Northwestern Mutual Foundation.
Vaccination Rates in Central City Neighborhoods Remain Low, Reflecting Disparities and Apprehension | June 30, 2021 // Denisha Tate-McAlister, Interim executive director at Dominican Center, said when the vaccine was first rolling out, people couldn't find clinics in the Amani neighborhood to receive their vaccine. Efforts to get the vaccine into the community have helped. "It gave people choice and agency," she said. "To want it and not have access to it adds to the disparity."
Milwaukee Project Focused on Underserved Neighborhoods | June 29, 2021 // Making long-lasting impacts block by block, a project in Milwaukee is focused on underserved communities. Making changes in households starts with listening to what the residents need.
Northwestern Mutual Donates Nearly $2 Million to Milwaukee Nonprofits | June 25, 2021 // Northwestern Mutual said it is donating $1.9 million to 33 Milwaukee nonprofit organizations to promote the goal of building stronger, healthier and safer communities through improved housing conditions and education youth programming.
Northwestern Mutual Contributes $1.9 Million to Amplify Neighborhood Revitalization | June 24, 2021 // Milwaukee residents are taking action to build stronger, healthier and safer communities by raising awareness of available health resources in their community, improving housing conditions and providing youth with educational programming. Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation is continuing to partner with residents to enhance community-led efforts by contributing $1.9 million in grants to 33 nonprofit organizations, including Dominican Center.
Sister Patricia Rogers has Quietly Helped Residents in the Amani Neighborhood for 10 Years. That's Only Part of Her Story | June 8, 2021 // Rogers became Sister Patricia Rogers, and her path went from Chicago to Milwaukee, where she landed at the nonprofit Dominican Center for Women, an anchor in the Amani neighborhood focused on safety, housing, literacy and economic development.
Sr. Patricia Rogers Retires after Decade of Service in 53206 Zip Code | June 2, 2021 // After decades of serving kids as an educator and leading a non-profit within the 53206 ZIP Code, Sr. Patricia Rogers, OP, is retiring. She's led the Dominican Center for the past decade. With one day to go, she spoke with TMJ4 about her career.
5 Things to Know this Week in Milwaukee | May 31, 2021 // The Dominican Center is honoring its outgoing executive director Sr. Patricia Rogers this week as part of the center's virtual fundraiser and anniversary celebration.
Dominican Center to Host Virtual Event to Celebrate 25 Years in Amani Neighborhood | May 26, 2021 // The June 3 event will also honor Sr. Patricia Roger's 10 years of service to the organization and the Amani Community
Bucks, Pick 'n Save Donate $50K to Fight Food Insecurity | April 3, 2021 // As part of Women's History and Empowerment Month, the Bucks and Pick 'n Save tipped off five months of giving by choosing the Dominican Center, a long-standing partner of the Bucks, to receive the first gift card donation for the month of March. The money will go toward providing access to healthy food for families in need that see the services of the Dominican Center in the Amani neighborhood of Milwaukee.
Northwestern Mutual Sponsors Community COVID-19 Vaccine Sites | March 26, 2021 // Northwestern Mutual Foundation is picking up the tab to get two walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics off the ground in Milwaukee's Amani and Metcalfe Park Neighborhoods.
Keeping Neighbors Fed During a Pandemic | Dec. 12, 2020 // Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin teamed up with the Dominican Center for mobile pantries during the pandemic.
MANDI AWARDS: Meet The Dominican Center | Feb. 25, 2020 // The MANDI BMO Harris Cornerstone Award Finalist works to improve Milwaukee's Amani neighborhood.
'Treating an Entire Neighborhood Like a Trash Can:' Amani Residents Fed Up with People who Illegally Dump Trash | Feb. 19, 2020 // “Illegal dumping done by landlords, construction companies and business owners — that is not a person living in Amani that is too trifling to use a trash can."
NNS Spotlight: She Started Baking Cookies to Bless Others During the Pandemic. Now She's an Entrepreneur | Dec. 10, 2020 // Dominican Center and neighborhood partners help local women start Sherry's Chicago Butter Cookies in Amani.
How the Amani Neighborhood Cut Crime | Oct. 22, 2020 // Dominican Center and non-profit partners empowered residents to improve life in the 53206 ZIP code.
2020 MANDI Award Winners Announced | Aug. 28, 2020 // Awarded for commitment and effectiveness over time, the BMO Harris Bank Cornerstone Award was presented by Paul Fehrenbach, BMO Harris, and Vice President of Community Investments. This award was given to the Dominican Center.
Post from the Community: Amani Youth Council Works for Peace, Unity | Aug. 10, 2020 // Our Council is all about bringing greater peace to our neighborhood," said Amani Youth Council President Soleil Harvey. "Not only are we about peace, but we are also uniting youth from all neighborhoods and positively changing the way elders think about a new generation."
Our Neighborhoods: Healing Through the Arts | July 28, 2020 // By Dominican Center Amani Youth Organizer Amanda Clark// As adults, we tend to overlook the fact that we were once young, wild, and carefree; like many of the youth today. The difference, I think, is that we didn't have social media and the internet like today's youth do. Today's youth are informed. They know what they want, need, and aren't afraid to speak up for what they believe.
24 Groups, Including Dominican Center, Win Health Food Grants from City | April 17, 2020 // The city of Milwaukee has approved up to $400,000 in grants for local programs that give access to fresh food. Milwaukee has identified 24 different programs that assist under-served neighborhoods in gaining access to fresh food.
Northwestern Mutual Donating $1.5M for COVID-19 Relief Efforts | March 26, 2020 // The Northwestern Mutual Foundation has pledged $1.5 million in support of nonprofits nationwide that are providing immediate relief in response to COVID-19.
Real Community Engagement Makes a Difference | March 19, 2020 // The Dominican Center, a 25-year-old community organization based in Milwaukee's Amani neighborhood, focuses on facilitating resident-led efforts to drive sustainable social change.
Amani United Statement on the Coronavirus in Milwaukee | March 12, 2020 // "As of right now we are holding all of our meetings and programs as scheduled, but we are closely monitoring this changing situation. If a COVID-19 outbreak occurs in Milwaukee, we will re-evaluate and update accordingly."
OPINION: Let's make Amani 'A Community Where All Will Want to Live' | March 3, 2020 // "If you take pride in your community and want it to continue to thrive, then you should become part of the Amani United movement happening right now in your neighborhood."
MANDI Awards Feature: The Dominican Center, BMO Harris Cornerstone Award Finalist | Feb. 19, 2020 // “The mission of the Dominican Center is to build a better future for residents of the Amani neighborhood in Milwaukee and begins with the residents themselves."
Milwaukee's Amani Neighborhood Uses Data to Target Traffic Safety and Build Trust | Jan. 10, 2020 // "People in Milwaukee’s Amani neighborhood are using data to identify safety issues and build relationships with the police. It’s a story of community-engaged research at its best."
'A teachable moment': Five takeaways from Strauss Brands' decision not to move slaughterhouse to Century City | Nov. 5, 2019 // Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service asks community leaders, including Dominican Center's Executive Director Patricia Rogers, Amani United President RiceBey and residents, their thoughts on the decision to not relocate a slaughterhouse to Century City.
NNS Update: Residents rally behind program to ensure mothers have clean drinking water for their children | Oct. 31, 2019 // "For two hours, residents shared emotional stories of their experiences with lead poisoning and their support for one potential solution: the Birthing Moms pilot program."
Archdiocese of Milwaukee celebrates 175th anniversary with 'Rock the Block' service event | Sept. 28, 2019 // "'As it gets cleaner, I think it will bring a little bit more shine to everybody,' said Stephan Bell, who lives in Milwaukee's Amani neighborhood."
Lead-free activists win pledge from local politicians to support $240,000 to provide free lead education kits to new moms | Sept. 27, 2019 // "An average of 3,000 of the 25,000 Milwaukee children tested for lead each year have elevated lead levels."
Dreams Drive Amani Neighborhood Forward | Sept. 12, 2019 // "Enter the Dominican Center...in the beginning, they focused on helping women in the community become homeowners."
Join the Discussion at On the Table MKE | Sept. 12, 2019 // "No matter the topic, the more you have a diverse group of people sharing and interacting with one another, the better chance we have of understanding each other and making Milwaukee a better place." (Color of Law)
Milwaukee firm's water purifying technology helps tackle city's lead problem | August 1, 2019 // "Milwaukee-based companies Industry Solutions and Stonehouse Water Technologies install Water POD filters at the Dominican Center. The WaterPOD will filter water to the entire building and help with the Center's Hydroponics program."
Collaborative project seeks to give entire block in Amani neighborhood a facelift | July 10, 2019 // "An entire city block in the Amani neighborhood may soon get a major facelift, and homeowners will not have to pay a dime."
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Christina Chronister Communications Specialist, Dominican Center christina@dominican-center.org 414-444-9930 MEDIA RESOURCES:
Dominican Center Flyer Dominican Center Logo Amani Neighborhood Revitalization Plan (2020) Strategic Plan (2019-2021) Strategic Plan (2016 - 2018) Strategic Plan (2012 - 2015) 
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service (NNS) is an award-winning news organization that provides professional, balanced coverage on issues important to Milwaukee’s central city. NNS regularly covers important stories in the Amani community.
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Press Releases
Farming for the Future: DC Teams with Residents, FC26I to Bring Hydroponics to Amani | March 7, 2022
Fond du Lac North Area Plan Earns City Plan Commission Approval | October 22, 2021
Dominican Center Receives Grant from Greater Milwaukee Foundation | October 11, 2021
Milwaukee Native Maricha Harris to Lead Amani's Dominican Center | July 23, 2021
Youth Earn & Learn Participants Strive to Make Change in Amani | July 23, 2021
Amani Youth Council Works for Peace, Unity | Aug. 10, 2020
DC Receives $10,000 Grant from R.A. Stevens Family Foundation for COVID-19 Response in Amani | April 17, 2020
Northwestern Mutual Foundation Grants Dominican Center $15,000 for Immediate COVID-19 Relief in Amani Neighborhood | March 27, 2020
Dominican Center Nominated for MANDI Cornerstone Award | Dec. 17, 2019
Northwestern Mutual Commits to Amani Revitalization with Nearly $1.7 Million in Grants to Neighborhood Organizations | July 1, 2019