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Mental health support is at the core of every program and initiative at Meta House, which is funded in part by donations to United Way.

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Black History is Milwaukee history, it’s Wisconsin history, it’s United Way history. This month and all year long, we celebrate and reflect on the significant achievements of African American individuals and organizations in our local community. At United Way we are fortunate to partner with local nonprofits with a rich history of serving Milwaukee’s communities of color. These organizations and the incredible individuals who lead them honor their rich legacies every day by continuing to fight for what’s right: a just, equitable, and thriving community for everyone in it. These are their stories.

From United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County, this is Living Local.

On today’s podcast, Miles Sigh, a recent graduate of Marquette University and a Milwaukee Fellows intern at United Way, connected with Dr. Eve Hall, executive director of one of United Way’s most historic partners, Milwaukee Urban League, an organization that has been a staple in the Milwaukee community for more than a century.

Then, United Way’s Katie Kuhn speaks to Gerry Howze, executive director of PEARLS for Teen Girls, which has been providing support, mentorship, and leadership skills training to local young women - particularly young women of color - in our local community since 1993.

Black History is Milwaukee history, it’s Wisconsin history, it’s United Way history. This month and all year long, we celebrate and reflect on the significant achievements of African American individuals and organizations in our local community.

COVID19 has impacted all of our lives, but many members of our community were already struggling before the pandemic hit. Issues like housing instability, living paycheck to paycheck, and navigating serious health concerns were only amplified by COVID19. And the need keeps growing.

Annually, United Way provides funding to hundreds of local programs that run the gamut from early childhood education to disabilities services to employment support to food security. In a normal year their work is astounding, and this year, when both need and uncertainty were higher than ever, our local nonprofit partners showed us all what it means to serve our community.

This week we talk to Charles Russell, a sexual assault survivor who first shared his story with us back in April in a blog for Denim Day. Our conversation delves a bit deeper into the assault and the healing journey Charles has taken to become the man he is today. Rebecca, also a survivor, and Charles stumble upon many similarities they share as survivors although the circumstances of their experiences are very different. This episode is a refreshing real conversation about a tough topic. We also must advise that this episode may be a trigger for survivors.

This week, we have a very special 2-part episode. On February 16, 2016, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County partnered with Ex Fabula, a local organization that is committed to strengthening community bonds through the art of storytelling, for an evening of true personal stories all about Fatherhood. Participants included both men and women, fathers, daughters, sons, wives and husbands from all over the Greater Milwaukee area. The event was held at 3041 North, a great local event space, in partnership with Walnut Way Conservation Corp.

This week, we have a very special 2-part episode. On February 16, 2016, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County partnered with Ex Fabula, a local organization that is committed to strengthening community bonds through the art of storytelling, for an evening of true personal stories all about Fatherhood. Participants included both men and women, fathers, daughters, sons, wives and husbands from all over the Greater Milwaukee area. The event was held at 3041 North, a great local event space, in partnership with Walnut Way Conservation Corp.

Where were you on September 11th, 2001? In this week’s episode we talk to Jessica Osenbrugge, the executive director for St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic. Jessica was in New York City on September 11, 2001. She shares her story with us about experiencing such a life-altering event at just 24 years old and how, in the days after the attack, she dedicated her life to trying to find a missing woman and fellow Wisconsinite who was in the North Tower. As we approach the 15 year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack Jessica reflects on the events of the day, the healing journey she has been a part of, and what is happening to commemorate the victims, first responders, and emergency personnel who gave selflessly in the days and months after the attack. This episode will be shared in two segments.