FINALIST
Safe & Sound
801 W. Michigan St., Milwaukee
Safe & Sound was founded under the vision of providing safe and empowered neighborhoods for everybody in Milwaukee. The organization seeks to do that by uniting residents, youth, law enforcement and community resources.
In 2015, Safe & Sound will have helped establish approximately 16 new “block clubs,” conducted 4,000 front porch conversations, facilitated 3,000 referrals and follow ups with contacts to address resident concerns, and organized more than 40 youth engagement events.
While the organization’s efforts seem unrelated, the ultimate goal is to foster safe neighborhoods through its integrated team approach.
Recently, Safe & Sound underwent a review, and developed a new comprehensive strategic plan that focused on programming, revenue structure, informed awareness and organizational development.
The board asked itself some tough questions, but established several creative solutions in order to deepen the impact created by the organization.
Today, Safe & Sound operates in a much smaller geographic area based on need. The organization used crime data, housing statistics and the number of resources available to identify eight priority neighborhoods of great need in the community.
Additionally, the organization has established a renewed focus on collaboration and communication. It has established new external partnerships to help address needs in the community, and regularly meets with other service organizations, residents in the communities it serves, youth and law enforcement.
“We recognize the critical nature of collaboration in carrying out our mission and in serving as a connector across sectors,” said Kimberly Kane, president of Kane Communications and chair of Safe & Sound.
Safe & Sound is focused on breaking the cycle of crime and violence and creating safe neighborhoods in the Milwaukee area.
