ARTISTS FOR THE HUMANITIES
Appleton, WI — This organization offers disabled military veterans and other at-risk community populations an exceptional approach to mental health counseling. Their dedicated staff utilizes art therapy, expressive art, and supportive art programs that are uniquely combined with mental health counseling. The blend therapeutically helps people address their challenges; simultaneously, helping them develop strategies that improve the quality of their lives.
www.A4TH.org
GATHERING WATERS
Madison, WI — Forming in 1994, Gathering Waters mission is to help landowners, land trusts, and communities protect Wisconsin’s wildlife, water, and way of life. They do this by serving as a statewide technical assistance center that has grown from 12 to 40 land trusts working throughout the state. Gathering Waters offers workshops, training opportunities, and an annual conference that focuses on discussing key issues facing land trusts. Their goal is to develop innovative approaches to land conservation.
www.gatheringwaters.org
MILWAUKEE RIVERKEEPER
Milwaukee, WI — This organization is a science-based advocacy group that’s focused on creating fishable and swimmable waters located in the Milwaukee River Basin. They do this by engaging the public in scientific, educational, and recreational ways to generate stewardship of the watershed. An example of this is their Annual Spring Cleanup which brings together thousands of dedicated community volunteers in removing 100,000 pounds of trash along the waterways.
www.milwaukeeriverkeeper.org
RIVER REVITALIZATION FOUNDATION
Milwaukee, WI — Establishing itself as Milwaukee’s official urban rivers land trust, this foundation was founded to establish a parkway for public access, recreation, and education. In doing so they have protected over 821 acres along the rivers. Also, they have instituted a successful internship program for Milwaukee’s high school youth. Goals include providing transferable job skills, introduction to natural resources management, and offer exposure to quality greenspaces.
www.riverrevitalization.org
WARRIOR SONGS
Milwaukee, WI — After being founded in 2011, Warrior Songs has committed itself to aiding veterans’ healing via music and the creative arts. One way they accomplish this is through their unique four-day retreats. Veterans spend the first three days developing/exploring their individual stages of departure, service, and transitioning back home. After developing their individual experience through music and other art forms, they celebrate their story with the entire group on the fourth day. www.warriorsongs.org
WISCONSIN WETLANDS ASSOCIATION
Madison, WI — This association is dedicated to the restoration, protection, and enjoyment of wetlands ecosystems through education, science-based programs, and advocacy. They do this by working with elected officials, agencies, to develop policies, rules, and funding sources that advance healthy wetlands in Wisconsin. As a result of 50 years of wetland advocacy, the association has protected wetlands when they have been threatened and helped create some of the strongest wetland policies/laws in the nation.
www.wisconsinwetlands.org