ACE BOXING CLUB
Milwaukee, WI – Located in the city’s southside, Ace Boxing Club opened its doors in 1960 at what is now recognized as the historical Del Porter Pavilion. This is signifi cant because this is the fi rst time a county building is named in honor of a Native American. Their boxing program teaches youth the art and science of amateur boxing. This physical activity helps them relieve frustration and develop healthy habits which helps implement self-control, unity, respect, and community building.
www.facebook.com/MilwaukeeAceBoxingClub/
CONGREGATION OF THE GREAT SPIRIT
Milwaukee, WI – Established in 1989, this congregation is a Catholic American Indian parish in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Their goal is to build and maintain a sense of community for Milwaukee area Native Americans. They strive to preserve Native traditions and provide cultural awareness activities and education with the help of elders and community members. In doing this they are compelled to promote cooperation, collaboration, and defend human rights and the dignity of all people.
GATHERING OF SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN
Milwaukee, WI – The mission of the Gathering is to provide meals to those in need. They provide free meals cooked on site at three Milwaukee locations; additionally, they provide carryout meal services. Recently they’ve implemented the Fresh Produce Preservation Project which collects donations of fresh fruits and vegetables from area farmers and other food sources. The produce is preserved by canning or freezing for use in winter meals when fresh produce is not available.
INDIAN COUNCIL OF THE ELDERLY
Milwaukee, WI – Opening up originally as a kitchen for tribal women in the 1970s, the Indian Council of the Elderly now serves both Native and non-Native American elders by offering nutritional meals 3 days a week as well as providing health, cultural, and social enrichment. The mission and purpose of the council is to refl ect Native American Indian values in meeting nutritional, spiritual, and physical needs of all who participate, especially those with the greatest social and economic need.
www.facebook.com/IndianCounciloftheElderly/
MIDWEST INDIAN MISSION
Crandon, WI – After originally holding bible camps in the Forest County area since 1964, the Midwest Indian Mission witnessed an urgent need for two community services in the area. The fi rst was a food pantry as food costs continue to soar. Last year they served 400 families feeding over 1200 people. The second is an emergency shelter that has case managers working hand-in-hand with residents to not only fi nd permanent residences but gain access to community resources that they need to achieve stability in their lives.
RUNNING REBELS
Milwaukee, WI – Founded in 1980, Running Rebels was started by a 19-year-old who felt an urgency to protect the young people in his neighborhood from the negativity surrounding them. These small informal gatherings at a local basketball court gave rise to a community organization mobilizing over 100 professional adult mentors that provide a diverse range of mentoring services to over 2500 Milwaukee youth each year. Rebel mentors provide youth with fi eld trips and local events.