The United Way of Northern Ozaukee has partnered with Advocates of Ozaukee on three programs to support families and individuals who have experienced trauma or are in crisis.
United Way of Northern Ozaukee-Funded Program: Children’s Program
We proudly support Advocates in delivering essential prevention and intervention services for children and teens affected by domestic violence or abuse. Together, we empower these young individuals with the coping strategies and resources they need to help them heal.
Advocates is the only program in the county working with children specifically on recovery from witnessing or being part of domestic violence. Their programs, which cater to children of all ages, focus on teaching children skills such as professional counseling support that promote resilience and build self-confidence.
Through individualized services and support groups, Advocates teaches child victims to express their feelings in a non-judgmental, non-threatening environment. Children stop blaming themselves, feel safe, and grow up to be neither perpetrators nor victims of violence. The general cycle of violence is broken, and communities become safer.
United Way of Northern Ozaukee-Funded Program: Homeless Prevention Program
A secure home is essential for a stable life. Through our partnership with Advocates, we are committed to preventing evictions by managing and distributing rent assistance funds, enabling families to focus on building their futures.
UWNO invests in short-term rent assistance and case management services to help people stay in their homes and avoid having an eviction on their credit reports. The Homeless Prevention Program fills a critical gap, designed to help individuals and families who do not qualify for public assistance because they earn slightly above the Federal Poverty level but below the basic cost of living for the state. 28% of Ozaukee County residents fall into the category. They are not earning enough money to afford the basic needs such as housing, childcare, food, transportation, and healthcare. They have no savings account, so when an emergency arises, such as an unexpected car repair or a medical issue, they spiral into a financial crisis. 100% of the homeless prevention funds go directly to rent assistance. They do not go toward overhead or expenses.
United Way of Northern Ozaukee-Funded Program: Community Services Navigator Program (CSN)
We are grateful to collaborate with multiple Community Services Navigator Program partners to connect vulnerable residents with vital resources. From medical care and mental health support to housing and basic needs, we strive to provide comprehensive assistance to those who need it most.
The Community Services Navigator is a unique and invaluable program in Ozaukee County. The CSN is a trained coordinator who works one-on-one to help individuals with limited resources access the health and human services needed to make a long-term difference. The CSN provides clients with social, behavioral, and resource support as they navigate the social service system. This is the only program of its kind in Ozaukee County and the only program that United Way Northern Ozaukee funds at 100%. The program has been in existence for two years and has demonstrated the impact we can have on people's lives when we work together. We have developed a proactive and coordinated service delivery model in collaboration with our partners, including Advocates of Ozaukee, Ozaukee Family Services, Lakeshore Regional Child Advocacy Center, Ozaukee County, Sirona Recovery, and United Way Northern Ozaukee.
Mission
Our mission at Advocates for Victims of Domestic and sexual violence is not just to support and empower those who have experienced such trauma, but to transform our community. We do this by providing safety, advocacy, education, and resources. We also educate and work with and within the community to promote respect, dignity, and appropriate behavior. We aim to create a community where domestic and sexual violence no longer exists.
To learn more about how Advocates is serving, educating, and empowering victims to end domestic violence and sexual violence, visit advocatesofozaukee.com.