The work of Hanan Refugees Relief Group is more important than ever as they continue to provide critical support for refugees in need. Due to recent funding cuts, their ability to assist families with housing, job training, and essential services has been impacted.
They are grateful for the community's support and for local leaders recognizing the urgency of this issue. Ensuring continued resources for refugee families strengthens our entire community. We urge everyone to stay engaged and support efforts that keep these vital services running.
As the Executive Director of Hanan Refugees Relief Group, I want to bring attention to the urgent need for local support in response to federal funding cuts affecting refugee services. Refugees are vital members of our community—they contribute to our economy, enrich our culture, and strengthen our city in countless ways.
With reduced federal resources, city support is more critical than ever to ensure that refugee families receive essential services, including housing, employment assistance, language programs, and mental health support. Investing in refugee programs is not just about meeting immediate needs—it’s about building a thriving, inclusive community for all.
We urge city leaders to allocate necessary funding to organizations like Hanan Refugees Relief Group, ensuring that refugees continue to receive the support they need to rebuild their lives and contribute to our shared future. Together, we can create a city that stands for resilience, compassion, and opportunity for all.
My name is Theresa Correa McMichen. I am an attorney at Godfrey & Kahn and I write in support of the proposed allocation of funds to the Milwaukee Justice Center. The MJC is a critical part of the Milwaukee legal system, providing services to members of our community that may not have otherwise had the opportunity to address their legal needs. Additional resources to MJC is not just helpful, it is necessary to ensure that the MJC can continue providing its services and expanding its outreach. Thank you for your consideration.
I write in support of the proposed allocation of funds to the Milwaukee Justice Center. I have been a practicing attorney in Milwaukee since 1998, and I have been a volunteer attorney at the Milwaukee Justice Center since 2020. As a volunteer at the Justice Center, I have seen first-hand just how impactful the work of the Justice Center can be on the lives of the many members of our community it serves. The Justice Center, including its forms clinic, helps fill a significant gap in our legal system created by the inaccessibility of legal representation for many of our fellow Milwaukeeans. Thank you for your consideration of this proposed expenditure and your support of the work of the Justice Center. -- Andrew Jones
My name is Christie Carrino. I am an attorney at Godfrey & Kahn and a board member for the Milwaukee Justice Center Foundation. The Milwaukee Justice Center is so integral to bridging the gap between legal aid providers and paid attorney representation. Without the MJC, these folks would fall through the cracks and their legal needs may never be met. In particular, the Family Forms Clinic helps clients navigate family law issues and saw over 4,000 visits in 2024. Resources from the Council-Led Transfer Fund would be so impactful for our community and to further the mission of MJC and Family Forms Clinic.
My name is Jessica Reginato, and I am a shareholder attorney with von Briesen & Roper, s.c. as well as a board member for the Milwaukee Justice Center Foundation. I echo the comments of Tara Kniep and very much support the use of these funds. Many private practice attorneys rely on the MJC clinics as a vehicle for offering pro bono legal services, and the clinic clients benefit greatly. There is a huge need in our community for these clinics and the City of Milwaukee should proceed as proposed. Thank you.
My name is Myja Raghuvanshi, Assistant General Counsel for Northwestern Mutual and a Board Member for the Milwaukee Justice Center Foundation. I fully support the use of funds for, and appreciate the support from the City of Milwaukee for, MJC's Family Forms Clinics. The support they provide to those who need legal guidance but are unable to afford the same is so valuable to our City's progress. The funds here will be well utilized to support our community where the need is more dire.
My name is Tara Kniep, Director of Operations for the Milwaukee Justice Center, and I am writing to provide information about the MJC and its Family Forms Clinics.
As the “self-help” center in the Milwaukee County Courthouse, our programming aims to remove substantive and procedural barriers to self-representation. Our programs assist more than 8,000 Milwaukee neighbors annually, from a wide range of backgrounds and life circumstances.
The bulk of the MJC’s services are provided in its Family Forms Clinic, which helps clients translate “legalese” and navigate procedural barriers to filing for divorce; modifying child custody, placement, or support; name changes; and more.
We recently held two clinics dedicated specifically to name changes, during which we helped nearly 100 people complete the necessary paperwork. We estimate that these clinics cost $6,000-$7,000 each, not including the cost of already-existing infrastructure or the filing and publication costs incurred by our clients.
This support from the City of Milwaukee would allow us to expand our services, so that we can reach a greater number of people and make a lasting impact on their lives and our community.
Hi, my name is monifa Johnson.
I live in the Metcalfe Park neighborhood in the 15th District, and I support the proposed gap funding for housing projects in our community. I’ve seen firsthand how Metcalfe Park Community Bridges has worked tirelessly to transform and repair housing in our neighborhood. They’ve helped residents restore dignity to their homes, supported families in maintaining homeownership, and uplifted the entire community with their commitment to safety, beauty, and stability.
This investment is not only necessary — it is urgent. Our community continues to face the legacy of historical disinvestment, aging homes, and barriers to accessing quality, affordable housing. Gap funding will allow trusted, community-rooted organizations like Metcalfe Park Community Bridges to continue the vital work of revitalizing our neighborhood from the inside out.These funds will help transform, beautify, and repair homes, increase homeownership opportunities, and ensure that longtime residents can remain in the neighborhood they love.I urge the City to move forward with this funding.
Hi, my name is Melody McCurtis,
I live and work in the 15th District, and I support the proposed gap funding for housing projects in Metcalfe Park.
I’ve seen firsthand how Metcalfe Park Community Bridges has worked tirelessly to transform and repair housing in our neighborhood. They’ve helped residents restore dignity to their homes, supported families in maintaining homeownership, and uplifted the entire community with their commitment to safety, beauty, and stability.
This investment is not only necessary it is urgent. Our community continues to face the legacy of historical disinvestment, aging homes, and barriers to accessing quality, affordable housing. Gap funding will allow trusted, community-rooted organizations like Metcalfe Park Community Bridges to continue the vital work of revitalizing our neighborhood from the inside out.
These funds will help transform, beautify, and repair homes, increase homeownership opportunities, and ensure that longtime residents can remain in the neighborhood they love.
I urge this committee to move forward with this funding and to prioritize partnerships with grassroots organizations who know our community and are already doing the work.
Supporting Refugees in the Milwaukee Community
The work of Hanan Refugees Relief Group is more important than ever as they continue to provide critical support for refugees in need. Due to recent funding cuts, their ability to assist families with housing, job training, and essential services has been impacted.
They are grateful for the community's support and for local leaders recognizing the urgency of this issue. Ensuring continued resources for refugee families strengthens our entire community. We urge everyone to stay engaged and support efforts that keep these vital services running.
As the Executive Director of Hanan Refugees Relief Group, I want to bring attention to the urgent need for local support in response to federal funding cuts affecting refugee services. Refugees are vital members of our community—they contribute to our economy, enrich our culture, and strengthen our city in countless ways.
With reduced federal resources, city support is more critical than ever to ensure that refugee families receive essential services, including housing, employment assistance, language programs, and mental health support. Investing in refugee programs is not just about meeting immediate needs—it’s about building a thriving, inclusive community for all.
We urge city leaders to allocate necessary funding to organizations like Hanan Refugees Relief Group, ensuring that refugees continue to receive the support they need to rebuild their lives and contribute to our shared future. Together, we can create a city that stands for resilience, compassion, and opportunity for all.
My name is Theresa Correa McMichen. I am an attorney at Godfrey & Kahn and I write in support of the proposed allocation of funds to the Milwaukee Justice Center. The MJC is a critical part of the Milwaukee legal system, providing services to members of our community that may not have otherwise had the opportunity to address their legal needs. Additional resources to MJC is not just helpful, it is necessary to ensure that the MJC can continue providing its services and expanding its outreach. Thank you for your consideration.
I write in support of the proposed allocation of funds to the Milwaukee Justice Center. I have been a practicing attorney in Milwaukee since 1998, and I have been a volunteer attorney at the Milwaukee Justice Center since 2020. As a volunteer at the Justice Center, I have seen first-hand just how impactful the work of the Justice Center can be on the lives of the many members of our community it serves. The Justice Center, including its forms clinic, helps fill a significant gap in our legal system created by the inaccessibility of legal representation for many of our fellow Milwaukeeans. Thank you for your consideration of this proposed expenditure and your support of the work of the Justice Center. -- Andrew Jones
My name is Christie Carrino. I am an attorney at Godfrey & Kahn and a board member for the Milwaukee Justice Center Foundation. The Milwaukee Justice Center is so integral to bridging the gap between legal aid providers and paid attorney representation. Without the MJC, these folks would fall through the cracks and their legal needs may never be met. In particular, the Family Forms Clinic helps clients navigate family law issues and saw over 4,000 visits in 2024. Resources from the Council-Led Transfer Fund would be so impactful for our community and to further the mission of MJC and Family Forms Clinic.
My name is Jessica Reginato, and I am a shareholder attorney with von Briesen & Roper, s.c. as well as a board member for the Milwaukee Justice Center Foundation. I echo the comments of Tara Kniep and very much support the use of these funds. Many private practice attorneys rely on the MJC clinics as a vehicle for offering pro bono legal services, and the clinic clients benefit greatly. There is a huge need in our community for these clinics and the City of Milwaukee should proceed as proposed. Thank you.
My name is Myja Raghuvanshi, Assistant General Counsel for Northwestern Mutual and a Board Member for the Milwaukee Justice Center Foundation. I fully support the use of funds for, and appreciate the support from the City of Milwaukee for, MJC's Family Forms Clinics. The support they provide to those who need legal guidance but are unable to afford the same is so valuable to our City's progress. The funds here will be well utilized to support our community where the need is more dire.
My name is Tara Kniep, Director of Operations for the Milwaukee Justice Center, and I am writing to provide information about the MJC and its Family Forms Clinics.
As the “self-help” center in the Milwaukee County Courthouse, our programming aims to remove substantive and procedural barriers to self-representation. Our programs assist more than 8,000 Milwaukee neighbors annually, from a wide range of backgrounds and life circumstances.
The bulk of the MJC’s services are provided in its Family Forms Clinic, which helps clients translate “legalese” and navigate procedural barriers to filing for divorce; modifying child custody, placement, or support; name changes; and more.
We recently held two clinics dedicated specifically to name changes, during which we helped nearly 100 people complete the necessary paperwork. We estimate that these clinics cost $6,000-$7,000 each, not including the cost of already-existing infrastructure or the filing and publication costs incurred by our clients.
This support from the City of Milwaukee would allow us to expand our services, so that we can reach a greater number of people and make a lasting impact on their lives and our community.
Hi, my name is monifa Johnson.
I live in the Metcalfe Park neighborhood in the 15th District, and I support the proposed gap funding for housing projects in our community. I’ve seen firsthand how Metcalfe Park Community Bridges has worked tirelessly to transform and repair housing in our neighborhood. They’ve helped residents restore dignity to their homes, supported families in maintaining homeownership, and uplifted the entire community with their commitment to safety, beauty, and stability.
This investment is not only necessary — it is urgent. Our community continues to face the legacy of historical disinvestment, aging homes, and barriers to accessing quality, affordable housing. Gap funding will allow trusted, community-rooted organizations like Metcalfe Park Community Bridges to continue the vital work of revitalizing our neighborhood from the inside out.These funds will help transform, beautify, and repair homes, increase homeownership opportunities, and ensure that longtime residents can remain in the neighborhood they love.I urge the City to move forward with this funding.
Hi, my name is Melody McCurtis,
I live and work in the 15th District, and I support the proposed gap funding for housing projects in Metcalfe Park.
I’ve seen firsthand how Metcalfe Park Community Bridges has worked tirelessly to transform and repair housing in our neighborhood. They’ve helped residents restore dignity to their homes, supported families in maintaining homeownership, and uplifted the entire community with their commitment to safety, beauty, and stability.
This investment is not only necessary it is urgent. Our community continues to face the legacy of historical disinvestment, aging homes, and barriers to accessing quality, affordable housing. Gap funding will allow trusted, community-rooted organizations like Metcalfe Park Community Bridges to continue the vital work of revitalizing our neighborhood from the inside out.
These funds will help transform, beautify, and repair homes, increase homeownership opportunities, and ensure that longtime residents can remain in the neighborhood they love.
I urge this committee to move forward with this funding and to prioritize partnerships with grassroots organizations who know our community and are already doing the work.