Whether it’s counseling, medical attention, or a restraining order, domestic violence and child abuse victims have to travel to different places to get all the help they need. A groundbreaking was held October 1 for a new facility in Milwaukee, WI, that seeks to lessen the challenges faced by these victims.
The new 72,000-square-foot building is a partnership between Sojourner Family Peace Center and the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. One of several in the country, the center will offer a multitude of services never before offered under one roof, including a child advocacy center, a 56-bed shelter for families, and police and district attorney’s offices.
As the primary source of funding for the $20 million project, IFFallocated $10 million in New Markets Tax Credits. “As the lead contributor to the project, IFF’s commitment and partnership were critical to making this new center a reality in our community,” Sojourner Executive Director Carmen Pitre said. “We are grateful to have IFF with us on this journey.”
PNC Bank is the investor and other funding sources include Wisconsin’s State Building Commission, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Consortium America, and Forward Community Investments. Sojourner also secured over $7 million in private donations for the project.
Together, SFPC and CHW will provide 86 full-time positions and 17 part-time positions. During the year of construction, about 400 temporary jobs will be created. Sojourner will continue to offer job training services for clients served in the center once construction is done.