Crisis Outreach and Intervention in Neighborhoods Team

Crisis Outreach and Intervention in Neighborhoods (COIN) Team will pilot outreach and intervention strategies to reach families who live in neighborhoods in the near westside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Sojourner, in partnership with the Alma Center and Near Westside Partners (NWS) are collaborating to address family violence using a place-based, public health approach. Communities are rich with assets that, with increased knowledge, support and access to resources, can result in a coordinated, strategic approach to preventing, identifying and supporting families experiencing violence or at risk for the escalation of violence as a result of an unhealthy relationship dynamic. Sojourner and Alma Center advocates will build relationships with residents, NWS partners and system partners to identify families in need of support and healing services. Survivors and their children will be connected to NWS organizations and the broad array of services available at the Family Peace Center (FPC). Sojourner advocates will use the Salesforce based Centralized Data System (CDS) to make and track referrals to FPC Partners. Individuals who use violence will be connected to the Journey towards Legacy program or diversion programs at the Alma Center. NWS ambassadors will support advocates in developing relationships, increasing awareness of family violence through community outreach, training and events. As a result, NWS families experiencing violence will have a more informed support system where they live, work, play and worship and pathways to healing services. The support of COIN advocates will assist families in identifying the source of violent behavior, healing modalities and the adoption of new, healthy skills to build stronger families and communities. The efforts of the initiative will result in safer families, homes, communities and city. Sojourner’s Director of Partnerships and Community Engagement will provide strategic support and document the efforts and outcomes of the initiative to develop a written plan for adoption and adaptation by other neighborhoods seeking a template to address family violence. Sojourner’s Director of Outcomes and Evaluation and Alma Center’s Executive Director will support outside evaluators in collecting, analyzing and disseminating initiative outcomes.