Herzing University and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee Celebrate Successful Conclusion of Community-Led Seed Grant Initiative

Disclaimer: This project is funded wholly by the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment. 

On Wednesday, October 2, Herzing University joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee (BGCGM) to celebrate the successful conclusion of the Seeds for Strong Futures: Nurturing Youth Wellness through Caregiver-Focused Education initiative. This milestone event brought together over three dozen caregivers from BGCGM, and students from the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), in an educational session focused on empowering Milwaukee caregivers with valuable resources and knowledge to support youth wellness. 

Seeds for Strong Futures, spearheaded by Dr. Elizabeth Wilson and supported by Herzing University, has been a year-long effort aimed at addressing key challenges faced by caregivers in the Milwaukee community. Through a series of educational sessions, the grant has equipped caregivers with tools and strategies to enhance the well-being of the children and youth in their care. 

"Empowering caregivers is at the heart of our mission to support youth wellness," said Dr. Wilson PhD, MSW, LCSW, Program Chair for Herzing’s Social Work Department. "By equipping caregivers with the resources and knowledge they need, we’re not just addressing immediate challenges but building a foundation for lasting positive change in the lives of Milwaukee’s youth. This initiative has been a powerful example of what we can achieve when we come together as a community." 

During the October 2 event, attendees participated in a final educational session, which focused on the culmination of the grant's goals: nurturing youth wellness by empowering their caregivers. This series of workshops and educational programming has provided vital support to caregivers, tackling common challenges such as mental health, access to educational resources, and strategies for creating positive environments for children. 

“This partnership and program went beyond the basics, offering real, usable tools, and left our community members feeling inspired and energized. It was a great step in supporting communities and families with children and teens,” said Dr. Christopher Simenz, Associate Director at the Medical College of Wisconsin. 

The grant was designed to: 

• Provide caregivers with practical tools and resources to support youth mental, physical and emotional wellness.
• Address challenges such as lack of access to educational materials, mental health resources, and mentorship opportunities for caregivers.
• Build strong, sustainable support networks among caregivers in the Milwaukee area, empowering them to better care for their children.

Throughout the grant period, the initiative has made a tangible impact: 

• The program’s participating caregivers gained access to invaluable educational content and support services.
• Caregivers reported increased confidence in managing the emotional and mental health needs of their children.
• Collaborative partnerships between Herzing University, MCW, and Boys & Girls Clubs have strengthened, fostering a community-centric approach to youth wellness.

The event marked not only the end of the grant, but the continuation of an ongoing commitment to supporting Milwaukee caregivers. 

"The Strong Futures project exceeded my expectations and had the participants asking for more," expressed Toya Griffin, Senior Director of Academics – health and wellness, for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. 

When asked what he took away from this event, Facilitator and Mental Skills and Mindfulness Coach Ambrose Wilson-Brown said “It inspired me, as a facilitator, to witness how much value caregivers and educators received to support youth. Participants could share what they learned from the program and practical ways to apply wellness strategies in the classroom and at home.” 

Herzing University, in collaboration with local organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs, will continue to explore opportunities to expand educational programming and provide resources to families across the region. 

Disclaimer: This project is funded wholly by the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment.