September 15 - 23, 2007

Breadsmith Organizes Local Back-2-School Drive

Local Breadsmith bakeries, each owned and operated by area residents, are helping our youth academically succeed this school year by asking the community to donate school supplies or books to Our Next Generation.

Between September 15-23, interested community members can drop off new school supplies or books (valued at $5 or more) to any of the four Breadsmith bakeries to receive a free loaf of daily bread (varies by location).  This effort will help our agency provide the necessary supplies and reading materials to their more than 600 students, kindergarten through 12th grade, that participate in our academic and life skills programming throughout the school year. 

“Breadsmith is committed to giving back to the community that we live and work in,” said Tim Malouf, president of Breadsmith Franchising Inc. and co-owner of the Whitefish Bay store. “We wanted to help kick off the school year by supporting the worthwhile work of Our Next Generation, which is doing so much for our community’s children.”

Summer 2007

"Celebrating Our Community"

Our Next Generation, Inc. in concert with Milwaukee Public Theatre and Express Yourself Milwaukee presented a multicultural theatrical event, “Celebrating Our Community” Thursday, August 9th in conjunction with Our Next Generation’s Summer Camp.  The event was held at Our Next Generation’s Community Center at 35th & Lisbon and a community meal, provided by The Gathering, followed the student performance.

The talented young cast has been working with nationally and internationally known artists everyday throughout the Camp to learn how to express themselves positively through cultural dance, music, song, poetry and visual artistry.

The professionally facilitated art sessions provided opportunity for self-exploration and expression through encouraging and affirmative programs.  Participants developed an optimistic attitude of community and an appreciation of cross-cultural experiences.

A special thank you to our sponsors: MPS Partnership for the Arts, Making Connections and the Forest County Potawatomi Community Foundation.  Your vision has inspired our youth this summer to succeed.

May 2007

The Joys of Summer! Last summer, through the kindness of public, private and individual donations we were allowed to serve more than 300 students in an eight-week summer program.  This year, due to a funding crisis, the public money has been cut.  In order to continue our summer program, we are forced to charge parents a weekly fee and seek alternative funding.  We are currently facing a shortfall of $23,000 to operate an eight-week, five-day per week summer program serving students in need. 

We are committed to providing our students with a summer filled with academics, recreation, fun, a comprehensive arts program and much more.  We are hopeful and thankful for your consideration of a gift to ensure our children – those most at-risk for academic failure and school drop out – are not left out and forced to the streets this summer. 

Parents in our community are coming together to ask for our commitment to provide this quality service for their children.  When recently asked why the Our Next Generation Summer Program is important to them and their children, they said:

• “It allows our kids to study while school is out and to have fun!”

• “We love the Our Next Generation program.”

• “My children need something productive and constructive while school is out.”

• “This program keeps my kids safe and out of trouble.”

“A KIND way to give”

Our Summer Program offers students a variety of opportunities and experiences in and outside of the classroom, all made possible through the generosity of the community.  Please consider an in-KIND donation (supplies, event/attraction tickets, food/water, games, books, sporting equipment), to fulfill the “Student Wishes!”  Check out the students’ full list of wishes under the “Support” section.    

A special thanks to an anonymous donor, who last summer provided the experience of the Wisconsin State Fair to our summer camp students.  For many, this was their first trip to the Fair and the first time outside of their neighborhood.  This type of student and community interaction is made possible thanks to your commitment.

Please show your support by making a gift or in-kind donation today online on our “Support” section.  If you have any questions or would like further information, please the Our Next Generation office at 414.344.2111.

March 2007

Dell TechKnow Gets Students Connected. Our Next Generation students took part in a technology education program sponsored by Dell, Inc. and Milwaukee Public Schools.  The program, known as Dell TechKnow, is a 40-hour program that aims to help center city middle school students prepare for future opportunities in today’s technology-driven world.

The 17 students who completed the program received a free refurbished Dell, Inc. desktop computer, along with software and one year of free Internet access from America Online, Inc. The students learned how to take apart and rebuild computers, as well as install and upgrade software, diagnose and fix basic hardware problems, and learned to use word processing software.

In order to graduate from the program and receive the computer package, students had to meet certain guidelines, including class attendance, good citizenship, and maintaining or improving their grades.

Karen Bruett, the director of Education and Community Initiatives for Dell Inc. believes, “that the students are building more than computers, they’re building their self-confidence and self-esteem.”

February 2007

University School agrees to continue Odyssey program with Our Next Generation by tutoring children at their site.  The pilot program that began last year has been renewed by University School.  Each week Our Next Generation takes a group of 4th graders for one-on-one homework help and mentoring with students and faculty at University School.

Check out the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article about University School and Our Next Generation Now!

October 2006

Generation 2017 gets started with a generous grant from the Charles D. Jacobus Family Foundation.  Our Next Generation is partnering with two elementary schools, Westside Academy I (32nd and Brown) and Urban Leaque Leadership Academy (38th and North).  Generation 2017 will work with a group of at-risk children from an economically disadvantaged area of Milwaukee beginning in their early elementary school years, through high school and into college or vocational training, with the goal of providing them with the skills and tools needed to make positive contributions to their communities. Because the majority of children in the program’s geographic area are likely to fail or drop out of high school, Generation 2017 is designed to provide them with year-round programming that will follow them throughout their critical developmental years.

Programming will consist of academic, cultural, social and recreational activities as well as personal development, and will include family members, teachers, school administrators, tutors and mentors. Scholarships will be provided when these students graduate from high school to help launch them into productive careers. We expect significant personal and academic success, and expanded aspirations for those who might otherwise not have been able to envision a productive, successful future.   Further funding is being sought to meet the high number of children/families applyiing to this program.

January 2007

Manpower, Inc. accepted Our Next Generation as a Partner program and commits volunteers to tutor/mentor children at their corporate office.  Twice per week Our Next Generation takes groups of 6th & 7th grade students to meet with their Manpower Tutor/Mentor.  Homework help, career exploration, and personal guidance and interaction are a few benefits of this exciting new partnership.

September 2006

High School Connection receives expansion funding and support from Forest County Potawatomi Foundation, The Greater Milwaukee Foundation, and Northwestern Mutual Foundation.

September 2006

L.I.N.C, the agency's new middle school program, launched in fall of 2006. The program provides tutoring, academic and recreational programs, and personal issue exploration to 7th and 8th graders.  This program will help middle school children excel academically, develop short and long range goals, receive support to make wise personal decisions, and work with their families to apply to high schools where they can do well academically.