Blue Sky Involve Projects–Milwaukee Area 2015

June 25, 2015

OK! Here’s the scoop.

As promised, Karen Sommer, Director Global Public Affairs, has passed along the information on the Blue Sky Involve Projects selected this year in the Milwaukee Area. The projects reflect the concerns current employees have to contribute to our community. It’s a very good list!

The projects are summarized below with a short description including the estimated project date, number of volunteers planned, and an estimate of their individual time commitments. Check them out.

If you are interested in participating in one of the projects, please let us know via email or phone call to:

Jude Anders (jra4128@gmail.com or 414.351.1229).

Jude will pass your interest along to the project leader to get you connected. Volunteer slots may be limited — don’t let that stop you. Your connection this year may lead to an even larger project next year. And if you are not from the Milwaukee Area, how about contacting an employee to propose a project for next year’s round?

Blue Sky Involve Projects — Milwaukee Area 2015

2015-1536 : Milwaukee Public Schools

Select a school with the help of MPS staff to help clean up and “beautify” the surroundings. Plant shrubs, flowers, mulch, etc. Similar to a project from 3 years ago we did at what is now Barack Obama School of Career and Technical Education.

Estimated Project Date: 07/18/2015

Estimated Volunteers: 10

Estimated Hours/Volunteer: 4

2015-1618 : Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful

The picnic tables would be built by team members using kits sold by a major home improvement box store. The table top would be then completed with environmental messages and games that the kids could play during their outdoor recess time or outdoor class time. KGMB would be providing the educational material and building expertise. We estimate that these tables would have a long life span and be both educational as well as entertaining.

Estimated Project Date: 08/03/2015

Estimated Volunteers: 5

Estimated Hours/Volunteer: 4

2015-1018 : MKE LGBT Community Center

We plan to update the Project Q Youth Outreach area of the Center that focuses on LGBT youths from 13-24 years of age. We will refurbish the space with small repairs, painting, and furniture. Additionally, we will procure literature and self-affirming materials to support their education, job readiness, and substance abuse prevention courses/workshops. The center has provided case management to approximately 600 youth each year, while impacting up to 3,000 youth.

Estimated Project Date: 08/22/2015

Estimated Volunteers: 15

Estimated Hours/Volunteer: 8

2015-1517 : Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity

Volunteers will dedicate a day to building or restoring a home in the greater Milwaukee area through their Volunteer Group program.

Estimated Project Date: 08/28/2015

Estimated Volunteers: 7

Estimated Hours/Volunteer: 6

2015-1539 : Northern Kettle Moraine Horse Trail Association (NKMHTA)

Forest Supervisor/ trail association have identified trail rehabilitation as project goal. Install geotextile fabric that will allow proper draining of precipitation while still maintaining a solid base. Repair and seed area after heavy equipment work. Purchase Supplies: Timbers, Geotextiles, gravel, seed, straw, etc; Coordinate Volunteers: JCI & Charitable organization staff to provide shovels, rakes and manpower; Provide work crew refreshments; Blue Sky Involve banner & team shirts

Estimated Project Date: 09/12/2015

Estimated Volunteers: 10

Estimated Hours/Volunteer: 5

2015-1823 : Benedict Center

Only 25 percent of the women who exit this alternative program are employed; many can’t hold jobs because they lack the business skills. The goal of this project is to partner with the Benedict Center to offer an enhancement to the Women’s Harm Reduction Program, Employment module. We anticipate serving 50-60 women in the Employment module. This would involve the volunteer team leveraging, creating and offering new and refreshed Business concepts to help close the skills gaps.

Estimated Project Date: 06/01/2016

Estimated Volunteers: 25

Estimated Hours/Volunteer: 6