Author Archives: Leah Harris

Diverse Suppliers and Providers Network Creates Bridge for Families to Resources

When a family becomes involved with the child welfare system, it can be difficult for them to connect with the resources they need to thrive. SaintA’s Diverse Suppliers and Providers Network acts as a bridge between our families and community resources so they can overcome barriers to success, like the lack of insurance or inaccessibility to resources. Vice President of Child and Family Well-being Dwayne Marks and Director of Child Welfare … Continue →

Getting Ready for Fall in South Milwaukee Schools

The 2019-2020 school year wrapped up in the most unexpected way due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This fall, education will continue to look different and SaintA’s school-based therapists are adapting in order to provide students with the care they need – whether in-person, online or blended. Anxiety, depression, unresolved trauma, and now isolation, are hurdles children will need help navigating. … Continue →

As Mental Health Needs Increase, SaintA is there for Students

The need for mental health care for students has increased steadily in recent years. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services mental health dashboard, the number of children who received ongoing, high-intensity mental health services in 2019 was 36 percent higher than just five years earlier. The number who received short-term situational care was up 14 percent over the … Continue →

COVID-19 in the LGBTQ Community

The LGBTQ community has been hit hard by COVID19. The virus has spread rapidly over the past few months, and does not seem to discriminate against who can fall victim. However, certain groups are more vulnerable than others. At one point, here in Milwaukee, African Americans were hit hardest by COVID-19 while cases in Latino neighborhoods also skyrocketed. The intersections … Continue →

COVID-19’s Devastation in Black Communities Began Long Ago

By Leah Harris
Posted on April 24, 2020 in Blog

The first three deaths from COVID-19 in Milwaukee county were middle aged black men. Since then, coronavirus has continued to damage black communities at disproportionate rates. At the time of this writing, in Milwaukee county, black residents made up more than 43 percent of the people who tested positive for COVID-19 and 62 percent of deaths from the disease (WUWM.edu). The black population in Milwaukee county is 27 percent. Check the … Continue →

48 Things (and Counting) To Do While Physical Distancing

By Leah Harris
Posted on April 2, 2020 in Blog

As the outbreak of COVID-19 continues to unfold, the most important thing to remember is that you’ll be spending a lot of time at home. Physical distancing (also known as social distancing) can save lives. At SaintA, we want to emphasize that while we want you to be physically safe, having close social and emotional connection is needed now more … Continue →

SaintA Takes Action to Help Contain Coronavirus

SaintA is committed to keeping clients and staff safe as we tend to the health and well-being of the people we serve each day in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin. Since the coronavirus outbreak began, the Executive Team and Safety Committee here at SaintA have been monitoring the situation to understand the risk to our community.How is SaintA Responding? The World … Continue →

Let’s Talk About Historical Trauma

By Leah Harris
Posted on February 17, 2020 in Blog

In 2015, SaintA launched the Historical Trauma Workgroup to advocate for and educate our staff and clients about the cycle of trauma, structural racism, bias and white privilege. Here’s what we know about historical trauma and what we’re doing about it.Not All Trauma is the SameFirst, it’s important to understand the different kinds of trauma. There’s acute, chronic and historical … Continue →

29 Amazing Books by Black Authors

By Leah Harris
Posted on February 11, 2020 in Blog

From classics, to kidlit, to modern day stories, Black authors have made a significant impact on literature. Below is a list of some books for you and/or the kids to enjoy. Some discuss race and class, others explore magic and love, but they’re all stories that anyone can enjoy at any time of the year, but especially during Black History … Continue →

SaintA Works Hard to Combat Youth Sex Trafficking

Wisconsin ranks third in the nation in sex trafficking cases. Milwaukee is a big hub, being on a straight line from Chicago to Minneapolis via freeways, with several vulnerable cities along the way.You probably didn’t know that. And SaintA is working hard to spread more information about it and to change community perceptions. But, more importantly, the organization has a … Continue →

Gardening Group Grows Together

By Leah Harris
Posted on October 23, 2019 in Blog

By Brian Myers, Licensed Treatment Professional, Clinic at SaintA There is a long history of gardening and farming at SaintA, dating back to well before it was known as St. Aemilian-Lakeside. I learned this through historical pictures and stories shared by colleagues who, this year, helped start a new Horticultural Therapy Group (or simply, a “Gardening Group.”) Plant an Idea, … Continue →

What SaintA brought to the “table” at On the Table MKE

On October 10, groups across Milwaukee gathered for On the Table Milwaukee to have bold and candid conversations about equity in the city.On the Table MKE, created by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, began in 2017. Since then 5,000 residents throughout the region have participated in forums to address opportunities and challenges facing our communities.SaintA staff and guests from MATC, Rescare … Continue →

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