Independence First Competitors

Mission Statement: To promote the independence and inclusion of people with cerebral palsy, intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities through our network of affiliates and partnerships. Vision Statement: A life of dignity, independence, and opportunity for people with disabilities. To learn more about us, click here: https://www.linktr.ee/ucpnational

A leader in the independent living movement for people with disabilities, IndependenceFirst is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Milwaukee, WI. IndependenceFirst advocates for the rights of and access for people with disabilities. Over 50% of its office staff, management and Board have disabilities themselves. IndependenceFirst provides direct services to people with disabilities in the Milwaukee region and a few statewide services. The organization has a large local, regional, statewide and national advocacy role. IndependenceFirst has a vision for full inclusion of people with disabilities in every aspect of the community. IndependenceFirst offers direct services for people with disabilities throughout the lifespan, with all types of disabilities. In depth services are provided to thousands of people with disabilities each year. Additional educational programs are provided to thousands more each year. IndependenceFirst is the FIRST call people with disabilities and community members make when they have questions about disabilities, benefits, services throughout the community and accessibility issues--over 5000 Information & Referral calls each year. Main office is in Milwaukee, WI at 540 S. 1st St. with satellite offices in Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties. Social media: @Independence1st, www.facebook.com/IndependenceFirst, youtube.com/Independence1st

Since 1976, Community Advocates has maintained and strengthened its mission to provide low-income Milwaukee individuals and families with advocacy and services to meet their basic needs so they may live in dignity. Community Advocates (CA) offers more than 30 specialized programs for those seeking help with housing, energy assistance, domestic violence, behavioral health issues, disability advocacy, protective payee services, and referrals to other resources within the community. We’re one of the few social service agencies that accepts walk-in clients five days a week. Our belief is that advocacy is more than just helping families and individuals. Advocacy is also about building a community that empowers families and individuals to help themselves. Community Advocates is organized around four main divisions: Basic Needs: Includes our housing department, energy assistance and utilities programs, disability advocacy, and protective payee services. Behavioral Health Services: Our Homeless Outreach Nursing Center, Autumn West Safe Haven, and Project Bridge programs provide a continuum of care and supports for those living with a mental illness while they are experiencing chronic homelessness who want to transition to permanent housing. Milwaukee Women’s Center: Provides emergency shelter and wraparound care to adults and children who are impacted by domestic violence in the home or homelessness, as well as programming for women ages 50+ (the Older Abused Women’s Program), men who want to change their abusive behavior (Nevermore Batterer’s Treatment Program), and job-seekers needing appropriate clothing and job-readiness skills (the Bottomless Closet). Public Policy Institute: Our researchers and advocates promote and implement evidence-based policies that will prevent and reduce poverty and improve the quality of life for individuals and families in Milwaukee. PPI focuses on smart reentry for returning citizens, transitional jobs, substance abuse prevention, tobacco use prevention, positive youth development, and professional training for community members seeking to learn new prevention and coalition-building methods.