This month, the American Red Cross and the Milwaukee County War Memorial are joining together to hold a blood drive to honor one of the Red Cross' long-time volunteers, Gwen Jackson on August 14, 2008 from 8:00 am - 1:30 pm.

Aurora Health Care employee named YMCA Black Achiever of the year

Maggie Beckley of Aurora Health Care has been honored as YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee's YMCA's Black Achiever of the Year.

"As Black Achievers, our adult volunteers serve as mentors to teenagers," said Marsha Lee, Black Achievers director at the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee.

"They encourage and support African-American students to pursue and set high educational and career goals."

With the support of their employer, volunteers in the program devote a minimum of 40 hours per year to programs in one of four areas: academic enhancement, career exploration, college preparation, and leadership development.

"It was so amazing to be named Black Achiever of the Year," said Beckley, who works in finance at Aurora Health Care in Milwaukee. "Starting out as a Teen Achiever, I received opportunities that taught me a lot about being a leader. I've succeeded in part due to that program, so it's only natural for me to give back as an adult Black Achiever. I want the teens I interact with today to have the same opportunities and mentoring that I did. It's a wonderful program." 
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Local MDs use revolutionary advancement in cataract care
Implants restore vision, reduce need for glasses

What is a cataract?

Each year, thousands of older Wisconsinites find their ability to perform simple daily tasks slowly being clouded by the development of cataracts. "A cataract is a gradual, painless clouding of the eye's natural lens located behind the pupil," notes Dr. Brett Rhode, partner at Eye Care Specialists, one of the state's leading ophthalmology practices. "This lens is made mostly of water and protein and works like a camera lens—focusing light onto the retina at the back of the eye to form the images you see. As you age, some protein may clump together and start to cloud an area of the lens. This is called a 'cataract.'" Depending on the type of cataract, this clouding may take years or just months to progress. In addition to aging (six out of 10 people over age 60 have one), other causes of cataracts include heredity, eye injuries, medications (such as steroids), and long-term, unprotected exposure to sunlight.
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Changes planned for Energy Assistance Program

A program that helps thousands of Milwaukee County families stay connected with utility services is making changes to enhance its service.

The Energy Assistance Program operated by the Social Development Commission (SDC) will upgrade its service by making changes in its operation. Hours of operation at SDC's three main Energy Assistance sites will be increased for peak periods during the upcoming energy season. During the months of October and November and March through May, the centers will operate from 7:30 am to 8 pm daily except for Wednesdays. The new evening hours are intended to help working clients and Saturday appointments will continue for those same residents.

SDC also plans to hire temporary part time staff for those peak months when demand for the Energy Assistance Program is at its highest. A new training curriculum for new Energy Assistance workers will accelerate the process of getting those workers helping clients.

The agency is also transforming its Energy Assistance waiting area into a Welcome Center at its Richards Street facility. The new area will offer residents informational and education resources including financial literacy and energy conservation as well as social services, health, and banking services. The Welcome Center is also being eyed to become a place where residents can enroll in Milwaukee County programs through the State's ACCESS system and the County's Modernization Initiative.

More than 41,000 households received help from the Energy Assistance Program during the 2007-2008 heating season. Tara Pray, SDC Energy Assistance Program Manager, notes that even more people are expected to apply in the coming heating season. Rising energy costs, she says, are likely to prompt even more families to need the program.

SDC's main Energy Assistance sites are at 4041 N. Richards Street, the Southside Center at 10th and Madison, and at 6848 N. Teutonia Avenue. For more information on the Energy Assistance Program, call 414-906-2800.

Salvation Army prepares for next phase of Wisconsin flood response

The Salvation Army is transitioning to a new phase of its disaster response and recovery work in 30 Wisconsin counties. The Salvation Army is part of a long-term recovery coalition that is preparing to address the next phase of need, including in-depth assessments, long-term case management and financial assistance to flood-affected households.

The Salvation Army has been on the frontlines since disaster struck last month. In the initials days, efforts concentrated on feeding emergency workers, firefighters, police officers, volunteer responders and families affected by flooded areas. Once the flood waters receded, the focus turned to supporting cleanup efforts. More than 15,000 flood kits were distributed and canteens served meals and water in flood affected neighborhoods. Salvation Army mobile feeding units (canteens) served 15,486 meals and 17,786 snacks.

The long term recovery phase can take up to more than a year and The Salvation Army will on the frontline through recovery phase completion.

Monetary donations may be sent to "Wisconsin Disaster Relief", made on-line at www.salvationarmywi.org or call 1-800-264-6412 or by mail to The Salvation Army of Greater Milwaukee, 11315 W. Watertown Plank Rd, Wauwatosa, WI 53226.

Flood victims should continue to contact 211 to find out what local resources are available to them in their area, FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or their local Salvation Army.