Project Summary:
In Milwaukee, mental illness and social isolation have greatly impacted our Latine and low-income communities. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ 2021 Crisis Services report shows the dramatic disparity in need for crisis services in the Hispanic/Latinx community – often due to a disproportionate level of stress and trauma, coupled with a lack of culturally or linguistically appropriate mental health support and a lack of state/federal benefits. The 53215 Zip Code, the focus of the current proposal, has one of the lowest numbers of mental health providers in Milwaukee County.
One emerging promising practice for improved mental well-being and resilience is the use of green spaces, including increased access to safe parks and recreation spaces. The focus of this project, led by the Mujeres con Poder, a grassroots Latina Community Health Worker organization, is to cultivate and organize resident engagement to activate public parks for improved mental health, resilience, and increased safety and amenities in high-need areas of Milwaukee. This project will improve mental health literacy and understanding of nature as a wellness tool for more than 600 Spanish-speaking residents. Participants will increase their understanding of and confidence in engaging with institutions, including the County Parks System, County Board of Supervisors, County Sheriff Department, and Milwaukee Police Department, to build community capacity for ongoing park improvement and monitoring.
Activities piloted during this grant period may be incorporated into existing community-based mental health programs and replicated in other neighborhoods with other organizations. The short-term objectives of this project will contribute to the medium-term goals of increased prosocial activities in Milwaukee County parks, increased use of nature and public green spaces as a tool for improved mental well-being and emotional regulation, and increased resident engagement in park improvement activities.
Community Partners: Milwaukee County Parks, Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors, Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, The Park People, City of Milwaukee Common Council, Milwaukee Police Department, Escucha Tus Emociones