NPC has the privilege of partnering with these exciting Northside projects. Find out how you can get involved or tap into family resources.
Northside Early Childhood Zone by Katie Danielson
The NECZ offers voluntary family-oriented services for pregnant women and families with children ages birth to four in their homes, at the zone office, or wherever families feel most comfortable. We understand that parents are the experts on their families and they direct the supports the staff are providing, which focus on positive parenting, healthy child development and family stability with a goal to help families create stable learning environments for their kids.
We serve families that live in the Gompers, Lake View, Mendota and Lindbergh school areas for MMSD. Families enrolled with the NECZ can also receive supports around housing, employment and education through our enhancement services.
To learn more, please contact NECZ coordinator Leslie McAllister at McAllister.Leslie@countyofdane.com, call 338-4461 or stop by the office at 2830 Dryden Dr.
Parent Cafes by LuAnn Wissman
Parenting is a tough job. Get support from other parents facing similar challenges by attending a Parent Café this fall. Parent Cafés are a time for parents to come together with other parents in a safe environment and share the ups and downs, the struggles and successes, and other experiences they’ve had in their parenting journey.
Parent Cafés will be offered this fall at the Vera Court Neighborhood Center, located at 614 Vera Ct. A meal and childcare will be provided at each café.
Dates for the Parent Cafés are Oct. 15, Oct. 29 and Nov. 12. The cafés will run from 5:30–8 pm.
To register for the Parent Café or for more information please go to https://northsideplanningcouncil.org/parentcafe/ or call 608-230-1221.
Dialogue Circles by Lisa Dugdale
The Center for Community Stewardship, NPC, and The Zeidler Center are partnering up to offer a series of Police & Resident Listening Circles on the Northside.
The Zeidler Center has successfully offered these types of Circles in Milwaukee for three years. They have found that an important step in repairing relationships between law enforcement and communities most impacted by law enforcement and crime is to come together in safe spaces that provide the opportunity for facilitated, face-to-face communication to co-create resident-based solutions. These listening circles create a platform for greater mutual trust and understanding, essential for establishing a constructive, collaborative environment for change. Both resident and law enforcement participants are asked to speak about the topic from their own specific experiences.
Through funds awarded by the City of Madison’s Northside Safe & Thriving initiative and the Madison Community Foundation, we are able to offer eight circles on the Northside of Madison, including a community dinner and childcare.
The series will kick off Oct. 3 with an opportunity for residents to discuss their experiences with law enforcement on the Northside without officers present. The second and third events in 2018, on Oct. 24 and Nov. 28, will include Northside Police Officers as participants in the discussions. These events will be held at Sherman Avenue United Methodist Church, 3705 N. Sherman Ave., from 6–8:l5 pm. RSVP at www.community-stewardship.org/northside.
The Planning Committee, comprised of residents, youth, officers, and partners is currently planning 2019 events.