Geneva Lacking has volunteered at the Milwaukee Women’s Center, operated by Community Advocates, since the spring.

Checking Services Rep Geneva Lacking has been volunteering at the Milwaukee Women’s Center, operated by Community Advocates, since the spring. The center helps people who have been affected by domestic violence, addiction, mental health issues, and poverty. Geneva talked to Shorelines about her experiences with Community Advocates and why she volunteers with them.

How did you start volunteering with Community Advocates?
I was connected with them through a professor at UW-Milwaukee, for a domestic-violence research class I had taken. It was part of my major, but there were other electives I could have taken. But domestic violence is something that has affected me and some people close to me, so it’s important to me to help the women and men it’s affected.

When do you volunteer with them, and how much time do you spend?
The goal is at least twice a week and on special occasions.

What does the work consist of?
Some of the women staying at the center have curfews, and there’s a children’s program for the kids in the evening. The women and kids have dinner, and then there’s interactive playtime with younger kids and tutoring for some of the older kids.

I interact with the children verbally in a positive and encouraging manner. I positively reinforce the children — supervising them during playtime and any outings, and helping them clean up. They need role models who can help them express themselves and help them build their self-esteem.

What sort of experiences have you had so far?
It’s fun to get to know the kids, although the women rotate out of the center after 30 days, so the group changes all the time. And I find pleasure in seeing children smile when they’re in a place that isn’t ideal but they can remain resilient.

How can others support Community Advocates and the women’s center?
We could use more volunteers in different areas of the organization. And toiletries and toys and games for the children would be very much appreciated.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Milwaukee Women’s Center and Community Advocates, contact Jeri Kavanaugh at (414) 270-2984 or jkavanaugh@communityadvocates.net. More info here.

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