Community Partners
We work with different organizations and programs within the city of Milwaukee. Our work focuses on those impacted by the carceral system, and ways we can mitigate the harm created in those systems. We work to create space to acknowledge and offer opportunities and skills that help heal from harm. Each lesson plan is created with the group we are working with in mind. Some topics we cover include autonomy, body connectivity, ease, grounding, and community building. This project is a combination of teaching, research of trauma-informed practices, somatic activities and engagement with critical pedagogy.
A specialized program in the Wisconsin Community Services, Bakari Center is a residential care facility for boys ages 13-17. Staff at the center use the Integrated Treatment Model and Dialectical Behavioral Treatment to teach youth critical thinking skills, self-regulation, problem-solving, mindfulness, goal setting, interpersonal relationships, and enhancing caregiver confidence. Before the boys leave the center, their families are also trained in these methods so youth can continue their skill building from home.
Vel R. Phillips Justice Center School
Located in the Milwaukee County Children’s Court building, and part of the Wauwatosa School District, the center serves children who are placed in secure detention by the Wisconsin Juvenile Court System. Students attend classes with their living groups, and in school they also have the opportunity to participate in art and physical education based activities. The center’s goal is to provide children with positive school experiences until they are able to return to their home school. We’ve worked with students here since September 2020; some class themes we’ve explored with students include time and flow, embodying elements of the earth, and mobility and stability.
UW-Milwaukee - Department of Dance and Office of Undergraduate Research
The UWM Dance Department helps develop skilled and dynamic artists and educators. Students participate in curriculum build on research, community engagement, and diverse practices. The program combines multiple disciplines and somatic practices, creating an environment that teaches students how to balance body and mind knowledge with creative expression.
The UWM Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) promotes and aids the creation of new knowledge and the development of innovative solutions by supporting research across the sciences, arts, and humanities that enhances the mission of the school and spurs economic growth.
Banner Image Photo Credit: Mark Frohna
Our work is made possible with generous support from these organizations:
