Benedict Center

Fox 6 News is featuring two Benedict stories today! The Capuchin Run/Walk (St Benedict the Moor affiliated) and the Lilac Moon fundraiserfor the Benedict Center.

Benedict Center staff, Jeanne Geraci and Diamond Herring-Rodgers, were on Real Milwaukee today to talk about our mission and Katie's fundraiser this Sunday to celebrate her salon, Lilac Moon's 5th Anniversary.

Lilac Moon’s 5th Birthday Bash + Fundraiser will take place from 12 PM to 4 PM at Phoenix 360 Events in West Allis, and will feature a vendor fair, food trucks, over a dozen giveaways, and networking opportunities designed to connect people while raising funds for a meaningful cause.

Tickets available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lilac-moons-5th-birthday-bash-fundraiser-tickets-1988357687368?aff=oddtdtcreator

Our mission is deeply personal to Katie, the owner of Lilac Moon. In Katie's words. "The criminal justice system has impacted my family in ways I never imagined, and I've seen firsthand how hard people have to fight to rebuild after incarceration. Real change happens when communities step up and support the people already doing the work to transform their lives."

Hope you can join the celebration on Sunday! We are so grateful for your support, Katie!

Time is running out!

Our luncheon is just days away — and we'd love to see you there. Join us Wednesday, June 17 at 11:30 AM at Tripoli Country Club to hear two incredible women share their stories of transformation and resilience.

RSVP by tomorrow, June 9: https://benedictcenter.networkforgood.com/events/101457-benedict-center-luncheon

When we lead with compassion, anything is possible. 💜

Join us for an afternoon of hope and healing.

This June, gather with supporters and friends of the Benedict Center for a special luncheon featuring powerful stories from two women whose lives have been transformed through our programs. Their journeys remind us what's possible when we lead with compassion and community.

Wednesday, June 17 | 11:30 AM
Tripoli Country Club, Brown Deer

Register now: https://benedictcenter.networkforgood.com/events/101457-benedict-center-luncheon

RSVP by June 9.

More than 700 organizations — including victim service providers, advocacy organizations, and justice system partners from across the country — are calling on Senate leadership to act.

The Crime Victims Fund is the primary source of funding for services that support survivors of domestic violence, s*xual assault, child abuse, trafficking, and other crimes. Yet today, the CVF is nearly depleted, putting critical, lifesaving services and victims’ lives at risk.

Communities are already feeling the impact. Programs have been forced to reduce services, lay off staff, and, in some cases, close their doors entirely. Without immediate action, more survivors will be left without the support they need to stay safe, heal, and rebuild their lives.

The Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act offers a bipartisan, commonsense solution to stabilize the CVF using non-taxpayer dollars, ensuring continuity of services while Congress works toward a long-term fix.

The House has acted, and now, 700 organizations are urging the Senate to do the same: pass the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act now. Survivors can’t afford delays.

As we close out Women's History Month, we honor the women who advocate for a more equitable justice system, those who have the power to rebuild their lives, and those who have made that support possible, not just here in Milwaukee, but across the country.

For over 50 years, we have believed in one truth: women deserve the support to rebuild their lives, and a community that believes in them can transform everything.

We know so many women like Susan Burton. After navigating the revolving door of incarceration herself, Susan founded A New Way of Life, a reentry program rooted in the same belief we carry every day at The Benedict Center.

We think of Tarana Burke, whose life's work exposing s*xual violence and systemic harm has spoken truth to power, expanded access to resources for survivors, and demanded that every woman be treated with dignity, regardless of race, class, or circumstance.

Their work is our work. We believe women can claim their voices, rebuild their lives, and lead on their own terms. We know it because we see it every day.

Across Milwaukee, conversations about safety often focus on enforcement. But for women navigating the street-based s*x trade, the reality is far more complex.

At the Benedict Center, we believe stability is public safety. Meaningful solutions begin with understanding the full picture.

Join us for a virtual conversation:
From Crisis to Care: Rethinking Safety for Women in Our Neighborhoods
Wednesday, April 15th, 2026
12:00 to 1:00 PM
Virtual - Zoom

This 60-minute session includes a 45-minute discussion followed by time for questions and conversation.
We’ll explore the realities of the street-based s*x trade, the work of the Sisters Program, and how communities can play a role in creating safer, more supportive responses.
RSVP by April 12th to reserve your spot. https://benedictcenter.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/2026-april-benedict-center-insider-event?hid=MTY5OTIwNjQ=&utm_campaign=dms_email_blast_4551566

Be part of a more thoughtful approach to public safety.

We were pleased to attend the School Sisters of Notre Dame 2026 Women’s Leadership Luncheon. The Benedict Center honors the profound impact of SSND’s ministry in the lives of women, including their partnership in our Sisters South Faith Collaborative.

Learn more about our Sisters Program: https://www.benedictcenter.org/programs/sisters-program.php

Black mental wellness deserves visibility — not just for a day, but every day.

This Black History Month, we’ve recognized diverse voices and experiences while underscoring that mental health equity is essential to overall health, safety, and opportunity.

Today, on , we continue to elevate conversations about stigma, center culturally responsive care, and reaffirm the importance of community-based solutions.

Black mental wellness is shaped by strength, resilience, advocacy, and collective care. It also requires access, investment, and systems change.

As Black History Month comes to a close, our commitment continues.

Learn more and join the movement at nami.org/chea, and explore the Crisis Can’t Wait campaign at nami.org/crisiscantwait.

A huge thank you to our friends at St. Dominic Catholic Parish. They dropped off a massive donation of cold-weather essentials, toiletries, and food items this week. Community support like this makes everything we do possible.