As part of their ongoing commitment to giving back and meeting the needs of their community, members of the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee (the Y) AmeriCorps program have partnered with the Center for Veterans Issues, VETS Place Central, to host a Veterans Appreciation Block Party in honor of local veterans on Armed Forces Day, May 21, 2011, from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The event will take place at VETS Place Central (3330 West Wells Street, Milwaukee), which offers transitional housing and single-room rental units to age-eligible and disabled veterans, and provides a holistic approach to serving the homeless veteran population.
Community members are invited to come to this event and show their support for the brave men and women who served in the armed forces to preserve our freedom. The Block Party will kick off with a “Wells Street Beautification” effort from 9:30 a.m.- noon. Participants will assist in collecting litter, planting flowers and staking American flags around the VETS Place Central grounds. Following the beautification project, attendees will enjoy games, a car show, live music and a wide variety of food, donated by local restaurants, businesses and members of the community.
“YMCA AmeriCorps is proud to partner with our friends at the Center for Veterans Issues, VETS Place Central, to honor and show appreciation to those who have so selflessly served our country,” said Antoinette Mensah, emerging leaders director for the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee. “Our YMCA AmeriCorps team is committed to getting things done and making a difference. The Veterans Appreciation Block Party is just one example of how we are working to strengthen our community by recognizing veterans and their contributions.”
Each year, AmeriCorps offers 75,000 opportunities for adults of all ages and backgrounds to serve through a network of partnerships with local and national nonprofit groups. The YMCA Ameri- Corps members serve in a variety of capacities and work to address the needs of the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
To learn more about the Veterans Appreciation Block Party, or to volunteer or make a donation, contact Erik Kennedy, YMCA Ameri- Corps program specialist, at ekennedy@ymcamke.org or 414-274-0724.
