The city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin has a tradition of strong family values and rich ethnic heritage. Visitors can stroll the scenic RiverWalk, enjoying the restaurants and shops or tour the Milwaukee Art Museum in this city that’s known for its cleanliness and safety. In the midst of the arts, culture and natural beauty of the city, however, are residents who struggle to make ends meet. Your group can help by ministering to the homeless, children and elderly of this great city.

Demographics

Milwaukee is located 90 miles north of Chicago in the southeast corner of Wisconsin. The city sits on Lake Michigan’s western shore and at the confluence of the Menomonee, Kinnickinnic and Milwaukee rivers. It is the largest city in Wisconsin with a population of nearly 600,000, and a metro-wide population of 1.5 million. Long before the first settlers came to this area, the Algonkian Indians named the city Millioki, which means "gathering place by the waters." Milwaukee is proud of its cultural diversity and honors its ethnic heritage at many local attractions, including America’s Black Holocaust Museum. The U.S. Census revealed a rich blend of ethnic groups, comprised of 50 percent Caucasian, 37 percent African-American, 12 percent Hispanic and 3 percent Asian. Milwaukee is very segregated, however, with only nine percent of the population living on so-called “integrated” blocks. Although Milwaukee has enjoyed a relatively strong economy, there are still individuals and families that struggle with poverty. It’s estimated that 25 percent of the population lives in poverty. In addition, there are an estimated 2,500 homeless people in Milwaukee—nearly three times the number of beds in shelters and transitional housing facilities. Come learn about and experience the diversity of Milwaukee as you reach out to those in need.

About the Ministry

Participants serve in a variety of ways during a YouthWorks mission trip. Students may spend all week at one ministry or switch between ministries during the week. Our goal is to partner with local organizations and programs that seek to address the very basic needs of residents. Students may serve at places like: Children’s Programs, Elderly Centers, Soup Kitchens/Homeless Shelters and Thrift Stores. We cannot confirm until all groups arrive exactly what ministries your students will be a part of during the week. We ask that you come with a willing and flexible spirit!

Activities

Evening activities during a YouthWorks week are designed to give participants insight into the lives of local residents and the culture of the area. Below is a list of evening/cultural activities we have done in the past: go on a prayer drive to Gingerbread Lane; attend a local church service; serve a meal at The Gathering; spend an evening at the beach. These are examples of what your group might partake in during your mission week. These examples are subject to change due to weather or availability. In case of change, suitable substitutes will be provided. We try to arrange for free evening activities, but from time to time, an additional cost may be required for an activity. Please plan to bring an additional $10 per person to cover any extra costs. We will confirm the details closer to your trip.

Ministry Week

Partnering with Local Ministries.

Mileage

Milwaukee has an international airport and is 92 miles north of Chicago on I-94.

Transportation & Travel

Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week. Milwaukee can only accommodate standard 15 passenger vans or smaller and cannot accommodate trailers.

Additional Information

If you would like more information on what there is to do in Milwaukee and surrounding areas before or after your trip, visit the following Web sites: www.visitmilwaukee.org and www.travelwisconsin.com.