Chancellor celebrates community partnerships

More than 150 people will receive special thanks for their commitment to university and community partnerships today (June 16) from Chancellor David Ward.

The third annual reception, held at Olin House, recognizes partnerships that promote community development, economic growth and greater access to educational resources. The people behind 20 innovative programs will be part of the 5-7 p.m. celebration.

“This event is giving some well-earned attention to programs that help enrich life in Madison and Dane County,” said LaMarr Billups, special assistant to the chancellor for community relations. “These programs represent the Wisconsin Idea at its best by putting talented people from the university and community together to work on the same issues.”

Programs honored include:

• The Wisconsin Migrant Coalition: Migrant Farm Workers in the Wisconsin Food System. This program brings nine agencies together to address the underlying causes of poverty and social injustice facing migrants and seasonal farm workers.
• Families, Food and Fun Nights. This innovative program brings evenings of free family education to disadvantaged families in Dane County. Agencies include Head Start, Prevent Child Abuse-Wisconsin and the School of Human Resources.
• The Women and Mental Health Study Site of Dane County. This program brings social service experts to women who have been victims of violence and are experiencing substance abuse and mental health problems. Partners include the School of Social Work and the Dane County Department of Human Services.
• The Waisman Center’s Newborn Screening Program. In partnership with the state Division of Public Health, the program offers diagnostic services that help detect disorders early in life, and also provides follow-up support.

The event is also meant to encourage sharing among people from different programs, which may lead to new efforts, said Billups. For more information about the event, contact Billups at (608) 263-5510.