We are using the information gathered to create our Sherman Park development plan for the Faces of Foreclosure issue campaign.

For information concerning our Foreclosure Campaign please go to our Faces of Foreclosure website. Faces of Foreclosure

Health Care

Plans are still underway for the roll out of the Common Ground sponsored Health Insurance cooperative for small businesses, non-profits, the self-employed and unions.  The timetable is to begin enrollment in April with the insurance effective in June.  Stay tuned for an announcement of the timetable for action.  If you have questions contact Bob Connolly at 414 272-0101 or Email

Sherman Park

The Sherman Park Common Ground Team will be holding a meeting with area neighborhood leaders, St. Joseph Hospital representatives and the Faith-based community at Wheaton-Fransiscan St. Joseph Campus on Monday, March 15th.  We will be setting the focus of the 2010 Spring/Summer Campaign in the Sherman Park area in regards to foreclosed and abandoned homes and general safety issues. Plan to join us from 6:30-8:00pm on Monday, March 15th.

Waukesha County

There has been a growing interest to build a Common Ground presence in Waukesha County and a team has been diligently working on this over the last few months.  They have conducted numerous listening sessions and several more are scheduled for this spring.  Through these listening sessions potential members, leaders and local issues are emerging.  As a way to continue to build on these efforts, and to report on what has transpired to date, Common Ground is holding a gathering for Waukesha County on Tuesday, March 16 from 7:00 to 8:30pm at St. Anthony on the Lake Parish (W280 N2101 Hwy. SS, Pewaukee) Directions 

For more information on what Common Ground is doing in Waukesha County, contact Heather Dummer Combs,  Email or 414-559-6608.

Friends of Common Ground

To date our Friends campaign has raised $163,000 from 57 donors.  Our goal is to get to $300,000. Some 30 potential donors are now being approached.  if you woudl like to contribute and join the campaign contact Bob Connolly at 414 272-0101 or Email

Common Ground leaders are working closely with MAWIB to develop a strategic planning session for October 21st where we will bring about 30 business and government leaders together to strategize as to how we might get more private sector participation for 2010 Summer Youth Jobs.

The next meeting of the Youth Jobs team is November 3 at 7:00 pm at Progressive Baptist Church, 8324 W. Keefe Ave., Milwaukee.

Health Care:

The Health Care Committee continues to work with the Wisconsin Healthcare Cooperative (WHC) on the final stages in the development of a health cooperative for small businesses, non-profits, unions and the self employed.

We anticipate “rolling out” the Wisconsin Healthcare Cooperative in October.  WHC will conduct a series of information sessions throught the region to enroll people into the Coop during Novemberand December.

 Sherman Park/North Milwaukee:

On Wednesday, September 23, Common Ground Sherman Park/North Milwaukee leaders met with Alderman Wade to discuss their current relationship, ways to build on this relationship, and current issues in the 7th Aldermanic District.  Leaders are scheduled to meet again with Alderman Wade in the coming weeks to check on the progress of issues discussed.

On Monday, October 5, Common Ground Sherman Park leaders conducted a highly productive meeting with Alderman Murphy and City Engineer Bob Bryson.  Common Ground Leaders received an update on actions taken and studies that were done on neighborhood issues.  Most concerns brought to Alderman Murphy’s attention should be taken care of by November by means of work orders and legislation.  This is an ongoing campaign; we will continue to work with the elected officials to improve the Sherman Park, North Milwaukee areas.

On the evening of July 21, Howard Karsh and 75 neighborhood volunteers walked door-to-door in the Sherman Park neighborhood, surveying residents.

The volunteers, 15 of whom were Jewish, interviewed 750 Sherman Park residents about any police interaction they have had, crimes they have been victims of, and their general quality of life.

Howard Karsh

Those surveys are now being collated and the issues raised by residents will be addressed by a new local social action initiative.

Read the full article:
With assist from Jewish community, Common Ground seeks social change