Milwaukee, WI
Birth to 3 advocates hope to secure more funding in 2026 Milwaukee County budget
MILWAUKEE COUNTY — Milwaukee County supervisors will vote Thursday on a budget that could provide crucial additional funding for early intervention programs serving children with disabilities and developmental delays.
The proposed 2026 county budget allocates about $4.7 million for three nonprofit organizations that provide federally required Birth to 3 services: Penfield Children’s Center, Curative Care Network, and St. Francis Children’s Center.
However, program leaders say that funding falls short of what’s needed.
“We have a collective gap of over $2 million, and we have to fill that gap through fundraising,” the president and CEO of Penfield Children’s Center, Polina Makievsky, said.
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County Supervisor Marcelia Nicholson has proposed an amendment to add an additional $450,000 for the programs.
Watch: Birth to 3 advocates hope to secure more funding in 2026 Milwaukee County budget
Birth to 3 advocates hope to secure more funding in 2026 Milwaukee County budget
County Supervisor Marcelia Nicholson sent the following statement:
“Every child in Milwaukee County deserves the strongest possible start in life. The Birth to Three program is one of our most effective tools for identifying developmental needs early and connecting families with the supports that help children thrive.
This investment is an important step forward, one that strengthens our commitment to early childhood development and brings much-needed attention to the gaps in state and federal funding. By investing locally, we’re both helping families now and making the case for resources to help our little ones reach their full potential.”
The Birth to 3 program provides early intervention services for children with disabilities or developmental delays.
Makievsky has personal experience with its benefits — her own son participated in the program as a child.
“It was invaluable. The growth that we saw in him was tremendous,” Makievsky said.
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Despite growing enrollment in the programs, funding has remained stagnant for years for the three nonprofit partners working with Milwaukee County.
“We need some help, we need some support from the community,” Makievsky said. “This is an investment that’s going to pay tremendous dividends.”
Laura Felix, executive director of St. Francis Children’s Center, emphasized the importance of the services they provide to families.
“We are really providing that village of support for families with disabilities,” Felix said. “We’re hoping if there is any possibility of increasing that amount to support birth to three; we believe that is critical.”
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Parents like Larimar Adrianson understand the program’s value firsthand.
“It is absolutely irreplaceable. We can’t function without birth to three,” Adrianson said.
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The county supervisors’ Thursday vote will determine how much Milwaukee County invests in these specialized programs that serve some of the community’s most vulnerable children.
This story was reported by Megan Lee and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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Milwaukee Police Department (MPD)
MILWAUKEE – One person was shot and wounded in Milwaukee on Friday, Jan. 16.
3rd and Concordia
What we know:
Police said someone fired shots around 5 p.m. A 29-year-old victim was struck while driving, called for help several blocks away near Phillips and Locust, and was taken to a hospital for treatment.
What we don’t know:
What led to the gunfire is not yet known, and police are looking for whoever is responsible.
MPD tips
What you can do:
Anyone with information is asked to call MPD at 414-935-7360; to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or use the P3 tips app.
The Source: The Milwaukee Police Department released information.
Each year, the King Community Center becomes a gathering place to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. From daily programs that serve families throughout the year to a special celebration on King Day, the center continues to carry forward Dr. King’s mission of community, unity, and service.
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That mission is reflected throughout the building, which Director Dee McCollum describes as a safe and welcoming space for the community. “In the walls of this King Center is a safe haven and that is modeled off of what Dr. King preached,” McCollum said.
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Located in King Park, the King Community Center offers something for people of all ages. On any given day, community members can be found using the fitness center, attending meetings, or playing basketball in the gym.
Watch: King Community Center celebrates 50 years of service with annual MLK Day event
King Community Center celebrates 50 years of service with annual MLK Day event
For many residents, the center provides a much-needed escape and sense of balance. Milwaukee resident Mac Miller said the space has become an important outlet in his daily life. “It’s been giving me an outlet, like a perfect outlet when I’m stressed out, have things going on. I come up here, leave my stress, go back about my day,” Miller said.
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Walking through the King Community Center, it’s clear the building represents more than recreation. It has long served as a cornerstone for the neighborhood, and this June, the center will mark a major milestone as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
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That spirit of community will be on full display Monday when the center hosts its annual King Day celebration. McCollum said attendees can expect a wide range of performances and speakers that reflect the center’s inclusive mission. “You can expect poets, singers, a six-year-old who plays the violin like an angel, and an awesome guest speaker, Pastor Locke,” she said.
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As the community comes together to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy, the King Community Center remains committed to serving as a place rooted in history, connection, and service for generations to come.
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration will be held Monday, Jan. 19. Keynote speaker will be Pastor Kenneth R. Lock II, pastor and founder of Evolve Church.
Let’s talk:
Hey there! At TMJ4 News, we’re all about listening to our audience and tackling the stuff that really matters to you. Got a story idea, tip, or just want to chat about this piece? Hit us up using the form below. For more ways to get in touch, head over to tmj4.com/tips.
It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.
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Drone view of a snow covered southeast Wisconsin after snowstorm
Check out a view from a drone of a snow covered southeast Wisconsin after a snowstorm Nov. 29-30, 2025, that left several inches of snow across the area.
After an overnight snowfall, more snow showers are on the way for Milwaukee this weekend.
Two waves of overnight snowfall – between roughly 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. – left most of southeast Wisconsin with about 2 inches of snow on Friday, Jan. 16, according to Michaela Heeren, a meteorologist with the Milwaukee/Sullivan National Weather Service office.
Snow is expected to continue on-and-off through Friday afternoon, with temperatures reaching highs of 33 to 34 degrees, Heeren said. The relatively warmer temperatures means the snow showers will be intermittent but heavy.
The Friday evening commute may be impacted, Heeren said.
“The roads aren’t necessarily bad this morning, but there are enough people on the road to lead to some slowdowns,” she said. “The main concern for visibility is this afternoon. If you encounter low visibility, make sure you go slow and have your headlights on.”
After Friday’s warmer weather, temperatures will dip to highs in the 20s by Saturday, Jan. 17, and the mid-to -high teens by Sunday, Jan. 18, Heeren said.
Lighter snow showers are expected to continue throughout Saturday, before tapering off in the evening. Milwaukee may see up to an inch of snow accumulation.
An additional swath of snowfall Sunday may bring another inch of snow, potentially two if showers are heavier, Heeren said.
Wisconsin weather radar
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