By Ascension Wisconsin

Amid laughter and holiday cheer, 26 families from across Milwaukee gathered for the 5th Annual Blanket of Love Christmas Dinner, hosted at Ascension Ebenezer Resource Center, located at Ebenezer Church of God in Christ.

The Blanket of Love program, a year-round initiative by Ascension Wisconsin, provides expectant mothers and families with essential support, education, and resources aimed at reducing infant mortality and promoting family wellness. The Christmas dinner brought families together to celebrate the season with games, ornament-making, a shared meal, gift-giving, and a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

Families from across Milwaukee shared dinner and learned more about Ascension’s Blanket of Love program.

“I have been coming to Blanket of Love for years. Ascension has helped support me with all three of my pregnancies,” said Alexsis Bailey-Grier. “This program is a true blessing for the community.”

The program fosters a sense of community through health and wellness education, shared meals, and connections with Ascension nurses, social workers, and patient navigators.

Children had fun playing games, making ornaments and creating art.

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This year alone, more than 5,000 families have benefited from the educational, social, and healthcare resources provided through Ascension Wisconsin’s Blanket of Love program. These services are delivered through Ascension hospitals, 36 Milwaukee churches, neighborhood centers, and community partners.

“One of the most important things we do in Blanket of Love is recognize the importance of family all year long but especially during the holiday season,” said Brenda Hoskins, MSW, an Ascension Wisconsin social worker. “Some parents tell me this is a particularly hard time of year for them. When we come together in celebration, it brings a feeling of connectedness through community.”

Families celebrated being together and making Christmas memories.

The program’s overarching goal is to ensure more children in Milwaukee are born healthy and strong, giving them the chance to celebrate their first birthday.

“Education builds the foundation of behaviors and habits that have a positive impact on an individual’s health,” said Julia Means, Ascension RN and Blanket of Love founder.

“When we say ‘blanket of love’ we mean we wrap you in a blanket of love,” Means said. “We want our families to know they are loved and valued and that love spreads throughout our community. Christmas is a time to spread and share love.”

For more information please visit https://www.behealthybeyou.org/programs-bol or call 414-465-4587. Donations for Ascension Wisconsin Blanket of Love can be made to the Ascension Wisconsin Foundation at: giveAWF.org/community-giving.

Associated Press

Washington Wizards (4-21, 15th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (14-12, fifth in the Eastern Conference)

Milwaukee; Saturday, 8 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Bucks -12.5; over/under is 226.5

BOTTOM LINE: Washington travels to Milwaukee looking to end its 10-game road skid.

The Bucks are 12-11 against Eastern Conference opponents. Milwaukee is 2-3 in one-possession games.

The Wizards are 3-14 against Eastern Conference opponents. Washington is ninth in the Eastern Conference with 33.1 defensive rebounds per game led by Jonas Valanciunas averaging 5.4.

The Bucks are shooting 48.3% from the field this season, 0.7 percentage points higher than the 47.6% the Wizards allow to opponents. The Wizards are shooting 44.2% from the field, 1.2% lower than the 45.4% the Bucks’ opponents have shot this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 32.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, six assists and 1.5 blocks for the Bucks.

Jordan Poole is scoring 20.6 points per game with 2.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists for the Wizards.

LAST 10 GAMES: Bucks: 7-3, averaging 113.5 points, 41.7 rebounds, 24.3 assists, 7.1 steals and 5.9 blocks per game while shooting 48.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.1 points per game.

Wizards: 2-8, averaging 106.6 points, 46.0 rebounds, 24.5 assists, 7.8 steals and 6.0 blocks per game while shooting 43.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 122.1 points.

INJURIES: Bucks: Damian Lillard: day to day (calf).

Wizards: Saddiq Bey: out (knee), Kyle Kuzma: out (ribs).

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — I came to the Hunger Task Force, where a unique nutrition program is transforming lives by teaching parents, students, and the public how to eat healthily on a budget. I spoke with a staff member and a student to learn how the program is enriching the community.

The room buzzed with energy as children and staff worked together to prepare nutritious meals. Among them was Akari Salaam, a fourth-grader whose excitement about the program was contagious.

“It was so much fun!” Akari exclaimed with a bright smile.

While she may not be a professional chef just yet, Akari’s enthusiasm for cooking and her love for vegetables shine through.

“I like tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, carrots… almost everything!” she shared.

Akari and her classmates from Horace Mann Elementary visited the Hunger Task Force to participate in its Nutrition Education Program, which blends hands-on learning with practical life skills. On this particular day, the students made pizzas from scratch.

Watch: How kids are learning to cook healthy on a budget in Milwaukee

How kids are learning to cook healthy on a budget in Milwaukee

“The kids are making pizzas today,” said Ms. Pochmara, a teacher at Horace Mann Elementary. “They actually got to cut up all the ingredients themselves and assemble the pizzas.”

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Akari proudly showed off her creation. “I made a heart with pepperoni,” she said, beaming.

This interactive program empowers students to master healthy eating habits while staying budget-conscious.

“Through our Garden to Plate Program, this is funded so our kids get this great experience,” said Carmen Baldwin, the Community Nutrition Manager.

“They’re able to come in, cook, and receive free materials and education.”

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For educators like Ms. Pochmara, the benefits of this program go far beyond the classroom. “It’s such a meaningful way to engage the kids. It’s real life. They’re learning things they can use outside of school,” she said.

The program focuses on teaching fundamental skills like cutting, baking, and spreading, which Baldwin believes will serve students well into the future.

“Stuff can be surprising, but things can be delicious and nutritious,” Akari added, her eyes lighting with confidence.

Beyond the hands-on experience, the program addresses critical community needs.

“Throughout Wisconsin, there are a lot of food deserts, and sometimes healthy choices are limited,” Baldwin explained. “When you give people the resources to say, ‘Hey, we can go here and also get healthy food,’ they can make better choices for themselves.”

Ms. Pochmara emphasized how opportunities like these inspire students. “We have the things we have to do in our classroom, required by the state, but when they have the opportunity to get out and learn, it just sparks them,” she said.

As the day wrapped up, Akari’s joy was evident. “So much fun. I hope we do this again,” she said with a hopeful smile.

This hands-on program is not just about cooking; it’s about equipping the next generation with the skills and knowledge to make healthy, budget-friendly choices, building a stronger and healthier community in the process. For more information, visit the Hunger Task Force website at www.hungertaskforce.org.

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