Centers for Independence

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Centers for Independence Building healthy, hopeful and inclusive communities since 1938. Founded in 1938 as Jewish Vocational Services, CFI began helping immigrants settle in Milwaukee.

Today, we're a leading nonprofit offering over 30 life-changing programs and employing 800+ skilled staff. Every year, we help thousands of people access care, gain independence and improve their quality of life. What We Do:
โ€ข Support & Advocacy for People with Disabilities: We help people with physical, developmental and intellectual disabilities thrive.
โ€ข Behavioral Health: Each year, we support over 3,000 adults with mental health care and crisis response.
โ€ข Services for Children: Helping kids thrive emotionally, socially and developmentally.
โ€ข Additional Services: We guide people through care decisions, helping them access benefits, caregivers and trusted providers.

We are honored to welcome Dr. Justin Ponder as our emcee for our Night of Stories Soirรฉe.As Chief Learning Officer at Up...
10/16/2026

We are honored to welcome Dr. Justin Ponder as our emcee for our Night of Stories Soirรฉe.

As Chief Learning Officer at Uplifting Impact, an instructor at the UW School of Business and co-author of The Bridging Leader, Dr. Ponder brings a passion for connection, leadership and community impact to the evening.
The Night of Stories Soirรฉe will highlight powerful stories from individuals and families whose lives have been transformed through CFIโ€™s programs and services.

Can't attend but still want to support the mission? Your gift helps provide essential services that empower individuals to live healthier, more hopeful lives.

๐Ÿ”— Learn more or make a donation at: https://cfihope.org/news/dr-justin-ponder-to-emcee-cfis-night-of-stories-soiree/

This past weekend, our team members, clients, family members and friends joined together for the 2026 Milwaukee NAMI Wal...
10/14/2026

This past weekend, our team members, clients, family members and friends joined together for the 2026 Milwaukee NAMI Walk.

As a proud sponsor of 's walk, we were honored to stand alongside a community united by unique experiences, journeys and stories. It was a powerful celebration of individuals living with mental illness, their families, loved ones and the people who support them every day.

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and safe Labor Day!Our main office and Bay View Campus is closed today, but our Crisis...
09/07/2026

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and safe Labor Day!

Our main office and Bay View Campus is closed today, but our Crisis Resource Centers and residential locations remain open and available.

Thank you to our incredible teams working this holiday to provide care and support to our community ๐Ÿ’™

It's actually very chic if you ask us ๐Ÿ’œ
08/28/2026

It's actually very chic if you ask us ๐Ÿ’œ

Thank you to Milwaukee Irish Fest for your commitment creating an inclusive experience for all guests, including people ...
08/11/2026

Thank you to Milwaukee Irish Fest for your commitment creating an inclusive experience for all guests, including people with disabilities. From accessible seating and interpretation services to respite areas, youโ€™ve helped ensure everyone can celebrate and enjoy the music, dancing and culture that make this festival so special.

Our clients are excited to join in the festivities this weekend!

๐Ÿ”— Check out Irish Fest: https://irishfest.com/

August 13-16, 2026. Milwaukee Irish Fest takes place along the shores of Lake Michigan at the Henry Maier Festival Park. Experience the world's largest Irish music festival. Over 100 entertainment acts across 17 stages.

We had a blast serving healthy meals to children with Hunger Task Force, Inc., Sargento Cheese and Milwaukee Brewers tod...
08/05/2026

We had a blast serving healthy meals to children with Hunger Task Force, Inc., Sargento Cheese and Milwaukee Brewers today!

The summer meals program truly is where good food meets good work. โ˜€๏ธโšพ๏ธ๐Ÿ”

07/28/2026

๐ŸŽถHappy birthday to us! ๐ŸŽถ Happy birthday to us! ๐ŸŽถ Happy birthday dear CFI! ๐ŸŽถ Happy birthday to us! ๐ŸŽถ

Today weโ€™re celebrating 88 years of building healthy, hopeful and inclusive communities. For nearly nine decades, dedicated employees, volunteers, supporters and community partners have helped make our mission possible.

To honor this milestone, we โ€œcaughtโ€ our team turning up the music, putting on their dancing shoes and celebrating our past, present and future together.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey. Weโ€™re grateful for the past 88 years and excited for whatโ€™s ahead. ๐Ÿฅณ

07/24/2026

Today is International Self-Care Day ๐Ÿ’™

Self-care can look different for everyone, but it starts with finding what helps you feel your best.

Our LIFE Services clients are sharing ways they care for their mental, physical and emotional well-being.

How do you practice self-care?

This week at Washington Park Wednesdays - Ride On! A bike-forward celebration in partnership with Bublr Bikes to celebra...
07/14/2026

This week at Washington Park Wednesdays - Ride On! A bike-forward celebration in partnership with Bublr Bikes to celebrate movement, cycling, and sustainable community in Milwaukee. Milwaukee County Transit System will be on site teaching riders how to safely load their bike on the bus. Plus, visit Bublr Bikes at the event for a chance to win a free day pass to explore Milwaukee!

Wednesday, July 15, 5:30-8:30 PM
Free and open to all!

PERFORMERS:
๐ŸŽค Vincent Van Great & Amanda Huff
- a dynamic Milwaukee duo delivering soulful, electric, genre-bending sound
๐ŸŽธ The Art of 3
- boom-bap influenced jazz-soul-hip hop collective
๐Ÿช˜ Red Nation Boyz
- intertribal Indigenous powwow drum circle bringing high energy and community connection

SPECIAL GUESTS: ๐Ÿด๐ŸŽจ
Free Meals for Kids from Center for Independence
Free Family Activities from Artists Working in Education
American Sign Language interpretation from DJC Interpreting Service

NIGHTLY SPONSOR: ๐Ÿšฒ
Bublr Bikes

PRESENTING SPONSOR: ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿฝ
Stifel Financial

SEASON SPONSORS: ๐Ÿ’ซ
Harley Davidson Foundation
Milwaukee County Parks
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
VISIT Milwaukee
WMSE 91.7 FM
CAMPAC

This week, Washington Park Wednesdays kicks off the 2026 season with VENUS RISING โ€“ A femme-forward celebration of women...
07/07/2026

This week, Washington Park Wednesdays kicks off the 2026 season with VENUS RISING โ€“ A femme-forward celebration of women in music and the arts!

Wednesday, July 8, 5:30-8:30 PM
Free and open to all!

LIVE MUSIC:
๐ŸŽค Ellie Jackson
- a soulful Milwaukee-native vocalist
๐ŸŽบ Ladies Must Swing
- an 18-strong all-women swing powerhouse
๐Ÿฅ Devin Drobka
- percussionist and multi-instrumentalist

SPECIAL GUESTS:
๐Ÿ” Free Meals for Kids from Centers for Independence
๐ŸŽจ Family Activities with Artists Working in Education

Stay tuned for this week's full vendor lineup!

PRESENTING SPONSOR: โœจ
Stifel Financial

SEASON SPONSORS: ๐Ÿ’ซ
Harley Davidson Foundation
Milwaukee County Parks
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
CAMPAC

Next week 7/15: Ride On!

Address

2020 West Wells Street
Milwaukee, WI
53233

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+14149372020

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