American Family Insurance and Milwaukee Brewers announce joint contribution to support health programming for families

American Family Insurance and the Milwaukee Brewers are teaming up on another community initiative in Milwaukee, to support the creation of Fit and Focused health programming for families. The program will focus on a comprehensive physical/mental approach, emphasizing holistic healing, physical activity, self-care and social-emotional learning.

The programming will be developed and offered by two local non-profit organizations. Grateful Girls Youth & Family Services, LLC and Hands at Home Milwaukee, each receiving $25,000 from American Family Insurance and the Brewers Community Foundation to bring the program to Milwaukee County community members.

Fit and Focused addresses six core areas

The Fit and Focused Program aims to educate youth and families on both physical and mental healthy lifestyle habits using a holistic approach. Exercising, meditating and learning healthy habits are included to improve emotional health, increase focus and enhance other qualities that contribute to a better life. The program will also incorporate siblings, parents and caregivers.

The program will have six core areas: physical activity (sports, team-building); health choices (nutrition and cooking); self-care (yoga, meditation); youth entrepreneur and job training; family dynamics (parent and blended family support, parent self-care); and cultural enrichment (fine arts, music/video, arts and crafts).

“The emotional impact of the pandemic made us all more aware of mental health’s critical role in overall well-being, in addition to physical health,” said JoAnne Sabir, American Family corporate and social impact advisor. “Though Mental Health Awareness Month concluded in May, our hope is these important issues are acknowledged and destigmatized at all times, and our investment in Fit and Focused programming gives families the tools they need to enjoy the benefits of good health – both body and mind."

”“Brewers Community Foundation appreciates partnering with American Family and the two outstanding organizations for the inaugural year of Fit and Focused,” said Cecelia Gore, executive director, Brewers Community Foundation. “Our community is fortunate to have organizations that are supporting families during these challenging times.”

Organizations background and leadership

Grateful Girls Youth & Family Services, LLC (GGYFS) is a social service agency and consulting firm that empowers, strengthens and supports families and businesses. GGYFS creates, supports and provides dynamic trauma-informed programming and services to youth and families within communities to help heal individuals. The business also creates and supports specialized housing solutions for youth and young adults who are LGBTQI and those suffering from mental health issues.

Hands at Home Milwaukee is a single-family home, located in a residential community, dedicated to helping individuals maximize their full potential in a compassionate, caring and safe environment, while fostering independence and individualism. Hands at Home offers services to meet the needs of individuals with a wide range of disabilities, and encourages integration into, rather than isolation from, the surrounding community.

Both organizations are led by women leaders in the Milwaukee community.

Chandra Cooper MS. LPC-IT is a multi-talented entrepreneur and community advocate with a wealth of experience in media and public relations. She is an experienced network affiliate, on-air television reporter and producer, and a youth and women's advocate with community engagement experience. She also has extensive experience working in the area of youth social services and is a professional counselor. 

Clarindria (Claire) Addison, MS, LPC, NCC leads Hands at Home MIlwaukee and is an accomplished licensed mental health professional and counselor with more than 20 years of experience in a vareity of roles. She has owned and operated several successful businesses and also serves as an educational facilitaotr and program creator. 

Tickets for mental health professionals in Milwaukee

American Family and the Milwaukee Brewers are also partnering to provide tickets to a Brewers game for mental health professionals in Milwaukee in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month and in appreciation for their important work.

American Family Insurance investment part of larger initiative

The contributions for this program are part of Free to Dream, a new initiative announced in February by American Family that supports investments and partnerships that close equity gaps and drive social impact in communities.

Blog recognizes mental health professionals

Also in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month acknowledged in May, Dr. Joy Ippolito of the American Family Institute for Corporate and Social impact shared her call for action for people to thank mental health professionals who have supported so many people throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

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About the American Family Insurance group
Based in Madison, Wisconsin, American Family Insurance has been serving customers since 1927. We inspire, protect and restore dreams through our insurance products, exceptional service from our agency owners and employees, community investment and creative partnerships to address societal challenges. We act on our belief in diversity and inclusion by constantly evolving to meet customer needs and preferences. American Family Insurance group is the nation’s 13th-largest property/casualty insurance group, ranking No. 254 on the Fortune 500 list. The group sells American Family-brand products, primarily through exclusive agency owners in 19 states. The American Family Insurance group also includes CONNECT, powered by American Family Insurance, The General, Homesite and Main Street America Insurance. Across these companies the group has more than 13,500 employees nationwide.

About Brewers Community Foundation (BCF)
BCF harnesses the pride, passion and commitment of Brewers fans, players and other supporters to positively impact the lives of children and their families in the Greater Milwaukee area and throughout Wisconsin. Over the past decade, BCF has provided more than 2,000 grants totaling in excess of $19 million to nonprofit organizations across Wisconsin that support programs focused on its four areas of concentration: health, education, recreation and basic needs. Approximately 200 nonprofit organizations receive funding annually through the Foundation’s initiatives. In addition to the fans’ support of the Foundation, all uniformed players, their families, team executives and front office staff contribute their time and/or financial resources to BCF. Visit brewers.com/BCF to learn about ways you can join the team that goes to bat for those in need.