La Luz del Mundo opens violence prevention center on South Side

La Luz del Mundo Family Services has opened a violence prevention and intervention center on the South Side of Milwaukee, aiming to address domestic and street violence within families and communities. The center, located at 1570 W. Greenfield Ave., offers support groups and classes designed to promote peaceful households and neighborhoods.

Mayor Tom Barrett praised the center’s creation as “a gigantic step for the community,” highlighting its role in empowering individuals to improve their lives. The initiative began two years ago when Patricia Ruiz-Cantu, the center’s executive director, approached La Luz del Mundo Church to address the lack of domestic violence services on the South Side. “There are a lot of services available in other parts of the city, but nothing on the south side,” Ruiz-Cantu said.

The center receives support from the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative and referrals from local agencies, including the Department of Correction. It hosts support groups in Spanish and English for perpetrators, focusing on anger management, parenting pressures, and past experiences with violence. Additionally, the center provides parenting skills workshops for fathers and mothers to foster healthier relationships.

The 1,500-square-foot facility, built through hundreds of volunteer hours, also serves children who have witnessed violence, offers a college-preparation center, and includes community rooms. Ruiz-Cantu emphasized the importance of addressing family dynamics as a whole. “A key in this community and society is dealing with the family as a whole,” she said. “It’s teaching some of the skills and learning how to be a parent.”

Jose Lopez, a 52-year-old volunteer, expressed hope that the center’s opening would send a message to those involved in neighborhood violence. “If they come through (our) doors, they are more than welcome, no questions asked,” he said. The center’s efforts reflect a commitment to community well-being and healing.

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