It's a milestone year at LISC Milwaukee as it prepares to host its 15th annual MANDI awards.
The Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation honor non-profit organizations and individuals making an impact on the community.
More than 40 organizations entered applications for the awards late last year. Now, MANDI's selection committee has pared the list down to 16 finalists, in 5 categories.
The Oscar-style award show happens April 9 at the Phister Hotel.
Click the podcast player above to hear our interview with Dawn Hutchison-Weiss, Communications Director with LISC Milwaukee. Then, click the next button (directly to the right of the play button) to hear from Nicholas Robinson, a member of the MANDI selection committee.
Here's the list of 2014 finalists:
Brewers Community Foundation Public Space Award (Recognizes a public space that helped to build the community):
Three Bridges Park
Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum
Journey House Parkers Football Stadium
BMO Harris Bank Cornerstone Award (Recognizes an organization for their commitment and effectiveness over time):
Haven woods Economic Development Corporation
Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation
Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity
United Methodist Children's Services of Wisconsin
Northern Trust Navigator Award (Recognizes an individual for leadership and collaboration):
Charles Brown, Journey House
Jan Christenson, YMCA of Metro Milwaukee
Howard Snyder, Northwest Side Community Development Corporation
PNC Trail Blazer Award (Recognizes an innovative approach to a community problem):
16th Street Community Health Center's Kinnickinnic River Corridor Initiative
Independence First Mobility Store
Just One More Ministry
State Farm Building Blocks Award (Recognizes a real estate project that advances the community):
King Drive Commons IV - Martin Luther Kind Economic Development Corporation & Impact Seven
Rent-To-Own-Homes - Layton Boulevard West Neighbors & Impact Seven
Westlawn Gardens - Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee
Vision Award Honoree:
Northwestern Mutual