Founded in 1994 by Belinda Pittman McGee, the nonprofit Nia Imani Family (1353 N. 25th St.) offers long-term transitional housing (up to two years) to young, first-time pregnant women and young mothers with one or two small children from the Greater Milwaukee area. The organization also provides onsite support services to help prepare mothers for daily challenges. Within the past year, Nia Imani Family has helped about 25 women and 20 children.
“I tell individuals, it’s not about how much you have, it’s about what you do with what you have. We help teach the young women how to be responsible,” says Executive Director Pittman McGee. “We accept mothers where they are and start from there. I always say to the mothers, don’t be afraid of moving slowly, but do be afraid of when you consistently stand still.”
With a small staff of five, the organization relies on volunteers to help with parenting courses, spirituality and Bible study groups, sorting donations, computer assistance, GED tutoring and more. “Volunteers are very, very, very important,” says Pittman McGee. “There is no way we could do what we do without the help of volunteers. Impossible.”
Nia Imani Family is seeking a volunteer to do art with small children as well as donations of gently used household items. To learn more about volunteering and donating, contact Pittman McGee at 414-933-1633 or visit niaimanifamily.org.
