Founded in 1969, Next Door plays a vital community role by serving more than 2,150 Milwaukee central city children, youth and parents each year.  Our early intervention efforts especially benefit children who may be at risk for later school failure.  Even the youngest children benefit from early education programs that promote confidence, an eagerness to learn, self-discipline, curiosity and communication skills.  Next Door also promotes positive outcomes for children 6-16 years of age by strengthening academics, emphasizing relationships to family, building peer support and encouraging service to the community.

Next Door gives Milwaukee central city children and families, the skills they need, not just to get by – but to achieve sustainable success.  Each day, our organization serves more than 650 neighborhood families who often participate in several different programs at the same time and continue their involvement from year to year. 

We believe that our programs for children and youth can only be successful when reinforced in the home environment. Therefore, our programs concentrate on not only a child’s education, but also the important role a parent (and even grandparent) plays in a young person’s development.  By working to enhance the child/parent relationship, our organization seeks to build mutual respect, promote open dialogue, and develop a strong family identity. 

A 24 member Board of Directors, 120 staff persons, and more than 700 volunteers work together every day to fulfill the organization’s mission.  Many volunteers are parents of children who take part in our programs or program participants themselves.  These neighborhood residents work side by side with community and corporate volunteers to provide direct service and/or participate on planning and policy committees.