The Dominican Center was founded by Sister Ann Halloran, OP and Sister Anne-Marie Doyle, OP in 1995. They began this urban ministry program in Milwaukee’s Amani neighborhood. By addressing the needs of women, they hoped to make positive change in the distressed area. Through the years, the Dominican Center has been responsive to the changing needs of the community. It now serves both men and women
of all ages. Programs have expanded to include GED preparation, financial literacy, job skills, home ownership, health and safety. In August 2012, DCW was named the lead community based organization for the Building Neighborhood Capacity Program (BNCP). Departments of Justice, Education, Housing and Urban Development, and Treasury support this program, with technical assistance provided by the Center for the Study of Social Policy. The Amani neighborhood is one of eight neighborhoods selected nationwide. The BNCP Amani neighborhood objective is to cultivate a resident-led community revitalization plan to improve education, employment, housing, health and safety. Successful resident engagement and leadership programs are integral to neighborhood revitalization.
