March 31, 2011 - 81,880 Served

81,880 individuals received services from the SDC in 2010.  81,880 lives were positively impacted by SDC staff.  81,880 individuals needed services in order to improve their well-being. 

From a glass half-empty perspective, the SDC saw a 15% increase in the number of clients it saw in 2010 when compared to 2009.  From a glass half-empty perspective, the SDC saw more people in need than ever before.

From a glass half-full perspective, the SDC was able to address the needs of a growing population of individuals in poverty.  From a glass half-full perspective, the SDC’s vast array of programming options were appropriate to help Milwaukee County citizens cope with hardship situations.

Good news or bad news?  227 individuals completed their GED/HSED through SDC preparation and testing services.  Good news or bad news?  227 individuals needed to complete their GED/HSED to get a family supporting job.   

Helpful or helpless?  47,856 households obtained non-emergency energy assistance in the last program year.  Helpful or helpless?  47,856 households needed non-emergency energy assistance in order to heat their homes and keep their electricity on. 

In 2010, the SDC accomplished many great things.  Unfortunately, many great things were needed in order to assist Milwaukee County’s population of low-income individuals overcome the debilitating effects of poverty.  The SDC is proud of its staff, programming options, and dedication to those in need.  In a time of diminishing resources for service providers and clients alike, the SDC has stood strong and continues to weather the storm. 

To read more about what the SDC accomplished in 2010 and how it accomplished it, please see the SDC’s recently released report on program highlights and program descriptions.  This report provides further evidence that the SDC has helped, can help, and will continue to help a population of individuals and families who desperately need it. 

So, even if you see a half-empty glass or think all the news is bad, rest assured that the SDC is committed to serving tens of thousands of individuals.  Ironically, the SDC won’t start seeing a glass-half full until the glass of 81,880 individuals receiving services becomes 81,879 and then 81,878, and then 81,877, and then…    

Steve Schultz

Policy Analyst