Our Mission

Our mission is to provide safety to the young people of Milwaukee through free and confidential counseling and case management, temporary shelter for youth, and housing for young adults. We provide youth in crisis with an inclusive and stable space where they are empowered to create a safe and healthy life.

Our vision

We envision a Milwaukee free from youth and young adult homelessness and trafficking. We dream of a thriving community that has been designed for and created by our youth. Our role in that vision is to end the stigma around mental health needs and prioritize our youth through access to relevant services and resources regardless of their ability to pay. Our role is to help our young people thrive.

History

Outcome Reports

At Time of Discharge

“I’ve learned how to live independently, and am confident I have the ability to get back on my feet.”

Resident Teens

“The Center is a great program … and I am really grateful that it was here when I had nowhere to go.”

Parent Participants

“I look at things differently, understand more, listen better.”

Meet the Leaders

Executive Director

Kali Daugherty, MPA - Certified Youth Advocate, Director of Administration

Executive Director of Walker’s Point Youth & Family Center, bringing more than a decade of experience in Milwaukee’s social services sector. With a bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and Religious Studies and a Master of Public Administration, Kali has built her career around advancing equity, strengthening systems of care, and advocating for vulnerable youth and families.

Throughout her career, she has led teams, managed programs, overseen contracts and grants, shaped organizational policies, and supported mobile health initiatives. As a longtime community advocate and parent advisory board member, Kali is deeply committed to creating safe, affirming, and empowering environments for young people.

In her role as Executive Director, she leads with compassion, accountability, and a vision for expanding supportive services so every young person has the opportunity to thrive.

Shelter Leadership

Kyra Conners, MSW, APSW - Youth & Family Therapist

Kyra (they/them) received both their Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. With a deep passion for supporting young individuals facing adversity, Kyra is committed to ensuring that each youth receives the care, guidance, and resources they deserve. Kyra believes in the power of empathy, understanding, and building trust to create a safe space where youth can heal, grow, and overcome the challenges they face. Through their work, Kyra strives to empower young people, helping them navigate their struggles and build brighter futures. In their free time, Kyra enjoys going to concerts, hanging out with friends, and spending time with their cat, Miss Kitty.

KJ Johnson - MAIS - Transitional Case Manager

KJ is trained in high-risk community outreach, and specializes in harm reduction and conflict mediation. KJ brings an interdisciplinary approach to their care work and has experience providing sexual and reproductive health education, supporting young adults with first-episode psychosis, and conducting community and street outreach. KJ received their BA in Communication and Philosophy from Alverno College and their MA in Peace and Reconciliation from the University of Maine.

Transitional Case Management and Community-Based Crisis Management:

Residents of Walker’s Point Youth and Family Center are offered the opportunity to meet with our Case Manager throughout the duration of their stay to receive support with their transition out of shelter care. Services include discharge planning, community wellness planning, referrals for community resources, and more.

For residents who are 17-years-old and have been discharged from our shelter, they can request to receive up to 12-months of community-based support from our Case Manager. The goal of community-based services is for youth to gain trusted relationships as it assists them with navigating immediate needs, housing instability, and a youth’s transition into adulthood.

Celeste Schulz - Volunteer & Intern Coordinator

Celeste has dedicated her career to serving the Milwaukee community, working for over two decades in roles focused on housing, advocacy, and connecting individuals and families with essential services. Much of her work has been centered around helping people navigate complex systems and gain access to programs that support long-term stability and well-being.

Her experience includes working with Community Advocates, the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, and the Salvation Army. She has supported individuals experiencing homelessness, people living with HIV/AIDS, families and community members needing housing, financial advocacy and ongoing case management. Over the years, she has coordinated services, created and led programs, supervised staff, and supported countless projects and initiatives.

Celeste's work is deeply rooted in relationships and community connection. Her approach is grounded in compassion, dignity, and the belief that community grows stronger when everyone has access to the tools they need.

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INSIGHTS Housing Program Leadership

Niema Perkins B.S., CSW, MA - YHDP Program Manager

Passionate about empowering and supporting youth, Niema has been a part of our agency for over sixteen years, providing housing assistance, case management services, and supportive connections to youth experiencing housing barriers. With a strong desire to support others, her social work experience began in 1999 as a Case Support Worker with the BMCW. She has held various positions within numerous social service organizations and has provided an array of supportive services to a variety of vulnerable populations.

Niema has a BS in Human Services (Upper Iowa University), an MA in English - Professional & Creative Writing (Mary College), and a Social Worker Certification. Niema enjoys writing, traveling, spending time with her daughter and nieces, church fellowship/outreach/volunteer work, and living a fun, fulfilled, and balanced life.

- With a thankful heart posture -

“Gratitude is the Attitude”…

Melinda Castro, MS - Insights Program Manager

Melinda (she/her) was born and raised in MKE and has a strong passion and dedication to giving back to my community. She's very proud of her Latino heritage and can provide Spanish language support. She's worked with families and the homeless population for 14 plus years. Most of her experience has been in Insights program as a Housing Case Manager, a title that includes many hats at one time, connecting and supporting program participants towards self-sufficiency, authenticity, and self-love. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology with an emphasis in sociology and Spanish received from University of Wisconsin La Crosse. Master’s degree in science of management received from Cardinal Stritch University. Avid nature and animal lover. Always ready for the next adventure.