Collage of CFI clients with text inspiring generations of hope since 1938

Fostering Hope. Integrating Services.

For 85 years, the Centers for Independence has strengthened communities by fostering hope and helping people advance their total health. CFI’s unmatched breadth of disability support services and resources through its affiliates – the Milwaukee Center for Independence, Home Care, First Person Care Consultants and iLIFE -- allows others to find value in themselves and see a path forward.

Children’s Behavioral Health

Employment & Food Service

Childrens Medical Services

Mental Health Treatment

Adult Day Care & Services

Crisis Resource Centers

Jean Allen - Customer Service Manager

Serving Hope: Milwaukee’s Center for Independence fights food insecurity and builds futures

MILWAUKEE — Every morning, before the city awakens, a team of dedicated workers at the Center for Independence (CFI) begins its day.

By 4 a.m., staff are busy preparing meals for thousands, striving to combat food insecurity in Milwaukee County. On a recent day, they prepared and delivered an impressive 30,100 meals, each crafted to bring nutritious, accessible food to the community.

“We know now that our kids in our community are getting a healthy meal,” said CFI staff member Jean Allen. “The kids eat what they know, so we try to make what they know healthy.”

CFI’s Urban Farm Helps Workers Grow

More than 70 people within the program participate in horticulture therapy at the CFI Hoop Houses. They are tasked with planting, nurturing, harvesting and selling more than 1,000 pounds of fresh produce throughout the summer.

In the process, they also build their resumes while gaining confidence and new skills, making friends and finding purpose in providing accessible, healthy foods to their communities.

Read the Urban Milwaukee story about the project below.

De’Anna Reed and Terri Burch work with Erin Dentice at a Hoop House garden bed.

Satisfaction with Services

CFI clients give us high marks! The results of our second persons served 2022 satisfaction survey are in. Overall, ALL scores for ALL questions scored a positive response of 90% or greater. Three programs scored a 100% positive response for one or more survey questions! Our goal is 85%, so this is an outstanding result.

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Said They Felt Respected By Staff

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Said They Had A Say In Their Own Care

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Said They Would Refer A Friend

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Said CFI's Care Improved Their Life

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Said They Felt Respected By Staff

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ABOUT US

The Centers for Independence opened its doors in 1938, helping WWII immigrants find jobs — and refuge. Today, our impact is just as compelling. We help people in need, from newborns to the elderly, gain greater independence.

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The MCFI Foundation provides a variety of services to people with disabilities, including behavioral health services, employment services, and adult day programs. It is committed to partnering with people of all abilities to advance their total health.
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GET INVOLVED

CFI offers a variety of programs and services to help people of all ages and abilities achieve greater life independence. We have a culture that embraces diverse thought, backgrounds, experiences, and cultures.