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

WE'RE RECRUITING!

BE OUR NEXT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.

For more information or to apply, click here.

Administrative Team

Tonya Lyons, MSCJ - Certified Youth Advocate, Director of Administration

Tonya Lyons is the Director of Administration at Walker’s Point Youth and Family Center who oversees grant compliance, management, data, as well as finances for the agency.

Tonya joined our organization in 2017 as a community volunteer, continued her involvement as a graduate intern, and served as the Director of AmeriCorps and Volunteer Programs at our teen shelter and later as our Director of Housing & Crisis Services. Tonya has served as a member of the board of directors for the Wisconsin Association for Homeless and Runaway Services since 2001. Tonya holds a master’s degree in criminal justice and a Graduate Certificate in Child Advocacy Studies from the University of Wisconsin Platteville. In her spare time, she enjoys Esports and knitting.

Open Position - Director of Fund Development

Shelter Leadership

Kyle Gerych - Director of Crisis Services

Kyle Gerych is the Director of Crisis Services at Walker’s Point Youth and Family Center who oversees direct service operations for our Teen Crisis and Runaway Program. Kyle joined our organization in 2023 as a Youth & Family Specialist after serving as a high school student success coach within the Milwaukee Public Schools system. He graduated in 2022 with his Bachelor's degree in Anthropology and Sociology from Northern Michigan University, where he gained a nuanced understanding of cross-cultural values, and how social theories can be applied to drive community development and social change. In his role as Director of Crisis Services, Kyle is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment where youth in Milwaukee can access the resources and support they need to navigate difficult circumstances. Outside of his professional responsibilities, he enjoys competing on a trivia team with his closest friends, traveling, journaling, reading, playing video games, and taking walks around the city.

Carin Neloms, MSW, APSW - Youth & Family Therapist

Carin is very passionate about working with youth and being a positive and influential person in their lives. Carin received her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Mount Mary University and her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She currently holds an Advanced Practice Social Worker License through the state of Wisconsin.

Carin worked as an In-School Therapist for four MPS schools through Lutheran Social Services and has previously held a position as a Human Service worker for the Youth Juvenile Justice Center in Milwaukee.

One of the treatment modalities that Carin employs when working with youth is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, also known as CBT. The library is one of Carin’s favorite places because she loves to read and write books. She also enjoys traveling and exercising.

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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.

Lindsey Retzer, MSW, APSW - Community Therapist

Lindsey (she/her) works as a Community Therapist. She began working as an Americorps Youth and Family Specialist with us after graduating from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee with a Bachelor's in Psychology with a Childhood and Adolesence Studies Certificate. She then moved away to get her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Social Work along with a graduate minor in Integrative Therapies and Healing Practices. After graduating, she moved back to Milwaukee and reconnected with Walker's Point Youth and Family Center. She is excited to be a part of the team again in her new role working within the community.

Lindsey enjoys camping, traveling, rock climbing, and early 2000s movies in her free time. She comes from a big and blended family. She is passionate about social justice, mental health care accessibility, and holistic views on wellness. Her biggest beliefs that show up in her work are: to meet people where they are at and that relationships are the key to change and healing.

INSIGHTS Housing Program Leadership

Niema Perkins B.S., CSW, MA - Insights Housing Case Manager

(She/her) Passionate about empowering and supporting youth, Niema strives to bring stability to the homeless young adults entering our doors. She enjoys going into the community to meet the clients where they’re at, providing direct services, and providing tangible resources that meet clients’ immediate needs. Furthermore, she appreciates the opportunity to build strong connections with the youth we serve and to personally empower and motivate them. With over twenty years of experience working in the social services field, she has held various case management positions at many social service organizations throughout Milwaukee such as The Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare, Professional Services Group, New Concept Self Development Center, The Parenting Network, Servant Manor, and the Guest House of Milwaukee. She started employment with Walker’s Point Youth & Family Center in October 2009, and is one of three dedicated Housing Case Managers working in the Insights Supportive Housing Program to end homelessness.

Niema has attained an Associate’s Degree in Human Services from
Milwaukee Area Technical College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services from Upper Iowa University, a Social Work Certification-Wisconsin, and a Master of the Arts Degree in Professional and Creative Writing from Mount Mary University. The other passion dear and near to Niema’s heart is her love for writing which includes (unpublished works) three screenplays, a novel, and a book of poetry. She wrote and produced a short film in 2018 titled, Twenty-One Flowers, and is currently working on an inspirational journal that she plans to self-publish within the next year.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Niema enjoys getting away, traveling to different states and countries, but also enjoys frequenting different restaurants, social events, and entertainment venues throughout the city. In addition to helping the youth and working on her writing, she enjoys spends quality time with her daughter and hanging with family. Striving to fulfill her life’s purposes, she’ll continue on a journey of helping to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Melinda Castro, MS - Insights Housing Case 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.

Shanesha Weddle - Insights Housing Case Manager

Shanesha Weddle (she/her) is dedicated to helping people better their living skills. Giving insight on resources in the community to establish a smoother journey is a passion of hers. Being transparent people and helping navigate through barriers allows them to know there is a brighter light at the end of the tunnel. With hard work and dedication dreams do come true. Everyone needs support along the way and the future you want is in your hands.

While working at Northcott Neighborhood House as the Employment Specialist for 10 years she has hands on experience of working with the community at all ages
and on all levels. While working at Job Corps for 1 year as the Admissions Counselor she learned how helping one person may not change the world, but it could change the world for one person.

Shanesha has worked diligently in earning her Bachelor’s in Sociology and a Master’s Degree in Business Management. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, thrifting, and traveling a few times a year. Staying humble and giving back is the key to living your best life. Being born in Milwaukee, WI has made her the woman she is today.