WHO WE ARE
Nia Imani is in a new chapter.
For more than 30 years, Nia Imani has been part of Milwaukee’s support system for mothers and children.
Today, we are raising the standard for how we care, how we listen, how we steward resources, and how we stay accountable to the families and community connected to this work.
This new chapter is about trust rebuilt through action — consistent care, clearer systems, stronger partnerships, better data, and leadership that understands the responsibility of the work.
30 year Legacy
1994: Founded by Belinda Pittman, who recognized a need in Milwaukee for transitional housing for homeless and at-risk mothers. Located at 63rd and Silver Spring.
1996: Moved to 50th and North.
1998: Purchased current building at 25th and Vliet from the City of Milwaukee. The building had been in foreclosure and needed significant work. Received an Affordable Housing Program grant, forgivable loan from the City of Milwaukee, a bank loan, and generous donations.
2001: Rehabilitation complete. Basement community room, computer room, culinary/kitchen area, laundry room and children’s play space available to residents.
2005: Dress for Less Boutique opens at North 27th and State. A small clothing store operated by part-time staff and program participants who have completed the Life Skills curriculum, it served as a valuable training opportunity and stepping stone to jobs outside of Nia Imani Family. It became a popular asset to the community for its affordable new and slightly used clothing, all of which was generously donated.
2007: Muhindi Program started to encourage reading and positive parenting among mothers and their children.
2009: Dress for Less resale shop and training program relocated to retail space in Nia Imani Family building at 25th and Vliet. Nia Imani Family, Inc. celebrates 15 years of helping women and their children break the cycles of substance abuse, violence, and homelessness.
2013: 11 Residential apartments renovated including storm windows and screens by the Department of Neighborhood service.
2014: Changed focus because of the demand from young mothers with child/children and first-time mothers 18 to 25 years old with children not over 5 years old.
2016: Trained by St. A’s in Trauma Informed Care— realizing that we had been doing exactly this since our inception, there just was not a name for it then.
2017: Certified training in PIWI: Parents Interacting With Infants
2021: Nia Imani's Young Mother's Restorative Program branding and strategic planning