Running Rebels (& Friends) Accomplishments

• In 2009, RRCO had continued success with the Violence-Free Zone Program (VFZ). VFZ is a collaboration with the Centers for Neighborhood Enterprise (CNE), The Latino Community Center and Milwaukee Public Schools. The goals of VFZ is to reduce violent incidents, reduce suspensions, reduce truancies, increase attendance (school and class), increase grade point averages, empower youth to increase self-esteem, gain life skills, and engage them in positive social activities.
• Baylor University compiled a study of the Milwaukee VFZ, which contained yearly comparisions of the 2008-2009 school year to previous year 2006-2007. The data showed significant reductions in violent incidents, non-violent incidents, and suspension rates.
• New youth programs have been added in the past year, including: Pee-Wee Football, Helen Bader Foundation Summer Enrichment Basketball Program, Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board Learn & Earn Summer Enrichment Program, and State of Wisconsin Milwaukee Safe Street Initiative Job Training Program.
• Tasha Allen, a 2009 graduate of Milwaukee North High and VFZ participant, overcame an unstable family situation and special needs to win five WIAA individual state championships, (three in 2009). She holds four state records and has run the best time in state prep history in the 100m, 200m, and 400m sprints ( "Righting Her Will," Art Kabelowsky, Milwaukee Journal Sentinal, June 28, 2009). RRCO organized a fundraising breakfast in her honor, to generate funds for Tasha to attend the U.S. Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, OR. Though she did not win any events, Tasha's fourth place finish in the 100 meters qualified for the U.S. Young Women's 400 meter relay team for the Pan-American Junior Championships, July 31- August 2, in Trinidad and Tobago. At the Pan-American Junior Champiosbhips, Tasha finished second in the 200m dash and was part of the 4x100m relay championship team. She is attending Butler Community College in Kansas and will run track.
• Milwaukee Area Work Investment Board honored RRCO for their work in the Earn and Learn Summer Program.
• Victor Barnett received the inaugural Super Supporter award from the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative.
• The 16 and Under Boys Basketball Team finished in second place in the Wallace Prather Classic.
• The 13 and Under Boys Basketball Team finished in 10th place in the AAU National Basketball Tournament in Memphis, TN.
• The 13 and Under Boys Basketball Team finished second place in the Wisconsin State AAU tournament.
• RRCO Sixth Grade Boys Basketball Team finished in second place in the Wisconsin Regional Series of Basketball.