News and Media

The Alma Center stands out for its unique approach to face violence with healing. By addressing the root cause of this inter-generational problem, we are transforming lives.

Our award-winning, innovative programs cut through to the cause. Instead of looking at abusive men as monsters, we see the authentic person behind the problem—the hurt man who is crying for help.  Through media stories, interviews and videos, the Alma Center strives to increase awareness of our healing approach and the transformative impact it has on the entire community. Follow links to news and media coverage below.

March 1, 2019: Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service

‘We believe that they can come home and be a positive force for change:’ How one program helps people transition out of incarceration

“Last week was a homecoming of sorts for Avery Stewart, who met his nephews for the first time. Stewart had just finished serving a three-year sentence at Kettle Moraine Correctional Institution a week earlier and was starting a new life back in Milwaukee, where he lives with his sister. Besides hanging out with his nephews, ages 2 and 5,  Stewart also attended a welcome home ceremony at the Alma Center, 2821 Vel R. Phillips Ave. as part of his participation in the Alma Brothers Smart Reentry program. The event felt like a graduation party: plates of fried chicken and roasted potatoes, djembe drums, thoughtful gifts, encouraging words, hugs, handshakes and well wishes. And in a sense, it was. Those gathered were honoring the beginning of a new chapter, and four men returning from prison to Milwaukee were the guests of honor.”  Read more…

Guests pushed tables together to form a circle at the Alma Center’s most recent welcome home ceremony. (Photo by Allison Dikanovic)

July 9, 2018: The ManKind Project

Alma Center Leaders Honored by ManKind Project Wisconsin

The ManKind Project chose Floyd Rowell (Urban Healer on back of Wild Horse) and James Mosley (Strong Bull) of the Alma Center as recipients of the Ron Hering Award. This award, named after one of the three founders of the Mankind Project, goes to men who are “living their mission of service” in the community. The award was presented by ManKind Project member and Alma Center Board Member Wade Anding.  Ten years ago, Floyd began his “work” at the Alma Center as a program participant, and has become the leader of the Wisdom Walk to Self-Mastery, an intensive program that transforms the debility of trauma to a strength that can help men assume their full responsibilities in their families and communities.  With 50 years of experience in human and community services, James has dedicated the past 10 years to his work as a facilitator and “Elder” for the Restorative Fatherhood and Men Ending Violence programs.

Floyd Rowell and James Mosley

Wade Anding, Floyd Rowell, Terri Strodthoff, James Mosley

July 2, 2018:  TODAY’S TMJ4 Morning Blend

An Inspiring Teacher Makes a Difference

Last year, TODAY’S TMJ4 held its first ever Positively Milwaukee Awards, honoring individuals making an impact in our community. The Inspiring Teacher award went to Kitonga Alexander for his work as a teacher, as well as the the coordinator of the Welcome Home Project from the Alma Center. In this follow-up story, he’s joined by his wife, Javon, who nominated him for the award, and his sister, Rukiya, the Director of Our Next Generation – the organization to which Kitonga donated his prize money. (See full video)

November 3, 2017:  TODAY’S TMJ4 Positively Milwaukee

Life after prison: The Alma Center offers hope

We know that hurt people hurt people, so we dedicate ourselves to helping break the cycle of violence in order to heal individuals, relationships and families. (See full video)

November 2, 2017:  TODAY’S TMJ4 Positively Milwaukee

Former inmate discusses the challenges of freedom after incarceration 

THANK YOU to TMJ4’s Carole Meekins for highlighting the value of our healing-focused care approach and to Bader Philanthropies for its financial support of our work. Most of all, we thank James Cross for his candor in sharing his journey and giving others hope for the future. “I came to the Alma Center and found a place where people wanted me,” he said. (See full video)

October 28, 2017:  Milwaukee Courier

The Alma Center Restores Wholeness to Men

With the support from Bader Philanthropies and other generous donors, we are able to help more men like Alma program graduate Jessie Watkins.  Executive Director Terri Strodthoff believes people are born whole, but experiences through life take away that wholeness. “We help these men become whole again by taking it back to their past and discovering what caused these men to become violent. The Alma Center doesn’t defend the wrongs the men have committed, but we understand trauma and healing — these men need help instead of being labeled as an outcast of the community.”  (Read full story)

October 20, 2017:  TODAY’S TMJ4 Positively Milwaukee

Bader Philanthropies Provides Alma Center $100,000 in program support to break the cycle of domestic violence in Mlwaukee 

“Traditionally, programs that work with men who have a history of violence or abuse take a very punitive approach, focused on consequences and punishment,” said Terri Strodthoff, PhD, founder and executive director of The Alma Center. “Research on the impact of childhood trauma has taught us that children who grow up in environments with such extreme toxic stress learn to adapt their behavior to survive the adversity.”

December 17, 2016: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Alma Center addresses root cause of domestic violence

The center’s 10-person staff addresses the trauma experienced by men who grow up in the midst of abuse and violence, incorporating “trauma-informed healing,” education, social services and peer relationships to help end the cycle of violence in their families. (Read full story)

January 19, 2016: Shepherd Express

Heroes of the Week: The Alma Center Volunteers and Staff Help Break the Cycle of Domestic Violence

The nonprofit Alma Center (2821 N. Fourth St.) was founded in 2004 by Terri Strodthoff and provides evidence-based, trauma- and healing-informed programming to adult males with violent histories to help them break the cycle of domestic violence. (Read full story)

Life’s Voices: Terri Strodthoff Helps Abusive Men Heal

Today we meet Terri Strodthoff. She’s founder and president of the Alma Center. It helps men who have committed acts of domestic violence to discover and heal from trauma early in their lives that may have led them to act violently. (Listen or read transcript)

November 25, 2015: WPR

Local Group Wins National Award For Work With Abusive Men

Women and children who are the victims of domestic violence often receive resources to help them heal. But what about the abusive men in this equation? That’s where the Alma Center comes in. They treat abusive men as trauma victims and try to end the cycle of domestic violence. (Listen)

November 6, 2015: NNS

Alma Center Recognized for Innovative Domestic Violence Program

Staff, graduates, local dignitaries and friends of the Alma Center gathered recently for a formal presentation of a national award created to highlight local programs that can serve as models for ending domestic violence. (Read full story)