In the first initiative of its kind, the Wisconsin Department of Justice and Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation have partnered to provide Badges for Baseball to seven community based organizations in the seven police districts of Milwaukee.  The citywide program will partner youth from neighborhoods across Milwaukee with law enforcement mentors, youth development professionals, and volunteers from their specific zip codes, with the common mission of helping youth see their potential, set goals for their future, and spend time with caring mentors. 

The Wisconsin Department of Justice, led by Attorney General Van Hollen, has provided $100,000 for the initiative and the Foundation will match with $100,000 of support to give at least 700 young people in Milwaukee access to positive mentoring programs throughout the spring and summer. 

Attorney General Van Hollen recognized the tremendous need for youth programs and services in Milwaukee – a city like so many others struggling with unemployment rates two times higher this year than last which in turn has led to increased violence, gangs and drug use.   

The Badges for Baseball program gives young people opportunities to learn and play throughout the summer and provides the opportunity for deserving kids to travel to Aberdeen, Maryland, at the end of the summer for an overnight camp.