Safety, Security Focus of Oak Creek Cares Foundation

For as much negative attention as the August 2012 shooting at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin brought to Oak Creek, the event also spotlighted residents and community groups coming together to help their neighbors in need. 

A new foundation called Oak Creek Cares seeks to build upon that positive energy and raise money to enhance safety and security in Oak Creek and surrounding communities. 

And it's starting with an ambitious goal. Oak Creek Cares wants to raise $100,000 in its first year, Mayor Steve Scaffidi said.

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation approached Oak Creek with the idea of a foundation after what it viewed as a proper community response to the shooting, Scaffidi said, noting the city's efforts to organize community forums and bring faith groups together.

Some examples of programs Oak Creek Cares could benefit are the police auxiliary program at the Oak Creek Police Department and neighborhood watch initiatives.

The foundation could also fund improvements in lighting and security of public areas.

"Budgets are tight, and if we want to talk about how safe a community we are and what we view as a proper response to the events that happened last summer, we need to do things like this," Scaffidi said. 

A formal kick-off event is set for New Year's Eve and will include food, giveaways and live music, as well as rides home for attendees.

A nine-member advisory board for Oak Creek Cares will include three Oak Creek residents, three business owners, two-at large members and an elected official. 

Related: Visit the Oak Creek Cares Facebook page