Recently, Vincent Family Resource Center of Milwaukee joined a program, “It Takes a Community to Help a Smoker,” proposed by the Salvation Army to help individuals with low socioeconomic status to quit smoking. UW-CTRI is helping to coordinate the project. The 53212 Zip code was suggested as a great location for the program due to the impoverishment of its residents, as well as the location of the family resource center. Jeannie Berry-Matos, executive director of Milwaukee’s St. Vincent Family Resources, never expected the program to leave the drawing board. However, since the program launched, it is off to a great start.

Berry-Matos saw this program as an opportunity to provide life, equality and justice in the area. She said the community is in need of change—and this presents a great opportunity to make a difference. The 53212 Zip code, located on the northeast side of Milwaukee, is impoverished in nearly all aspects. As compared to the state of Wisconsin, there are significantly higher levels of poverty and health disparities, fewer people who graduate from high school and more who are exposed to tobacco. In addition, individuals have less access to information about the need to beat the addiction and ways to succeed.

Children raised in the area are more likely to smoke as an adult and develop health disparities during childhood. For them, as well as others in this community, smoking is seen as the norm.

“I’m an advocate for healthy families,” said Berry-Matos. “I’m a former smoker; I used to smoke two packs a day. I’m an asthmatic and so is my daughter. Quitting made a huge difference in my health; I want to provide that opportunity for others.”

Given the opportunity, Berry-Matos said she would absolutely continue her work on treating tobacco use and dependence. “The response from the people of the community has been overwhelming. They have been speaking up for what they believe in and are passionate about changing the direction of their community. They want to make a difference.”

A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Berry-Matos is a graduate of Alverno College with a bachelor’s degree in Community Leadership.

“Jeannie has a great deal of passion for the residents of her community,” said Bruce Christiansen, project coordinator. “She wants to help residents improve their health and build community assets."