News & Awards
We warmly invite you to explore the inspiring stories, milestones, and recognitions that reflect our ongoing commitment to healing and community care.
​
Here, you’ll find highlights of our recent achievements, features in the media, and moments of celebration that honor the dedication of our team, partners, and community members. Each story is a testament to the collective effort toward greater access to mental health care and holistic wellness.
​
We look forward to continuing this journey together — sharing our progress, uplifting our community, and creating meaningful change side by side.
Awards
We’re honored to share the recognition our team and community have received for our dedication to healing, advocacy, and expanding access to mental health care. Listed below are some of the awards and acknowledgments that celebrate our ongoing work, the strength of our partnerships, and the impact we’re creating together.
2025 President’s Community Engagement Awards
Medical College of Wisconsin
The President's Community Engagement Award recognizes exemplary community-academic partnerships, community-engaged research, and community outreach activities and programs of MCW faculty, staff, students, and community partners. Lea S. Denny was given this award for her contributions to community mental health in Wisconsin.
2025 Healing & Wellness Program/Person Award
City of Milwaukee, Office of Community Wellness and Safety
At the Survivors of Violence Gala, the City of Milwaukee celebrated the strength and resilience of survivors of violence, recognizing community members and organizations who provide support and create lasting change in Milwaukee. At this event, Lea S. Denny was awarded for her various healing and wellness programs she's developed and implemented at HIR Wellness Institute.
2024 Honoree
Center for Leadership of Afrikan Women's Wellness
Wine Women & Wings is a Red Carpet Affair hosted by the Center of Leadership of Afrikan Women's Wellness. This event honors unstoppable women who are leading, healing, and transforming our Milwaukee community. At this event, Lea S. Denny was honored as one of the 2024 Women honored for her work in mental health and wellness for Indigenous and underserved communities.
2024 Public Service Award
National Association of Social Workers, Wisconsin Chapter
Every year, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Wisconsin Chapter hosts an annual conference, where they honor 3 individuals who have shown exemplary social work service in Wisconsin. Lea S. Denny received the Public Service Award for her work in providing free and accessible mental health and wellness services in Wisconsin.
2024 Service Award
Milwaukee Turners
This is a wonderful opportunity to explore possibilities for collaboration and partnership, as we work together to create meaningful, lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.  Let us share our story, our spaces, and the important work we’re doing to advance a shared mission of healing, equity, and community well-being.
