Fiserv forums marked as a “safe place”

Milwaukee — The City of Milwaukee has added Fiserv Forums as a “safe place” for the LGBTQ community and victims of domestic violence.

The Safe Places program will begin in Milwaukee in October 2022 through the Milwaukee Police Department and a handful of other community organizations. Since it started, 30 local businesses have signed up to mark it as a “safe place” for the community. The Fiserv Forum is currently participating in the program and will display signage at the service entrance on Highland Ave.

“One less victim in Milwaukee means one less victim in the world. With the Safe Places Initiative and MPS partnerships with businesses, organizations and the Bucks, we hope to do just that.” It means reducing human trafficking in our communities,” said Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman.

(Spectrum News 1/Megan Marshall)

For Milwaukee Bucks President Peter Fagin, joining the program is a natural next step in his commitment to an inclusive community and workforce.

“The Bucks take their role as good citizens of Milwaukee very seriously. We are committed to supporting our city and making it a better place. Every day, and For everyone,” said Fagin.

Employees say they are thrilled to learn that the company cares about victims of human trafficking and the LGBTQ community. This is evident from the ‘safe area’ stickers on the outside of the building.

(Spectrum News 1/Megan Marshall)

That said, this isn’t the first sign of inclusion from the company. The Bucks also have an organization called the Milwaukee Bucks Pride Alliance that employees can join to gain access to LGBTQ resources and inclusion efforts. The program he started three years ago.

Debrick Hitchcock has been with the Bucks for over a year and is the first company he has worked with at such a high level of inclusion.

“It was great because it was the first time I had voiced such a clear inclusion and diversity message,” Hitchcock said.

Hitchcock works in event sales and programming for the Deer District. He is also co-chair of the Bucks Pride Alliance.

“I am free to be myself. That goes for everyone else in the community I work here. I think having a Pride Night and putting up a Safe Space sticker just makes me feel more comfortable.” said Hitchcock.

Stickers let the community know that the Fiserv forums are a safe place for everyone. In particular, victims of human trafficking and members of the LGBTQ community need help.

“It just creates a level of comfort that has never been experienced until that moment. rice field.

Jamie Weinstein is Senior Vice President of Sales and Service. She is also a member of the Bucks’ Pride Alliance. She said she was proud of the initiative.

“Everyone has moments of danger, especially in the LGBTQIA+ community. It is therefore important that organizations discuss these issues internally and act externally,” said Weinstein.

(Spectrum News 1/Megan Marshall)

MPD said it is looking for more companies to become part of the Safe Places program and those interested can sign up here.