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May 2021
Greetings!
Nothing makes me happier than than the success of young leaders. I so enjoyed Ashley Stokes' book signing and catching up with Youth Advisory Council members and supporters. Ashley found her voice advocating for foster youth on the Youth Advisory Council. So many leaders! We will be sharing words of wisdom from foster youth leaders in our next newsletter. Today let's share Ashley's reminder that we should all be seeking out leadership opportunities for our youth. There is no better way to celebrate Foster Care Month.

Sue
Susan Conwell, JD
Executive Director
Take Action For National Foster Care Month
Have you ever thought about becoming a CASA volunteer? National Foster Care Month is the perfect time to think about the difference you can make in a young person's life by considering this important role.

Diana and Tishana’s story demonstrates the impact of a relationship between a foster youth and her court-appointed special advocate (CASA) volunteer. Their bond was initially forged over lunch, when the CASA volunteer’s advocacy for concrete supports to meet the youth’s needs helped grow their trust. With Diana’s support, Tishana is on the path to a brighter future.

Kids like Tishana need caring adult advocates like you!

Our next training class starts in July so now is the perfect time to act: Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate - Kids Matter Inc.
CASA/GAL Volunteer’s Day Virtual Celebration - May 18th
To acknowledge the commitment, time, and compassion of CASA/GAL volunteers, the National CASA/GAL Association for Children is partnering with FosterStrong to host the first-ever, CASA/GAL Volunteer’s Day on Tuesday, May 18 - and you're invited!

FosterStrong is a nonprofit organization comprised solely of alumni of the foster care system, who are dedicated to changing the negative narrative surrounding foster care through authentically sharing their own stories of moving from trauma to triumph and helping young people to embrace their inner strength and resilience.

National CASA/GAL and FosterStrong are working with members of Congress to recognize CASA/GAL Volunteer’s Day the morning of Tuesday, May 18, followed by a culminating virtual celebration for all CASA/GAL volunteers at 6:00pm.

Just click this link to register for this inaugural event, perfectly timed during Foster Care Month.
A Powerful Way to Honor Your Grad
A donation to KIDS MATTER is a unique and impactful way to honor the accomplishments of your Class of 2021 graduate. You will provide your young person with a thoughtful and meaningful gift while also supporting area kids in crisis. A special card of appreciation will be sent to your graduate letting them know that their achievement has inspired a generous gift that positions other young people for brighter futures.
The Milwaukee Film Festival Is Back
The Milwaukee Film Festival is back and has adapted the festival so you can watch films on demand at home through May 20th. As in years prior, we are sharing Continuing Education opportunities and free tickets with our CASA volunteers. Volunteers -- please check out these options and reach out to volunteer@kidsmatterinc.org with the subject line "Film Festival" for your tickets.

As always, there is something for every movie lover! We thought we'd help you out by sharing a few recommendations that address issues important to our kids and families: Beans, Cowboys, Jacinta, Three Ways of Looking at Milwaukee, True Mothers. Or check out Kids Shorts: Size Medium with a child dear to you for fun!

For a full schedule and ticket information visit the official website of The Milwaukee Film Festival: Tickets // Milwaukee Film (mkefilm.org)
Why We Advocate
A recent segment on the NPR Podcast, All Things Considered, uncovered the all-too-common practice of foster care agencies collecting foster youth survivor benefits often without notifying the children, their loved ones or lawyers.
 
KIDS MATTER is working with foster youth locally to ensure they are receiving the benefits they are entitled to. We'd like to thank all of our donors and supporters for making this possible.
 
Click here to listen to the segment and learn more.
We Need Your Help to Launch Our New Website
We are excited to launch a new website and seek your help as we finalize the project. Our goal is to create an experience that engages, informs and excites our website visitors. Ease of navigation is key!

If you are interested in reviewing our new website and providing your feedback, please send an email to adam@kidsmatterinc.org with the subject line: "website feedback" to receive a link to our new website and a brief survey.

Your response by Friday, May 21st is appreciated.
Fostering Hope Donations Are Pouring In!
A special thank you to all of the community friends who organized collection drives this spring. Just as April showers bring May flowers, inventory in our resource hub has bloomed and grown to meet emergent needs. From diapers to socks to toys and art supplies, we are grateful to have these resources available to our kids and families as they head into the busy days of summer.

Click on the link to learn more about the Fostering Hope Program and read the creative ways our friends have taken action to shower kids with love.
Thank you Brooke
Thank you Greenfield Pediatrics-Children’s Wisconsin
Thank you Kathi and Hannah