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April 2021
Greetings!
Traditionally in April we are thinking about spring and new beginnings. This year, we are also looking forward to seeing all of you in person.

April is child abuse prevention month, volunteer recognition month and more. Today is Denim Day bringing awareness and support to sexual assault survivors.

Please take a moment to stand with survivors and invest in prevention.

We are providing a few opportunities here and will have more opportunities as we head into May. Many thanks to all of you who supported our shoe campaign -- you helped us exceed our goal in just one week.

Sue
Susan Conwell, JD
Executive Director
Happy National Volunteer Month!
During the past pandemic year, KIDS MATTER saw a 55% increase in requests for our services. Thanks to the dedication of our amazing volunteers we were able to meet this growing need.

Our volunteers inspire and motivate us daily, giving of themselves and asking for nothing in return. We would like to take this opportunity to publicly say "thank you!" Your gift of time is priceless and helps us in so many ways to fill the gaps and expand our impact. The warm smiles and compassion you share with us, our kids and our families is priceless.
Welcome To The Newest Class of CASA Volunteers
Volunteer Appreciation Month is the perfect time to welcome our newest cohort of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers. Welcome aboard! We look forward to all the contributions you will make to youth in foster care.
New Book From
Former Foster Youth
Former foster youth and president of the Wisconsin Youth Advisory Council Ashley S. Stokes is publishing a book about her experience in foster care. Lost in Child Welfare will be available on May 1, 201. Join her at the book release and signing party on Sunday, May 2nd at noon! We can't wait to read her story! Click here to find out more and pre-order her book.

Location: Freight 38, 838 S 1st St, Milwaukee, WI, 53204
Date: Sunday, May 2nd from 12:00pm-3:00pm
2nd Annual Denim Day Panel:
Justice for Missing & Murdered Indigenous People
In honor of Denim Day and Sexual Assault Awareness Month HIR WELLNESS will host their 2nd annual panel discussion on Missing & Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) this Wednesday from 1:00pm – 3:00pm. The panel will consist of HIR Wellness staff and Indigenous community members.
 
For more information (click here):
A New Community Connection:
Mount Mary University Social Work Program
We’d like to thank the social work majors from Mount Mary University for adopting KIDS MATTER. Through our Fostering Hope program they are collecting items that kids need when transitioning to a new home with a foster family or relative caregiver. This new partnership also provides the opportunity for the social work students to access one of our staff experts, Lance Jones, JD , CASA Program Manager at KIDS MATTER. Lance will join them tomorrow to talk more about the agency and the child welfare system as this month’s guest presenter.
 
If you would like to build awareness by scheduling a guest speaker from KIDS MATTER, please fill out the interest form found on our website.
Thank You To Old National Bank!
We are so grateful to Old National Bank for raising awareness during Child Abuse Prevention Month! Together, we can keep children safe and strengthen families. Check out the display of blue pinwheels at your local branch!