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June 2024

In this month's newsletter:

  • Celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride Month
  • Giving our CASA volunteers the spotlight
  • Community news
  • Saying thanks to our community partners
  • Are you our next AmeriCorps member?

Happy Pride Month!

Did you know that over 30% of youth in foster care identify as LGBTQ+?


Foster kids and teens who identify as LGBTQ+ are overrepresented in the child welfare system and face a unique set of challenges due to the discrimination, family rejection and a lack of understanding from caregivers and peers.  These children often do not receive affirming care and services that are necessary for their safety and well-being.


According to the Human Rights Campaign, LGBTQ+-identifying youth in care experience:

  • Higher rates of mistreatment while in care
  • More frequent placement disruptions
  • A higher risk of homelessness
  • Higher rates of mental health issues

KIDS MATTER INC. is proud to have completed certification as an inclusive, affirming, and welcoming organization as part of the "All Children, All Families" program of the national Human Rights Campaign. With this certification, our staff is trained to share affirming resources to best serve LGBTQ+ youth and caregivers.

Are You Raising a LGBTQ+ Youth? Check Out These Resources!

Do You Have Questions about Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth?


This guide from the Child Welfare Information Gateway is a great resource for foster parents to learn about LGBTQ+ youth in the child welfare system and the important role you can play in supporting your LGBTQ+ child's wellbeing at home and in the community.

Download the Guide

Are You the Caregiver of a Gender Non-Conforming Youth?


Making sure your home is a place where your child feels safe and supported is critical to their self-esteem and general wellbeing.


Check out this guide from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) to learn more about navigating common situations you might encounter as the parent or caregiver of a gender non-conforming child.

Get Started

Spotlighting Our CASA Volunteers

Meet Jeannie! Jeannie advocates for youth in our community to ensure that they receive the services they need to succeed and thrive.


Jeannie first heard about the CASA program when she drove past a billboard near the Wisconsin/Illinois border. At the time, her work schedule didn't allow enough time to become a CASA volunteer, but as soon as she retired, she signed up for a CASA training.


Fun fact: Jeannie worked on a liaison team for companies in Germany and Sweden and she experienced many different countries and cultures across the globe.


We are so lucky to have you, Jeannie. You make such an impact on our kids in foster and kinship care. Thank you for being an everyday hero for youth!

Happy Reunification Month!

June is Reunification Month - a time to recognize the resilience of families who overcome obstacles to provide a safe, loving home for their children.


CASA volunteers work with experts to identify and recommend services and support aimed at reunifying and strengthening families.


This month, KIDS MATTER celebrates families, service providers, and CASA volunteers who work hard to bring families together.

This Eagle Scout is Making a Difference!

Congratulations to Liam from Whitefish Bay Troop 398 for receiving his Eagle honors!


Liam chose to earn his Eagle rank by organizing a campaign for KIDS MATTER to create Fostering Hope duffel bags loaded with hygiene and comfort items for over 60 teens entering foster and kinship care.


We can't wait to see what this Eagle Scout does next as a freshman at Saint Louis University in the fall. Congrats, Liam!

Community News

Pet Walk


Our team and their furry friends had a blast at the Wisconsin Humane Society Pet Walk this month!


Special thanks to Amanda, Puggsie, Anna, Joey and Chandler for running the KIDS MATTER booth. We'll see you next year!

Juneteenth


The KIDS MATTER CASA team spread the word about the CASA program at the Juneteenth Street Festival!


Thanks to Orieal, Quin, and Lance for braving the heat on an 80+ degree day!

Thank You for Thinking of Our Kids!

Love You, Kid Inc. sent us two boxes of squishmallows for our kids in care!


Thank you Love You, Kid Inc. for providing a cuddly buddy to our foster and kinship kids!

Maureen brought in picture books and coloring books from the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church's book drive!


Many thanks to everyone in the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church community for inspiring a love of reading in our youth!

Are You Our Next AmeriCorps Member?

Join the KIDS MATTER team!


AmeriCorps, often referred to as a domestic Peace Corps, places individuals within communities to commit a year of service. This program places individuals with nonprofit organizations across Wisconsin to build and strengthen volunteer programs.


For more details on the Community Outreach and Trauma Specialist position, check out the full listing on Jobs That Help!

Learn More and Apply

Reminder: The 2024-2025 FAFSA is Due on June 30th!

Do you know a youth who is heading to college this fall? Make sure they fill out the FAFSA form before June 30th, 2024 to qualify for federal student aid!


Are you working with a foster or kinship youth? Watch for question 5 on the FAFSA form!


Foster and kinship youth should fill in the FAFSA form as independent students and report their own income and assets, even if their foster parents or relatives helped to raise and support them.


Got questions? Check out this guide from the Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network. You can also download the FAFSA form as a PDF here.


Get started on your youth's 2024-24 FAFSA today!

2024-2025 FAFSA Form







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