Happy National Volunteer Month!

April 2024

In this month's newsletter:

Celebrating National Volunteer Month
Giving our CASA volunteers the spotlight
CASA alum publishes her first book
Remembering Dr. Lucille Rosenberg
Saying thanks to our community partners
Looking for a resource?
The KIDS MATTER team is growing

Happy National Volunteer Month!

Join us in celebrating our KIDS MATTER CASA volunteers!

Their dedication to youth in our community inspires us every day and makes such an impact. They brighten the lives of children, families, and staff with their energy, enthusiasm, and commitment.

We can't thank our volunteers enough for answering the call from youth who need someone in their corner. To all of our CASA volunteers, thank you for being everyday heroes!

Shining the Spotlight on Our Volunteers

Say hello to KIDS MATTER CASA volunteer Hailey! Hailey helps youth in our community find loving, permanent homes by standing up for their best interests in court.

When Hailey was a child, she lost her mother to cancer. Through this hardship, she felt inspired by the love and kindness she received from other women in her life and wanted to provide that same support to others who needed a helping hand.

Hailey first heard about the CASA program after seeing a friend post about their CASA experience on social media. As soon as she saw her friend's post, she knew immediately that she wanted to be a CASA volunteer.

Outside of being a CASA volunteer, Hailey performs stand-up comedy around Milwaukee. You can catch her at the Laughing Tap open mic on Wednesdays or check out her Instagram (@hahahaileykief) to see her next show.

We are so thankful for all you do, Hailey. Your work makes a world of difference to youth in our community!

Meet Dianne! As a KIDS MATTER CASA volunteer, Dianne helps give a voice to neglected and abused youth in our community who need someone in their corner.

Dianne first heard about the CASA program when she stopped by KIDS MATTER table while walking her dog in Enderis Park. Having grown up in a service-driven household, she felt a desire to give back and serve her community.

Outside of being a CASA volunteer, Dianne loves to bake and run. Fun fact: she runs two half marathons every year.

We are so lucky to have you, Dianne. We are so grateful to have you as a champion for children in our community. Thank you for all of your passion, dedication, and hard work!

New Book from A CASA Alum!

Former foster youth and automotive influencer Chaya Milchtein of Mechanic Shop Femme just released her new book, "Mechanic Shop Femme's Guide to Car Ownership.

We have a number of copies of the book available for our foster and kinship youths.

Would your youth be interested in a copy?

Email adam@kidsmatterinc.org with the subject line "Mechanic Shop Femme" to reserve yours!

CASA Goes to Capitol Hill!

Check out this awesome group of Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program Directors pictured in the State Capitol South Gallery sharing the message about the incredible work of CASA volunteer advocates!

Many thanks to Lance Jones for his leadership here in Milwaukee. To all of the Wisconsin CASA teams, keep up the great work!

Remembering Dr. Lucille Rosenberg

Dr. Lucille Rosenberg, Milwaukee medical pioneer and one of KIDS MATTER's early board members, passed away earlier this month. "Dr. Rosenberg is such a personal inspiration to me, " says Executive Director Susan Conwell. "She always had an inspiring word or kind example for every child and family she assisted, and for every agency she led. She was a leader in child welfare and children's mental health well before the community started focusing on children's mental health."

"One of the many special things about Dr. Rosenberg is that she could translate higher level concepts into everyday practices. I remember her telling me, 'Every child should feel needed. If you are cooking or baking, involve a young child by asking them to help measure ingredients. Children need an active role in a family.'"

Throughout her life, Dr. Rosenberg was a pediatrician, a child psychiatrist, and an active member of the community. After retiring from medicine, she worked to support Milwaukee youth, serving on the Board of Directors for the COA Youth & Family Centers and the Mental Health Association.

Today, we still feel Lucille's impact, energy, and enthusiasm for children and families in our community. She continues to inspire us every day.

Thank You for Supporting Our Youth!

Sammy from the Marquette Women's Lacrosse team organized a Donation Day fundraiser for KIDS MATTER at Shake Shack (Third Ward)!

Thank you Sammy for making such a difference in the lives of kids in our community!

Our friends at Pewaukee Parks and Recreation put together craft kits to help our foster kids stay busy this Spring!

Many thanks to Monica and the rest of the Parks & Recreation team for thinking of our kids!

Looking for a Resource? Let Us Know!

Did you know we regularly post resources for kids and teens on Facebook? We are sharing examples below of scholarship and camp resources. Other recent posts focused on prom and graduation resources for teens.

What do you want to know about?

Email your questions to adam@kidsmatterinc.org.

We'll highlight your suggestions and queries on Facebook and in our newsletters. Thanks for letting us know what resources you want to see for kids and teens!

Our Team Is Growing!

Join the KIDS MATTER team! Check out our new opportunities on Jobs That Help.

Interested? Apply today!