2023 IMPACT REPORT Click on the image below to view the full report.

Wisconsin Pyramid Model: Great Outcomes for Kids

Congratulations to the Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health on leading the effort to bring the Pyramid Model framework to childcare providers throughout Wisconsin, producing positive outcomes for centers, children and families. (Click on the image, left, to read the full report.) The Foundation is proud to be a partner in bringing the Pyramid Model framework to childcare providers in our region, training 112 local early education providers on Pyramid Model practices.

We are especially proud of the three centers (so far!) that have reached fidelity, consistently using Pyramid Model practices throughout their center. This requires an organization-wide commitment of three to five years. Thank you to these centers and their incredible teachers for their leadership and hard work: Future All Stars Academy - Juneau Willows Christian Childcare - Iron Ridge Community Care Preschool & Child Care - Beaver Dam

Early Care and Education Advocacy

Our work to support a sustainable childcare system for Dodge and Jefferson Counties continues, and the time to join the effort is NOW. Whether you are a business leader, parent, childcare provider or concerned community member, we encourage you to access the materials created by our advocacy partner, Raising Wisconsin, and contact your elected officials. It's fast, easy and truly impactful. We appreciate your joining the effort!

We are grateful to the business leaders who attended a Legislative Joint Finance Committee hearing in Waukesha to share testimony on the importance of childcare to their businesses.

Pictured are David Schroeder (THERMO-TECH), Mark Crave (Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese), Tina Crave (Foundation CEO) and Jessica Johnson (Dodgeland School District). Not pictured but also present was Watertown Regional Medical Center CEO Richard Keddington.

More than 250 advocates from across Wisconsin gathered for legislative visits at the state capitol during Childcare Advocacy Week, organized by Raising Wisconsin. Thank you to all who attended. We can build on the incredible momentum created by following up with legislative leaders.

Upcoming Housing Summit

Register Today

Exciting news! Watertown Neighborhood Development Planning

Access to housing is essential for family wellbeing and a strong workforce. With the redevelopment of the 90-acre former Bethesda Lutheran Campus on the southwest side of Watertown, the community has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to design a neighborhood that meets the area's diverse housing needs while highlighting the scenic beauty of our area.

Community Information Session May 18th at 5:30 pm Watertown Country Club Please join us for free refreshments and appetizers and contribute to the vision for this neighborhood! RSVP here. City of Watertown Plan Commission: April 24th at 4:30 pm at City Hall City of Watertown City Council: May 2nd at 7:00 pm at City Hall

Changemakers in Action: Foundation Investments in Positive Change

Jefferson County is adding a youth crisis stabilization facility to its roster of human services, thanks to a collaboration with Jefferson County Human Services. With fewer than 30 such spots available in Wisconsin (many are hours away), this facility fills a critical gap in mental health care for area youth. Keeping children in a safe environment that is close to home, family, and other support networks is best for them and provides continuity of care. (Click on the image to watch the Channel 3000 video.)

Kudos to Watertown Public Library for a whopping 22% INCREASE in the number of children's materials checked out in 2022 (over pre-pandemic levels). We are thrilled that the amazing TalkReadPlay Center is helping boost interest in reading in our community!

In 2022, Open Door celebrated their first anniversary in their new building. They grew their mental health programs and implemented the positive parenting program. They're a great example of a local social enterprise… a fantastic coffee shop that invests its financial returns in improving the lives of youth.

How Can We Support Your Work?

The Foundation provides resources, tools and support to changemakers who work toward measurable improvement in community health. To date, the Foundation has invested more than $34 million in its three strategic, child-focused priorities: Strong Families, Kindergarten Readiness and School Success. Capacity Building Grants are for agencies looking to advance their missions by developing leadership skills or strengthening organizational efforts. Community Collaboration Grants provide support for partnerships that enhance community spaces where individuals can be active together. Health Equity Grants* support equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) projects or initiatives focused on removing obstacles to health for populations not well served under current systems and policies. The Foundation recognizes the dignity and value of every person, envisioning thriving communities where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. Proposals must directly support the communities served by the school districts of Dodgeland, Hustisford, Ixonia, Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Lake Mills, Waterloo and Watertown. *We recently updated guidelines for our Health Equity Grants

Apply for Grants

Further Resources (click on the links to access)

Rural Employees Still Left Out in the Cold When It Comes to Childcare Benefits - Brief article from the US Chamber of Commerce Wisconsin's housing shortage has been especially challenging for marginalized groups - A Wisconsin Public Radio article that highlights the need for a diverse housing mix VIDEO: Measuring the burden of childcare costs - A :90 YouTube video that helps explain the cost burden and its impact on families, distributed by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute

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