Hello Friends, 

Pardon our dust! We are revamping our newsletter and testing out new ideas to highlight opportunities for our youth and volunteers. Let us know what you think.

Thanks! 
Sue 
 
Kids Matter Inc
Join Us for April's National Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and we invite you to join us and CASA programs around the country in raising awareness to put a stop to child abuse.  

Did You Know?
  • Every day in this country, 1,900 children become victims of abuse or neglect.
  • 646,000 neglected and abused children find themselves in foster care each year.
  • In 2012, there were 3.4 million reports of abuse or neglect in the US.
  • An estimated 1,564 children died from abuse or neglect in 2012
Ways to Help
Also, take a look at the complete 2016 Prevention Resource Guide with new updates on using protective factors and 21 tip sheets for parents (in English and Spanish). #PreventionMonth 


Many Thanks to the Greater Milwaukee Chapter of POMC 

After loosing her 22-year-old son, John, in a tragic homicide, Barb Prevort turned her grieving into a passion for helping others in similar situations. She and her husband, Frank Prevort, have since served the community as co-leaders of the Greater Milwaukee Chapter of  Parents of Murdered Children 
for nearly two decades. 
The Prevorts and the rest of the Greater Milwaukee POMC invite the public to their final get together on 
June 5 at the Wisconsin 


Memorial Park Family Center--we will share more details closer to 
the gathering. 

Today, however,we want to give a big thanks to Barb, Frank and the rest of the Greater Milwaukee POMC who just donated an network full color copier, three tables and a display wall to Kids Matter!
 
Thanks again! We  will always remember the amazing acts of support and awareness the POMC family have accomplished in tribute to their children!


Mark your calendars for the 7th Annual ' Fostering Hope ' Benefit for Kids Matter! 

Your kindness and support has allowed this event to grow and grow over the years. With more games, more auction/raffle items, and more fun we know it will be remembered as as an amazing night.

What's New for 2016 Fostering Hope?
  • Evolution Milwaukee Location Change
    Evolution Milwaukee is till the generous host of our event , but their location has changed to  1023 N. Old World Third Street.
     
  • Random Racket Contest
     Start hunting around your house for random items that could replace your ping pong paddle and serve as a 'Random Racket' during your games. 

    A spatula... your favorite book... a toaster... We are inviting you to let loose and play a game with us using your random racket. 

    Those who send us a selfie with their random racket  before the event will get their name put into a special raffle drawing. The player with the  most creative racket at the event will win a prize and bragging rights!
 

For raffle tickets, random racket information, volunteer signup or other event details, contact  adam@kidsmatterinc.org
 
Amanda Goes to Washington
Former Kids Matter CASA Youth and permanent champion for children, Amanda Salas, was recently picked as the Wisconsin Delegate for the Foster Club's Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Program! 
#FosterYouthVoices

Just two weeks after her graduation from MATC, Amanda will  be  flown to Washington D.C. There she will spend a week shadowing Wisconsin Congressmen, attending young leadership seminars, and helping our nation's capitol better understand the
 experiences of foster youth. 

Keep an eye out for more on Amanda as she prepares for this exciting opportunity.

Motivational Interviewing

MotivationalJoin us for this FREE Training! 

Saturday, April 30, 2016 
9am - 1pm

at  Kids Matter 
1850 N Dr. MLK Jr. Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53212
 
Learn to guide individuals through healthy behavioral change with the widely practiced Motivational Interviewing techniques which use collaborative conversation to engage inner strengths and motivations.

To sign up for this FREE training, contact  adam@kidsmattterinc.org or call (414)344-1220. 
Youth Resources
Help us find a creative name for this section!
Send your idea to  kenlei.cowell@kidsmatterinc.org



Paid teen opportunities:

Applications Due: April 28 
Choose from community work, private sector and internship opportunities throughout the city. 

Applications Due:  April 15
Become a 'High School Outdoor Leader' through a a two-year paid internship program with the Center.

Summer Camps to Consider: 

Camps for Kids  
Multiple Programs Available
All Milwaukee youth (8-15 years old) can apply for a free week of summer camp!

First Camp starts June 12 
A safe place for children who have been in foster care to learn, develop and have fun!

Free Education Opportunities:

Start date  May 26
If you are over 18 sign up for this FREE welding course!
Caregiver Resources
Help us find a creative name for this section! 
 

Applications Due April 30
Single mothers and  single female legal guardians of a minor child or children can apply for this $1,000 scholarship for college or technical school!

Stewards
Thursday, April 27 at the United Way
Attend this free workshop to learn positive steps for preventing child sexual abuse. Start your move from awareness to action.
In the News
  • The Wisconsin Supreme Court unanimously ruled grandparents seeking visitation rights no longer need to prove a "parent-like relationship."
    Read More
  • New rights, resources and protection for child victims.
    These include:
    - Confidential addresses- Extended notification rights- Increased advocate availability-Increased burial allowance
    Read More    *KMI Follow up next time 
 
Meet Our New Staff

Meet our new Communications and Community Outreach Specialist, Kenlei Cowell. 

Kenlei  just relocated back to the Milwaukee area after a brief stint working as a communications coordinator in India. Despite having acquired a perpetual craving for Palak Paneer , Kenlei is thrilled to be back in the city working with the community that has given her so much over the past few years. 

Kenlei is a self-proclaimed nerd who enjoys running, hiking, cooking, coin collecting, beating people in trivia matches, binge watching
Doctor Who and of course, partaking in the occasional knitting frenzy.  

Feel free to reach out to Kenlei about any communications ideas!
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www.kidsmatterinc.org

 

1850 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive | Suite 202 | Milwaukee | WI | 53212