March 2026

In this issue:

• Summer Guides for Foster and Kinship Youth -- Free Summer Camps; Job Opportunities for teens!
• Meet CASA Volunteer Ellen
• So Many Thanks!
• See you at the Resource Fair!

Summer Camps – This is the time to plan for free and low cost summer camps in the greater Milwaukee area! Here is a KMI curated list for foster and kinship youth, organized by category to make it easy to explore. From day camps and overnight camps to weeklong and four-week programs, there are options for every child’s interest and schedule. Most camps offer scholarship programs to ensure accessibility for all youth. Some are specialized for kids with unique circumstances or health needs. There are also links to additional camps. For youth on CHIPS orders, check with your case to see if the agency can cover the fees.

Click the button below for more information, and be sure to watch this video from the Urban Ecology Center, where they host a wonderful summer camp!

Summer Employment Opportunities – Employment experience can play an important role in helping foster and kinship youth build confidence, independence, and long-term success. Research shows that early work experience is linked to stronger educational and adult outcomes for youth with foster care experience.

If you know a foster or kinship youth who is looking for a summer job, check out these special opportunities available for young adults in Milwaukee. The video below, featuring the Earn & Learn Program, highlights the positive impact these experiences can have on our youth!

Summer Safety Tips

We wouldn’t be KIDS MATTER without the reminder that some summer programs are experiencing staffing shortages. It is vitally important to ask every program how they vet and train their staff, including how they train and supervise teens! Ask -- what are the policies are around preventing child sexual abuse, how the program addresses phones/social media, and what kind of mental health first aid is available for both campers and counselors.

For overnight camps, ask: “What are the policies around bathroom and shower usage? Do older children ever supervise younger children? If so, what are the policies about adult supervision?” As our friends at Darkness to Light emphasize, 40% of children who are sexually abused are abused by older or more powerful children. Good programs have policies to prevent this!

Don't let the facts scare you. Let the facts inspire you to make this a summer of positive growth for kids. 

Click here to download the full Summer of Safety guide, produced by our friends at Darkness to Light.

Meet CASA Volunteer Ellen

Each month, we spotlight one of our dedicated CASA volunteers. Today, we invite you to learn more about Ellen, her path to becoming a CASA advocate, and the heart behind her commitment to helping kids.

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Strengthening the Community, One Child at a Time

Sometimes, making a difference starts with something as simple as noticing a flyer. For Ellen, that small moment at her local coffee shop led her to CASA and to becoming a dedicated advocate for children in foster care.

Finding CASA and Giving Back

Ellen is a corporate attorney at Quarles, who brings both her professional insight and deep sense of purpose to her role as a CASA volunteer. Her decision to get involved is rooted in a powerful belief: a community is only as strong as its most vulnerable members. By showing up for children in foster care, she is not only supporting them individually but also helping to strengthen the bonds that connect us all.

A Grounded Start to Each Day

Outside of her volunteer work, Ellen finds balance and joy in the simple moments. Each morning, she walks her dog along Lake Michigan via the Oak Leaf Trail -- a peaceful routine that starts her day with clarity and purpose.

Making a Big Difference

The Judge overseeing Ellen's CASA youth said, "I have never seen a bigger turnaround on a case" and Ellen made that possible!

We are so grateful for Ellen and the care she brings to our kids. Volunteers like her remind us that meaningful change often begins with a single step and grows through dedication, compassion, and heart.

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If these words resonate with you, we invite you to learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer with KIDS MATTER INC. Check out the video below to learn what CASA means to kids in foster care!

Each month, we host a warm, one-hour online Orientation & Q&A Zoom meet-and-greet for anyone considering this life-changing role. Next session is set to take place on April 13 from 7-8pm.

To join, email volunteer@kidsmatterinc.org at least 72 hours in advance to receive your link.

So Many Thanks!

Many thanks to Marie Noel and the entire Cotality team for including KIDS MATTER in their first anniversary celebration and for showing such care and generosity toward our kids.

We recently had the sweetest surprise visit from Therese - our very own Easter Bunny - who surprised us all with beautiful baskets ready to bring joy to our kids. With the generous support of Gendlin, Liverman and Rymer, this thoughtful tradition continues to make the season brighter for the children and families we serve.

Spring brought extra smiles to our kids this year thanks to the generosity of Amanda and our friends at ATC! They donated brand-new bikes, carefully assembled with love, giving our youth the chance to enjoy the simple joy of riding. We’re so grateful to Foster Love for connecting KIDS MATTER with ATC and to everyone who made these special gifts possible.

Fostering Community Resource Fair

Throwback from last year-April 2025

Join Us at the Fostering Community Resource Fair!

We’re excited to be back at the Fostering Community Resource Fair this year! Stop by our booth to learn more about KIDS MATTER INC. and the services we provide.

Last year, we had the pleasure of connecting with so many inspiring families, and we can’t wait to do it again!



You can meet our staff on Saturday, April 11th, at Life Church in Brookfield from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. We hope to see you there!

Get Connected

Are you raising someone else's child and looking for more support? Sign up to receive a monthly newsletter that is tailored just for you or join our Wisconsin Grandfamilies Matter group on Facebook.

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