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Thanks to your continued support, KIDS MATTER INC. has once again earned Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency and been recognized as a Top-Rated Nonprofit on GreatNonprofits! These honors reflect the trust and engagement of our community -- people like you who help create meaningful change for children and families. Here’s what reviewers recently said (in both English and Spanish!)
“KIDS MATTER INC. and the employees who represent the organization clearly care about the mission. The work they do in the community is incredible to see. I am truly lucky to be able to work with such a great organization.”
"Estoy muy agradecida con la organización… en un corto tiempo me resolvieron todo. Y logré tener la custodia sin problemas."
Words like these strengthen our commitment to this work every day. Thank you for being a child CHAMPION. We look forward to continuing this important effort together in the year ahead.
Keep reading for stories of impact, inspiring volunteer energy, and ways to get involved!
Thank you.
Sue
Susan Conwell, J.D.
Executive Director
| | KIDS MATTER Launches New Website Features in Collaboration with Nonprof-IT | | |
THANK YOU!
Students from the UW-Milwaukee School of Information Studies played a key role in helping us launch new features on the KIDS MATTER INC. website. Through their work with the Nonprof-IT program and with mentorship support from the Crisis Management Institute, these updates are now live and ready to serve our community! A big thank you to Viny, Harry, Ward and Nathaniel!
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There are many decisions that relatives, neighbors and friends need to consider when they step up to take in a child outside of the child protection system. Our new caregiver legal navigator helps potential caregivers of minors walk through the legal choices, and consider available options.
We hope to launch a similar resource for youth in 2026. Are there questions you want us to answer? Let us know what you think!
Here is the link to our new website feature:
https://www.kidsmatterinc.org/get-help-support/
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Each month, we spotlight one of our dedicated CASA volunteers. Today, we invite you to learn more about Jean, her path to becoming a CASA advocate, and the heart behind her commitment to helping kids.
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Meet Jean
Jean is a retired high school English teacher whose lifelong dedication to young people naturally led her to become a CASA volunteer. Throughout her career, she supported students not only academically, but emotionally - helping them navigate the challenges of adolescence with patience, compassion, and care.
That depth of experience serves her well in her CASA role. Jean understands how to connect with teens, listen closely, and advocate thoughtfully. She draws on years of guiding young people through difficult moments to provide steady, meaningful support to the adolescent she serves today.
Why She Became a CASA Volunteer
Jean first learned about CASA through her sister, a family law attorney in Illinois. The more she learned about the role, the more she felt called to step in and make a difference. As Jean puts it, “It is an understatement to say that growing up is difficult.” She shared that it breaks her heart to know that some children must face the complex challenges of our world without a consistent, caring support system to guide them.
“My work as a CASA volunteer is important to me because, in this role, I can help ensure that the safety nets our society has put in place for our most vulnerable are being accessed and utilized effectively,” Jean explains.
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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.
Each month, we host a warm, one-hour online Orientation & Q&A meet-and-greet for anyone considering this life-changing role. It’s a relaxed and supportive space to hear what the experience is really like, ask questions, and see whether this could be your next meaningful step.
Orientations are held on the second Monday of each month from 7–8 p.m. (scheduled once at least one person has RSVP’d). Upcoming sessions take place on March 9, April 13, May 11, June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14, October 12, November 9, and December 14.
To join, email volunteer@kidsmatterinc.org at least 72 hours in advance to receive your link.
| | Our AmeriCorps member in the Scoop! | | |
Our AmeriCorps Member, Musu was featured in "The Scoop", the statewide AmeriCorps newsletter. Here are the highlights:
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Musu is currently serving at KIDS MATTER INC., a Milwaukee nonprofit supporting children in foster care and their caregivers. She helps keep the CASA program running smoothly by digitizing volunteer files, reviewing backgrounds, and assisting with special projects.
For Musu, the most meaningful part of her service is giving back to a community that welcomed her and knowing her work helps ensure children receive the care and advocacy they need. She looks forward to upcoming training, connecting with fellow AmeriCorps members, and attending her first in-person court hearing!
Originally from The Gambia, Musu was inspired by service programs like the Peace Corps and felt drawn to AmeriCorps. Outside of service, she pursues graduate studies at UW-Milwaukee, enjoys research and baking, and hopes to pursue a career in social work advocating for women and children.
We are so glad to have her with us!
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Youth Helping Youth
Lydia recently led an inspiring LEGO donation drive, with the help of fellow students at Nicolet High School, in honor of Grant, a student athlete and number one fan of LEGOs. This donation moved us so dearly and we are so grateful for this powerful group of students to have chosen Kids Matter Inc. for their drive. Our kids are so happy!
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Claire's Valentine Tradition
From the 5th grade (pictured here from her first year) all the way through law school, Claire has always found ways to make a difference for our kids! Her tradition began in 2013, when she inspired friends to create special Valentine’s treats for the children we serve. Now a law student in Minnesota, Claire continues to carry on this thoughtful gesture -- sending Valentine’s bags to brighten our kids’ day.
Her annual tradition is truly a treasure, bringing joy and love to our children year after year. Thank you, Claire, for your generosity and heart!
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Inspiring Stories
As a former foster youth in Milwaukee, Cal knows firsthand the impact that KIDS MATTER's support and guidance can have on a child’s life. We are honored to celebrate Cal and his wife Grace, newlyweds in 2026, who chose to support charities in lieu of a traditional wedding registry and Cal selected KIDS MATTER! We wish Cal and Grace all the best as they begin this exciting new chapter together.
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Cierra created "Cierra's Winter Warmup." Cierra, her husband, co-workers and generous supporters gathered warm winter items for children in care.
Her commitment to circling back and supporting youth who are walking a path she once knew is deeply meaningful. Thanks to this effort, foster and kinship children have essential winter items to help keep them warm, comfortable, and cared for during the cold months.
Here are some fun highlights from "Cierra's Winter Warmup."
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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.
Be sure to follow us on social media for regular updates and helpful information!
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