Coming together, building community. Thank you for sharing your ❤️ with our kids!

January 2021

Greetings!

We can come together or we can be torn apart. We can open our hearts. We can try kindness even when we do not know what the next day will bring. We can inspire the next generation.

From my little corner of the world, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for choosing kindness and inspiration. Thank you for choosing to build community and for giving a voice to the voiceless.

2020 brought so many challenges. 2021 is sure to bring both challenges and opportunities.

Thank you to our many volunteers who light the way forward. Thank you to our many community partners. We are so grateful to El Rey, Christ King Parish and School, El Shaddai Church of God In Christ, Foley & Lardner LLP, Iulia & neighbors, Jacquelyn and George Barbour & Mequon neighbors, Junior League of Milwaukee, Layton Avenue Baptist Church, Medical College of Wisconsin, Metcalfe's Market, Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Old National Bank, Ogden, the Sheriff's Office, Ticket to Dream Foundation, the Milwaukee County Victim Witness Office, and all of the individuals and families who stopped by with gifts, or sponsored a particular family in need. Your generosity is inspiring.

Don't forget to keep reading for information about the first CASA volunteer training of 2021 and book club (open to everyone!). As always, thanks for your support. Happy New Year!

Sue

Susan Conwell, JD

Executive Director

Building Community

Thank you for keeping our kids safe and remembered in your hearts!

Coming Up: CASA Training

Start 2021 off right by signing up for CASA training today! Kids Matter has all-virtual training for volunteer advocates for local abused and neglected kids.

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer training will be just six evening sessions. All training sessions will be held via Zoom. You'll need a computer (ideally with a camera) and internet access. The course and all course materials are free.

Winter Training Cycle (virtual training)

Wednesday, January 27, 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Wednesday, February 3, 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Monday, February 8 – Friday, February 12 – tentative courtroom observations

Wednesday, February 10, 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Wednesday, February 17, 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Wednesday, February 24, 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Applications are now being accepted for a limited number of spaces. Background and reference checks and a personal interview via Zoom are required for all volunteer applicants. If interested, email volunteer@kidsmatterinc.org or call 414-344-1220.

Join the Kids Matter Book Club

The Kids Matter book club will meet on Monday, February 1st from 6 pm to 8 pm over Zoom to discuss The Attachment Effect: Exploring the Powerful Ways Our Earliest Bond Shapes Our Relationships and Lives by Peter Lovenheim.

Attachment theory is having a moment. It’s the subject of much-shared articles and popular relationship guides. Why is this fifty-year-old theory suddenly in vogue? Because people are discovering how powerfully it sheds light on who we love—and how. Part journalism, part memoir, part psychological guide—The Attachment Effect is a fascinating read for anyone who wants to better understand the needs and dynamics that drive the complex relationships in their lives.

If you’d like to join the discussion, email volunteer@kidsmatterinc.org to become a member. Please have "Book Club" in the subject line and include your name, preferred email address, and let us know if you're a CASA volunteer in the body of the email. We hope to see you over Zoom!