KIDS MATTER INC.

I have been a CASA volunteer for the last three years. I was part of the first on line zoom training and it was fantastic. Lance did a fantastic job training us and preparing us for our work. I have felt extremely supported by Kids Matter throughout my work as a CASA volunteer. Any time that I had questions or needed assistance the KIDS MATTER staff was there to help. We are so fortunate to have this organization in Milwaukee!!!!

I came to know Kids Matter in 2021 when I signed up for CASA training. This organization is very focused on meeting the needs of children who are in the foster care system. They go above and beyond in the training, dedication and providing for these kiddos. I am proud to be a part of Kids Matter.

I am fairly new to Kids Matter Inc., as I just completed my volunteer CASA training last August. The training was very well run, informative and totally focused on the children that we have the honor and duty to serve. If there were more organizations like this, the world would definitely be a better place. Nonprofits like Kids Matter, actually do focus on the things that matter in this world. With all the uncertainty and unrest in the world we live in today, organizations like Kids Matter offers people a vehicle to do something good with their time and talents. I feel that I will be supported by the team at Kids Matter to make a difference in the kids lives that I will be assigned to in the near future.

I have been volunteering with Kids Matter for over two years and it has been a really wonderful experience. The staff are all so knowledgeable and supportive. The mission of advocating for kids to find permanency is something that is so needed and i’m grateful to be a part of this mission.

It has been an honor to be a CASA volunteer through Kids Matter Inc. I feel like I am really making a difference within my community. kids Matter staff has always been helpful in providing support whenever needed.

I have volunteered as a CASA for Kids Matter for 3 years. It is a great organization with an important mission.

As a former foster child and now adoptive mother, supporting children in foster care has always been passion of mine. After adoption, space in our home was tight so fostering wasn’t in the picture. When the idea becoming a CASA volunteer came up, it seemed like the perfect fit. The training was made easy, fun, and informative. I felt supported every step of the way. The work itself can be challenging and truly rewarding. With questions or concerns, I always had a point of contact with my supervisor and with court and meetings, my supervisor let me take lead , but was always there as support making everything more comfortable.
Working as a volunteer with Kids Matter is something I would highly recommend. Supporting this non-profit in any way is a no-brainer.

Kids Matter helps many children and families navigate the legal, emotional, and physicals needs of their lives which have often been scarred by trauma, abuse, and disrupted parenting and nurturance.

I have been a CASA volunteer with Kids Matter for 3 years. It has been a fulfilling way for me to give to the Milwaukee community. I have volunteered in many capacities throughout my life and being a CASA Volunteer with Kids Matter has been by far my best experience. Kids Matter is so supportive of their volunteers offering excellent education and solid support from the supervisory staff. CASA volunteers make an enormous difference in the lives of foster youth and more volunteers are always needed. I encourage all people who enjoy working with children to reach out to Kids Matter for more information!

I have had an amazing experience volunteering with Kids Matter. They are caring, ethical, smart, motivated people who put kids above everything else. They train volunteers well and support them for the long haul so they can do their best for the kids they serve.

Becoming a CASA volunteer has been a transformative experience—I feel like a real part of my community. And as much as I hope I have made a positive impact in kids’ lives, I feel like I have gotten so much back from them—volunteering has changed me for the better.

Kids Matter has been absolutely wonderful through out the whole process of gaining the guardianship of my grandson!! From the 1st phone call inquiring about their services until the end of the guardianship hearing I had nothing but positive experiences with the staff and the attorney who represented us! Her name is Paula. In this type of situation there can be obstacles, confusion and feelings that are happening in the lives of the children and care givers. Every step of the way we were shown support, guidance and especially kindness from our attorney. We felt she really understood and was very professional yet extremely personable whenever we worked with her. My grandson and I are so blessed to have had the help we did!! We are forever grateful for Kids Matter and hope that others in these situations have the benefit of working with these WONDERFUL and CARING people at Kids Matter!!!! They truly care about our children and they are passionate in the help they offer!! THANK YOU Paula and everyone at Kids Matter....you are so appreciated!!!!!!

Kids Matter was there to support me during an extremely difficult legal process, after experiencing abuse and mishandling of my case by other non-profit victim services. Kids Matter helped me every step of the way, with trustworthy and knowledgeable staff, who not only came through professionally when I did not know where to turn, but they also cared and showed real sensitivity to my traumatic experience.
I cannot recommend this organization enough for the important work they do in our community!
Thank you so much!

Kids Matter Inc. is an amazing organization. They provide support in a wide variety of ways to help pave the way for better outcomes for kids and family members who seek help. They have an amazing staff of professionals who provide assistance in a staggering variety of ways - from legal assistance on guardianship and foster care issues, to providing input to the legislature on issues affecting youth, and assistance to foster youth who age out of the system. This is just a small example of the things they do.

Just as importantly Kids Matter Inc. has created a vast system of volunteers who want to help out kids in the community. Often people like myself want to help but aren't always sure how to do so. Kids Matter Inc. provides a welcoming environment and provides opportunities to pitch in wherever you can. Initiatives like Fostering Hope, holiday toy collections and providing clothing to kids who need it are just some of the wonderful ways volunteers can help out.

Kids Matter Inc. is a true community resource.

Kids Matter Inc is an amazing organization that touches the heart of not only those they serve but also those who have the opportunity to volunteer with them. They are changing lives for the better every day with love and respect.

KIDS MATTER INC. is an amazingly effective provider of urgently needed services and resources to youth and families. The impact it has had and continues to have on the Milwaukee Community cannot be overstated.

This organization is wonderful and has a great impact in the community!!!

Kids Matter does such great work, and is a helpful resource for children and guardians. I love supporting this community organization!

I am a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) for children in the child welfare system, trained by Kids Matter, Inc. (KMI). The staff at this organization could not be more dedicated and knowledgeable! The training was wonderful and thorough. The CASA supervisor is a font of expertise and knowledge and a passionate advocate as well as a patient guide who is there to answer any or all questions any time I have them (I have a lot of them!). He is super supportive and accessible and always has an answer. I feel fully supported in my CASA work. I recommend becoming a CASA through KMI without reservation!

I had the pleasure and privilege of volunteering with Kids Matter Inc. as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). From August 2019 through February 2023, three and a half years, I advocated for a young girl who was involved in the Milwaukee County child welfare system. This was undoubtedly the most fulfilling volunteer experience I have ever had, and I have done a lot of volunteering! The Kids Matter staff members were supportive, knowledgeable, engaged, and endlessly appreciative of me in my role as a CASA volunteer. I would recommend becoming a Kids Matter CASA volunteer to anyone who is looking to make a difference in a child's, or children's, lives. It could make an meaningful difference in your own life!

Serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer with KIDS MATTER INC. was the greatest volunteer experience of my life. Today, more than fifteen years since taking on my first assignment, I maintain contact with all my families. This small but mighty organization trains and SUPPORTS so many community members, as well as providing free legal services, therapy, and more for people raising other people's children. As homicides and opioids ravage major urban centers and child abuse and neglect remain a threat to the well-being of kids -- KIDS MATTER stands head and shoulders above other fractured or piecemeal approaches to keeping kids safe and ensuring they have permanent homes in which to thrive. The staff are truly an elite team of the most dedicated and caring professionals working today. I learned a lot from them, but mostly just felt tremendous levels of admiration, respect, and gratitude that I had an opportunity to help. Their name is more than a name, it's a reflection of a fundamental belief that permeates every aspect of their work: KIDS do MATTER.

KIDS MATTER fills gaps most people don't know are there.

Kids Matter graciously came into our life when there was no way to get out of our horrible situation.
Instantly they turned our life around with compassion and legal representation by Attorney Beth Lauck and have continued for over three years. Additionally they've Blessed our family on Holidays especially Christmas and other random times through out the year. This includes free tickets to venues that otherwise we couldn't attend because of our income.
Kids Matter turned our life around!
Fortunately they exist.
Sharon

Kids Matter has been an amazing resource for me. As a nurse I come across people that need help but have no idea where to even ask questions. Knowing Sue and her passion for helping make the lives of children the best they can possibly be, I never hesitate to refer them to Kid Matter. I recently had a personal friend in need of help and direction and Kids Matter made all the difference in the world to them! The knowledge, help and support they gave was invaluable!
Thank you Kids Matter!!

I have spoke with so many other organizations and my own place of employment that left me feeling as if my situation was hopeless and how can i work in the community and advocate for families and not be able to help my own granddaughter. I had the opportunity to hear of Kids matter from a close friend and gave them a call . I work many years with Kids Matter now with the legal help on visitation with my granddaughter and the safety and what is the best interested for her. I now have hope and felt as now im being heard and my voice matters. Kids Matter has been very supportive with forwarding me resources to help and Grandfamilies support group that allow me to meet others that has been in similar situation. My son (my granddaughter dad ) was murder and if it has not been for Kids Matter and the excellent legal services offer i would not been able to ever been in my granddaughter life as of present. I tell all the families that needs good support and legal advice to seek Kids Matter because they are what they represent kids matter.

sincerely,
Angela

Kids Matter Inc, Words cannon express the gratitude we feel for the mentoring and safety changed our lives that you do every day. We will and did only get through this because of you your mentoring, representing us and emotional support along with continued learning tools of sessions how to be survivors through trauma, domestic abuse and child /adult abuse along with extreme poverty of lacking food and shelter, drug sales along with addiction with us as children being in harms way. Knowing that you listened and continue to listen to us, supporting and cheering us on to advance in our lives in safety, school and our community give us strength. Thank you for your continued selfless giving and caring for us, we
Know we are valued and loved by the community. Thank you for taking care of us and giving
Us love and safety along with morals and goals for our teenage lives and on to adult lives of goals of higher education and productive jobs to " pay it forward in the community".
We are beyond words grateful for your services including continued programs and knowledge for our family, along with continued contact of giving us a voice and us
And love. You wrap us in a blanket of love and knowledge to continue in the community. Grateful, from three teenagers and their grandparents family.

Hello,

My name is Theresa. Kids Matters has been a such a blessing. They help me with the process of me obtaining legal guardianship for my great niece when she loss her mom almost a year ago. They didn't stop there, they continue to provide important information that can assist us as a family and provide gifts for my niece. They also invites us to fun events for her. They really care about families. I really appreciate all that they do. Thank you Kids Matters for making this transition a little easier. May God bless your organization continually.

Kids Matter Inc. is the only resource for specific, crucial services to traumatized children in the Milwaukee community. These are children whose parents are unable or unfit to care for them. Often one or both parents are homicide victims or are drug addicted or imprisoned. These children have lived traumatic lives. Kids Matter Inc. assists the new caregivers, typically grandmothers, aunts or older siblings to navigate the legal and social services systems. It trains volunteers to advocate for children in foster care as well. No words can capture the impact of the work this small group of dedicated professionals has provided for more than 20 years under the leadership of its founder and executive director Susan Conwell, JD.

Kids Matter Cares for those who in our community who don’t always have a voice. They make the community better by providing advocates and helping in anyway they can with the child best interest in mind. Sue and her staff are pleasure to work with in any capacity and always try new and creative ways to get the word out and also get the support need for children and caregivers. Without what they provide their would be a big hole in our milwaukee community, we’ll really the southeastern part of WI.

Kids Matter helps provide youth and families much needed stability during some of their hardest times. While I was a teenager in foster care they became involved in my case. After several moves in placements and countless amounts of staff changes within the case I struggled with accepting help and advice from workers in the system. That being said, the staff at Kids Matter really stormed into my life with a force. They quickly showed me that there were people in my corner, that I was more than just a foster kid and that I really could go anywhere I wanted in life.

Kids Matter has remained an important relationship for me well into adulthood. I have continued to feel surrounded by their support and many times much needed advice. They’re an amazing organization that provides often very difficult but important services in the community. They’re are not enough good things to be said.

Kids Matter Inc. has been a shining light for Milwaukee youth! They truly care about every single person they support and will always give 130%. When I say blood, sweat, and tears go into what they do every day, I mean it. The passion for foster youth and their support systems is seen and appreciated more than they know. Every child needs someone in their corner. But when times get tough; KMI is always there to step up and lean in. They are also there to help celebrate the success of our youth and helping them build a future! Kid Matter is a hero for MKE youth!

Kids Matter Inc. is top notch in every aspect!! Their team ALWAYS goes above and beyond to ensure that WI’s youth are able to get the services and support they need. From legal matters to school supplies and everything in between Kids Matter Inc serves so many different aspects of child and family services it’s impossible to list them all. As a WI resident I’m so thankful to have them in our childrens corner!