This month, we’re doing things a ✨little differently!✨ We put together a list of the people, the moments and the small-but-mighty resources that have brought us joy, moved our work forward and helped us show up for foster children, families involved in the child welfare system and survivors of child sexual abuse. 

Think of it as a bite-size collection of our “favorite things,” a gratitude list and a resource guide all in one. 

What we’re most grateful for - we get to show up every day to do this work. Because of you - our doors are open and safety, advocacy and healing have been within reach for over 200 children AND their families, just this year. 

Before we jump in - please take a moment to fill out our survey. This is a valuable tool to help ensure that how we fulfill our mission aligns with your values and support. And finally, the Canopy Center shop will be open for just *one more day!* Shop to support and help raise awareness in the community. Thank you! 

Our Judges
Judge Voigt (Columbia County) and Judge Mitchell (Dane County) have been incredible partners, whose support strengthens CASA’s impact every day.

Judge Voigt regularly shares that the reports CASA submits to the court, to advocate for children in need of protection and services, are the most up-to-date and helpful information he receives before a hearing. This trust reinforces how meaningful CASA’s efforts are for the children we serve and motivates us to keep going, even on the hard days.

“CASA is the eyes and ears of the court."

Judge Mitchell takes the time to share his perspective with new CASA volunteers and answer any questions they may have. He brings a levity and realness to the work that inspires - he recently told volunteers that he enjoys when our reports include, “the fun stuff.” These personal details offer him a glimpse into who each child is, and makes them more than just a number on the docket.

The Advocate Summit & Our Speakers
Tim and Hunter Markle shared their lived experiences as father and son turned Autism advocates, and inspired us to ask questions, seek help and support one another. Tim spoke about the struggles of navigating what was best for Hunter at home and in school and Hunter shared what it was like to be a kid that was different. 

The Summit brings together CASA volunteers and other child advocates for specialized training that enhances their skills and equips them to better meet the needs of the children they serve. Each session is designed to respond to the evolving needs and challenges of the past year.  

“It’s an opportunity for our staff and volunteers to connect and
refuel their passion for the work that they’re doing.” 

Longtime Supporters, the Crawfords
The Crawford family has supported CASA and Canopy Center for more than 20 years - as board members, as CASA Volunteers and as donors and sponsors!

Their generosity continues through their son Jon, whose business Crawford Oil carries on the family's longtime commitment to children and families. 

Resources that help families talk about safety
The Instagram account @nurturedfirst is packed with real-life examples and simple language for teaching kids about safe boundaries. 

Our partnership with the UW Madison School of Social Work We couldn’t support as many families as we do without interns and volunteers. Jacob Dunn and Adrienne Eberhardy have been wonderful partners who consistently send thoughtful, passionate students our way.

A mother’s testimonial at Stand Up for Kids
This year a mother, whose children were served by our program, shared her story of domestic abuse and how Canopy Center was there when the court ordered supervised visitation for the father of her children. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to support her family and for her willingness to share her story. It was a powerful way to help supporters understand the impact supervised visitation can have. If you missed it, you can read more about it here. 

“It can be really healing for someone going through trauma to be able to share their story… it helps them regain power over a situation that at one point they may have felt powerless in.”

Slime supplies from our Amazon Wish List 
Everyone loves slime! It’s something that families can make and play with together, and gives kids something they can take with them to remember time spent with their parent.

Books that help interns understand the work
Emmy and her interns are reading Defying Silence, written by a mother whose child was killed during an unsupervised visit. Though heartbreaking, it helps our interns understand why supervised visitation matters and helps them think about how they can advocate and support children in this role and in their future careers as social workers, police officers, and more. 

"Therapy is about giving people access."

The Color Monster: A Pop-Up Book of Feelings from our Amazon Wish List 
A fun kid's book with monsters and illustrations that literally pop off the page - this cutesy book helps kids make sense of what they’re feeling and helps teach emotion recognition and expression! 

Easy to read and understand material that is helpful for parents and caregivers
The Boy Who Was Raised As a Dog shares real stories to show how trauma affects a child's brain and behavior, and provides ways to ease such pain that help children grow into healthy adults.

Instagram follows that are helpful AND credible Parents are often looking for information - @parenting.unlocked shares snippets from doctors, therapists and prescribers - people who understand trauma - about parenting and children.

It’s educational and credible! Bonus points: the page is also pretty and aesthetic. 

Thank you. Your kindness, generosity and belief in our mission makes everything we do possible. 

Wishing you a warm, joyful and connection-filled holiday season!