Hello, Canopy Center Community! 

This month, a news story about seven children found living alone in unsafe and unsanitary conditions, in Madison, made the news. While this got a lot of media attention - stories like this are not uncommon, they are just untold. WMTV15 reached out and spoke to our Executive Director Meaghan Henry about the story and what community members can do to protect children and youth. If you missed it, you can watch here. 

Your support helps us work toward a future where every child feels safe, cared for and valued. So, thank you. Whether you have used our services, volunteer, donate, are a partner, or made a connection - you are making a difference. 

This month’s update includes:  
👋 Meet our Board President | Mikaela’s perspective on tough conversations and the best place to grab lunch after you visit Canopy Center
🦋 Stand Up for Kids, What to Expect | Dust off your cowboy boots! Shop gift cards to your favorite restaurants, Kendra Scott’s new Dolly Parton jewelry line and help us celebrate our MVVs
💙 Be Child Abuse Prevention Month (April) Ready | Purchase your Kit here and rock your STOP CHILD ABUSE, STAND UP FOR KIDS Button all month!
📲 Social Media Stand Outs | Find out what’s getting attention on our Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn Pages

Meet Mikaela, our Board President

Tell us about yourself. 

My name is Mikaela Powers and I have been on the Canopy Center Board of Directors for over five years. Being on the Canopy Board allows me to make a meaningful impact in my community, and I hope to inspire others to do the same! I have a background in fundraising, volunteer management and currently work in human resources for a school district in Dane County. 

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my partner, Allie, our three pets (one dog and two cats), and my family. I enjoy photography, managing our Etsy business and my guilty pleasure, reality TV. 

How did you learn about Canopy Center and what inspired you to join the board?

 
I found Canopy Center, shortly after I moved to Madison. I was looking for a way to get involved with my new community, saw a post on the United Way of Dane County’s VolunteerYourTime.org Site, and thought “why not?” 

Canopy Center provides essential support to our community, but child abuse and neglect is an uncomfortable subject - one that requires us to acknowledge it is happening and one that many shy away from discussing. I’m not afraid to have these conversations and to help raise awareness about topics that may be considered taboo. That passion is what first drew me in what continues to motivate me, today. It’s important that there be open dialogue and that people know that resources like Canopy Center exist! Not every community has this privilege, and it’s important to me that ours knows we are here! 

I was quite young when I joined the Board. However, I was eager to learn and contribute in any way that I could. I encourage nonprofit boards to prioritize diverse voices and perspectives (including Canopy’s) - young board members can bring valuable insights and fresh ideas that can help others see things in different ways and make a real impact! 

* LAST CALL! Purchase a Child Abuse Prevention Month Kit ($25)! Wear your button during the month of April - give the rest to your friends, family or co-workers - and be part of the conversation. One of the first steps in practicing abuse prevention is talking about it. * 
 

There have been a lot of really significant events in the past 10 years: the Family First Prevention Services Act, which aims to keep children safely with their families and avoid foster care; a global pandemic that kept children out of school and outside the purview of mandated reporters (teachers) - both of which contributed to an increase in the complexity and intensity of the cases we are still seeing today; changes to federal funding for victim services; and more. What has been the biggest challenge?

Stand Up for Kids, What to Expect

Stand Up for Kids is Canopy Center’s annual celebration and fundraiser - join us for an evening of live music, food and drinks and help us raise funds to support safety, advocacy and healing for children and youth. 

Registration is open - reserve your spot here! 

A huge thank you to Pike Technologies for once again supporting us as our presenting sponsor, our Diamond Dolly! Your support helps us beyond 9-5.

Event Highlights

🦋Grub Grab | Purchase a gift card to your favorite restaurant or try somewhere new 
🦋Kendra Scott Pop Up | Spoil yourself with some sparkle (or get a last minute Mother’s Day gift)
🦋Gin, Chocolate & Bottle Rockets | Jive to music from our live band! 
🦋Silent Auction | Bid on prized whiskey, facials, sports events, kids experiences and more! 

🦋Volunteer Highlight | Help us celebrate our MVVs (most valuable volunteers)

🦋Did someone say Packers Tickets live auction?

When you Stand Up for Kids, you help ensure our services are accessible and:
… cost isn’t a barrier for a child to receive therapy after victimization 
… that children in unsafe and chaotic environments have a committed, stable adult in their life who can advocate for their needs 
… we are able to maintain a safe, comfortable place for children who have been removed from their homes for safety concerns to develop healthy parent-child relationships 
… and so much more! 

We’re less than $10,000 away from our sponsorship goal - if you are connected to a business or organization that may be interested, reach out to: development@canopycenter.org or visit our site! Sponsorships start at $500. 

Finally, we are still looking for items to round out our silent auction. Have a talent for pulling together an alluring basket - fill out this form to arrange drop off or request pick up! 

✨Our Best Social Moments📲

Here's what got the most attention, since the last time we were in your inbox.

Are you following us? Your engagement increases awareness of Canopy Center in the community and helps us serve more people. 

Canopy Center is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions to Canopy Center are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Canopy Center tax identification number is: 51-0211908.