As we commemorate 47 years of service, we are excited to share how Canopy Center started and where we are today. Here’s what you can expect - as always, we hope you’ll read to the end and join us on social media to stay current between Chronicles: 

🎉 Happy 47th Anniversary, Canopy Center | Born from the personal experiences and determination of a young mother - we take a look back at the nearly five decades of service to children and families in south central Wisconsin. 

🤝 Welcome Orange Tree Imports! | A warm welcome to the latest addition to our Canopy Circle - now open to businesses and annual donors, in addition to monthly supporters. 

💰 A Generous Boost | Canopy Center is thrilled to announce we have once-again been awarded $50,000 through the Lenz Edward and June Charitable Trust Grant. This incredible support continues to propel our efforts to serve children through the Columbia County CASA program. 

🔍 CASA Q1 Wrapped | Take a look at the impact we have made - and we’re just getting started! CASA Advocates: Register for the Advocate Summit on May 4 for a day of learning and community (did we mention free swag and lunch?). 

🗓️ Have you registered for Stand Up & Sing for Kids? | If you’re reading this, you’re invited! Help us celebrate the resilience of the children and families we serve; enjoy a night out and help us raise money for our programs! 

🌟 This Month’s Best Social Posts | Don’t miss out on our best social posts! Make sure you’re following to stay connected.

The history of Canopy Center speaks to the power of resilience, the importance of community and the impact of support systems in healing and preventing child abuse. 

Canopy Center began in 1977 with a young mother who was determined not to repeat the cycle of abuse she experienced growing up in abusive homes and foster homes. She moved to Madison in search of community - other parents to talk to who had similar experiences. A resourceful person, she was able to network her way into enough capital to make Canopy Center (then Parental Stress Center) a reality and offer support groups for children and parents through the Families United Network (FUN) framework. During one of these groups, a woman shared her sexual abuse and one by one each of the other women participating in the group disclosed that they had also been sexually abused. This revelation highlighted the urgent need for a specialized form of support, ultimately paving the way for the development of the Oasis sexual abuse treatment program. 

Over the years, Canopy Center has adapted to the needs of the community with the advent and sunset of the Parent Stress Line, merger of the Dane and Columbia CASA programs and most recently, the certification of Oasis as a mental health clinic (if you missed our January newsletter, you can read more about that here) - continuously evolving while maintaining a focus on strengthening families and supporting those impacted by trauma and adversity. 

Canopy Center’s story is one of hope. It reminds us that, together, we can overcome and build a brighter, healthier future for generations to come.

We are excited to welcome Orange Tree Imports to the Canopy Circle - Canopy Center’s recurring giving program! Orange Tree Imports has supported our fundraisers with in-kind donations and gift certificates since 2013. A couple years ago, they chose Canopy Center as their charitable partner for First Friday on Monroe Street and pledged to donate 20% of their sales from the event - since then, they’ve continued to support Canopy Center annually and we are so grateful. 

There’s always something new at Orange Tree Imports - if you haven’t visited this specialty store in Madison, watch this video for a tour and to learn about how Orange Tree Imports came to be! And more importantly - shop Orange Tree Imports for your home and gifting needs. 🍊

Canopy Circle recognizes monthly donors and regular annual donors for their consistent support of our mission and programs. Orange Tree Imports joins the following Canopy Center members: 

Stay tuned for changes to our website that show how annual donors and businesses can showcase their investment to our community through Canopy Circle. Can’t wait? Reach out to Sarah to get in early, like Orange Tree Imports: sarahb@canopycenter.org. 

Canopy Center is thrilled to share that the Columbia County CASA program has once-again been awarded a significant grant, in the amount of $50,000, from the Lenz Edward & June Charitable Trust. Lenz has remained a consistent and generous partner of the Columbia County CASA program since 2017. 

It is because of Lenz that Columbia County exists today! In 2013, the program lapsed due to a lack of funding. In 2017, Lenz stepped in and awarded Columbia County CASA a three year grant which allowed the program to hire an Executive Director. Lenz has been a steadfast partner, providing ongoing support even after Columbia County CASA merged with Dane County under the Canopy Center umbrella. 

Lenz's philanthropic efforts extend to other organizations in the Portage area, as well, such as the Portage Center for the Arts and the Greater Portage Youth Education Foundation. Canopy Center is incredibly grateful for this invaluable support.

This is just a snapshot of the impact we have made so far this year. 

📣 CASA Volunteers 📣 Register for the Advocate Summit on May 4 to be a part of something big! Join us for an empowering and educational day - hosted at the Goodman Community Center from 9:30a.m. to 3p.m. This event is an opportunity for CASA volunteers to enhance their advocacy skills, connect with peers and gather valuable resources. 

Not only will attendees be treated to some exciting CASA swag - including a game and fidgets, perfect for engaging youth - but you’ll also enjoy a complimentary breakfast and lunch. 

The highlight of the Summit will undoubtedly be the chance to hear from our inspiring lineup of speakers: 

Register now to secure your spot!

You didn’t think we’d miss a chance to remind you to register for Stand Up & Sing for Kids, did you? 

Not sure if you should register? We’ve created a Cosmopolitan-style list of reasons you should register, invite your friends and join us for an evening of excitement and entertainment!

☑️ Live music to rock your socks off

☑️ Sip and savor - enjoy a drink on us and hors d’oeuvres as you mingle  

☑️ Test your luck at Heads & Tails (just $5) to win an experience your friends will be jealous of. 

☑️ Make a difference - every registration, every bid and every donation helps us serve those impacted by trauma and adversity

Do you follow Canopy Center on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn? If not, we’d love your support. Every like, comment and share helps spread awareness of Canopy in the community! 

Here's what got the most attention this month: 

Be a part of the important work Canopy Center does in the community.

Questions? Check out our website, canopycenter.org or email us at info@canopycenter.org