How Medica Is Helping Us Expand Whole-Family Healing

Earlier this month, we opened our doors for a behind-the-scenes look at the people, programs and spaces that help children and families heal. The open house also marked an exciting investment in what comes next.

• A $152,000 investment: Dean Health Plan by Medica announced a multi-year investment to expand family-centered mental health care through our Oasis Program.
• Stronger, lasting outcomes: This support will strengthen Oasis' multisystemic approach to care, recognizing the critical role caregivers play in a child’s healing.  

• Expanding what’s possible: Ultimately, this partnership helps us build capacity, train clinicians and provide comprehensive support to children and the adults caring for them.

Back to School Tips

A new school year can bring excitement, nerves, and change.

We're sharing a few simple ways caregivers can help children feel more prepared and supported as they head back to the classroom.

• Preview the school day. Talk through transportation, drop-off, meals, classrooms and after-school plans. Visit the school or practice the route when possible.

• Give children appropriate choices. Let them choose between two outfits, snacks or school supplies. Small choices build confidence and a sense of control.

• Make space for mixed emotions. Children can feel excited, worried and disappointed at the same time. Listen without immediately trying to fix how they feel.

• Ask specific, low-pressure questions. Instead of “How was school?” try “What made you smile today?” or “Was there a moment that felt hard?”

• Identify trusted adults. Help your child name people they can turn to at school and at home. Remind them that asking for help is a strength.

• Practice coping skills together. Deep breathing, movement, music, sensory tools, or a quiet break can help children manage stress. Practice these before they are needed.

• Focus on connection before correction. Challenging behavior may be a sign that a child is overwhelmed, tired or anxious. Help them feel calm and understood before addressing the behavior.

• Reinforce body safety. Remind children that their bodies belong to them, they can say no to unwanted touch, and they should tell a trusted adult if something makes them uncomfortable. Avoid forcing physical affection.

• Encourage healthy relationships. Talk about what kindness, respect and boundaries look like in friendships—both in person and online.

• Notice changes in behavior. Sleep problems, frequent stomachaches, withdrawal, anger or reluctance to attend school may signal that a child needs additional support.

• Build relationships with school staff. Share information that can help teachers support your child, especially after a major transition, loss or stressful experience.

• Care for yourself, too. Children often look to caregivers for cues about safety. Seeking support and making space for your own well-being strengthens the entire family.

Mad Hatter’s Bingo for CASA

Mad Hatter's Bingo is almost here! Join us at Rock N' Wool Winery for a chance to win $100 cash, plus raffle baskets featuring items from Kendra Scott, Vortex Optics, The Green Stem and more! Food, wine and sweet treats will be available. 

Thursday, September 17
Doors Open: 5 p.m. | Bingo Starts: 6 p.m.
📍 Rock ’N Wool Winery, Poynette

🎟️ $30 for 10 games

Best of all, proceeds help CASA volunteers advocate for the safety and well-being of children who have experienced abuse and neglect.

We'd love to see you there!

Share Your Experience!

If Canopy Center has made an impression on you, we’d love for you to share your experience. Your words can help someone new learn about our mission, understand our impact, or find a new way to get involved.

• Leave us a Google Review: A quick review helps people searching for Canopy Center learn more about who we are and what we do.
• Share your story on GreatNonprofits: Help strengthen Canopy Center’s profile and show potential supporters what our work looks like through the eyes of our community. We need 10 new reviews each year, to maintain our "Great" status!
• Send us a personal testimonial: Prefer to share with us directly? Email us a few sentences or a video of you talking about your experience with Canopy Center and what our mission means to you! Send to: info@canopycenter.org

A note about privacy: When posting a public review, please do not include names, case details, or other identifying information about children or families receiving services.

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