Summer is short, but at Canopy Center, we’re making every sunny day count! From community outreach to volunteer connection and exciting events on the horizon, July has been full of energy, purpose and growth. 

Kid’s Fest was a hit! With giant bubbles, handmade bookmarks, and over 400 kids helping create a popsicle stick quilt, we celebrated our differences and reminded ourselves that when we uplift and include every child, we can build a stronger, more connected future. 

Our Adult Survivors Group Therapy is underway, with more group therapy offerings in the works. Help us spread the word to those who may need support. 

Keep scrolling for a more in-depth look at what we’ve been up to - and what’s ahead: 

🩵What VOCA Cuts Mean for Kids in 2025: A Hard Look at What’s Next 

🤲Volunteer Spotlight: Help us celebrate Hannah Brown who is helping a Mom be a safe parent for her six children 

🎶Don’t miss Live Music on the Patio at Harvest Moon Pond on Tuesday, August 5 - 50% of ticket sales benefit Canopy Center!

💰Enjoy a summer night at the winery! Play for cash prizes and support CASA 

📲 This Month’s Best Social Posts | What got the most views online! 

What VOCA Cuts Mean for Kids in 2025:

A Hard Look at What's Next

Now that the dust has settled on the VOCA cuts announced last fall - you may have wondered how those cuts have actually impacted what we do here at Canopy Center and most importantly, how it affects the kids and families we serve. 

So, let’s break it down. 

What Is VOCA?

VOCA stands for the Victims of Crime Act, a federal program that provides essential funding for services to crime victims - including child abuse survivors. Here’s what makes it unique: VOCA dollars don’t come from taxes. They come from criminal fines and penalties paid by offenders. That money goes into the Crime Victims Fund, which is then distributed by the U.S. Department of Justice to states like Wisconsin, who award grants to local organizations like us.

Why Were VOCA Funds Cut?

Unfortunately, the Crime Victims Fund has been drying up. There’s been a major decline in federal prosecutions and large legal settlements, which means fewer dollars are being collected - and that directly impacts services for victims across the country.

In fact, VOCA funding has dropped between 50-70% nationally since 2018.

Congress tried to address the problem by passing the VOCA Fix Act in 2021, requiring more types of legal settlements to contribute to the fund. It’s a step in the right direction, but it will take time to stabilize the fund.

What’s Happening in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin has not been immune to these cuts.

• VOCA funding across the state dropped from $44 million to $13 million annually.
• The Wisconsin Department of Justice asked the state legislature for $68 million to fill the gap, over two years.

The budget that passed? It included $20 million for the first year only - and zero dollars for victim services in the second year of the budget cycle.

That’s a temporary patch on a long-term problem.

What Does This Mean for Canopy Center?

Canopy Center has relied on VOCA funding since 2005. For the past eight years, we received about $504,000 annually to support our services for child abuse victims. With the new restrictions and funding limits, we’re now receiving just $101,000 per year.

That’s an 80% drop.

Here’s what that funding supports:

Volunteer Spotlight:

Celebrating Parent to Child Intern Hannah Moore  

At Canopy Center, we are fortunate to work alongside dedicated individuals who bring compassion, skill, and heart to every interaction. Today, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on Hannah Moore, a remarkable volunteer who has left a lasting impact through her work in our Parent to Child program.

Hannah joined us in September 2024 as a social work intern from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Since then, she has graduated with her Bachelor’s in Social Work and will be continuing her education to pursue a Master’s Degree in Social Work—all while staying on with us as a volunteer this summer.

Social work is more than just a profession—it’s a calling. It takes empathy, resilience, and a deep commitment to helping others, and Hannah brought all of these qualities to her internship and more.

Enjoy a summer night at the winery!

Play for prizes and support CASA

Join us for “Vintage Garden Party” Bingo on Thursday, August 7 at Rock N Wool Winery! With every round, you could win $100 cash and a bottle of wine - come early and peruse the bucket raffle, packed with prizes from Kendra Scott, Madison Capitols, Lush, Sky High Camping Resort and more. Grab dinner and dessert from local favorites Side Street Burgers and Crestwood Cheesecakes, sip on wine, and take a chance at our 50/50 raffle - all while supporting CASA and giving a voice to children who need it most.

A special thank you to Arbor Green for stepping up to be our presenting sponsor! Arbor Green is a family owned construction company located in Portage, WI. When asked about Arbor Green’s work and their support of Canopy Center’s CASA Program, President Christy Wade said: “We perform work for the Wisconsin DOT, building roads. We’re always looking for good employees who have a CDL; and we’re proud to sponsor this event to help children in our community!”

✨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.