Here’s how you can get involved with foster care

When we started looking into fostering just under a year ago, we knew absolutely nothing about the system, the process, the (amazing) people or how to begin the process. We began talking to everyone we met and learned that there are so many opportunities to help and be part of this incredible community.

Like any organization, we have found that Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Community Services
has endless possibilities to help make a difference.

Depending on what your family has decided is the best fit, it could take some time for a child to find their way to you, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait to become part of the foster community. Heck, you don’t even need to be a foster parent to be part of the community!!

Here are a couple ways you can get involved today:

• Host drives for gently used clothing and toys, suitcases and toiletries. Do you know about the Robyn’s Nest? It’s a space located behind the Community Services building on 76th Street where foster parents can bring their children to find clothing, toys, and other necessities at no charge. To learn how you can donate, call Laura Goba at (414) 231-4871 or laura.goba@cssw.org.
• Become a Youth Coach for a youth in foster care who are aging out and need support and guidance in developing specific professional, educational or life skills and knowledge.
• Be a venue for the Heart Gallery of Wisconsin and host the travelling gallery of children available for adoption. For more information visit www.heartgallerywi.org.
• Contact a recruiter to learn about volunteer opportunities. Throughout the year, Community Services has a presence at many events in and around Milwaukee and can always use volunteers to help educate visitors about the foster care programs it offers. To learn more, call (414) KID-HERO (543-4376) or kidhero@childrenswi.org.

Brad Schlaikowski Licensed foster parent Children's Wisconsin

Children’s Wisconsin plays a big part in finding foster homes and adoptive families for kids in Wisconsin. At any given time, 7,000 children are in foster care in Wisconsin. We offer a team approach, working together to support the best interest of children and their families.