Canopy Center Inc.

Thank you to Stefanie Kelly - Modern Woodmen of America of Modern Woodmen Financial for donating backpacks, school supplies, and some fun craft and art supplies for a few of the children and teens we serve! 🎒🎨

Our wonderful community partners help keep many of these needs met, so we can focus on providing stabilizing services. But not every child we serve started school with a backpack, and some will face multiple fresh starts throughout the year. Having a few backpacks on hand means we can meet that need right away.

Even a month into the school year, children may still be finding their footing - and changes in behavior can offer important clues about how they’re adjusting.

Ongoing sleep problems, frequent stomachaches, withdrawal, anger or reluctance to attend school may be signs that they need additional support. Pay attention, check in gently and remind them they can always come to you. 💙

Find more back-to-school tips in our August newsletter through the link in our bio. 🗞️

September is National Kinship Care Month 💙

When a child needs safety, stability, and connection, grandparents, relatives, and other trusted adults often step forward. Across Canopy Center’s programs, we see how these relationships and support systems help children feel safe and supported, whether they are served through CASA of Dane & Columbia Counties Parent to Child or Oasis.

This month, we recognize all of the kinship caregivers who help children stay connected in moments of uncertainty.

Mishelle’s advocacy for children recently took her all the way to Melbourne, Australia. 🇦🇺

At the 2026 ISPCAN Congress (ISPCAN is the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect), she drew on her family’s lived experience to speak with professionals and child advocates from around the world.

In our latest newsletter, Mishelle shares more about medical child abuse and how her experience informs her work as a CASA Case Coordinator.

Read her story with the link → https://ow.ly/aw0H50ZR2qq

The transition back to school can bring big emotions, even after the first few days.

Challenging behavior may be a sign that a child is feeling overwhelmed, tired, or anxious. When that happens, try to connect before you correct. Pause, help them feel calm and understood, and then address the behavior together.

When children feel safe and supported, they’re better able to communicate what they need and respond to guidance. 💙

Find more back-to-school tips in our August newsletter. 🗞️ → https://ow.ly/4FFw50ZPO4x

The start of a new school year is a good time to make sure children know where they can turn for support.

Talk with your child about who they trust at school and at home when they feel worried, unsafe, or confused. Identifying those people before they are needed can make it easier for children to speak up—and reminds them they never have to face a difficult situation alone.

Most importantly, remind your child that asking for help is a strength. 💙

Find more back-to-school tips and updates from Canopy Center in our latest newsletter.

Click the link to read the full newsletter → https://ow.ly/W0M650ZNq8t 🗞️

Please join us in congratulating Cheri Dvorak on her promotion to Program Director! 🎉

In this new role, Cheri will oversee both our Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Parent to Child supervised visitation programs. Bringing these programs under shared leadership will strengthen collaboration, help us coordinate services and resources more effectively, and create new opportunities to support children and families.

We’re grateful for Cheri’s leadership and excited for all she will bring to this new role. Congratulations, Cheri! 💙

Community Bank of Portage is joining us for bingo! Bank of Wisconsin Dells 🎩💙

Their support helps Canopy Center's CASA of Dane & Columbia Counties Program advocate for vulnerable children and families in our community. We’re madly grateful to have them beside us in this important work!

Don’t be late! Join us at Rock N Wool Winery this Thursday - doors open at 5 p.m., and bingo begins at 6 p.m.! 🐇🫖♠️

We’re a 2026 Madison.com People's Choice Favorite! 💙

Thank you to everyone who nominated Canopy Center, voted for us, shared our posts, and continues to support our work with children and families impacted by trauma and adversity. Recognition like this means so much because it comes from the people who make this work possible.

And congratulations to this year’s People’s Choice winner The River Food Pantry! 🎉