Safe Families for Children in La Crosse, WI, creates an extended support system for families experiencing a crisis to help keep children safe and families together. County Materials partners with the organization as it helps families voluntarily place their children with a volunteer host family while the situation resolves. The two families form a partnership to care for the children and prepare for a safe return to their families.
The organization hopes the relationships to continue after the placement ends, reducing social isolation and building a support network. Families are assigned “Coaches” who can help communicate and establish problem-solving and crisis management skills. Volunteers also provide other resources, such as bedding, clothes, and counseling and advocacy. Research demonstrates this approach reduces foster care placement and promotes permanency compared to more common child welfare services.
County Materials partners with deserving organizations through the Sonnentag American Foundation. The Foundation aligns support with four key service areas: Hunger & Homelessness Support, Service Members & Veterans Support, Sexual Abuse & Domestic Assault Services, and Mentoring & Skills Building
