Fostering Futures
Our Vision
Fostering Futures’ vision is that all Wisconsin children and families are thriving in nurturing communities; individuals, communities and governing bodies integrate trauma-informed, strength-based principles into their relationships, culture, policies and practices, promoting safe, stable and nurturing relationships.
Fostering Futures of Wisconsin is our flagship initiative designed to support trauma-informed care programs for children. Understanding that many individuals have experienced trauma, our aim is to provide a nurturing and supportive environment that acknowledges and addresses these experiences.
What is Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is an approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery. It seeks to avoid re-traumatization and supports individuals in feeling safe and understood.
TIC shifts the focus from asking “what’s wrong with you?” to “what happened to you?” While the implementation of TIC can look different in a school than it might in a pediatrician’s office, one thing is consistent: TIC considers both the past and present life circumstances in order to provide the most effective care.
Fostering Futures was first organized in 2011 as an initiative of Wisconsin’s former First Lady, Tonette Walker, who was a champion for the Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) movement throughout her husband’s time as Governor.
The initiative began as a dynamic and collaborative public-private partnership that was created in response to research about the negative impacts of chronic traumatic stress on a child’s growth and development. At the heart of the work were Core Teams representing state departments, tribal nations, and county agencies from across the state. Over the course of more than ten years and multiple phases, Fostering Futures sought to improve family health and well-being through the integration of trauma-informed principles into Wisconsin’s child welfare policies and practices to mitigate the negative effects of childhood toxic stress.
Through her pioneering work with the Fostering Futures initiative, Tonette Walker and her partners successfully propelled the TIC movement forward, laying the groundwork for the adoption of TIC in many statewide practices, and even serving as the catalyst for federal legislation, House Resolution 443, which acknowledged the importance and effectiveness of TIC and promoted its implementation at the federal level.
Today, Fostering Futures serves as a grant-making body, providing critical financial support to Wisconsin-based organizations that seek to further implement TIC in their own programming.
Our Goals
With Fostering Futures of Wisconsin, we aim to:
- Support and expand trauma-informed care programs.
- Raise awareness about the importance of a trauma-informed approach.
- Foster partnerships with organizations and communities to amplify our impact.
The Violet Society
Empowerment Through Unity. Impact Through Generosity.
The Violet Society is an exclusive circle of compassionate women dedicated to making a transformative impact on the lives of children through Trauma-Informed Care (TIC). Inspired by the resilience and beauty of Wisconsin’s state flower, the Common Blue Violet, members contribute $1,000 annually to fund vital TIC programs. These initiatives offer nurturing support and understanding, acknowledging the trauma many children face and paving the way for healing and growth.
As a member of The Violet Society, you will join a network of philanthropic leaders at the forefront of a critical cause, enjoy access to a series of enlightening and engaging events throughout the year, and witness firsthand the powerful difference your contribution makes.
Why We Exist
The Violet Society is a grant-making body providing financial support to Wisconsin-based organizations that are seeking to implement Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) within their daily work, practices, programming, and services.
Why Join?
- Make a Direct Impact: Your contribution directly supports TIC programs, helping children thrive despite adversity.
- Connect and Collaborate: Engage with a community of like-minded individuals committed to positive change.
- Exclusive Events: Participate in informative and social gatherings designed to deepen your understanding of TIC and its importance.
- Attend Annual Luncheon
- Engage in Grant Making Process
Become part of a movement that believes in the power of care, understanding, and community.
We can foster a future where every child is supported and understood.
Embrace the cause. Join The Violet Society today.
How to Make a Difference
Support the Violet Society through donations, volunteering, and spreading the word. Every action counts towards building a compassionate community that proactively responds to trauma and crises.
