Prevent, Protect, Provide
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to start your own fundraiser on Donately in support of Care in Action Minnesota’s Back-to-School Supply Drive.
Click Here to donate to the Back-to-School Fundraiser
Big News! After fifteen years, we’re releasing an updated brand identity. You’ll see the new look anywhere we’re out in public, our website, Facebook and Twitter.
This redesign was made possible by the generous support of Constitution Lending. Constitution partnered with us to contribute their staff time to the full redesign and implementation of these changes.
As a small grassroots organization we try to ensure all available funding and resources go directly towards the children and families we serve. Without the generosity of Constitution Lending, modernizing our look to keep us appealing to new donors and ultimately enabling us to serve more children & families would have been left on the back burner for years.
We wanted a design that speaks for kids by harnessing the magic of colors and rooted in a message of hope and love. And we’re excited to introduce the results.
As this change happens, services will continue uninterrupted. Our developing organizational identity continues to be fueled by the tenacity of our supporters.
While we may have a new logo and look, Care in Action Minnesota remains committed to a vision of a world with no family violence, where all children, youth, and families can operate at their full potential and have the resources and skills they need to live with hope and dignity.
Dear friends,
It’s hard to believe it’s been 15 years since we started Care in Action Minnesota. A lot has changed in that time and yet much has remained the same. Our developing organizational identity continues to be fueled by the tenacity of our supporters. Without your dedicated support over the past year, our work would not be possible. In the middle of the pandemic, you stepped forward more than ever to touch lives and help people in need.
We are continually inspired by your commitment. Whether you are a donor, a volunteer, or a caring person concerned about the plight of children and families impacted by child maltreatment, we are very grateful for your generosity of time, funds, and spirit.
We have experienced tremendous growth since Care in Action Minnesota’s early days, in geographic area served and the numbers of foster youth, children & families we have been able to support. You have helped us grow our impact, from what began with a small church in one county to now serving six counties across Minnesota with several local business partners, compassionate individuals, community, volunteer and faith-based groups investing in the lives of the most vulnerable in our community.
Our commitment to offering programming impacting children who have experienced abuse or neglect, strengthen families, connect communities, and prevent childhood maltreatment. Our commitment to collaborating with county and community partners. Our role to partner with families to assess child safety and family needs, encourage families to develop their own solutions to their challenges, and identify supportive resources to help care for and protect their children.
The impact thus far has been tremendous. We have kept families together. We have made reunification possible. We have helped complete the final steps for adoption. We have helped families fleeing abuse. We have helped families secure permanent housing after years of experiencing chronic homelessness. We have helped children and families heal. We have raised awareness. We have prevented child abuse.
Unfortunately, families still need our help, and the systems designed to help them still struggle with disparities. We remain committed to addressing these disparities. And above all, we remain committed to our vision of a world with no family violence, where all children, youth, and families can operate at their full potential and have the resources and skills they need to live with hope and dignity.
Dear Friends of Care in Action Minnesota,
I am excited and honoured to begin a new chapter with Care in Action Minnesota as I serve in the role of Executive Director. This is an incredible opportunity to continue working for a leading organization focused on fostering equity and creating a world with no family violence, where all children, youth, and families in our community can operate at their full potential and have the resources and skills they need to live with hope and dignity. As I look to the future of Care in Action Minnesota and how we can grow to meet the needs of our neighbors, I do so through this lens.
For those of you who I have not been able to meet yet, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I bring experience in fundraising, community relations, marketing, and program development to Care in Action Minnesota, as well as a deep understanding of the mission and vision of Care in Action Minnesota. As I step out of my role as the Program Coordinator and transition into the role of Executive Director, one of my main priorities is to continue fostering meaningful working relationships and collaborations that make our work possible. Our community faces innumerable pressures and challenges, but I am optimistic that we will continue to make a positive and lasting impact through our collective work.
Minnesota is my home and I am passionate about making a difference in my community. I am confident that there is no better way to achieve this than working through Care in Action Minnesota alongside our dedicated volunteers and supporters. I am eager to apply my many personal and professional experiences to guide Care in Action Minnesota into the next phase of its evolution. As we grow and acclimate to an ever-changing world, we will continue to strive towards organizational sustainability, adaptability, and perseverance.
I would like to take this time to thank my predecessor and the founder of Care in Action Minnesota, Pete Singer. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to get to know Pete and work closely with him this past year. I am grateful for his continued dedication to this organization and those we serve as well as for his role as a mentor to me. I also want to recognize the tremendous effort put forth by our board – an amazing group of talented people who make our organization what it is today. Their collective skills and passion are unmatched and I appreciate their dedication to our work and look forward to leading the organization to a bright future alongside them.
I hope to have the opportunity to get to know each of you — our donors, volunteers, partners and neighbors.
I appreciate your continued support of Care in Action Minnesota and look forward to sharing our stories and news with you.
With humble gratitude,
Katherine A. Sims,
Executive Director,
Dear Friends and Supporters or Care in Action Minnesota:
I am writing to share some exciting news about my future and the future of Care in Action Minnesota. After a decade and a half of tireless service to further CIAM’s mission and values, it fills me with sadness and gratitude to announce that at the end of January 2021, I will be stepping down as the Executive Director of CIAM, to start in a new position as the Executive Director of Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment (GRACE). GRACE works nationally and internationally to help Christian faith communities better recognize, prevent, and respond to child maltreatment by providing training, policy/procedure review and assessment, and consultation.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to all who have been so supportive of the organization and of me personally over the years: board members, nonprofit partners, funders, and, of course, our Change Makers and Community Partners. Without you, the organization would not be as strong and vibrant as it is. I am so honored to have been the leader of this incredible organization and will watch with much excitement and anticipation as it continues to fulfill its mission.
As I considered this change, I reflected on the 15 years since we started CIAM. Several of you have been with us since those early days! We have grown so much from one small church partner in one county to now working in 6 counties in Minnesota with several faith and business partners. I have loved working together with all of you to make a difference for children and families impacted by child maltreatment. We have kept families together. We have made reunification possible. We have helped complete the final steps for adoption. We have helped families fleeing abuse. We have helped families secure permanent housing after being homeless. We have helped children and families heal. We have raised awareness. We have prevented child abuse. Thank you!
In 2021, CIAM is well positioned and will continue to build upon its amazing work. The past few years have seen much growth, and we need a passionate Executive Director to help us move forward. I am excited to announce that Katherine Sims has been chosen by the Board of Directors as only the second Executive Director in CIAM’s history. Katherine brings an intense passion for children and families who have been impacted by abuse, and she has put that passion into action in many ways. She has been with us for the past year as our Community Programs Coordinator, so she knows our mission well. We will give a more formal introduction in the coming weeks so you get to know her more. If you would like a chance to connect with her by phone or video in the coming months, please feel free to email her at katherine@careinactionmn.org to schedule a time.
Though I will no longer be Executive Director of CIAM, I will still be around. I am joining the Board of Directors, and I will still volunteer and train for CIAM. Being a part of CIAM and being able to partner with you in this work has taught me so many things! It has changed my life. Thank you for walking alongside me in this work and for continuing to support Care in Action Minnesota as we help children and families impacted by maltreatment.
In humble gratefulness,
Pete Singer
Founder, Care in Action Minnesota
Minnesota (December 28th, 2020) –Care in Action Minnesota (CIAM) is pleased to announce it has received a $10,000 grant from the Sauer Family Foundation. These funds will support us in our efforts as we work to enhance the quality of life of children who have experienced abuse or neglect, strengthen families, connect communities, and prevent childhood maltreatment, by providing timely crucial support that meets the basic needs of local families
The community foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. In 2019, CIAM received its first crucial investment from the Sauer Family Foundation, which allowed us to hire our first staff person ever, after 15 years of fully volunteer run! Like Care in Action Minnesota, the Sauer Family Foundation believes “when children are abused or neglected, we need to attend to the child’s well-being and support their family.” In addition to this trauma informed response that focuses on family healing, we know preventing child maltreatment requires a focus on these protective factors within children and families that can reduce risks, build family capacity, and foster resilience. This focus is crucial to our work because abuse and neglect are often associated with factors and conditions causing families to experience toxic levels of stress; including: lack of access to basic resources, housing instability, poverty, mental health issues and social isolation. Conversely, access to these concrete resources and services can help meet families’ basic needs and support parents in their role.
While the pandemic created an array of unforeseen circumstances this past year, due to the critical investment we received from the Sauer Family Foundation, as well as, CIAM’s unique positioning, collaborative structure, and our established focus on assuring access to basic needs, while targeting a population at-risk to be disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, CIAM was poised to quickly and directly deploy resources in response to immediate emergency needs in our community.
Looking ahead, with the continued generous support of the Sauer Family Foundation, CIAM’s positioning to address the growing issues surrounding childhood maltreatment is reinforced and strengthened. Care in Action Minnesota will continue to work to ensure access to immediate basic needs like groceries, housing and health-related services. Additionally, in an effort to combat COVID-19 learning loss and the digital divide, CIAM continues to work to provide technology and equipment to facilitate and enhance virtual learning opportunities, delivered directly to the child’s door. Ultimately, we hope to meet the urgent needs in our communities, support equitable long-term recovery, and fortify our ongoing efforts to strengthen families and prevent childhood maltreatment.
About the Sauer Family Foundation
The mission of the Sauer Family Foundation is to invest in strengthening the well-being of children so they thrive in their families and communities. They work in settings that serve children who are at-risk or experiencing abuse or neglect, exposed to toxic stress/trauma, or have challenges developing reading, writing and math skills.
About Care in Action Minnesota
Care in Action Minnesota (CIAM) was established in 2005 to further a vision of the world with no family violence, where all children, youth, and families in our community can operate at their full potential and have the resources and skills they need to live with hope and dignity.
Through a grassroots engagement model and community connections, CIAM has built a committed network of donors, crowdfunding critical goods and services that are identified by partnered County Social Worker’s, in cooperation with the families receiving relief.
For more information or to learn how you can get involved, visit our website or contact Katherine Sims at katherine@careinactionmn.org
COVID-19 may not be killing children in the same numbers as adults, but the virus that has locked down the world for nearly 6 months, is having a grave and long-lasting impact on children. When life is disrupted by a natural disaster, research has shown that incidents of abuse have increased, and children in dangerous situations can fall through the cracks in the system. Abuse and neglect are often associated with factors and conditions causing families to experience toxic levels of stress; including: lack of access to basic resources, housing instability, poverty, mental health issues and social isolation. Conversely, access to these concrete resources and services can help meet families’ basic needs and support parents in their role. Child maltreatment prevention requires a focus on these protective factors within children and families that can reduce risks, build family capacity, and foster resilience.
Unfortunately, the growing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused increases in known risk factors, primarily: social isolation, parental stress, and economic strain. Many child protection professionals believe child abuse is likely to increase during the pandemic because most abusers are parents or siblings who now have more complete access to the child victim. In turn, the victim may no longer have school teachers, faith leaders or other mandated reporters they can access for help or who may detect a sign of abuse.
Care in Action Minnesota is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, that provides essential support and assures access to basic needs for foster youth, children and families impacted by abuse or neglect across Minnesota, since 2005. Through a variety of programs and initiatives, we work to promote the social, physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being of children, strengthen families, connect communities and prevent childhood maltreatment. We thrive to foster equity, trauma-informed healing, family stability, and self-sufficiency.
With a continuing need to social distance as more become sick, we’ve seen needs quickly mount like never before. Everything from basics, like food to emergency financial assistance to pay for things like rent is urgently needed as families continue to experience lost wages due to illness or business closures and layoffs. As the crisis continues to grow, so do the negative effects on peoples’ health and their financial well being. Making it even more important than ever to provide immediate financial assistance to these families.
Through Care in Action Minnesota COVID-19 Family Emergency Relief Fund, we’re raising $5,000 to provide direct support to over 100 struggling families in our community
Ultimately, we hope our efforts respond to immediate needs, support equitable recovery, and strengthen our ongoing efforts to support child well-being, strengthen families, connect communities and prevent childhood maltreatment.
During times of uncertainty and crisis, it’s imperative we come together as a community to support one another. Join us today by supporting and sharing this campaign with a friend!
COVID-19 may not be killing children in the same numbers as adults, but the virus that has locked down the world for nearly 5 months now, is having a grave and long-lasting impact on kids. In addition to the existing challenges faced by children and families in the midst of the pandemic, the Summer months ahead pose additional unique challenges. The thought of the effect this 6-month school break will have on masses of children is frightening, especially its impact on kids from low-income families who already tend to lag behind.
Summer has always been a time when gaps get wider. The seminal Coleman Report published in 1966 showed that student outcomes inside the classroom are predicated on their circumstances outside the classroom. More recent studies show that summer is a pivotal period for student learning. Nationally, children enjoy summer breaks of 8–10 weeks, summer learning loss has been estimated at between 10–25 percent of yearly learning, with children from poorer households disproportionately affected. Studies in low-income settings show that gaps in schooling lead to drop outs at critical transitions between educational levels, and can lower the progression of the most disadvantaged children through the school system.
Summer slides are especially pernicious because their effects are cumulative. By the time a student gets to middle school, they’ve lost an average of two years to summer slide. At higher grade levels, the effect grows even stronger. The consequences of a six-month summer vacation are almost impossible to imagine.
Moreover, the effects of summer slide extend far beyond testing outcomes. For example, low-income students who experience the greatest summer learning loss are more likely to drop out of high school. That’s because lapses in school not only produce losses in learning, but, as Alexander and his colleagues wrote, also “losses in health and well-being, college and career opportunity, and support needed to break cycles of inter-generational poverty and move young people and their families forward.”
Learning opportunities and life outcomes are multifaceted and interrelated. Students from households with greater levels of connectivity, higher levels of parental education, greater availability of parental time for engagement, and in-home availability of books and materials have much better ability to access and benefit from distance learning. These advantages are further reinforced by the reliance of these responses on the use of technology, as the absence of connectivity and technology gap has slowed down the shift to distance learning during COVID-19 and continues to be a major challenge. Experts warn that technologically mediated distance learning is likely to increase inequality in learning continuity.
Care in Action Minnesota is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, providing essential support to foster youth, children and families impacted by abuse or neglect in Washington, Ramsey, Dakota, Winona, Fillmore, and Hennepin Counties, since 2005. Through a variety of programs and initiatives, we work to promote the social, physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being of children, strengthen families, connect communities and prevent childhood maltreatment. We thrive to foster equity, trauma-informed healing, family stability, and self-sufficiency.
CIAM’s resource activation networks have been able to support thousands of children and families, across Minnesota. At CIAM, in addition to assuring access to basic needs, we focus on strengthening learning opportunities and the personal development and enrichment of the children and youth we serve. We look to the summer months ahead as an opportunity to combat coronavirus learning loss, by providing children and youth, among other things: laptops for online learning, covering online courses and summer camp costs, Summer monthly STEM kits that allow for personalized enrichment through increasingly complex activities, and book club subscriptions where books, tailoring to child’s age, reading level and interests, are also delivered monthly to their homes.
The impact that learning materials can have on learning continuity during periods of school closure are well researched. For example, a US-based intervention that mailed 10 books to students over the summer matched to students reading interests, accompanied by email or text messages to parents, promoted more than one month of gains in reading skills. Additionally, when children gain a sense of mastery of their environments, they are more likely to develop feelings of self-worth, confidence and independence.
Ultimately, we hope our efforts respond to immediate needs, support equitable recovery, and strengthen our ongoing efforts to support child well-being, strengthen families, connect communities and prevent childhood maltreatment.
While COVID-19 has been tough on everyone, it has been particularly disastrous for families that were already struggling to make ends meet. We need $5,000 to support the development and combat learning loss among our most vulnerable. We operate by a committed group of volunteers and core supporters and all donations are tax deductible and 100% OF YOUR DONATION WILL GO DIRECTLY TOWARDS PROVIDING ENGAGING LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES TO AT-RISK CHILDREN AND YOUTH.