Be the Breakthrough a Child Has Been Waiting For.
Every day in Wisconsin, children struggle with anxiety, trauma and ADHD. They need help managing their mental health.
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The Impact of Your Support
Your support provides the mental health care children deserve. When you give to the Centers for Independence (CFI), you open the door to early intervention that provides stability, teaches lifelong coping skills, and prevents small challenges from escalating. Too many children lack this critical support. Your gift removes barriers to care for those struggling with their mental health.
Meet Troy.
By kindergarten, Troy* carried a label he didn’t deserve. While bright and curious, he got into trouble at school daily, leading to constant phone calls home regarding his disruptive behavior.
He overheard others call him a “bad kid,” and over time, he began to believe it was true.
But beneath the outbursts, Troy was navigating a lot of big changes. There was conflict at home, and his parents separated. He changed schools 3 times. He felt overwhelmed and unfocused.
At the suggestion of a school social worker, Troy’s mother contacted the Children’s Behavioral Health team at CFI. Through trauma-informed play therapy, Troy finally found a space where he felt understood rather than judged.
In our safe environment, Troy learned to name his feelings and gained practical coping skills. With patience and compassion, his therapist helped him build the confidence and resilience needed to succeed in school and form positive relationships.
Today, Troy is thriving. He has an Individual Educational Plan at school and his family receives ongoing support to navigate Milwaukee’s complex service systems.
Most importantly, he no longer sees himself as a “bad kid.” He sees himself as resilient and capable of growth.
Why Your Generosity Matters
Shortens waitlists for critical services
Makes care accessible regardless of a family’s income or other barriers
Teaches lifelong coping skills to children in need
Provides guidance and hope to parents
Prevents small challenges from becoming a crisis
Your gift gives children like Troy the chance to write their own stories.
A Systemic Approach to Total Health
Your support fuels CFI’s trauma-informed total health approach, recognizing that a child’s mental well-being is shaped by their environment, stability and access to resources.
The Reality in Wisconsin:
50%
of children with mental health conditions receive no treatment.
56%
of children with special healthcare needs also face mental health challenges.
1 in 10
children lives in poverty, severely limiting access to care.
Food Insecurity
increases mental health crises, making nutrition support essential.
School Belonging
has dropped sharply, leaving children vulnerable and disconnected.
Your generosity helps break them down.
You Can Support Early Intervention
At CFI, we believe every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and play. We provide a vital lifeline through:
- Pediatric Specialty Care: Skilled nursing for children with complex medical requirements.
- Next Step Clinic: Early developmental screenings and comprehensive family navigation.
- Children’s Behavioral Health: Targeted therapy for trauma, anxiety, and ADHD.
- Food & Nutrition Services: Healthy meals for schools and daycare centers in underserved communities.
Early intervention offers the best long-term results, but long waitlists in Wisconsin put many at risk. Your support allows us to expand our capacity and make life-changing care accessible to every family.