Our Mission
The mission of Fostering Success at UWM is to provide guidance and support to foster students and other independent youth beginning with the admission process and continuing through to graduation. Some resources address needs of foster youth, we also have resources for those who are orphaned, legal guardianship, and unaccompanied homeless youth but are not in the foster care system.
Who Do We Serve?
Our program serves UW-Milwaukee students who are independent and are without traditional familial support. This includes students who have been in foster care, those who are unaccompanied and homeless, are orphaned, or have had a dependency override for their FAFSA.
Prospective students should refer to our prospective page located on our UWM Admissions website.
Fostering Success Lounge
The Fostering Success Lounge is located in Mitchell Hall 163.
It’s a great place for Fostering Success students to
- Utilize the free printing, refrigerator, microwave, or enjoy a free snack and drink
- Destress with games, therapeutic coloring, yoga, or get a new plant from our cutting garden
- Study or relax in between classes
- Connect with peers within the program
Meet Our Team
UWM Resources
Fostering Success Together is a student organization coordinates social events and workshops to build community and connection on campus.
Current students can register and find our events on the PantherOrgs site.
Food Share: Many students are eligible for Food Share, including students who are eligible for Work Study. Students can apply on the Access Wisconsin Website.
Kinship Food Center: (previously Riverwest Food Pantry)
Map of local food pantries: Students can enter the zip code or address of where they are staying. They can also dial 211 from a phone for emergency food assistance and other community resources.
Mobile Market : Agrocery store on wheels that travels throughout Milwaukee County to visit neighborhoods and communities that have limited access to fresh and healthy foods.
Internet and Computer Resources: compiled by the City of Milwaukee. The resources include free/reduced priced devices, internet subsidies, and Milwaukee Public Library resources.
Lifelineis an FCC program that helps make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. Lifeline provides subscribers a discount on qualifying monthly telephone service, broadband Internet service, or bundled voice-broadband packages purchased from participating wireline or wireless providers.
UWM Career Closet: clothing for students to use during job interviews.
Clothing Banks and Low Cost Clothing. This list was compiled by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. Several of the resources are open to anyone.
UWM Career Planning and Resource Center: assists students with finding employment for current students and alum. They can also help you with your resume.
Handshake: is the UWM Jobs website. You can find on and off campus jobs here.
Department of Workforce Development: can help with employment services, programs, and unemployment payments.
Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR): is a part of the Department of Workforce Development. They often have programs designed to support the training, education, and employment of individuals with disabilities. Call DVR at (608) 261-0050 or (800) 442-3477 (Toll Free) to get connected to their services. Their email is dvr@dwd.wisconsin.gov.
Work Study: Check with Financial Aid to see if you are eligible for Work Study. Work Study makes it easier to get an on campus job.
- Medical Bills
In general, if students need help with medical bills they can call the billing office and ask for a Financial Counselor or a Case Manager. Here is the information for a few local hospital networks:
- Columbia St. Mary’s/Ascension Financial Assistance
- Aurora Financial Assistance
- Froedtert Financial Assistance
- Low-Cost Prescriptions
UWM Health Center: offers several common prescriptions and over the counter medications for a low cost.
GoodRx: free program that offers discounts on prescriptions.
Social Development Commission: offers a Prescription Advocacy & Referral Service for individuals who do not qualify for state/federal health insurance but are unable to pay for prescriptions. Eligible individuals might qualify for free or reduced-priced prescriptions.
Prescription Drug Company Discounts. Google “rebate” and the name of your prescription to see if there are discounts advertised online. You many also try contacting the drug company directly to see if they have any programs to help people who cannot afford prescriptions. Often they do (e.g., here is one for Humira).
Badger Care Plus: Wisconsin’s public health care program. This may be an option if you have no or low income.
Health Insurance Marketplace: The annual Open Enrollment Period for Health Insurance Marketplace coverage generally takes place from November 1 through January 15 each year.
UWM Health & Wellness Center: Call 414-229-7429 for Medical Services and 414-229-4133 for Counseling Services. You can also check out UWM’s Community Referral Database to find providers in the community that meet your criteria.
UWM Psychology Clinic: offers low-cost assessment and psychotherapy services to the Milwaukee community. Call 414-229-5521 for services.
Marquette Dental Clinic: offers low-cost dental services to the Milwaukee community. Call 414-288-6790 for services.
Free & Low Cost Health Care Clinics
Mental Health Emergency Center: Milwaukee County psychiatric emergency department. Call 414-966-3030.
Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division: 414-257-7665. (Psychiatric assessment, Medication evaluation, brief crisis counseling and/or referrals to outpatient. Refers to Outreach Clinic for long-term medication).
Marquette Center for Psychological Services:outpatient mental health training clinic offering low-cost assessment and psychotherapy services to the Milwaukee community. Call 414-288-3487 for services.
Center for Psychotherapies: (St. Joseph’s Hospital) is a community resource for the treatment of individuals with a wide variety of emotional challenges. The Psychotherapy center has an adjustable fee structure. Call 414 803-4077 for services.
Aurora Family Service: offers family counseling, credit counseling, senior care services, and money management services. Call 414-345-4941 for services.
Lutheran Social Services: offers counseling for children and adults, substance use services, housing assistance, refugee services, and disability resources. Call 414-967-3900 for services.
Samaritan Family Wellness: offers outpatient community counseling on a sliding scale payment fee (accepts Medicaid and Medicare). Call 414-964-4357 for services.
Community Advocates: offers a range of services including temporary housing, housing vouchers for residents of Waukesha County (Milwaukee funds are depleted), applications for energy assistance, case management services, etc. During certain times of the year, they also offer rent assistance. They help people before they are homeless and when they are homeless. Their website includes an extensive list of their services.
Off-Campus Resource Centerat UWM provides resources to help students find housing near campus.
Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program: This program has income guidelines. Students can apply on the Home Energy Plus Application webpage.
Law For Learners: offers basic legal support. They help students a lot to understand leases, citations, etc. They cannot offer legal advice against UWM.
Marquette Legal Clinic: offers free and low cost legal services for the entire community. They offer both appointments and walk in support.
Legal Aid Society: provides free legal advice in areas such as evictions, family court, children’s court, bankruptcy, and LGBTQ+ legal issues.
Impact: Students can call 211 or visit their site to get connected to a wide range of resources in the community.
Social Development Commission: has an array of resources and educational tools related to careers, education, housing, food, navigating emergencies, etc.
FosterClub
Website: FosterClub
FosterClub offers resources, support, and community engagement opportunities specifically for youth in foster care, including educational resources and advocacy tools.
Foster Care Alumni of America (FCAA)
Website: FCAA
FCAA is a national organization that connects and supports alumni of foster care, offering resources and advocacy for successful transitions.
Wisconsin Independent Living
Website: Wisconsin Independent Living
This program is designed to support youth transitioning from foster care to adulthood.
iFoster
Website: IFoster
The largest community in foster care helping children and youth get the resources and opportunities they need to become successful independent adults.
National Runaway Safeline:
Website: National Runaway Safeline
Provides hotline services, online chat, and resources for runaway and homeless youth.
HUD Exchange – Homelessness Assistance Programs:
Website: HUD Exchange
Offers information on HUD programs addressing homelessness, including resources for youth.
National Network for Youth:
Website: National Network for Youth
Focuses on services and advocacy for homeless and at-risk youth.
True Colors United:
Website: True Colors United
Focuses on LGBTQ+ youth homelessness, providing resources and advocacy.
Covenant House:
Website: Covenant House
Offers housing and support services for homeless and runaway youth in the U.S. and globally.
Support Our Program
Your generous contribution to Fostering Success at UWM is deeply appreciated and will make a significant impact in empowering students who have experienced foster care or other similar situations. Thank you for believing in our mission and for helping us make a difference.
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Universities of Wisconsin Fostering Success Programs
Universities of Wisconsin Fostering Success Programs consist of Fostering Success programs among 10 UW Universities (including Fostering Success at UWM). There Fostering Success programs dedicated to supporting the success of students with lived experience in foster care, homelessness, or who are orphaned or wards of the court.