Belong Wisconsin Corp

Our Mission: Belong Wisconsin partners with those impacted by foster care to create empowered connections and community.

Our Vision: Belong Wisconsin envisions a just system and supportive communities rooted in the understanding that those closest to the challenges are also closest to the solutions, and that youth and families should be primary drivers of achieving connection and belonging. We imagine a society where every youth is empowered to maintain family connections, advocate for their needs, and thrive within their community.

We promise to W.E.A.V.E. communities together:

• Welfare: Promoting the overall well-being and safety of families and youth.
• Empowerment: Equipping youth with education, advocacy, and resources to build confidence and agency throughout their lives.
• Advocacy: Championing the rights of foster youth and families to ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities.
• Vital Connections: Fostering strong relationships within families, communities, and cultures to create a sense of belonging.
• Engagement: Encouraging active participation and collaboration with organizations, communities, and families for shared growth.

Our Legacy: Belong Wisconsin arose from a commitment to continuing the decade—long legacy of Camp To Belong-Wisconsin. Camp To Belong-Wisconsin (CTB-WI) was founded by Kate & Rob Bauer, and they hosted their first Sibling Camp in 2015. From 2015 through their dissolution in 2024, they served hundreds of youth and families from throughout the state of Wisconsin through Sibling Camp and Connection Events. In doing so, they created a wide reaching community of families, dedicated volunteers, and community partners. Our video, created at camp in 2017, details the impact of Sibling Camp on all those involved.

Belong Wisconsin supports maintaining family and community connections for children experiencing sibling separation through foster care, adoption, and other circumstances. Our statewide programming is designed to provide siblings and families the chance to build healthy relationships, make joyful memories together, and experience the stability, connection, and belonging they deserve.

Our flagship program, Sibling Camp, is a week long summer camp for children separated from their siblings to spend time together creating memories and strengthening their relationship. Our family connection events are hosted at various locations around Wisconsin, and aim to provide families the opportunity to stay connected with each other and their communities throughout the year.