51ΑΤΖζ

Our Mission

The mission of Fostering Success at 51ΑΤΖζ 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.

Fostering Success Seal

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 51ΑΤΖζ Admissions website.

Fostering Success Lounge

Student lounging on a couch working on a laptop.

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

Bella

Bella Gosda
Fostering Success Graduate Assistant

Tawney Latona

Tawney Latona
Fostering Success Coordinator

51ΑΤΖζ Resources

Student Organization: Fostering Success Together
Fostering Success Student Organization Logo

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 .

Food Assistance

Food Share: Many students are eligible for Food Share, including students who are eligible for Work Study. Students can apply on the .

51ΑΤΖζ Food Center and Pantry

: (previously Riverwest Food Pantry)

: 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.  

: Agrocery store on wheels that travels throughout Milwaukee County to visit neighborhoods and communities that have limited access to fresh and healthy foods.

Internet Access, Laptops, & Phone Service

51ΑΤΖζ Laptop Loan Program

compiled by the City of Milwaukee. The resources include free/reduced priced devices, internet subsidies, and Milwaukee Public Library resources. 

is 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.

Clothing

51ΑΤΖζ Career Closet: clothing for students to use during job interviews.

. This list was compiled by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. Several of the resources are open to anyone.

Employment

51ΑΤΖζ Career Planning and Resource Center: assists students with finding employment for current students and alum. They can also help you with your resume.

is the 51ΑΤΖζ Jobs website. You can find on and off campus jobs here.

can help with employment services, programs, and unemployment payments. 

is a part of the. 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 & Low-Cost Prescriptions
  • 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:

  1.  
  • Low-Cost Prescriptions

51ΑΤΖζ Health Center: offers several common prescriptions and over the counter medications for a low cost.

 free program that offers discounts on prescriptions.

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 β€œrebate” 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 ). 

Health Insurance

Wisconsin’s public health care program. This may be an option if you have no or .

 The annual Open Enrollment Period for Health Insurance Marketplace coverage generally takes place from November 1 through January 15 each year.

Health Care Providers (free, low-cost, or sliding scale)

51ΑΤΖζ Health & Wellness Center: Call 414-229-7429 for Medical Services and 414-229-4133 for Counseling Services. You can also check out to find providers in the community that meet your criteria.

offers low-cost assessment and psychotherapy services to the Milwaukee community. Call 414-229-5521 for services.

offers low-cost dental services to the Milwaukee community. Call 414-288-6790 for services.

Milwaukee County psychiatric emergency department. Call 414-966-3030.

414-257-7665. (Psychiatric assessment, Medication evaluation, brief crisis counseling and/or referrals to outpatient.β€― Refers to Outreach Clinic for long-term medication). 

outpatient mental health training clinic offering low-cost assessment and psychotherapy services to the Milwaukee community. Call 414-288-3487 for services. 

(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.

 offers family counseling, credit counseling, senior care services, and money management services. Call 414-345-4941 for services.

offers counseling for children and adults, substance use services, housing assistance, refugee services, and disability resources. Call 414-967-3900 for services. 

: offers outpatient community counseling on a sliding scale payment fee (accepts Medicaid and Medicare). Call 414-964-4357 for services. 

Housing & Rent Assistance

 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 .

Off-Campus Resource Centerat 51ΑΤΖζ provides resources to help students find housing near campus.

Utility Assistance

: This program has income guidelines. Students can apply on the .

Legal Assistance (low cost or free)

Law For Learners: offers basic legal support. They help students a lot to understand leases, citations, etc. They cannot offer legal advice against 51ΑΤΖζ. 

offers free and low cost legal services for the entire community. They offer both appointments and walk in support.

provides free legal advice in areas such as evictions, family court, children’s court, bankruptcy, and LGBTQ+ legal issues.

Overall Assistance

 Students can call 211 or visit their to get connected to a wide range of resources in the community.  

has an array of resources and educational tools related to careers, education, housing, food, navigating emergencies, etc.

Organizations & Websites For Former Foster Youth

FosterClub
Website:
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 is a national organization that connects and supports alumni of foster care, offering resources and advocacy for successful transitions.

Wisconsin Independent Living
Website:  
This program is designed to support youth transitioning from foster care to adulthood.

iFoster
Website:
The largest community in foster care helping children and youth get the resources and opportunities they need to become successful independent adults.

Organizations and websites for unaccompanied homeless youth

National Runaway Safeline:
Website:
Provides hotline services, online chat, and resources for runaway and homeless youth.

HUD Exchange – Homelessness Assistance Programs:
Website:
Offers information on HUD programs addressing homelessness, including resources for youth.

National Network for Youth:
Website:
Focuses on services and advocacy for homeless and at-risk youth.

True Colors United:
Website:
Focuses on LGBTQ+ youth homelessness, providing resources and advocacy.

Covenant House:
Website:
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 51ΑΤΖζ 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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Donate to Our Program

Universities of Wisconsin Fostering Success Programs

consist of Fostering Success programs among 10 UW Universities (including Fostering Success at 51ΑΤΖζ). 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.