The PGA TOUR Champions American Family Insurance Championship raised a record $2.5 million in 2024. The Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation continues to make an impact in our communities, distributing $19.7 million via grants to 1,010 charitable organizations since 2016. As we lead up to the 2025 event, we highlight one of those organizations and the important work they do.
Families experiencing homelessness, especially those with children, face tremendous stress and pressure, resulting in substantial physical, emotional and developmental challenges. Briarpatch Youth Services is a dedicated nonprofit organization that helps address these issues and has a principal mission to strengthen the lives of youth and families in Dane County, Wisconsin.
With support from the Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation grant, Briarpatch can continue supporting critical programs and services for at-risk youth, including those experiencing homelessness, runaway situations and other challenges. This vital community support fosters positive change and stability for vulnerable youth, ensuring they have a safe space and the assistance they need during their most challenging times.
More than 18,500 homeless students were enrolled in Wisconsin public schools during the 2022-23 academic school year, according to the National Center for Homeless Education. Often, those homeless children double-up in homes with another family or stay in shelters. These challenges cause increased health problems, educational barriers and residential instability. As a result, students focus on their home life and school becomes a secondary concern, while still trying to communicate their struggles to teachers.
Supporting youth facing challenges in Dane County
Briarpatch Youth Services has been supporting the greater Madison community since 1971, serving approximately 2,000 unique youth each year by providing these young people the support, tools and resources they need to navigate their difficult circumstances and succeed. Briarpatch works closely with local governments and other nonprofit organizations to provide unique programs that fill service gaps in Dane County:
Youth and Family Services
Briarpatch has youth and family services offering a variety of support systems for those who have left home, are at risk of homelessness, or face family separation. Services are also available, such as a temporary shelter, a 24-hour helpline, advocacy, outreach, case management and more. Street outreach services connect homeless young adults with essential resources for safety and health. The parent support program aids parents and caregivers of youth facing difficult challenges. School-based advocates collaborate with teachers and counselors to provide resources for homeless or runaway youth. Additionally, the Teens Like Us support group provides support, education and a safe, welcoming space for queer youth and allies ages 13-18.
Youth Employment Services
Briarpatch’s youth job center provides teens and young adults with the necessary skills for a successful future, as well as assistance in acquiring employment.
Youth Justice Services
The restorative justice program provides eligible youth with a personalized restorative justice agreement in lieu of a monetary fine issued by participating municipal courts. Intensive supervision programs help court-involved youth remain in their homes and receive support while completing their court-ordered obligations. Youth restitution mentoring services help youth as they pay restitution and complete court-ordered community service hours.
Connecting families with additional resources
In addition to the resources that Briarpatch provides, the organization also helps families in need by sharing information about additional resources available throughout Dane County.
For housing and shelter resources in Madison and Dane County, several key organizations offer essential services. These include free housing counseling, emergency shelter, food, employment assistance and long-term support to help individuals achieve independence and stability.
Parents and families can access a variety of supportive programs. These referral programs offer crucial assistance for pregnant individuals, child development and domestic violence prevention. Additionally, general assistance is available to help with bill payments and the removal of explicit online content. There are also resources for substance abuse and mental health services, employment opportunities and legal assistance.
Impact of foundation grant
Jill Pfeiffer, executive director at Briarpatch Youth Services, shared the importance of the Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation grant.
“The grant from the Steve Stricker Foundation will help fund our programs and support the continued efforts of our staff,” Pfeiffer said. “Our agency is valuable because it provides young people with a safe space, someone to talk to and assistance in finding further help when they need it most.”
“Through our helpline, we help young people who reach out for our services for any reason and at any time – even at 2 a.m. if they are sleeping outside or have left home,” she added. “When young people are in need, there is not many other services for youth in Dane County accessible 24/7. But we are, because people need help every night.”
Learn more
To learn more about Briarpatch Youth Services, their mission and programs, visit the website.
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Media contacts:
Janet Masters/Brandon Harrison, Media Relations
jmasters@amfam.com/brandon.harrison@amfam.com
608-438-4317/608-719-8104
About Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation
Established in 2013 when Steve Stricker became a brand ambassador for American Family Insurance, the mission of the foundation is to inspire and develop strong families and healthy kids so they can pursue their dreams. The foundation supports organizations that produce tangible outcomes that align with this mission. Web: https://amfamchampionship.com/foundation-amfam-champ-grants-scholarship/; X: @StrickerFNDN
About the American Family Insurance Championship
The American Family Insurance Championship was created in 2016 by American Family Insurance, PGA TOUR Champions and PGA TOUR player and Wisconsin native Steve Stricker. Since its inception, the championship and associated events have raised $19.7 million for the American Family Children’s Hospital and other charities. The 2025 championship will be held June 2-8, with tournament play June 6-8, for the first time at TPC Wisconsin in Madison. For more information: Web: www.amfamchampionship.com; X: @AmFamChampionship; Facebook: American Family Insurance Championship; Instagram: amfamchampionship; TikTok: @AmFamChampionship. #AmFamChamp
