Jane Ottow
A voice for youth who need help

Sometimes a tragedy can alter a person's life in unexpected ways. Just ask Jane Ottow, coordinator of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Youth Program at Children's Service Society of Wisconsin.

Ottow received her bachelor's degree in
education from the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater. But a family tragedy – her younger sister's suicide – shifted Ottow's focus from
education to mental health. "I just wanted to stop this tragedy from happening to someone else," Ottow said.
Ottow went back to school at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

and completed her master's degree in counseling.

Five years ago, Ottow joined CSSW as a psychotherapist to work more closely with
families and children. Her desire to help others led to her true passion, helping all children – particularly children who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning.

When Ottow identified a need for programming for LGBTQ youth in foster care, she began to talk about the issues. Ottow, who describes herself as "out and proud," said she was a natural fit as the voice for these kids, a seemingly invisible population. She then approached her supervisor, Ron Pupp, PhD, director of Counseling and Case Management, who recognized the need for an advocate. He discussed Ottow's ideas and concerns with the leaders of CSSW, who also agreed that supporting youth in this way was the right thing to do. The LGBTQ Program was born.

Since then, Ottow and her allies have provided advocacy and awareness building for LGBTQ youth. They recruit foster and adoptive parents who provide loving, accepting homes, creating a safe environment for these children. They also work to educate others about the issues facing LGBTQ youth. The work is difficult but rewarding, according to Ottow.

"My job does not feel like a job," she said. "I consistently have a hard time leaving my desk at night. I always think that there is one more thing I can do, one more person to contact."

Thanks to Ottow and her allies, the LGBTQ Program has blossomed into a statewide
initiative. While this nationally acclaimed program is one of only a few like it in the
country, there's much more work to be done, Ottow said. Progress can be a challenge, but Ottow reminds herself that baby steps are better than standing still.

Ottow said she's lucky. "I have the opportunity to educate others about inclusion, privilege and unconditional regard," she explained. "I am honored to exercise my skills as a diversity leader and an agent of change."