Project Shoe Box

Megan (Orlopp) Butler, Founder

Megan founded Project Shoe Box in 2012 to meet a need she identified while working for many years as a social worker responsible for placing children in foster care in the Milwaukee area.  She witnessed time and time again children, ashamed and embarrassed when entering foster care with no belongings. It was then she knew it was time to make a change in these young lives. Megan was also able to witness the sense of pride children had when they entered foster care with belongings they can call their own.  A small care package can make it easier for a child experiencing a scary transition into foster care.   

Megan is further committed to supporting the communities where she lives and has done so by volunteering at various organizations such as Give Kids the World, Porchlight INC: Drop-In Shelter, Rock River Free Clinic, YMCA, House of Mercy, Salvation Army Toys for Tots and Hunger Task Force.

Megan received her bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2006. She investigated allegations of child abuse and neglect as an initial assessment social worker in Milwaukee County from 2007 to 2011.  In 2011, Megan became a full-time student earning her Master's degree in Social Work with a focus on child and family welfare.  Megan graduated in August 2012 and returned to her position as a initial assessment social worker.  Soon after her return, Megan transitioned into the role of mentor which involves training newly hired initial assessment social workers and she remained in this role until May 2015.  Megan is currently a Foster Care Licensing Supervisor at SaintA.

Contact Megan by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Michelle Lim, Co-Founder

Michelle graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Bachelor's degree in social work in 2009.  While in school, she had the opprotunity to study Social Welfare policy internationally. She has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Hope House of Milwaukee.

Michelle has worked as a Foster Care and Adoption Licensing worker from 2009-2011. She returned to school full-time in 2011 and earned her Master's degree in Social Work in August 2012. She returned after graduate school to working again as a Licensing Social Worker in Milwaukee County. In addition to licensing families to become foster and adoptive homes, she helped educate them about the unique needs of foster children entering their homes.  Michelle then transitioned into the role of Foster Care Licensing Supervisor at SaintA in May 2015.

Michelle is passionate about advocating for children. She and Megan met while the two earned their Master's degrees at UWM. They are excited about the opprotunity to make a positive influence in children's lives during such a difficult time.

Contact Michelle by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sami Jo Dock, Program Coordinator

Sami Jo graduated from the University of Wisconsin -Oshkosh with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work in 2009.  During her undergraduate and after graduating, Sami Jo worked with adult offenders.  Sami Jo then returned to school full-time in May 2012 at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and earned her  Master's degree in Social Work in August 2013, focusing on children and families.  During her studies, Sami Jo found that her passion is to work with childen to help them fufill a happy and healthy life.  She is currently working as a Family Case Manager in Milwaukee County with children placed in out of home care.

Sami Jo was given the opportunity during her internship with the Family Reunification Program to help with Project Shoe Box.  Sami Jo looks forward to continuing her involvement with Project Shoe Box to help put a smile on a child's face during a scary time in their life.

Contact Sami Jo by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.