Wisconsin Family Connections Center

Children Come First Conference
2025-11-03 - 2025-11-04 | Kalahari Resort, 1305 Kalahari Dr, Wisconsin Dells, WI, 53965
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, youth advocate, educator, or mental health professional, this is your opportunity to connect with others who are passionate about supporting children’s social, emotional, and mental well-being. You’ll walk away feeling informed, empowered, and inspired.
Kalahari Resorts is offering exclusive discounted rates for conference attendees. Staying on-site means you’re just steps away from all conference activities—plus, you’ll enjoy world-class amenities like:

One of the nation’s largest indoor waterparks

A sprawling indoor theme park with mini golf, ropes courses, and more

Multiple dining options, spas, and cozy resort rooms perfect for families

Rooms at this special rate are limited, so be sure to book early using our dedicated link

WiFCC Family Packer Party at Wausau on Water: Wausau
2025-11-02 12:00 - 15:30 UTC | Wausau on Water, 1300 N River Dr, Wausau, WI, 54403
Please join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center for a family Packer party at Wausau on Water! This event is open to adoptive, foster, relative caregivers, guardianship, and reunified families. We will have a private room rented with the Packer game on to watch with your family. Each attendee will receive a pre-loaded arcade card, and an option for a laser tag session will be available (children must be at least 42 inches tall to participate).
We will have pizza, light appetizers, and water/soda for you to enjoy. Please list any food allergies or if you require gluten-free options. If you have any questions, please reach out to Chelsey at ccoulthurst@cclse.org
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.

This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

WiFCC Board and Brush Youth/Caregiver Workshop: Marshfield
2025-11-01 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Board and Brush – Marshfield, 112 E 4th St, Marshfield, WI, 54449
Attention adoptive, foster, guardianship, relative caregiver, and reunified families and individuals!
Join the WiFCC on Saturday, November 1st, from 1 pm to 3 pm at Marshfield Board and Brush – DIY wood sign and wood project workshop! During this event, each participant (both youth and caregiver) will be provided with instructions and materials to create and design a personalized wood sign or project.
This event is designed to be a supportive event for youth ages 11-15 and at least one adult caregiver. Max of 3 youth per family.
To learn more about Board and Brush, check out their website – DIY Projects & Wood Sign Workshops | Board & Brush – Marshfield, WI
If you have any questions, please contact Val at vzegers@cclse.org.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

Family Fun Day at Great Lakes Aquarium: Duluth
2025-11-01 10:30 - 11:30 UTC | Great Lakes Aquarium, 353 Harbor Dr., Duluth, MN, 55802
Join the WiFCC at the Great Lakes Aquarium on Saturday, November 1st at 10:30 am. The Great Lakes Aquarium features exhibits such as “Amazing Amazon,” “Otter Cove,” “Raptor Ridge,” and MUCH more! Please plan to arrive no later than 11:30 am to check in with WiFCC staff and gain entry to the aquarium.
This event is intended for foster, adoptive, guardianship, reunified, and relative caregiver families residing in the state of Wisconsin.
The aquarium is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Your family is welcome to stay for the entire day. There is a 6-ticket maximum per family for this event. Additional tickets are available for purchase at the aquarium. Your registration includes parking.
To learn more about Great Lakes Aquarium, check out their website: https://glaquarium.org/
Registrants MUST BE a resident of Wisconsin to register for this event. If you have any questions about this event, please contact Madeline at mcurry@cclse.org.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.

BirthmomsConnect Virtual Support Group
2025-10-30 20:00 - 21:00 UTC | Zoom
Our BirthmomsConnect support calls are held via Zoom and available to anyone who has given birth to a child, anywhere, no matter their affiliation with On Your Feet Foundation or when they placed. The only requirements to participate are as follows:

You gave birth to and placed a child for adoption, and your placement is final.
You agree to be respectful at all times.
What is said in the group remains in the group.

To participate, please download the Zoom app. Registration is required to join the calls.
Please note: BirthmomsConnect Calls are open to anyone who has given birth to and placed a child for adoption. If you are an adoption professional, social worker, birthfather, or other individual who is interested in learning more about our virtual support groups, please contact Jennifer Adams. Do not register for the calls. This is a safe space and we ask you to be respectful of that.
If you are a birthparent of color, LGBTQIA+ individual, birthfather, or birth family member and are interested in a support call specifically for individuals who share your story and experience, please let us know by sending an email to Jennifer Adams.

On Your Feet Foundation is committed to fostering a community that celebrates the uniquely individual experiences that have brought each of us to adoption. We strive to be a diverse, equitable, and inclusive space in order to create a culture of safety and belonging for all of our stakeholders, one in which each voice is valued and heard.
Unmoderated/Drop-in Calls :: Thursdays* 8PM CST | 9PM EST | 6PM PST
The 1st, 3rd, 4th (and in months that have one, 5th) Thursday of each month are drop-in-calls, meaning that there is no specific topic being discussed and it is an opportunity for birthparents to connect and talk. Please remember to listen and be respectful of one another. This call may be moderated by an On Your Feet staff member and any concerns will be brought to the attention of Case Management staff.
*Please note there will not be a drop-in call on Halloween (October 31st) or Thanksgiving (November 28th).

Navigating Grief During the Holidays
2025-10-30 12:00 - 13:30 UTC | Virtual
The end-of-year holidays can be especially challenging for children, teens, and families who are grieving. In this webinar, we’ll explore various considerations during the holiday season for families who are grieving (e.g., expectations, pressures, rituals) and helpful ways to support families this holiday season.
Presented by Jana DeCristofaro, L.C.S.W.
October 30, 2025
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., PDT
Cost: $65/person
Registration closes 10 a.m., PDT, October 29, 2025
Additional Information
We’re pleased to offer discounted pricing for current students. Please contact us to request a coupon code.
If you have registered for a webinar and need to cancel for any reason, Dougy Center can provide a full refund until registration for the webinar closes (10 a.m. Pacific the day prior to the webinar). After registration closes, we unfortunately are not able to provide a refund, but can offer a credit for a future webinar. Please contact us at training@dougy.org to request a refund or credit.
Dougy Center webinars are not recorded.

Webinar: Thinking About Supported Decision Making (October 29, 2025)
2025-10-29 17:00 - 18:00 UTC | Zoom
We explore the things that families need to know about decision-making supports and other legal tools for adults in Wisconsin, including guardianship. This session is helpful for families with children ages 14 and older, and the providers and educators who work with them. This is presented in partnership with TMG.
After you sign up, you will get an email with a link and information about joining the session.

Live Webinar—Inherited Wounds: The Legacy of Trauma and Adoption Across Generations
2025-10-28 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Wisconsin Family Connections Center Classroom
How does trauma pass from one generation to the next, and what does that mean for caregivers? In this compassionate webinar, licensed clinical social worker and adoptee Amy Wilkerson explores the impact of generational trauma within families.
Join us to learn how personal and family histories shape our caregiving, how to stay curious about your family’s story, and ways to care for each person in the family while the family heals and grows. Walk away with practical tools to break cycles, build connections, and honor the experiences of the children in our care.
Presenter: Amy Wilkerson is a transracial and international adoptee. Amy is a licensed independent clinical social worker in private practice. Amy specializes in complex trauma, adoption, foster care, the science behind attachment, and search and reunion. Amy is the author of the children’s book “Being Adopted” and the co-host of the podcast “Adoptees Dish.”
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 | 6:00-8:00 PM
Free | Registration is limited to 500 participants. Register for the live webinar by clicking here! Licensed foster parents will receive 2.0 training credits for participation in this webinar. Each individual participant must register separately to receive credit. Questions? Call us at 1-800-762-8063 or email info@wifamilyconnectionscenter.org

WiFCC Teen/Caregiver Sourdough Starters: Wausau
2025-10-28 17:30 - 19:30 UTC | UW-Stevens Point at Wausau, 518 S 7th Ave., Wausau, WI, 54401
Please join the WiFCC for an evening with sourdough starters! Liz Kroll from Sweets and Sourdough will be facilitating this event. It will be about 1.5 hours and will be very educational in nature, with hands-on demonstrations from voluntary participants. Each teen/caregiver pair will share one sourdough starter and a loaf of bread while Liz gives directions.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

Teen & Parent/Caregiver Craft Night at Down To Earth: Eau Claire
2025-10-28 16:00 - 17:00 UTC | Down to Earth Garden Center, 6025 Arndt Lane, Eau Claire, WI, 54701
Caregivers and teens, join the WiFCC at Down to Earth on Tuesday, October 28th, for an afternoon with a fall craft! Our group will be doing a pumpkin succulent class between 4:00pm and 5:00pm. Your registration includes all supplies needed to make the pumpkin succulent craft. Please register for one ticket per person.
This workshop is designed for caregivers and teens ages 12+, so please note that at least one of your tickets should be for the accompanying adult. If you have any questions about this event, contact Madeline at mcurry@cclse.org or 715-491-4752.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

Fall Fun Day at Schuster's Farm: Deerfield
2025-10-25 14:00 - 18:00 UTC | Schuster’s Farm, 1326 US-12, Deerfield, WI, 53531
Adoptive, foster, guardianship, kinship, and reunified families – join WiFCC at Schuster’s Farm on Saturday, October 25th, starting at 2 pm. Your passes for Schuster’s Farm will include unlimited activity access to all the farm fun-backyard areas, mazes, outdoor games, friendly farm animals, and so much more!! Please plan to arrive between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to check in with WiFCC staff and gain entrance to the farm. After checking in, feel free to stay a few hours or the whole day!
The Backyard (with over 70 activities) and farm animal areas close at 6:00 p.m. Each registrant will receive $5 in Schuster Fun Money to be used for any farm purchases (fabulous bakery, treats, produce, farm gifts, etc.).
Please note: Ages 2 and under are free and do not need to be included in your list of attendees. There is a maximum of 6 tickets per household. Any additional tickets needed can be purchased online prior to the event or at the orchard on the day of the event. To purchase tickets and to learn more about the orchard, visit their website: https://schustersfarm.com/fall-fun/
Due to the popularity of family events, please let your local WiFCC specialist know ahead of time if there is any reason you can no longer attend or need fewer tickets than you originally signed up for. We would like to accommodate as many families as possible. If you have any questions about this event, contact Megan at mmiller@cclse.org
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.

This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

2025 Annual Birth Parent Retreat: Tomah
2025-10-25 09:30 - 15:00 UTC | Cranberry Country Lodge, 319 Wittig Road, Tomah, WI, 54660
Join Catholic Charities for their Annual Birth Parent Retreat in Tomah, full of fun crafts and connections with other birth parents. Lunch and snacks will also be provided for this event! Please arrive between 9:30-10:00 AM to get registered and settled in for the day.
This event is open to all birth parents who have had a child placed for adoption, no matter what type of adoption or which agency was involved. Regardless of how long ago placement occurred, you are eligible to sign up for this event.
We want all attendees to feel comfortable while meeting other birth parents, which is why we are offering a support person ticket type for this event. This ticket will allow you to bring one supportive person to this event who does not need to identify as a birth parent.
If you have any questions about this event, please contact Karla at kmeyer@cclse.org / (715) 577-3999 or McKenzie at mvanlanen@gbdioc.org / (920) 272-8240.

Family Fun at China Lights in Boerner Botanical Gardens: Hales Corners
2025-10-24 17:30 - 19:00 UTC | Boerner Botanical Gardens, 9400 Boerner Drive, Hales Corners, WI, 53130
Adoptive, foster, guardianship, relative/kinship, reunified families and individuals, please join us for an evening of fun at China Lights at Boerner Botanical Gardens in Hales Corners!
With more than 40 sets of larger-than-life lantern displays, Boerner Botanical Garden in Whitnall Park will be transformed into a magical forest for the 2025 season!
Complimentary live stage entertainment is included in the admission daily. The performance hours are 6:30pm, 7:30pm, and 9:00pm. Each show lasts for about 30 minutes. Live stage entertainment will be at the Shrub Mall with acts such as Hat Juggling, Face Changing, Balancing, and more! See https://chinalights.org/ for more information.
Space is limited, so please register your family as soon as possible for up to 5 tickets. Max of 4 adult tickets (ages 12 and up). Additional tickets are available for purchase separately if needed, here: https://chinalights.org/tickets/. Please note that there is paid and unpaid parking available, and it is not included in your ticket.
On the day of the event, registered families can meet the WiFCC Specialist outside the entrance from 5:15 pm to 6:15 pm. Our tickets will let you into the event from 5:30-7:00pm only, so be sure to be there during our check-in window to be able to access the event.
If you have any questions about this event or would like to get on a waitlist, please contact Christy at ctimm@cclse.org.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.

This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

CARE Webinar Series: Co-Dependency & Enabling
2025-10-23 17:00 - 18:00 UTC | Zoom
Do you know or care for a child who is affected by parental substance misuse? Whether you are a grandparent, relative, foster parent, neighbor, friend, non-parental caregiver, educator, or youth-serving professional, this free & confidential webinar series is for you!
Each month will feature different topics on addiction led by expert guest speakers. Each webinar will be held on a Thursday from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
For questions or assistance with registration, please contact the Tree House at 262-755-8733 or jenna@treehouseforkids.net.
The CARE Webinar Series is presented in partnership by the Tree House Child and Family Center and Walworth County Department of Health & Human Services.

Family Fun at Play Grounds of La Crosse
2025-10-19 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Play Grounds of La Crosse, 3320 Mormon Coulee Rd, La Crosse, WI, 54601
Please join Wisconsin Family Connections Center for a fun morning at Play Grounds of La Crosse! Discover the essence of an outdoor playground brought indoors at Play Grounds of La Crosse, Wisconsin’s largest indoor park. This is also a great opportunity to interact with other registered families! We will have a reserved party room where families can gather to enjoy pizza and good company.
Please note that water will be provided. Other food and beverage options are available to purchase on your own. Spanning over 17,000 square feet, Play Grounds of La Crosse offers ample space for exploration! The diverse play areas feature two playgrounds, one designed for ages 5–12 years and one playground designed for ages 2–5 years, a jumping pillow, a triple lane ninja warrior course with timers and TV monitors, a basketball court with hoops at various heights, a kids’ racetrack with tricycles and vehicles for younger kids, a 700 square foot designated toddler area, and much more! In addition to hours of entertainment for children of all ages, the facility also offers a café with specialty coffee drinks and family-friendly foods. If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact Breanna at bcalko@cclse.org
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.

This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

Caregiver Golfing Getaway: La Crosse
2025-10-18 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Forest Hills Golf Course, 600 Losey Blvd N, La Crosse, WI, 54601
Calling all parents who love to golf!
The Wisconsin Family Connections Center is hosting a parent and caregiver event at Forest Hills Golf Course in La Crosse. Please enjoy a relaxing fall afternoon golfing nine (9) holes at Forest Hills! This event also includes the use of a golf cart. For caregivers who need to secure childcare back home in order to attend, a $25 childcare stipend will also be available.
Forest Hills is a beautiful, mature, parkland golf course located in scenic La Crosse, Wisconsin, with play documented as early as 1900. This public facility is nestled within bluffs that were forged centuries ago by three rivers. The course will both amaze you with its beauty and challenge you with its design.
For all questions and concerns, please contact Breanna Calko at bcalko@cclse.org
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.

This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

Adoption Choice Inc.'s Family Fest (Fredonia)
2025-10-18 09:30 - 14:00 UTC | JCC Community Center – Rainbow Day Camp, W3985 Trails End Rd, Fredonia, WI, 53021
This free event is open to families of all ages. Celebrate the season, make memories, and connect with the adoption community!
Our Fall Fest activities include:

Creative crafts
Ninja challenge
Corn maze adventure
Lunch
Magic show
Pumpkin picking

In-Person Open Mic Teen Support Group: Brookfield
2025-10-17 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Brookfield Clubhouse, 3540 N 126th St, Brookfield, WI, 53005
Teens (13-17 years of age), please join the WiFCC for an in-person Teen Support Group Meet-up! We will be hosting our virtual group in-person at the Rec Room Private Par-Tee at the Brookfield Clubhouse on Friday, October 17th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Brookfield Clubhouse is a two-story rec room that boasts a full indoor golf simulator, a basketball shooting game, a pool table, a dartboard, a foosball table, an air hockey table, arcade games, and much more! Come hungry, as we will be providing Wing Stop catering.
Visit Brookfield Clubhouse at https://www.brookfieldclubhouse.com for more information about the facility. A unique gate code will be provided to each registrant one week prior to the event for entrance into the facility.
Please register for one ticket per teen. This is a teen-only event, and 2 WiFCC specialists will be facilitating the evening as well as supervising your teens. Since this is intended to be an in-person support group, part of the time will be designed for group activities, and the remainder will allow for free play.
If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact Christy at ctimm@cclse.org or Chelsey at ccouthurst@cclse.org.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

Behavioral and Emotional Skills Training (BEST)℠
2025-10-17 10:30 - 12:00 UTC | Virtual
An interactive training experience to teach and apply practical techniques for effective behavior management.

About the Program

Adults caring for children often have questions about how to set clear expectations and manage behavior effectively. Especially when children exhibit challenging behaviors, adults want to know exactly how to address these situations with strategies that promote positive behavior, good social-emotional development, and increased self-esteem.
The Child Mind Institute’s Behavioral and Emotional Skills Training (BEST)℠ provides this preparation for parents and caregivers. Informed by the most up-to-date research, clinicians provide caregivers with a structured and interactive training experience aimed at teaching and immediately applying practical techniques for effective behavior management.

Training Objectives for BEST

Understand the basics of behavior management
Learn and apply skills consistently and effectively
Increase confidence in managing challenging behaviors
Develop a behaviorally-minded network of other caregivers for continued support following training completion

BEST Topics Covered

Setting routines and clear behavioral expectations
Positive reinforcement
Redirection of minor misbehavior and active ignoring
Giving good directions
Effectively shaping behavioral goals and setting up individualized behavior plans
Reprimands, loss of privileges, and time-outs
Avoiding common pitfalls like yelling and escalating threats
How to take care of yourself while taking care of others
Planning to implement these strategies at home

To provide families with support during the COVID-19 crisis, we are bringing BEST online by providing families with pre-recorded webinars plus a live parent consultation with Matthew Ferrigno, PhD and Samantha Malick, PsyD.

Who Should Attend?

Parents, grandparents, babysitters, nannies, au pairs, or other caregivers are invited to participate in BEST.

Details

Registration options:
Full BEST Webinar Series (5 hours) including live parent consultation: $225. Being held on:

Friday, October 17, 2025, 10:30 – 12:00pm CST
Friday, December 12, 2025, 10:30 – 12:00pm CST

BEST Webinar Series (5 hours) without parent consultation: $150

Cancellation Policy

No refunds will be given for the webinar portion of the program once it has been sent to the registrant. If a participant cannot attend the live parent consultation session that they have signed up for, we will add them to the next available live session date. If they are unable to attend any live session, a refund for the live portion of the program will be given, provided the cancellation is made 30 days prior to the date of the original live program that they signed up for.
Please reach out with any questions to Beth Gononsky at Beth.Gononsky@childmind.org.

Workshop: From Chaos to Calm (Lake Geneva)
2025-10-14 17:30 - 20:00 UTC | Covenant Harbor, 1724 W Main St, Lake Geneva, WI, 53147
Free Workshop for Parents and Caregivers!
*New Activites & Take Home Materials
In this engaging workshop, you will:

Learn that behavior is communication
Understand how sensory processing leads to a deeper connection with your neurodivergent individuals
Gain strategies/tools that honor individual differences in times of big emotions
Learn how to support your child and yourself during and after times of big emotions/behaviors

The workshop is free and includes a complimentary toolkit (one per family/household)
Learn how to offer better support, deepen your connection, and remain calm.
One of the best ways we can support and nurture our children is by understanding how they uniquely experience and respond to the world. Learn how neurodivergent individuals experience the world—and respond with empathy, compassion, and confidence. This workshop helps you decode big emotions and behaviors while honoring individual differences.
This workshop is offered through a collaboration between Bloom360 Learning Community and the Tree House Child and Family Center.
When: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
5:30-6:00 PM Complimentary Light Dinner
6:00-8:00 PM Workshop
Where: Covenant Harbor, 1724 W Main St., Lake Geneva. Free Parking
*Complimentary onsite childcare provided with advanced registration

From Chaos to Calm: Understanding Sensory Triggers & Emotional Regulation
2025-10-14 17:30 - 20:00 UTC | Covenant Harbor, 1724 W Main St, Lake Geneva, WI, 53147

Family Fun Night at Endgame Mini Golf: Rice Lake
2025-10-14 16:00 - 18:00 UTC | EndGame Mini Golf (in Cedar Mall), 2900 South Main Street, Rice Lake, WI, 54868, United States
Join WiFCC at Endgame Mini Golf (located at 2900 S Main St, Cedar Mall Suite D2, Rice Lake, WI 54868) on Tuesday, October 14th from 4:00 pm-6:00 pm. Endgame Mini Golf features mini golf, brick building, and various games. To learn more about Endgame Mini Golf, check out their website here: https://endgameminigolf.com/.
Please note: bright and flashing lights may be used during this event.
Due to the popularity of family events, please let your local WiFCC Specialist know ahead of time if there is any reason you can no longer attend or need fewer tickets than you originally signed up for. We would like to accommodate as many families as possible. If you have any questions about this event, contact Madeline at mcurry@cclse.org.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

Empowered Families: Tools for Mental Health & Resilience--Identity Development and Effective Parental Support: Growing with Your Child
2025-10-09 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | Microsoft Teams
Empowered Families: Tools for Mental Health & Resilience is a FREE monthly webinar series hosted by Wisconsin Family Ties, designed to increase family knowledge and confidence in navigating the mental health challenges that children and teens may face. Each session offers practical tools, strategies, and real-world guidance to help families support youth effectively.
Webinars are open to all and grounded in strengths-based approaches that promote resilience, reduce stress, and strengthen partnerships between families, schools, and community providers.
Upcoming Webinar: Identity Development and Effective Parental Support: Growing with Your Child
Date: October 9, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Format: Live webinar via Microsoft Teams
We are thrilled to welcome special guest speaker Dr. KayLa N. Allen-Young, founder of Dear Mixed Girl. Dr. Allen-Young is nationally recognized for her work on identity development, belonging, and inclusion. She brings a powerful voice and deep expertise in helping families understand and celebrate the unique journeys of children and adolescents as they discover who they are.
What We’ll Cover:

The process of identity development during childhood and adolescence
How parents and caregivers can support children in understanding and embracing their unique identities
Ways families can foster inclusion and celebrate diversity
Strategies to adapt to children’s evolving needs and perspectives during this transformative stage of life

This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from Dr. Allen-Young and walk away with practical insights you can use right away to support your child’s growth.

Questions?
Contact Kelly Drake for more information.
📧 Email: kdrake@wifamilyties.org

Adult Adoptee Meet-Up at Blum Coffee Garden: Greenfield
2025-10-08 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | Blüm Coffee Garden, 4930 West Loomis Road, Greenfield, WI, 53220, United States
Please join us at Blum Coffee Garden for an evening of coffee and conversation! This event is casual and intended for adult adoptees or adults who experienced out-of-home care as a youth, to connect with others. The first $15 in coffee and food is on us! Feel free to bring a resource or any questions you need input or advice on, if you would like.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

Foster Parent and Adoptive Parent Support Group - Fond du Lac
2025-10-07 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Grace and Truth Christian Fellowship, N5776 County Rd D, Fond du Laz, WI, 54937
This group will have training opportunities, help and guidance with questions and concerns, and help to build relationships with others who are walking similar roads. Led by fellow foster parents.
A time of encouragement, support, and community.
Light refreshments and childcare will be provided. Please notify us if you will be utilizing childcare so we can plan accordingly.
Meeting on the first Tuesday of every month.
Email Lydia Duke for more info joelandlydia13@gmail.com

Parent/Caregiver Coffee Meet-up at Brew52 Cafe: Mukwonago
2025-10-07 09:00 - 10:30 UTC | Brew52, 1146 North Rochester Street, Mukwonago, WI, 53149
Foster, adoptive, guardianship, kinship, and reunified caregivers, join us to connect, learn, and share! Join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center for this opportunity to meet with other caregivers and make connections! We will meet at Brew52 Cafe in Mukwonago, WI. Each registrant will receive a food or drink purchase of up to $15.
You can view their menu here: https://brew52cafe.com/
Registration is required for this event. Contact Jamie at jsocolick@cclse.org with any questions. Please note: This is an adult-only event, and childcare will not be available on-site. Please make arrangements accordingly. A $25 childcare reimbursement, per family, is available for folks who must secure childcare in order to attend, if not already covered by another funding source.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.

This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.
