Wisconsin Family Connections Center

Foster Parent and Adoptive Parent Support Group - Fond du Lac
2026-07-07 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-02 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-05-05 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-04-07 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-03-03 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-02-03 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

Caregiver Coffee Meet Up: Madison
2026-06-20 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-05-16 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-18 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-21 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-21 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Mercies Coffee, 1748 Eagan Road, Madison, WI, 53704
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center for this opportunity to meet with other caregivers and make connections! Come enjoy a meal and cup of coffee on us and get to know other adoptive, guardianship, foster, kinship, and reunified caregivers in your area.
We will meet at Mercies Coffee in Madison, WI. Each registrant will receive up to $15.00 towards the purchase of food or drink (non-alcoholic beverages) during our time together. You can view the menu here: https://merciescoffeewi.com/#our-menu
This is a great opportunity to bring any questions, resources, or fun facts to a group of other caregivers. If you have any questions, please contact Megan at mmiller@cclse.org.
Please note: This is an adult only event, and no childcare will be available on site. This event is specific for adoptive, guardianship, foster, kinship, and reunified caregivers.
Register

Virtual Group: Birth Parent Support
2026-05-12 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-03-10 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
A virtual support group for birth parents throughout Wisconsin.

An online support group for birth parents who have placed a child for adoption. This group is open to all birth parents who have had a child placed for adoption, no matter what type of adoption or agency involved. Come ask your questions and meet others who share a similar story. It does not matter how long ago you placed. This group will meet on the second Tuesday of every other month (odd months – January, March….) and will be facilitated by Karla. If you have any questions, please contact kmeyer@cclse.org.
This online group will utilize Zoom to connect over video chat. You will need to have access to a smart phone with the free Zoom app, or a computer with a camera and microphone. Registrants will be emailed a link to use for joining the video chat.
This group is offered through the Wisconsin Family Connections Center, a program funded by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.
Register

BirthmomsConnect Virtual Support Group
2026-04-30 20:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-29 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).

Flower Box Fun for Moms! (Suamico)
2026-04-18 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Suamico, 3070 Mink Ranch Road, Suamico, WI, 54313-8030
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

If you are a Foster, pre-adoptive, or adoptive mom, join the WiFCC for a fun and creative woodburning workshop! Under the guidance of local artist Jennifer Frisch of Coneflower Creations, you’ll learn the basics of woodburning while crafting your very own Flower Box. This tabletop planter can be customized to fit your personal home decor!
No prior experience is necessary, but open to all levels! Jennifer will provide all the tools and supplies you need to design and create your own stunning piece. There are many designs to choose from, or you can bring your own image to fit on one 3.86″ H x 5.9″ W x 5.9″ D box. Don’t miss this chance to learn this creative and meditative craft, unleash your artistic side, and take home a unique creation that you made yourself!
Each participant will receive 1 Flower Box (plants not included)
You will learn:

How to design and transfer images
How to safely use a wood burner
Basic woodburning techniques

Contact Val at vzegers@cclse.org with any questions.
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.

Gamblers Hockey Family Night
2026-04-04 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | The Resch Center, 820 Armed Forces Dr., Green Bay, WI, 54304
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.
Sale starts February 26, 2026 @6PM

Foster, Adoptive, Pre-Adoptive, and Guardianship families join Wisconsin Family Connections Center for a night of hockey! There is no cost to attend. Each ticket will include two brats or hot dogs / popcorn / chips and a dessert.
Please make sure to dress warm as the hockey rink will be on the cooler side. If it’s very cold outside, the rink temperature will be lower as well.
Tickets will be picked up at the Will Call window on the day of game.
Schedule – Green Bay Gamblers Hockey
If you have any questions reach out to Val at vzegers@cclse.org
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Please be sure you are able to attend when you register. Thank you for your understanding, which allows us to continue to make these opportunities available for Wisconsin’s out-of-home care families.
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.
Register

Empowering Care, Strengthening Connections: Foster Care Coordinators’ Conference 2026
2026-03-26 - 2026-03-27 | Chula Vista Resort, 2501 River Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI, 53965, United States
Empowering Care, Strengthening Connections: Foster Care Coordinators’ Conference 2026
When: Thursday, March 26 (9:00 am–5:00 pm) through Friday, March 27 (9:00 am–12:00 pm)
Where: Chula Vista, Wisconsin Dells
We’re busy planning an exceptional conference designed specifically for Wisconsin’s Foster Care Coordinators. This annual gathering is your opportunity to connect with colleagues, strengthen your skills, and recharge your commitment to the children and families you serve.
Stay tuned for more details about sessions, speakers, and programming!
Questions? Contact us at info@coalitionforcyf.org.

Sunday Fun at the Children's Museum of Green Bay
2026-03-15 12:00 - 14:00 UTC | The Children’s Museum of Green Bay, 1230 Bay Beach Rd, Green Bay, WI, 54302
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Join WiFCC for a Sunday afternoon at the Children’s Museum of Green Bay!
The time will be open-house style, so come and go as you please. Mingle with other foster & adoptive parents, or just have a fun time playing and exploring the museum with your child! Parents/caregivers must stay with and supervise their children at all times during this event. Please have each household register separately.
Visit the Children’s Museum of Green Bay at https://www.gbchildrensmuseum.org/
If you have any questions or accommodation needs, 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.

Parents Night Out with the New Dueling Pianos: The Cove of Lake Geneva
2026-03-06 18:00 - 2026-03-07 22:00 UTC | The Cove of Lake Geneva, 111 Center St, Lake Geneva, WI, 53147
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Calling all Wisconsin Family Connections Center parents/caregivers who are looking for a Night Out full of entertainment and laughs!!! Come join us as we jam with the NEW Dueling Pianos at The Cove in Lake Geneva. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the show runs from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
What are dueling pianos? The New Dueling Pianos are a highly interactive form of musical entertainment, typically featuring two pianists facing each other on grand pianos. “The Guys” are request-based, interactive, hilarious, sing-along/clap-along, request-driven singers who cover practically every music genre! For more information on the New Dueling Pianos, please visit: https://newduelingpianos.com, and for information on the Cove of Lake Geneva, please visit: https://www.coveoflakegeneva.com/
Registration for this event will begin on January 05, 2026, at 6:00 P.M. Our WiFCC Tables will have two ticket types available for the show:

A couple’s ticket for you and your spouse/partner with other WiFCC couples OR
A single ticket for you to come enjoy your evening with other WiFCC parents/caregivers.

This show is for the grown-ups, so leave the kids at home! For caregivers who need to secure childcare back home in order to attend, a $25 childcare stipend will also be available.
For all questions and concerns, please contact Jamie at jsocolick@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 Family Night at Admirals Hockey
2026-03-01 15:00 - 18:00 UTC | Milwaukee Admirals, 510 W. Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53203
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Attention adoptive, foster, guardianship, relative caregiver, and reunified families and individuals!
Join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center for a family hockey day with the Admirals! The Admirals will take on the Manitoba Moose in this Sunday afternoon game. Each ticket will also include a $10 concession card that can be used at any of the food vendors at the arena.
Please refer to the Admirals’ website for information on the arena, including their bag policy and parking availability, here: https://www.milwaukeeadmirals.com/fans/faq/
If you have any questions, 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.

Teen & Caregiver Fun Night at The Mineshaft: Hartford
2026-02-24 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | The Mineshaft, 22 N Main St, Hartford, WI, 53027
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Caregivers and teens, join the WiFCC at The Mineshaft on February 24, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for an evening of fun with pizza and arcade games! Our pizza dinner will begin at 6:00 p.m., and we will then head to the upstairs arcade from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Each person will receive a game card with preloaded credits.
The Mineshaft boasts over 70 interactive arcade games and excellent pizza.
Visit the Mineshaft at https://mineshaftrestaurant.com/hartford-home for more information about their facility.
Please register for one ticket per person. This event is geared towards 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 regarding this event, please contact Jamie at jsocolick@cclse.org or (414) 242-5573.
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 who have been impacted by adoption or out-of-home care, and their immediate household members.

Cookies & Conversation - Moms Night Out!
2026-02-10 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | 1715 East Main Street Little Chute, WI 54140, 1715 East Main Street, Little Chute, WI, 54140
Please join the WiFCC for a Mom’s Night Out! Foster, pre-adoptive, and adoptive moms are welcome to come and relax while connecting with other moms touched by adoption.
Learn how to decorate your own set of Valentine-themed cookies with The Floured Whisk! You will be provided with six cookies, all the supplies to decorate, a box to take the cookies home, along with the recipes and step-by-step instructions. Everyone will receive a thank you bag with a cookie cutter, some piping bags, and some chocolates.
Contact Val at vzegers@cclse.org with any questions.
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.

Live Webinar - When Caring Hurts: Navigating Anxiety and Fear in Trauma-Informed Caregiving
2026-02-03 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | WEBINAR
Caring for children who have experienced trauma can be both rewarding and challenging. This webinar is designed specifically for caregivers navigating the emotional complexities of supporting children with a history of childhood trauma. We will explore how anxiety arises within our physical and emotional systems, helping caregivers better understand their own reactions when fear and stress surface. Through this lens, we’ll identify practical, trauma-informed strategies to add to your “toolbox” for managing anxiety and maintaining emotional resilience in the caregiving journey.
Register

Child Painting Party at Brushes & Bubbly: Wisconsin Dells
2026-02-01 12:00 - 14:00 UTC | Brushes & Bubbly, S2634 County Highway BD Suite 3, Baraboo, WI, 53913
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Join the WiFCC for a child painting party! This is a fun opportunity for children to create and connect while being led through the process of completing their own one-of-a-kind painting to bring home. This is open to artists of all skill levels but is designed for school-aged children. Please note that your clothing will be exposed to paint and could be stained. Dress accordingly.
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. Each ticket will reserve only one space per registrant. Please note that families registering multiple children will need to register each child separately to secure their ticket/space. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver/adult at all times.
If you have any questions, 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.

Badger Mens Basketball Game Sponsored by Jockey Being Family: Madison
2026-01-31 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | The Kohl Center, 601 W Dayton St., Madison, WI, 53715
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (starts Dec. 11, 2025)

Join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center for an afternoon of basketball featuring the Badger Men’s Basketball team vs. Ohio State. Come cheer for your favorite team at 1:00 PM at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.
Each registered attendee will receive one ticket with a maximum of 6 tickets per family. For information on directions and parking, visit: https://uwbadgers.com/sports/2015/08/21/GEN_20140101150. Please note that parking is not included with your tickets.
This event is being sponsored by Jockey Being Family. To learn more about Jockey Being family, visit their website here: https://www.jockeybeingfamily.com/
Registrants will receive tickets via email prior to the game.
If you have any questions regarding this event, or have any special accommodation requests, please 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.

Colorful Connections: Watercolor Workshop - Parent & Caregivers
2026-01-22 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Ginger Birch, 622 George St, De Pere, WI, 54115
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center at Ginger Birch for an engaging evening where caregivers and parents can connect through watercolor art. This interactive workshop includes your choice of watercolor pads to take home, along with brushes and palettes. Snacks and drinks will be provided. The event is designed for foster, adoptive, guardianship, kinship, and reunified caregivers.
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.

Live Webinar - Building Strong Relationships: Parenting with Courage
2026-01-22 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | Champions Classrooms
Building strong relationships with our children begins with us, the caregivers. This session will explore the concept of parenting with courage and the capacity to focus on courage as a parenting skill. Through self-reflection and values-based exploration activities, caregivers will explore a parenting perspective grounded in strength and parenting without fear. This webinar is ideal for caregivers who are seeking personal growth and inspiration on their parenting journey.
About the presenter: Shanna Sullivan (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™, and Early Childhood Family Specialist (ECMH-E®). She is a national trainer and consultant for the Center for Adoption Support and Education. She has dedicated her career in mental health to helping kids and families impacted by traumatic separation and complex developmental trauma. In addition to her perspective as a trauma therapist and advocate for adoption competency education, Shanna also brings lived and learned experience as an adoptive parent.

Caregivers Afternoon Out: Woodburning in Baraboo
2026-01-18 12:00 - 14:30 UTC | Brushes & Bubbly, S2634 County Highway BD Suite 3, Baraboo, WI, 53913
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

WiFCC parents & caregivers, join us for a fun afternoon in Baraboo! Each caregiver will learn to create a wood-burning design on a cutting board! Pick your design from hundreds of options and create something unique. As a reminder, this is an adult-only event. For caregivers who need to secure childcare back home in order to attend, a $25 childcare stipend, one per family, will also be available.
If you have any questions, 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.

Family Fun Day at Christie Mountain: Bruce
2026-01-17 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Christie Mountain, W13755 Co Rd O, Bruce, WI, 54819
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Join WiFCC at Christie Mountain on Saturday, January 17th, from 10 am-12 pm for a fun morning of snow tubing! Your registration covers up to 5 tickets for your family. You are able to purchase additional tickets on the day of the event. The cost of each additional ticket is $25.00. There will be a liability form to be signed before anyone can snow tube.
The tubing park offers a conveyor lift to transport you easily to the top of the park. For the safety of all, everyone must ride in their own tube. Tubing is recommended to be enjoyed by ages 3+.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.
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.
This event would be a great opportunity to invite your child’s birth/first family or previous foster family. We understand this may not work for all family dynamics, but we encourage you to consider it. We hope to create an opportunity for children to have all their loved ones in one location whenever possible and create positive memories together. Please have each household register separately.
To learn more about Christie Mountain, check out their website https://www.christiemountain.com/
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.
