Wisconsin Family Connections Center

National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) Virtual Book Club with Angeline Boulley
2025-09-23 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Zoom
Angeline Boulley, author of Firekeeper’s Daughter and Warrior Girl Unearthed, is joining the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) for a special book club webinar to discuss her new book, Sisters in the Wind, on September 23, 2025.
In her latest novel, Boulley tells the story of Lucy, a teenager who has spent five years in the foster system and is now learning of her Ojibwe heritage. As with her other books, Boulley uses her stories to shed light on real issues in Indian Country, like the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), through the lens of the Sugar Island community.
Join the NICWA team on September 23rd as we discuss ICWA and its important role in Sisters in the Wind.

Hybrid Support Group: Taylor/Clark County Residents
2025-09-22 17:30 - 19:00 UTC | River of Hope Church, 1129 West Broadway Avenue, Medford, WI, 54451
Adoptive, foster, relative, guardianship, and reunified caregivers residing in Clark or Taylor County are welcome to attend our hybrid in-person/virtual support group. The September-November dates will be in person, and this listing is where you can register for any of those three dates. The December-March dates will be virtual (registration will be under a separate Eventbrite listing), and we will plan to go back to in-person in the spring.
This group is meant for caregivers to find connection and support with others who reside in the same area. The group will be facilitated by a GIFTS Case Manager/Regional Support Specialist, but is designed for attendees to participate and connect.
The in-person groups will go from 5:30-7:00 pm. The first half hour is for people to arrive and eat before the group discussion starts.
Dinner and water/soda will be provided during each in-person group. Attendees can feel free to bring their own snacks and drinks if that’s preferred! As this is an adults-only support group, a $25 childcare reimbursement, one per family, is available for those who need to secure childcare back at home in order to attend the in-person support group dates.
Please reach out to Chelsey at ccoulthurst@cclse.org with any questions!

Truancy
2025-09-22 17:30 - 19:00 UTC | Virtual
Learn effective strategies to address and prevent truancy, helping your child stay engaged and succeed in school
Presenter: Ann-Marie St John, MS – Community Education Coordinator at Parents Place
Ann-Marie develops and facilitates educational opportunities for parents, caregivers, and professionals. She received her BA in Elementary Education from UW-Platteville and her MS in Administrative Leadership from UW-Milwaukee. She is a Level 16 and a Tier 3 Trainer through The Registry as well as a Technical Assistance Professional.

Workshop: Nurturing a Positive Racial Identity in Multiracial Children (9/20)
2025-09-20 11:00 - 13:00 UTC | Virtual
Why is a positive racial identity important for multiracial children? How do they see themselves, how do others see them, and why might that matter in racial identity development? What can and should caregivers do to foster a healthy racial identity for mixed kids?
Join Embrace Race for a 2-hour workshop to explore these questions. Participants will deepen their understanding of multiracial children’s experiences and identity development based on social science research, reflect and share about their own racial journeys and the multiracial children they care for, and practice relevant skills. This workshop is for any caregiver who plays a meaningful role with a multiracial child or children, either at home, in the classroom, or in other spaces. Parents, guardians, educators, and all caregivers welcome!
Meet the workshop facilitators

Melissa Giraud is the co-founder and co-director of EmbraceRace and identifies as multiracial (Black/White), daughter of immigrants from Dominica and Quebec. Melissa has spent a lifetime trying to center the voices, experiences, and concerns of children and families, with a particular interest in immigrant kids of color and first-generation children.
Dr. Nicol Russell has worked as an early childhood classroom teacher, school administrator, childcare director, and at state-levels in the Department of Education and the Department of Special Education. She is passionate about being a voice for Indigenous, Black, and other children of color who are often excluded, neglected, or otherwise overlooked. Nicol identifies as multiracial (Native Hawaiian and Black).

WiFCC Autumn Morning Fun at Willow Springs: Wausau
2025-09-20 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Willow Springs Gardens, 5480 Hillcrest Dr., Wausau, WI, 54401
Adoptive, foster, guardianship, relative/kinship, and reunified families, please join us for a morning of family fun at Willow Springs Garden! Families will have a chance to do corn mazes (one for children and one for adults), take a hayride, eat fun snacks from the concessions stand, and have time to connect with other families! Children will also be able to do a barrel train ride!
Advance registration is required. On the day of the event, families will park across from the town hall and meet the Support Specialist underneath the shelter area.
Space is limited, so please register your family as soon as possible. If you have questions about this event, please contact 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.

Caregiver Coffee Meet Up: Madison
2025-09-20 10:00 - 11:00 UTC | Mercies Coffee, 1748 Eagan Road, Madison, WI, 53704
Join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center for this opportunity to meet with other caregivers and make connections! Come enjoy a meal and a 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 limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care.
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.

Free 6-Week Class: NAMI Basics
2025-09-20 09:00 - 11:30 UTC | Nature Hill Intermediate School Library, 850 Lake Dr, Oconomowoc, WI, 53066
Do you care for a child experiencing mental health, emotional, or behavioral difficulties?
NAMI Basics is a 6-session education program for parents, caregivers, and other family members who provide care for youth (ages 18 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms. This program is free to participants, 99% of whom say they would recommend the program to others.
The course is taught by a trained team with lived experience raising a child with a mental health condition. They know what you’re going through because they’ve been there, too.
Anger, outbursts, school or friend avoidance, frequent stomach aches, withdrawing from activities, or shutting down may be warning signs that your child is struggling.
By participating in NAMI Basics, you’ll realize that you are not alone. You’ll find support and shared understanding—compassion, reinforcement, and empathy from people who truly get your situation. And don’t forget: Your experiences may also help others in the course. Together, you will all learn that recovery is a journey, and there is hope.
NAMI Basics Covers:

The impact mental health conditions can have on your entire family
Different types of mental health care professionals, available treatment options and therapies
An overview of the public mental health care, school and juvenile justice systems and resources to help you navigate these systems
How to advocate for your child’s rights at school and in health care settings
How to prepare for and respond to crisis situations (self-harm, suicide attempts, etc.)
The importance of taking care of yourself
Much, much more

Saturdays Sep 20-Oct 25
9-11:30 AM
Nature Hill Intermediate School Library, Oconomowoc
*childcare is available during the class
familyprograms@namisoutheastwi.org

Different is Awesome! Family Night in the Dells spon by Jockey Being Family
2025-09-19 17:30 - 20:30 UTC | Glacier Canyon Lodge, 45 Hillman Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI, 53965
The Wisconsin Family Connections Center, along with Jockey Being Family and the Journeys Program, invites your family to join us in Wisconsin Dells for a night to celebrate the differences that make each of us AWESOME! We will enjoy a night full of food, crafts, games, and inspiration.
Our night will begin with check-in starting at 5:30 pm, followed by dinner at 6:00 pm. Crafts and games will be available throughout dinner, with a special presentation to follow at 7:00 p.m., featuring Wisconsin children’s book author Ryan Haack from LivingOneHanded.com. Fun for the entire family! Each family will also receive an autographed copy of Ryan’s book, “Different is Awesome!”.
An optional $125 partial hotel reimbursement is available for families who attend the event and did NOT also receive a hotel reimbursement for the Spring 2025 event. WiFCC will reimburse $125 of your hotel charge (this option must be selected on your event registration). WiFCC block room rates are available at the Glacier Canyon Lodge ($119 + $30 Resort fee + tax for a room of 4 people with a $40/per person charge for any additional people – up to 6 in a room). Details for the room block will be provided in your confirmation email. These reservations must be made no later than Wednesday, August 20th, as our rate will be released at that time. You may also choose to stay at an alternate nearby hotel and still request the partial reimbursement. Room reservations and all associated costs are the responsibility of each family and will NOT be made by WiFCC, rather, families who indicate they would like to receive the $125 reimbursement on their registration form will receive a form upon check-in at the event and will be mailed the $125 within 3 weeks after the event, following their return of the form and hotel receipt. There is a limit of ONE hotel room reimbursement per household.
This event is for foster, adoptive, guardianship, reunified, and relative caregiver families residing in the state of Wisconsin.
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 questions about this event, 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.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Ryan Haack believes that being different is awesome. As a speaker and an author, he has shared his message of acceptance and inclusion with children and adults of all ages. Through storytelling and humor, Ryan shares his journey of growing up with a physical difference, the importance of building community, and the truth that our differences – those things that make us unique – are the very things that make us awesome!

Workshop: Nurturing a Positive Racial Identity in Multiracial Children (9/18)
2025-09-18 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Virtual

Screen Time for School-Agers
2025-09-18 17:30 - 19:00 UTC | Virtual
Help kids learn to use devices responsibly and help develop healthy screentime habits
Presenter: Ann-Marie St John, MS – Community Education Coordinator at Parents Place
Ann-Marie develops and facilitates educational opportunities for parents, caregivers, and professionals. She received her BA in Elementary Education from UW-Platteville and her MS in Administrative Leadership from UW-Milwaukee. She is a Level 16 and a Tier 3 Trainer through The Registry as well as a Technical Assistance Professional.

Child Welfare Professional Peer Group: Preparation of Families Moving Toward Adoption Finalization or Guardianship
2025-09-18 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-11 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | Zoom
This series will highlight the power of preparing families before they legally adopt or commit to guardianship. A range of programs that educate and support families at various stages during this critical phase will be shared, enabling prospective sites to determine what they can draw from to tailor to their own systems. Note: A session will not be held on September 25th.

Date & Time

Sep 11, 2025 02:00 PM
Sep 18, 2025 02:00 PM
Sep 25, 2025 02:00 PM
Oct 2, 2025 02:00 PM

September Support Group: Back to School (Evening)
2025-09-17 19:00 - 20:00 UTC | Virtual
Engage in a discussion with a parent education expert about the highs and lows of parenting using evidence-based strategies for overcoming challenges, enhancing the joys of parenting, and fostering a deeper connection with your children.
Presenter: Ann-Marie St John, MS – Community Education Coordinator at Parents Place
Ann-Marie develops and facilitates educational opportunities for parents, caregivers, and professionals. She received her BA in Elementary Education from UW-Platteville and her MS in Administrative Leadership from UW-Milwaukee. She is a Level 16 and a Tier 3 Trainer through The Registry as well as a Technical Assistance Professional.

Live Webinar: Fatherhood Is Sacred®, Motherhood Is Sacred®
2025-09-17 12:00 - 13:30 UTC | Wisconsin Family Connections Center Classroom
This webinar outlines the approach to a highly successful parenting curriculum developed by a Native American father for Native American fathers and mothers. It is the model overview of training fathers and mothers to be leaders in their own homes. The workshop identifies the five core principles of the curriculum offered to facilitators who work with Native American parents on and off reservations: the Creator, Choice, Teachable, Wisdom, and Service. Parents learn the importance of loving and caring for their families, assisting with problem-solving, and teaching the true principles of fatherhood and motherhood.
Presenter: Albert M. Pooley is the Founder and President of the Native American Fatherhood & Families Association (NAFFA), based in Mesa, Arizona. A proud member of both the Hopi and Navajo cultures, he has dedicated his career to strengthening Native American families and communities through education, advocacy, and cultural preservation. Mr. Pooley holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Public Administration (MPA) and has extensive experience as a marriage and family counselor.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | 12:00-1:30 PM
Free | Registration is limited to 500 participants. Register for the live webinar by clicking here! Licensed foster parents will receive 1.5 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

Webinar: Thinking About Supported Decision Making (September 16, 2025)
2025-09-16 17:30 - 18:30 UTC | Zoom
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 GiGi’s Playhouse Madison.
After you sign up, you will get an email with a link and information about joining the session.

WiFCC Arcade and Pizza Night: Wausau on Water
2025-09-16 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | Wausau on Water, 1300 N River Dr, Wausau, WI, 54403
The Wisconsin Family Connections Center invites your family to attend an arcade and pizza night at Wausau on Water! Our group will have a private room that includes pizza, soft drinks, a pre-loaded arcade card for each attendee, and the option to do laser tag at 6:40 pm. Children must be 42 inches tall to play laser tag!
You can start arriving at 4:45 pm. Pizzas will be out shortly after, with a laser tag session starting at 6:40 pm. We will plan to wrap up the event around 7:00 pm.
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.
Please reach out to Chelsey at ccoulthurst@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.

Post-Permanency Services for Tribal Nations
2025-09-16 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Zoom
This one-hour webinar will provide a general overview of the universal and on-site assistance available to Tribal Nations through this project. Post-permanency services are a type of support for families and children who have achieved permanency through guardianship, customary adoption, or adoption.

Fostering School Success: How Caregivers and Social Workers Can Support the Educational Needs of Children
2025-09-15 12:00 - 14:00 UTC | Virtual
Among child welfare service and program goals is the achievement of children and youth’s educational progress to match their potential and needs. Educational success of children and youth in the child welfare system depends, in part, on the collective efforts and collaboration of caregivers (foster, adoptive, and kinship), social workers, and agency management to address challenges and strategies for success.
CWLA (Child Welfare League of America) is pleased to invite you to join us for this engaging skill-building opportunity that will share how to improve school experiences and long-term outcomes for children who have experienced trauma. Participants in this training will:

Develop an understanding of common barriers to educational access and engagement for youth who have experienced trauma.
Learn practical strategies for cultivating resilience at home that will lead to improved school performance.
Advance their knowledge of the education system and the support available to children with special needs and circumstances.
Expand their collaboration and advocacy toolkits to ensure children and youth have access to high-quality schooling.

This training is appropriate for caregivers (foster, adoptive, and kinship) and social workers who have an interest and responsibility to better support children and youth in school, as well as their educational achievement.
Using case examples, discussion, skill-building exercises, and opportunities for Q&A, this training draws on the latest research in trauma and learning. The following topics will be covered during the (4) four two-hour individual training sessions:

Session 1: Common School Challenges for Learners Who Have Experienced Trauma and Best Practice in Trauma-Informed Education
Session 2: Cultivating the Skills Children Need to be Successful in School
Session 3: Understanding the Educational Process
Session 4: Advocating for Youth in Schools

Training Dates and Time: Each of the four (4) training sessions will be held for two (2) hours, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm Central Time on Monday, September 15, 2025; Wednesday, September 17, 2025; Monday, September 22, 2025; and Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Trainer: Gwen Bass, PhD
Dr. Bass focuses on engaging teachers, families, and the community of support professionals around children to improve school experiences and long-term outcomes. She uses her research and expertise to enhance opportunities for students who are marginalized and improve educational access and outcomes for children with learning differences. Dedicated to training teachers, social workers, and parents so they can collaborate to support children in schools, she is particularly interested in serving children who are the most vulnerable, including youth with disabilities and youth in foster care. As an education consultant, she frequently presents on inclusive classroom practices, behavior management, child development, child welfare systems, parent education, measurement and evaluation of social-emotional skills in schools, and trauma-sensitive teaching. Dr. Bass is the former Director of the Teacher Leadership Division, Professional and Graduate Education at Mount Holyoke College. She spent nearly 10 years in pre-K-12 schools as an early childhood educator, special education teacher, and school counselor. She is the author of the recently released publication titled, Immaculate Misconception: A Story of Biology and Belonging.

Training Registration Fee for CWLA Organizational Members $300; for Individual Members $325; for Non-Members $350
Training CEUs for CWLA Members $25; for Non-Members $35
Eight (8) Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for the four training sessions, provided through NASW – Washington State Chapter. Participants must submit session evaluations and quizzes to receive CEUs.
10% Discount Available for Group of 5 or More Training Registrations*
*Registrations must be completed at the same time as a group for the “10% for 5 or More” discount to apply and is only applicable for new training registrations. Contact memberservices@cwla.org for assistance with a group registration.
Training Location: The training will be virtual using the Zoom platform. Training details and Zoom link will be emailed to registrants a few days prior to the training. Please be sure to check your Junk/ Spam email.
For assistance, contact memberservices@cwla.org.

Camp Edwards 1/2 Day Family Retreat with the Wisconsin Family Connections Center: East Troy
2025-09-14 14:00 - 17:00 UTC | Camp Edwards YMCA Camp, N8901 Army Lake Rd, East Troy, WI, 53120
Come join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center at our 1/2 Day Family Retreat at Camp Edwards YMCA Camp in East Troy, Wisconsin. All adoptive, foster, guardianship, relative/kinship, reunified, and birth/first families are invited to attend. WiFCC families will enjoy a private 1/2-day family retreat, which includes a climbing wall, canoeing, archery, two 90-foot tube slides, low ropes courses, and Gaga ball. Light snacks and water are also included in your admission. One ticket is good for one household member with a maximum of 8 tickets per family.
Please visit the Camp Edwards page at: https://www.gcfymca.org/locations/camp-edwards if you have additional questions. For any questions or accommodation needs, please email 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.

Family Fun Day at Ferguson's Orchard: Eau Claire
2025-09-13 10:00 - 11:00 UTC | Ferguson’s Orchards, 6470 Balsam Road, Eau Claire, WI, 54703
Adoptive, foster, guardianship, kinship, and reunified families – join the WiFCC at Ferguson’s Orchard on Saturday, September 13th, 2025, starting at 10:00 am. Ferguson’s offers a corn pit, friendly farm animals, a corn maze, a straw bale pyramid, and much more!
Please plan to arrive between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to check in with WiFCC staff and gain entrance into the orchard. After checking in between 10:00 am and 11:00am, feel free to stay a few hours or the whole day! The orchard is open until 6:00 pm. The tickets will be season passes and will be able to be used for the remainder of their season.
The cost of apples, pumpkins, store products, and attractions is NOT covered by basic admission. Please note: we must have the names of each attendee so they can secure their season pass to the orchard. Ages 2 and under are free and do not need to be included in your list of attendees for the season pass.
There is a maximum of 5 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://fergusonsorchard.com/eau-claire-home/.
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.

WiFCC Second Chance Milwaukee Brewers Game Event: Milwaukee
2025-09-12 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | American Family Field, 1 Brewers Way, Milwaukee, WI, 53214
For those families that missed out the first time, come join the Wisconsin Family Connection Center for a “Second Chance” Milwaukee Brewers Event. Come out to the ballpark to watch the Milwaukee Brewers take on the St. Louis Cardinals at American Family Field in Milwaukee, WI. The game starts at 7:10 pm, and our tickets will be in the Loge Outfield section on the first base side, second level. Your tickets also include one general parking pass per household. One ticket is good for one person with a maximum of 6 tickets per household. If additional tickets or special accommodations are needed, please contact the Support Specialists at jsocolick@cclse.org. Additional tickets will also be available for purchase separately.
Please note, if you attended the WiFCC Brewer Event in May 2025, please do not register for this event, as this is a second chance offering for families who were unable to attend the previous game. Your ticket and parking pass distribution will be communicated to you in the last week of August 2025. For information on parking, directions, or alternative transportation to American Family Field, visit: https://www.mlb.com/brewers/ballpark/transportationPlease review the ballpark’s bag and carry-in policies at https://www.mlb.com/brewers/ballpark/security
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.

Parent/Caregiver Support Coffee Meet-Up: Spooner
2025-09-12 09:00 - 10:30 UTC | Alley Cats Coffee, 750 West Beaverbrook Avenue, Spooner, WI, 54801
Foster, adoptive, guardianship, kinship, and reunified caregivers, join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center to connect, learn, and share!
Join us for this opportunity to meet with other caregivers and make connections! We will meet at Alley Cats Coffee in Spooner, WI, on Friday, September 12th, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Each registrant will receive a food or drink purchase of up to $10. You can view the menu here: https://alleycatscoffee.com/
Registration is required for this event. Contact Madeline at mcurry@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 is available, one per family, for individuals who must secure childcare in order to attend, provided another funding source does not already cover it.
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.

Positive Behavior Strategies Virtual Training
2025-09-11 19:00 - 20:00 UTC | Virtual
The Positive Behavior Strategies Training Session will be led by Dr. Brooke Winchell, an Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, who specializes in Special Education and Early Childhood Education. Dr. Winchell will share insights and strategies on various topics related to positive behavior management for children. Participants will gain knowledge on preventing challenging behaviors and implementing effective instructions to enhance listening skills.
Contact Jenna at (262)-374-2242 or jenna@treehouseforkids.net regarding questions or concerns

Free 8-week Class: NAMI Family to Family
2025-09-11 18:00 - 20:30 UTC | Greendale Hole Tower, 5699 Parking Street, Greendale, WI, 53129
NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. It is a designated evidenced-based program. This means that research shows that the program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to a person with a mental health condition.

NAMI Family-to-Family is taught by NAMI-trained family members who have been there, and includes presentations, discussions and interactive exercises.

What You’ll Gain

NAMI Family-to-Family not only provides information and strategies for taking care of the person you love, but you’ll also find out that you’re not alone. Recovery is a journey, and there is hope.
The group setting of NAMI Family-to-Family provides mutual support and shared positive impact—experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation. Sharing your own experience may help others in your class. In the program, you’ll learn about:

How to solve problems and communicate effectively
Taking care of yourself and managing your stress
Supporting your loved one with compassion
Finding and using local supports and services
Up-to-date information on mental health conditions and how they affect the brain
How to handle a crisis
Current treatments and therapies
The impact of mental health conditions on the entire family

September 11-October 30, 2025
Thursdays, 6:00-8:30pm
Greendale Hose Tower
5699 Parking Street
Greendale, WI 53129
familyprograms@namisoutheastwi.org

September Support Group: Back to School (Afternoon)
2025-09-10 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Virtual

Webinar: What is Wisconsin Special Education Mediation System and How to Use It
2025-09-08 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Zoom
The Wisconsin Special Education Mediation System (WSEMS) provides free dispute resolution services for parents of children with disabilities and schools in Wisconsin. This workshop will cover the various services provided by WSEMS and how to access these services.
This is an overview training with time for questions! Presenters: Courtney Salzer and Heidi Siebert

Crystal Cave Private Tour: Spring Valley
2025-09-03 15:00 - 16:00 UTC | Crystal Cave, W965 WI-29, Spring Valley, WI, 54767
Attention adoptive, foster, guardianship, relative caregiver, and reunified families and individuals – join the WiFCC for a private tour of Crystal Cave in Spring Valley! See stalactites, stalagmites, and other cave formations. Our private tour will begin at 3 pm and end around 4 pm. Registrants should plan on arriving at 2:45 pm to check in and prepare for the tour. Max of 4 tickets per family. This event is open to foster, adoptive, guardianship, kinship/relative caregivers. and reunified families.
Prior to registering, please read the following:
This tour consists of 7 flights of stairs and ramps. It is an hour-long standing/walking tour. As such, the tour is not suitable for wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers. The tour is moderately strenuous; there are no elevators and limited seating options in the cave. There are some areas where you will need to be able to duck under lower-hanging rocks. There is low lighting throughout the tour. The environment in the cave is cool (50°F) and humid. To learn more about Crystal Cave, check out their website at https://www.acoolcave.org/
If you have any questions regarding 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.

Foster Parent and Adoptive Parent Support Group - Fond du Lac
2025-09-02 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

Fall Fun at Polly's Pumpkin Patch: Chilton
2025-08-29 11:00 - 18:00 UTC | Polly’s Pumpkin Patch, N4367 WI-57, Chilton, WI, 53014
Adoptive, foster, guardianship, kinship, and reunified families — bring the family out for some fall fun! Come and enjoy the many attractions Polly’s Pumpkin Patch offers.
We ask that families arrive at 11:00 am to check in with WiFCC staff at the entrance to the gift shop. The barn is open from 9:00 am-6:00 pm, and your family is welcome to stay for a few hours or for the whole day.
To learn more about Polly’s Pumpkin Patch, check out their website here: https://www.pollyspumpkinpatch.com/. This event will include a wagon ride with a choice of pumpkin from the field, a corn maze, and an apple cider donut. The cost of concessions and/or store products is not covered by admission.
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. When registering, please register for EACH ATTENDEE AND AGE.
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.

BirthmomsConnect Virtual Support Group
2025-08-28 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).
