Wisconsin Family Connections Center

BirthmomsConnect Virtual Support Group
2025-10-23 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-09-25 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).

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.

Fall Family Fun at Waldvogel Farm Sponsored by Jockey Being Family: Juneau
2025-10-05 10:00 - 16:00 UTC | Waldvogel Farm, N7416 County Rd I, Juneau, WI, 53039
Wisconsin Family Connections Center: Adoptive, foster, guardianship, kinship, and reunified families—bring the family out for a day of Fall Fun! Waldvogel Farm is Wisconsin’s LARGEST pumpkin farm and boasts over 80+ fun activities and attractions to enjoy. Hit the 150′ mega slide, play a round of mini golf, catch a ride on the farm train or tiny tractors, race the clock in the corn maze, and so much more! Each participant will receive a pick-your-own pumpkin ticket and have an opportunity to mingle with other WiFCC families from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 P.M.
One ticket is good for one household member ages 3 and over, with a maximum of 6 tickets per family. Additional tickets are available for purchase at the gate.
Please plan to arrive at 10:00 A.M. for ticket check-in and enjoy the day at your leisure.
Please visit the Waldvogel Farm website at: https://www.waldvogelfarm.com for additional information and FAQ’s. For any other 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 Bowling and Pizza Party at Bowl Winkle's: Eau Claire
2025-10-04 11:00 - 13:30 UTC | Bowl Winkle’s, 1616 N Clairemont Ave #1, Eau Claire, WI, 54703
Join the WiFCC at Bowl Winkle’s on Saturday, October 4th, from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm. There will be bowling and pizza. To learn more about Bowl Winkle’s, check out their website here https://bowlwinklesbowling.com/.
There is a maximum of 6 tickets per household.
This event is intended for adoption, foster, guardianship, relative caregivers, and reunified families.
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.

Celebrating All Abilities
2025-10-04 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | Wick Field, 4929 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee, WI, 53208
What is Celebrating All Abilities?
Celebrating All Abilities is a special education family community for Milwaukee Public Schools families. Workshops, expert presentations, and networking at this forum will help families navigate disability services and celebrate their children’s strengths.

Why Attend?

Discover: New strategies, resources, and support options for your child’s education.
Connect: With other families who understand your journey and build a supportive network.
Advocate: To support your child’s needs.

Activities

Family games
Basketball
Community resources and partners on hand
Caregiver workshops

Lunch and childcare provided. Food trucks available. Questions? Call (414) 475-8199.

WiFCC & Jockey Being Family Caregiver Getaway: Green Bay
2025-10-04 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | Oneida Casino Hotel, 2040 Airport Drive, Green Bay, WI, 54313
Parents and caregivers (adoptive, foster, guardianship, kinship/relative, and reunified caregivers who reside in Wisconsin) – you deserve a day for YOU! We invite you to take a night away and join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center, with special sponsorship from Jockey Being Family, to focus on caring for yourself. Attend as an individual or as a couple, both are welcome! Our speaker, Allison Kunkel, will guide us through the day with a presentation entitled “Embracing Grace: A Day for You.” This day is meant to incorporate connection, learning, and rest to help you recharge. You will notice the day begins a bit late and ends a bit early, because we wanted to build intentional time for slowness into this opportunity (as well as give anyone traveling some extra morning time). Registration for this getaway is open to any adoptive, foster, guardianship, kinship/relative, and reunified caregivers who reside in Wisconsin. A certificate of attendance (3 hours) will be available upon request for ongoing education documentation, if needed.
INCLUDED in this free getaway for you:

A one-night partial hotel reimbursement of up to $125**
Saturday programming & lunch
Child care reimbursement(up to $50/one child or $100/family)

AGENDA FOR THE DAY
9:30-10 Check-in (fruit, pastries, and coffee available)
10-11:30 Morning Session
11:30-12:30 Lunch (provided) & time to connect with other attendees
12:30-2 Afternoon Session

Please note:

This is an adults-only event, and no childcare will be available on-site. Registrants must attend the Saturday programming in order to take advantage of the child care reimbursement and one-night hotel reimbursement.
This presentation was offered in Rhinelander at the Spring Caregiver Getaway. If you already attended one of the Spring 2025 WiFCC Caregiver Getaways and received the hotel/childcare reimbursement, you will not be eligible to receive the hotel/childcare reimbursements again for this event. Our hope is for as many families as possible to benefit from these offerings. Space for this event is limited.

*Hotel reimbursement details: A one-night hotel reimbursement of up to $125 is available for each attending household who did not already receive a hotel reimbursement for a Spring 2025 WiFCC Caregiver Getaway, with block rooms available on Friday or Saturday evening through the event venue for rates starting at $139++. A link to this group rate will be provided in your registration confirmation email. To receive the group rate all rooms MUST be booked by Friday, September 12, 2025. After this date, the group room block is released to the general public and you will no longer have access to the special group rate. After September 12th, registrants may no longer be able to secure that rate, but will still be eligible for the one-night, up to $125 hotel reimbursement for this weekend (at either the event hotel or another nearby). Registrants are responsible for booking & paying for hotel rooms individually – these reservations will NOT be booked or paid for by the WiFCC.If you have questions, please reach out to 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.

Child Welfare Professional Peer Group: Preparation of Families Moving Toward Adoption Finalization or Guardianship
2025-10-02 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

Virtual Training: Working with Traumatized Children
2025-10-02 12:00 - 14:00 UTC | Zoom
Child Welfare League of America is pleased to announce another round of their 3-part, virtual training series that features the publication Working with Traumatized Children – A Handbook for Healing. Now in its third edition, Working with Traumatized Children has been updated to include new strategies and approaches for caregivers and others responsible for meeting the needs of children who are vulnerable. Registration fees will include a PDF copy of Working with Traumatized Children, Companion Workbook.
Participants will gain a strengthened capacity to:
1. Define what trauma is and differentiate it from stress
2. Provide examples of trauma symptoms in children and adults
3. Describe how trauma can impact children’s brains
4. Advocate for the provision of safe environments when working with children and adults who have been affected by trauma
5. Provide examples of how systems can be traumatizing or retraumatize people
6. Explain the importance of understanding the vagus nerve when working with families and children who have been affected by trauma
7. Express why self-reflective practices and supervision are important when working with this population
Trainer: Paulette Mader, MSN – Senior Training and Consultation Specialist, Rutgers University, “Nurtured Heart Approach” and “ACE and the Neurobiology of Trauma”, “Wrap Around” and “CFT”

Thursdays, October 2, 9 & 16, 2025

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm Central Standard Time

Teen & Parent/Caregiver Splatter Room Glow Session-LK Art Bucket: Rice Lake
2025-09-30 16:30 - 17:30 UTC | LK Art Bucket, 2900 South Main Street, Rice Lake, WI, 54868
Caregivers and teens, join WiFCC at LK Art Bucket on Tuesday, September 30th. Our group will be doing a glow session in the splatter room between 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm. Your registration includes an 8X10 canvas, protective poncho or coveralls, goggles, and shoe covers. To learn more about LK Art Bucket and the glow session splatter room, check out their website here: https://www.lkartbucket.com/.
Please note: sensitive individuals may not be able to stay in the room for the entire 55 minutes, as it can be a bit overwhelming with the darkness and glowing lights.
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.

EAA Museum Tour: Oshkosh
2025-09-28 13:00 - 14:30 UTC | EAA Aviation Museum, 3000 Poberezny Rd, Oshkosh, WI, 54902
Adoptive, foster, guardianship, relative/kinship, and reunified families ~
Please join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center for an afternoon at the EAA Museum. Located in Oshkosh, the EAA Aviation Museum is one of the world’s finest aviation attractions and a year-round destination for the entire family. Come and explore their world-class displays and galleries. Check out a collection of more than 200 historic airplanes along with world-class galleries and displays, including the Eagle Hangar that pays tribute to World War II aviation and the heroes who served. Kids can enjoy a highly interactive area, The KidVenture Gallery, that features 16 hands-on exhibits, a scenic overlook from the Tower of Flight, as well as climb into the cockpit of a half-scale model of an F-22. We will have a guided tour starting at 1:15 p.m., lasting approximately one hour. Please arrive at 1:00pm so the tour can begin promptly at 1:15pm.
For more information on the EAA, please visit: www.eaa.org
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.

Family Fun Day at Burch Barn: Spooner
2025-09-27 10:00 - 11:00 UTC | The Burch Barn, N5921 Co Hwy K, Spooner, WI, 54801
Adoptive, foster, guardianship, kinship, and reunified families – bring the family out for some fall fun! Come and enjoy the many attractions The Burch Barn Pumpkin Patch offers – get lost in the corn maze, dig around in the corn pit, win a derby horse race, explore the pedal carts, or slide down the gunny sack slide.
We ask that families arrive between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to check in with WiFCC staff near the entrance and gain entry. The barn is open from 10 a.m. -5:00 p.m. and your family is welcome to stay for a few hours or for the whole day.
To learn more about The Burch Barn, check out their website here: https://www.burchbarn.com/. The cost of concessions and/or store products is not covered by basic admission.
If you have questions about this event, contact Madeline at mcurry@cclse.org or 715-491-4752 (call/text).
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.
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.

Writing Circle for Adult Adoptees: Appleton
2025-09-25 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | Meade Street Bistro, 2729 N Meade St, Appleton, WI, 54911
Join us for a writing circle for adult adoptees at Meade Street Bistro (2729 N. Meade Street, Appleton). Light appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks will also be provided (up to $15/person). Whether you’re just beginning to explore your adoption story or have been reflecting on it for years, this space offers a gentle, judgment-free environment to express, process, and connect through writing. Our writing circle will use guided writing prompts to explore themes such as identity, belonging, loss, resilience, and more—all through the unique lens of the adoptee experience and is facilitated by an adult adoptee to create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. You do not need to be a professional writer to participate. Each participant will also receive a copy of Voices Unheard: A Reflective Journal for Adult Adoptees by Lisa Coppola, LMHC—a resource designed to deepen your self-reflection as well as your connection with fellow adult adoptees. Registration is required for this event – Please reach out to 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.

CARE Webinar Series: ACEs & Behavioral Challenges
2025-09-25 17:00 - 18:00 UTC | Zoom

Webinar: The Role of Sensory Processing in Self-Regulation
2025-09-24 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Zoom
Self-regulation is influenced by a combination of individual and external factors including biology, skills, motivation, caregiver support, and environmental context. Sensory processing is only a piece of this complex process. These factors all interact with one another to support self-regulation and create opportunities for intervention. This workshop will provide parents and caregivers with information and resources about evidence-based strategies and interventions to support their child’s ability to regulate emotions and behaviors.
Presenters: Carlynn Higbie is an Education Consultant with the Special Education Team at the WI Department of Public Instruction as well as an occupational therapist who has been practicing for over 40 years in both school-based and outpatient pediatric settings. She has supported students with educational disabilities both as a practitioner and a trainer/coach/educator for other educators. Carlynn’s experience in conducting training and consulting with school districts has helped many school-based therapists and educators improve evidence-based practices such as service provision in the least restrictive environment, and the use of a collective process for IEP development and participation-based IEP goals.
Eva Kubinski, MS, School Administration Consultant, WI DPI Eva has worked as an educator and trainer for the past 30 years. She provides training and support in the areas of specially designed physical education; assessment and comprehensive evaluations; working with medical professionals; pre-service educator preparation program reviews, cross-categorical licensing, and the unique needs of American Indian students with IEPs. Eva is the program consultant for the areas of: Orthopedic Impairment (OI), Other Health Impairment (OHI), and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Webinar--Get Started: Navigating Systems of Support
2025-09-24 11:30 - 12:30 UTC | Zoom
This session guides you through the landscape of programs when your child has a disability or special health care needs. Learn about Medicaid, Katie Beckett, Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS), private insurance, taking care of yourself, and more.
(Formerly known as Did You Know? Now You Know!)
After signing up, you will receive a confirmation email with a Zoom link.

Live Webinar: Understanding Barriers to Kin-Finding
2025-09-23 12:00 - 13:30 UTC | Virtual
Kin-finding is a vital first step to ensure children in foster care have the opportunity to grow up in permanent, loving families who understand their background and identity. Yet across the country, many child welfare professionals face systemic barriers that limit their ability to identify, locate and engage relatives and kin.
During this webinar, Generations United will explore these barriers and offer concrete strategies for overcoming them. Presenters will share promising practices, tools and lessons learned from the Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network: A National Technical Assistance Center to support child welfare professionals and advocates in strengthening kin-finding efforts and building systems that truly prioritize family connections.
Attendees will:

Discover systems built to prioritize and sustain family connections for children in foster care.
Explore actionable strategies to overcome common barriers to kin-finding within child welfare.
Access tools and best practices to enhance kin-engagement efforts with your team.

Understanding Child Maltreatment: Contributing Factors and Impact on Children
2025-09-23 12:00 - 13:30 UTC | Zoom
When a child experiences abuse or neglect, it has significant and lasting effects on their physical, emotional, and psychological development. To offer effective support, professionals and caregivers must understand what child maltreatment is, how it occurs, and the impact it leaves behind. This webinar will explore the various factors that contribute to child maltreatment, including environmental, familial, and societal influences. Participants will also learn to recognize signs of maltreatment and examine the short- and long-term effects of child maltreatment.
This FREE live webinar will provide 1.5 CE credits for social workers. For social workers licensed in the state of New York, it will provide 1.5 contact hours.
Registration is open until the webinar begins. To participate in this webinar, attendees must have the Zoom application downloaded to their device. For more information on this webinar and continuing education credits, please follow the links below.

CE credits: https://adoption.talentlms.com/plus/catalog/courses/312
NY contact hours: https://adoption.talentlms.com/plus/catalog/courses/313

By signing up for this NCFA webinar, you acknowledge and agree that your registration data (name, title, organization, state, and email address) may be shared with the webinar sponsor. Your information will otherwise be handled in accordance with the National Council for Adoption’s privacy policy (https://adoptioncouncil.org/privacy-policy/).
