Wisconsin Family Connections Center

Parent/Caregiver Coffee Meet-up at The Gingerbread House: Muskego
2025-11-18 09:00 - 11:00 UTC | The Gingerbread House, S63W16147 College Ave., Muskego, WI, 53150
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 The Gingerbread House in Muskego, WI. Each registrant will receive a food or drink purchase of up to $15.
You can view their menu here: https://gingerbreadfarmhouse.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 no childcare will 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.

Family Play " Flat Stanley Jr." at Racine Children's Theater: Racine
2025-11-16 12:00 - 14:00 UTC | Racine Children’s Theater, 2519 Northwestern Ave, Racine, WI, 53404
Adoptive, foster, guardianship, kinship, and reunified families: join the WiFCC at The Racine Children’s Theatre for “The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Jr.” at 12:00 pm! The show will last approximately 1 hour, and each family can register for up to 5 tickets (for adults and children four and older).
Based on the best-selling book series, Stanley folds his way around the world with his flat-tastic hijinks. Stanley Lambchop is your ordinary, everyday ten-year-old until the bulletin board on the wall above his bed comes loose and falls right on top of him. The next morning, Stanley wakes up flat. In a whirlwind musical travelogue, Stanley—the ultimate exchange student—scours the globe for a solution to his unusual problem. He’s stamped, posted, and cancelled from Hollywood and France to Honolulu and beyond, all in an effort to become a three-dimensional boy once more.
The Packy Play Experience
At the performances, Packy, our friendly elephant mascot, welcomes the audience and introduces the show. The plays are family-friendly, fun-filled, with action, humor, audience participation, imaginative storylines, and catchy tunes to keep kids interested and involved.
Packy’s Theatre Rules
Plays are appropriate for children ages four and older. Children younger than 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Please do not bring babies.
No eating or drinking allowed in the theater. Concession sold at the performance should be consumed in the lobby.
The taking of pictures and the use of recording devices are prohibited during the performance.
Children with distracting behaviors will be asked to leave the auditorium.
Additional information can be found on their website at: https://racinetheatre.org/
For any questions or accommodations, please reach out to 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.

3rd Annual Rock County Foster Care Conference
2025-11-15 08:30 - 16:30 UTC | Dr. Daniel Hale Williams Rock County Resource Center, 1717 Center Avenue, Janesville, WI, 53546
The Third Annual Rock County Foster Parent conference will be a day that promises to be both informative and engaging for all attendees!
Our day will kick off at 8:30 a.m. with check-in and morning refreshments. The Welcome and Opening Remarks will be given by Shelbey Shelton, CPS Lead Supervisor. There will be a conference icebreaker for all attendees. We are pleased to welcome Emi Nietfeld as our morning keynote speaker. Emi is a Harvard graduate, software engineer, journalist, public speaker, and award-winning author! Her memoir, Acceptance, tells her personal journey of her time in foster care and periods of homelessness. She will speak on the true meaning of Resilience.
There will be opportunities for small breakout sessions during the day; covering topics such as internet safety, first aid/cpr, managing risky behaviors, LGBTQIA+, and stress management. Attendees will be able to rank their preferred breakout sessions.
Lunch will be catered by Hacienda Real of Janesville!
Our closing keynote will be given by Patricia Carroll, UW Extension, Associate Professor in the Department of Family Development. She specializes in Human Development and Relationships. Professor Carroll will speak on The Importance of Parental Confidence.
Please see the Conference booklet for more information about the speakers and their presentations.
The conference is a great opportunity to obtain 8 hours of ongoing foster parent training credit, network with other foster parents, and gain insights from experts in the field!
Please see the PDF booklet of available break-out sessions, information about the presenters, and the detailed schedule.

Healing Centered Families Wisconsin 2025 Conference
2025-11-15 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | Chula Vista Resort, 2501 River Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI, 53965, United States
A free conference for reunified, adoptive, permanent guardianship families, and foster families who are on the path to permanency.
Healing Centered Families is a free statewide conference for reunified, adoptive, permanent guardianship families, and foster families who are on the path to permanency. This all-day conference will feature a dynamic keynote speaker, experts within the field, time to connect with other caregivers, as well as a resource room.
Keynote:

Attaching to Heal or Healing to Attach/Jaclyn Skalnik, founder of Adoption Wellness, LLC

Presentation Topics:

Attachment (Keynote Follow-Up Presentation)/Jaclyn Skalnik
Children’s Mental Health (OCMH)/Andrea Turtenwald
Navigating the School System/Julie Quigley, Autism United of Wisconsin

A block of rooms has been reserved for both Friday night, November 14, 2025 and Saturday night, November 15, 2025. To reserve a room, call the Chula Vista Resort directly at 1-833-509-1665. Please refer to booking ID#: K94459 Coalition for Children & Families for the “Healing Centered Families Conference.” Please make your reservation by November 1st to receive the special group rate of $98 for a single occupancy room or for $139 for a double-quad occupancy room . *We cannot guarantee waterpark hours and/or operation.
Please note- The conference is for adult attendees only. Children will not be admitted to the conference. Please arrange for childcare.

Healing Centered Families Conference 2025
2025-11-15 | Chula Vista Resort, 2501 River Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI, 53965, United States
Save the Date!

A conference for guardians, adoptive parents, foster parents, reunified parents, or any family on the path to permanency.

Webinar: Thinking About Supported Decision Making (November 13, 2025)
2025-11-13 17:00 - 18:00 UTC | Zoom
We explore the things that families need to know about decision-making supports and other legal tools for adults in Wisconsin, including guardianship. This session is helpful for families with children ages 14 and older, and the providers and educators who work with them. This is presented in partnership with Morgan’s Caring Connections.
After you sign up you will get an email with a link and information about joining the session.

Adult Adoptee Coffee Meetup: Eau Claire
2025-11-08 10:30 - 11:30 UTC | Kahvi Coffee House & Cafe, 3830 Talmadge Road, Eau Claire, WI, 54701
Adult adoptees ~ Please join us at Kahvi Coffee House & Cafe (in their private meeting room) in Eau Claire for a morning of coffee or tea and conversation! This event is casual and intended for adult adoptees to connect with other adult adoptees, but please note you are welcome to also register another trusted adult to attend with you if you wish. The first $15 in coffee and/or food is on us! Feel free to bring a resource or any questions you need input or advice on, if you would like.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

Parent/Caregiver Support Coffee Meet-Up: La Crosse
2025-11-08 09:00 - 11:30 UTC | JavaVino, 2311 State Road, La Crosse, WI, 54601, United States
Foster, adoptive, guardianship, kinship, and reunified caregivers, join us to connect, learn, and share!
Join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center for an opportunity to meet with other caregivers and make connections! We will meet at JavaVino in La Crosse, WI. Each registrant will receive a food or drink purchase of up to $10. You can view the menu here: https://javavinolax.com/menu/
Registration is required for this event. Contact Breanna at bcalko@cclse.org with any questions.
Please note: This is an adult-only event, and no childcare will be available on site. Please make arrangements accordingly. A $25 childcare reimbursement is available, per family, 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.

Parent/Caregiver Night at Deck the Halls - DIY Studio: New Richmond
2025-11-06 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | Deck the Halls DIY Studio, 1491 94th St, New Richmond, WI, 54017
Foster, adoptive, guardianship, kinship, and reunified caregivers join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center to craft and connect at Deck the Halls – DIY Studio on Thursday, November 6th, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. During this event, each participant will be provided with instructions and materials to create and design a personalized project. Details on how to choose your project will be sent closer to the date of the event.
Registration is required for this event. Contact Madeline at mcurry@cclse.org with any questions.
Please note: This is an adult-only event, and no childcare will be available on site. Please make arrangements accordingly. A $25 childcare reimbursement is available, one per family, for participants 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.

Prenatal Substance Exposure Workshop for Parents
2025-11-06 17:00 - 18:30 UTC | Zoom
This evidence-based, trauma-informed workshop helps parents recognize the signs and symptoms of prenatal substance exposure and trains them on techniques that work best with kids exposed prenatally to alcohol and drugs. Each 90-minute session is held on Zoom and includes a facilitated discussion with other caregivers working with these children. We are able to offer this free workshop through the support of the Jockey Being Family® Foundation.
Learning Objectives:

Learn to recognize the primary symptoms and secondary impacts of prenatal substance exposure.
Understand and learn the process and available resources for diagnosis.
Understand the five keys to support family success.
Learn a 3-step approach with strategies to support your child.
Apply knowledge of symptoms and strategies to address issues in children of various age levels.

Workshop Dates:
All Sessions begin at 7 pm Eastern Time Zone.

Session 1
Session 2
Session 3

Thurs., Nov. 6, 2025
Thurs., Nov. 13, 2025
3A: Infants/Toddlers, ages 0-3
Tues., Nov. 18, 2025
3B: School-Age, ages 4-11
Thurs., Nov. 20, 2025
3C: Teens/Young Adults, ages 12-18
Tues., Nov. 25, 2025

Seating is limited.

The workshop is presented in three sessions. Participants will need to be able to attend Session 1 and Session 2, and then you will select a Session 3 from one of the age-specific options.

Each session is 90 minutes and presented on Zoom.
Participants receive access to a resource library and a certificate of completion (4.5 CE hours for 3 sessions).
Participants should be prepared to be on-screen and participate in all discussions during the Zoom training.
Participants are registering for three sessions and should confirm they are available for all sessions before registering. We do not offer any make-up days for this workshop.
All participants need to have access to Zoom to view the video and participate in discussions. A call-in option will not be available.

Foster Parent and Adoptive Parent Support Group - Fond du Lac
2025-11-04 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 - Wood Burned Charcuterie Board Class: De Pere
2025-11-03 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Flour Pot’s Artisan Marketplace, 307 Reid St, De Pere, WI, 54311
Join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center for this opportunity to meet with other caregivers and parents for a wood-burning charcuterie board class and to make connections!
This interactive workshop, hosted at the Flour Pot’s Artisan Marketplace, will be guided by local artist Jennifer Frisch of Coneflower Creations. She will walk you through the basics of woodburning and help you design a beautiful, food-safe board that’s as functional as it is artistic. No experience? No problem! Jennifer will provide step-by-step instructions to ensure you feel confident as you bring your design to life. All tools and materials will be provided, so all you need to do is show up and let your creativity flow! Don’t miss this chance to unwind, connect with other caregivers and parents, learn something new, and leave with a one-of-a-kind, wood-burning charcuterie board you made yourself.
During this class, you will learn:

How to design and transfer images
How to safely use a wood burner
Basic woodburning techniques
How to add food-safe oil finishing.

Boards are 5.5″ WX12.75″HX1″ D, and there are many different designs to choose from. This event is designed for foster, adoptive, guardianship, kinship, and reunified caregivers. If you have any questions, please email 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.

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

One of the nation’s largest indoor waterparks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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