Wisconsin Family Connections Center

Virtual Group: KINnect Relative Caregivers of Children
2026-11-19 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
A virtual group to support relative caregivers, caring for children.

Join us for this opportunity to connect with other relative caregivers who are the primary caregivers of their grandchildren, nieces, and nephews as a way to share the joys and challenges of being a relative caregiver. Our meetings will continue to be held virtually on one Thursday every month from 11am-12pm.
You will need to have an internet connection, computer or phone with the free Zoom app, a webcam and microphone. Please contact Breanna at bcalko@cclse.org with questions.
This group is offered through the Wisconsin Family Connections Center, a program funded by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.
All dates for 2026 are Thursdays at 11AM.

December 17

As a reminder this is for Wisconsin Residents who are relative caregivers of children.

Virtual Group: Trauma Informed Parenting
2026-11-16 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-10-19 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-09-21 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-08-17 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-20 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-06-15 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
For WI caregivers who are parenting youth with a high level of need due to complex trauma histories related to adoption or out-of-home care.

Adoptive, Kinship, Reunified, Foster, & Guardianship parents and caregivers: Please join us for a trauma-informed virtual support group just for you! This group is especially for caregivers who are:
-Parenting youth with trauma histories
-Parenting youth with emotional or behavioral challenges and/or diagnoses such as RAD, DMDD, & ODD.
The group meets on the 3rd Monday of each month from noon (12:00 pm) – 1:00 pm. There will be monthly focus areas for discussion and/or guest speakers to support ongoing learning, but always with plenty of time for connection and support. Please register early as group size is limited.
This group is facilitated by WIFCC Case Manager Allison Kunkel MS, APSW. With questions, please email wifcc@cclse.org.
Please note: This group is specifically designed to provide support for the caregivers of youth with a high level of presenting need because of past trauma histories, emotional/behavioral challenges or diagnoses. You will be asked to confirm that this applies to you within your registration. If you are interested in a more social group that still has a connected parenting approach, please check out some of our other virtual support group options at https://wifcc.eventbrite.com/
This online group will utilize Zoom to connect over video chat. You will need to have access to a smart phone with the free Zoom app, or a computer with a camera and microphone.
This group is offered through the Wisconsin Family Connections Center, a program funded by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.

Foster Parent and Adoptive Parent Support Group - Fond du Lac
2026-11-03 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-10-06 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-01 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-04 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-07 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

BirthmomsConnect Virtual Support Group
2026-10-29 20:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-30 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).

Virtual Group: KINnect Relative Caregivers of Children
2026-10-22 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
A virtual group to support relative caregivers, caring for children.

Join us for this opportunity to connect with other relative caregivers who are the primary caregivers of their grandchildren, nieces, and nephews as a way to share the joys and challenges of being a relative caregiver. Our meetings will continue to be held virtually on one Thursday every month from 11am-12pm.
You will need to have an internet connection, computer or phone with the free Zoom app, a webcam and microphone. Please contact Breanna at bcalko@cclse.org with questions.
This group is offered through the Wisconsin Family Connections Center, a program funded by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.
All dates for 2026 are Thursdays at 11AM.

November 19
December 17

As a reminder this is for Wisconsin Residents who are relative caregivers of children.

WFAPA's Foster & Adoptive Parent Conference
2026-10-09 - 2026-10-11 | Holiday Inn Rothschild, 1000 Imperial Ave., Rothschild, WI, 54474
If you have been touched by adoption or foster care, you’ll want to attend this conference! Our conference offers a fantastic chance to discover the most recent state updates and to learn about the activities of WFAPA. It is specifically designed to equip and empower parents, caregivers and workers, enhancing their capacity to tackle the challenges associated with fostering and adoption.

Participants will have the chance to reflect on their current perspectives and discover new care strategies. Additionally, they will be able to connect with like-minded individuals from various backgrounds in child protection and out-of-home care.

It is specifically designed to equip and empower caregivers and workers, enhancing their capacity to tackle the challenges associated with fostering and adoption.
Register

Virtual Group: KINnect Relative Caregivers of Children
2026-09-17 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
A virtual group to support relative caregivers, caring for children.

Join us for this opportunity to connect with other relative caregivers who are the primary caregivers of their grandchildren, nieces, and nephews as a way to share the joys and challenges of being a relative caregiver. Our meetings will continue to be held virtually on one Thursday every month from 11am-12pm.
You will need to have an internet connection, computer or phone with the free Zoom app, a webcam and microphone. Please contact Breanna at bcalko@cclse.org with questions.
This group is offered through the Wisconsin Family Connections Center, a program funded by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.
All dates for 2026 are Thursdays at 11AM.

October 22
November 19
December 17

As a reminder this is for Wisconsin Residents who are relative caregivers of children.

End of Summer at The Ball Park: Appleton - Sponsored by Jockey Being Family
2026-08-23 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Fox Cities Stadium, 2400 North Casaloma Drive, Appleton, WI, 54913
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (starts June 1, 2026 @6pm)

Attention adoptive, foster, guardianship & relative/kinship families! It’s an end-of-summer day at the ballpark! Jockey Being Family and the WiFCC is sponsoring an event for your families at Fox Cities Stadium for a Timber Rattlers game! We have reserved three loft suites for our families! Included in the experience will be an all-you-can-eat buffet starting 90 minutes before game time and a ticket to the Kids Zone. Each attendee receives a ticket to the game, access to the all-you-can-eat buffet and three non-alcoholic beverages per person.
You do NOT need to register for a child that is two years old and younger if they do not occupy a seat. They will not need a ticket, so you DO NOT need to include them in your number of attendees. In order to make attendance possible for the greatest number of families, each family can reserve up to 6 tickets.
*Digital Game Tickets and parking passes will be sent to you via email the week prior to the game.
If you have any questions regarding this event, 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.

Virtual Group: KINnect Relative Caregivers of Children
2026-08-20 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
A virtual group to support relative caregivers, caring for children.

Join us for this opportunity to connect with other relative caregivers who are the primary caregivers of their grandchildren, nieces, and nephews as a way to share the joys and challenges of being a relative caregiver. Our meetings will continue to be held virtually on one Thursday every month from 11am-12pm.
You will need to have an internet connection, computer or phone with the free Zoom app, a webcam and microphone. Please contact Breanna at bcalko@cclse.org with questions.
This group is offered through the Wisconsin Family Connections Center, a program funded by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.
All dates for 2026 are Thursdays at 11AM.

September 17
October 22
November 19
December 17

As a reminder this is for Wisconsin Residents who are relative caregivers of children.

WiFCC Mom's Summer Night Out - Floral Workshop: De Pere
2026-08-18 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Ginger Birch, 622 George St, De Pere, WI, 54115
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale June 1 @6pm)

If you are a foster, pre-adoptive, adoptive, guardianship, kinship, or reunified mom, join WiFCC for a fun and creative evening where we join Angie at Ginger Birch to create a beautiful late summer floral arrangement. We’ll learn the basics of fresh floral care & design principles all while having fun!
Each participant will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of flowers to work with and a vessel to go home with.
Contact Val at vzegers@cclse.org with any questions.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

Family Photo Mini Sessions with Amy E Photography: Rice Lake
2026-08-14 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Rice Lake Main Street, 37 S Main St., Rice Lake, WI, 54868
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale July 10, 2026)

Wisconsin Family Connections Center invites adoptive, foster, guardianship, relative/kinship, and/or reunified families to participate in an opportunity for a mini family photo session in Rice Lake. Each family will have a 15-minute mini session with a professional photographer.
If you have had a photoshoot with WiFCC in the past 2 years, we please ask you to withhold registering for this event to let families who have not had the opportunity to have family photos taken register. We appreciate your understanding.
Registrants will receive further information about arrival details and the exact location closer to the date of the photoshoot.
Please note: As these sessions are very time-limited, we will follow the guidelines below:
-Each family must register for only one session.
-We will not be able to accommodate pets at these photo shoots.
-Registrants not arriving by their assigned session start time will forfeit their session.
Photography for these sessions is being provided by Amy E Photography.
https://amyephotography.org/
Due to 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 or concerns, please reach out 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.

Virtual Group: KINnect Relative Caregivers of Children
2026-07-23 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
A virtual group to support relative caregivers, caring for children.

Join us for this opportunity to connect with other relative caregivers who are the primary caregivers of their grandchildren, nieces, and nephews as a way to share the joys and challenges of being a relative caregiver. Our meetings will continue to be held virtually on one Thursday every month from 11am-12pm.
You will need to have an internet connection, computer or phone with the free Zoom app, a webcam and microphone. Please contact Breanna at bcalko@cclse.org with questions.
This group is offered through the Wisconsin Family Connections Center, a program funded by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.
All dates for 2026 are Thursdays at 11AM.

August 20
September 17
October 22
November 19
December 17

As a reminder this is for Wisconsin Residents who are relative caregivers of children.

WiFCC Midsummer Movie Night - Minion 3: Appleton
2026-07-13 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Marcus Valley Grand Cinema, W3091 Van Roy Rd, Appleton, WI, 54915
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale May 11 @6pm)

Please join WiFCC for a Midsummer Movie Night for Minions 3 in theaters! Adoptive, foster, guardianship, kinship, and reunified families are welcome to attend. Each family can have up to 8 people from their household attend this event.
We have the auditorium rented out exclusively for our group. Each attendee will receive a movie ticket, a 20 oz fountain beverage, popcorn, and candy of their choice.
Plan to arrive between 5:00pm and 5:20pm to check in and grab your drinks/snacks before the movie starts at 5:30 pm.
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 regarding this event or have any special accommodation requests, 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 Night at Wakanda Waterpark - Spon. by JBF: Menomonie
2026-06-29 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Wakanda Waterpark, 909 Pine Avenue East, Menomonie, WI, 54751
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale May 22, 2026 @6pm)

Join WiFCC at Wakanda Waterpark sponsored by Jockey Being Family on Monday, June 29th starting at 7:00pm. The pool will be exclusively rented for our group between 7:00pm and 9:00pm.
The pool is friendly for all ages and features slides, diving boards, and a playground. Please note, guests must be 48 inches tall and able to swim in order to participate in slides and diving boards. To learn more about Wakanda Waterpark, check out their website here: https://www.menomonie-wi.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Wakanda-Waterpark-14
This event is intended for adoption, foster, guardianship, relative caregiver, and reunified families.
Due to 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.
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 Night at Together Farms: Mondovi
2026-06-23 17:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Together Farms, W93 Norden Road, Mondovi, WI, 54755, United States
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale May 29, 2026 @6pm)

Join WiFCC at Together Farms on Tuesday, June 23rd for an evening of burgers, live music and fun! Together Farms offers grass-fed beef and locally sourced ingredients. WiFCC has reserved the farm for our group only. Each family will receive $15.00 per attendee to use towards food only. Any expenses over the $15.00 per attendee will be responsible to be paid for by the attendee(s). Beverages will be available to purchase onsite.
There is a maximum of 5 registrants per household.
This event is intended for adoptive, foster, guardianship, relative caregiver and reunified families.
Learn more about Together Farms and view their menu on their website https://togetherfarms.com/
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.
Please note:
This event will take place on a working farm in rural Wisconsin. We are visitors to this farm and are asked to exercise respect for buildings, farm equipment, trees, plants, and animals. Attendees must leave gates & doors how they find them. Caregivers are responsible for the supervision of their children. Together Farms invites families to run and play however, many dangers exist on the farm including electric fences, animals, and farm equipment. It is not the responsibility of Together Farms or The Wisconsin Family Connections Center to supervise your children during this event. By registering for this event, you understand it is your responsibility to supervise your children at all times during this event. Families should be aware that various animals are present on the farm and should be treated with respect. For example, there are multiple dogs that may be freely navigating the property during our event. Do not interact with the dogs unless they approach you. Use caution when interacting with any animals and follow any instructions provided by Together Farms staff regarding approaching any animals.

La Crosse Loggers Baseball Game: La Crosse
2026-06-21 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | La Crosse Loggers Baseball, 400 Clinton St., La Crosse, WI, 54603
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

WiFCC is heading to the ballpark! Enjoy a night of Baseball at the La Crosse Loggers “Lumber Yard” field! The game starts at 5:30 P.M. La Crosse Loggers Versus the Waterlook Bucks!! Included with your ticket is a Logger Dog and Fountain Soda!
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.
There is street parking behind the field and along the road and side streets.
If you have any questions about this event, contact Breanna at bcalko@cclse.org information on where we will be seated and where to meet Breanna before the game will be sent out to registrants prior to the event.
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
2026-06-20 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Mercies Coffee, 1748 Eagan Road, Madison, WI, 53704
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

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

Professional Development Series - Beyond Burnout: Somatic Strategies for Compassion FAtigue
2026-06-18 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | WEBINAR
Helping professionals give everything to their work — but sustainable care requires more than surface-level self-care. This interactive 1.5-hour
webinar explores compassion fatigue through the lens of the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) framework and somatic trauma theory, offering
evidence-informed strategies you can put to use right away.
Dr. Robin Matchett-Schmidt, DSW, LCSW, founder of Conscious Responses, LLC, brings deep expertise in trauma-informed care, secondary trauma, and nervous system regulation to this practical, engaging session. You’ll learn to differentiate between compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress, recognize your body’s early warning signs, and develop a personalized 3-layer protection plan for long-term resilience.
Register
Wisconsin Professionals with an existing PDS account will receive 1.5 training credits and a certificate of attendance for participating in this webinar. Other participants will receive a certificate of attendance. Each individual participant must register separately to receive credit.
Questions? Call us at 414-475-1246 or email info@coalitionforcyf.org

Virtual Group: KINnect Relative Caregivers of Children
2026-06-18 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
A virtual group to support relative caregivers, caring for children.

Join us for this opportunity to connect with other relative caregivers who are the primary caregivers of their grandchildren, nieces, and nephews as a way to share the joys and challenges of being a relative caregiver. Our meetings will continue to be held virtually on one Thursday every month from 11am-12pm.
You will need to have an internet connection, computer or phone with the free Zoom app, a webcam and microphone. Please contact Breanna at bcalko@cclse.org with questions.
This group is offered through the Wisconsin Family Connections Center, a program funded by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.
All dates for 2026 are Thursdays at 11AM.

July 23
August 20
September 17
October 22
November 19
December 17

As a reminder this is for Wisconsin Residents who are relative caregivers of children.

Virtual Group: Reunified Parents
2026-06-10 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Please join us for this new support group offered to parents who have recently reunified, or are in the process of reunifying (transitioning to reunification within the next month of the support group occurring). We will be meeting once every six weeks via Zoom at 7:00pm and will rotate between open discussion and topics.
Our Reunified Parent Support Group will be co-facilitated by a Parent Partner with lived experience from the PSP Jefferson County program, and by WiFCC Support Specialists Christy Timm and Chelsey Coulthurst.
We have several professional parent partners who are reunified parents themselves who will be discussing topics most important to the reunified parent community. The program, Parents Supporting Parents, cultivates the leadership of Wisconsin’s parents who have lived experience in the child welfare system. This group of parents serves as a model of hope and sources of support for parents currently experiencing public child welfare. It is parents with lived experience that will help to shape services and systems to promote child safety, permanency, and family well-being—and we want this support group to promote those ideals.
This group will value and be built upon non-judgmental support and encouragement. All attendees will be expected to respect the supportive environment of the group. If you are not sure if you qualify for this group, please reach out to your social worker. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact ccoulthurst@cclse.org.
