Wisconsin Family Connections Center

Live Viewing - Hope for the Journey Conference: Altoona
2026-07-10 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Fish House at Altoona City Park, 418 9th St. West, Altoona, WI, 54720
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale May 18 @6pm)

Wisconsin Family Connections Center is excited to host an opportunity for individuals and families to attend a simulcast of the national virtual conference, “Hope for the Journey.” We will view the simulcast together, in-person on Friday, July 10th, 2026 in Altoona. We will begin showing the conference at 9:00am sharp, and welcome folks to register for the whole day or any part of it they can attend. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided, with time over lunch to connect with other attendees of the simulcast.
The Hope for the Journey Conference will equip parents and caregivers meeting the everyday needs of children impacted by adoption and foster care, and further resource churches in their endeavors to be beacons of hope and encouragement for families in their congregation and surrounding communities.
Through proven, trusted content, Hope for the Journey explores the fundamentals of Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) across five sessions—chock-full of knowledge, insight, and practical tools. Rooted in research and neuroscience, the Connecting, Empowering, and Correcting Principles of TBRI will guide you to a better understanding of your child’s or teen’s needs and equip you to adequately meet those needs.
Please note: This is a faith-based conference put on by the non-profit organization, Show Hope. For more information on the conference content, visit – https://hopeforthejourney.com/
If you have questions about this conference, 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.

Foster Parent and Adoptive Parent Support Group - Fond du Lac
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

Caregiver Coffee Meet Up: Waukesha County
2026-07-07 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Inclusion Coffee, 3152 Village Square Dr., Hartland, WI, 53029
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Foster, adoptive, guardianship, kinship, and reunified caregivers—join us to connect, learn, and share! The Wisconsin Family Connections Center invites you to gather with fellow caregivers in a welcoming, informal setting to build community and support one another.
We meet every 6 weeks at rotating locations throughout Waukesha County. Each registered participant will receive up to $15 toward a food or drink purchase.

ℹ️ Important Details

Registration is required for each individual event date.
This is an adults-only event; childcare is not available onsite.
A $25 childcare reimbursement per family is available for those who need to arrange care (if not covered by another funding source).

❗ Cancellation Policy
Cancellations 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.
👥 Eligibility
This event is limited to Wisconsin caregivers of children impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.
📧 Questions?
Contact Jamie at jsocolick@cclse.org for more information.
We look forward to connecting with you!

WiFCC Family Night at the Races: Eagle River Speedway
2026-06-30 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Eagle River Speedway, 3973 Cloverland Dr., Eagle River, WI, 54521
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Kick off your 4th of July celebrations with WiFCC with an exciting night of racing topped off by an epic fireworks display! Each attendee who registers will receive their ticket to the races along with one food and beverage item (non-alcoholic) from the concessions stand.
This event is open to any families or individuals residing in the state of Wisconsin who have been impacted by adoption or out-of-home care.
The 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 families but 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.
Spots are limited for this event. Contact Chelsey at ccoulthurst@cclse.org with 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 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 Bowling Sponsored by Jockey Being Family: Wisconsin Dells
2026-06-28 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Knuckleheads Bowling, 150 N Gasser Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI, 53965
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Enjoy a fun afternoon of bowling at Knuckleheads in Wisconsin Dells, sponsored by Jockey Being Family and Wisconsin Family Connections Center! Enjoy a free game of bowling and pizza! This event is open to foster, adoptive, guardianship, kinship/relative caregiver, and reunified families! All ages and experience levels are welcome to join us!
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 families, but we encourage you to consider it. We hope to create opportunities for children to have all their loved ones in one place whenever possible and to make positive memories together. Please have each household register separately.
There is a limited number of tickets available, so please register soon. Registration is required for all attendees. Please note that this may not be a sensory-friendly event due to loud music and lights in the building. Contact Breanna at bcalko@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.

Thrilling Day at the Thrill Factory Family Entertainment Center: Madison
2026-06-27 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Thrill Factory Entertainment, 131 East Towne Way, Madison, WI, 53704
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Join us for a thrilling afternoon at Thrill Factory Entertainment in Madison! Together we will enjoy 2 hours of unlimited bowling, arcade games, escape rooms, laser tag, mini golf, mini escapes, floor is lava and zombie town. Every attendee will receive 40 arcade tokens. In addition, we will have pizza and non-alcoholic drinks.
This event is open to foster, adoptive, guardianship, kinship/relative caregiver and reunified families! All ages and experience levels are welcome to join us!
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 families but 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.
There are a limited number of tickets available, so please register soon. Registration is required for all attendees.
Please note that this may not be a sensory friendly event due to loud music and lights in the building. Contact Megan at mmiller@cclse.org with any questions or concerns.
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.
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 Warner Park: Night Mares Softball
2026-06-26 18:30 - 21:30 UTC | Warner Park, 2920 N Sherman Ave, Madison, WI, 53704
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale April 30 @6pm)

Let the Wisconsin Family Connections Center take you out to the ball game! We are happy to offer individuals and families impacted by adoption or out-of-home care the opportunity to attend a Madison Night Mares softball game together. Each registrant for your family will receive a game ticket and a small food voucher. Limit of 6 tickets per household, please. Children 5 and under who do not require a seat can join you without a ticket, but please note these children will NOT receive a seat, cap, or food voucher. This event is for Wisconsin’s adoptive, foster, guardianship, relative caregiver, and reunified families and individuals!
The gates will open at 5:35pm and the first pitch will be thrown at 6:35pm. The WiFCC staff will have a place for families to check-in prior to the start of the game, and registrants will receive an email with these details as the date draws nearer. Learn more about the venue and team at: https://northwoodsleague.com/madison-night-mares/
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 families, but 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.
No food or beverages can be brought into the ballpark. An exception will be made for one factory sealed bottle of water or one empty refillable container per person. Please check the ballpark’s website for other items NOT allowed in the ballpark here: https://northwoodsleague.com/madison-mallards/ticket-info/. Fans CAN bring blankets and seat cushions. This link is for the Mallards games; however, the Night Mares play at the same ballpark, so the information still applies.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this event, please reach out directly to Megan at mmiller@cclse.org or 608-769-1493.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

Live Webinar - Kinship Care Through a Motherhood-Is-Sacred® Lens
2026-06-25 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | WEBINAR
What does it mean to embrace caregiving as something sacred? In this powerful webinar, Cheryl Honnie — a mother of four, guardian of four, and member of the Diné (Navajo) Tribe — shares her personal story of raising children from two worlds. As both a mother and an aunt caring for her nieces and nephews, Cheryl navigated the joys and challenges of a blended kinship family while
drawing on the core principles of the Native American Fatherhood and Families Association’s Motherhood Is Sacred® and Fatherhood Is Sacred® programs.
Join us to hear how honoring our roles as caregivers — as something sacred, not incidental — can create peace, healing, and strength for the whole family.
You’ll come away with:
A deeper understanding of the importance of prioritizing family
An introduction to NAFFA’s five core principles
Inspiration for embracing your caregiving role as a sacred responsibility
Register
Licensed foster parents will receive 1.5 training credits for participation in this webinar. Each individual participant must register separately to receive credit. Questions? Call us at 1-800-762-8063 or email info@wifamilyconnectionscenter.org

WiFCC Family Baseball Night with Wisconsin Woodchucks: Wausau
2026-06-23 18:30 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Wisconsin Woodchucks Baseball Club, 2401 N 3rd St., Wausau, WI, 54403
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale May 1 @6pm)

Kick off summer with the Wisconsin Family Connections Center for a night of baseball! We will be watching the Wausau Woodchucks take on the Fond du Lac Dockspiders. This game starts at 6:30pm. Adoptive, foster, guardianship, kinship, birth, and reunified families are welcome!
Each person in your family must be registered for an individual ticket. Each attendee will receive a ticket along with a voucher for a brat/hot dog and soda/water. Our group will all be seated together, which will allow families to connect and talk with others who have been impacted by adoption or out-of-home care.
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 families but 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.
Spots are limited for this event. Contact Chelsey at ccoulthurst@cclse.org with questions. We look forward to seeing you there!
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.

Taylor/Clark County Family Bowling: Medford
2026-06-22 17:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Sports Page Bowl & Grill, 1174 West Broadway Ave., Medford, WI, 54451
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale May 22 @6pm)

Attention adoptive, foster, guardianship, relative caregiver, and reunified families and individuals–join us to enjoy a family night of bowling with the Wisconsin Family Connections Center! Each person who registers will get two games of bowling, shoe rentals, and pizza and soda. This is a great event to connect with other caregivers and families in the area!
Spots are limited for this event. Contact Chelsey at ccoulthurst@cclse.org with 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.

One-Day Conference - Connection First: Supporting Youth Through Relationships, Regulation, and Real-Life Tools
2026-06-22 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Before our big annual conference in October, we’re offering a full day of virtual training for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers and professionals in June! Hosted by Families Rising MN (but join us wherever you’re located).

Featuring 4 Keynote Sessions

Foster and Birth Families Working Together
with Chauncey Strong
Explore what is possible in child welfare when relationships between birth families and foster/adoptive parents are rooted in shared purpose, trust, and respect. Gain tools to strengthen communication, overcome challenges, and build authentic connections.
Understanding the Arc of Escalation
with Jaclyn Kodosky
By understanding initial behavioral triggers and full-blwon crises—caregivers and professionals can learn to anticipate behaviors, intervene early, and respond effectively at each stage. Gain insight into the key stages of escalation, learn the importance of early intervention, and explore strategies for managing behavior during and after a crisis.
Creating the Soundtrack to Your Home
with Michael Sanders
An energetic session that taps Into the power of music to build connection, spark conversation, and help caregivers tune In to what really matters to youth.
When You’re Triggered Too: Nervous-System-First Caregiving for FASD and High-Intensity Parenting
with Michael Harris
Understand what happens in your own nervous system when you’re under intense parenting stress that stems from FASD-related and trauma-related behaviors. Gain practical, realistic tools you can use before, during, and after meltdowns.

Gain new family strategies—and earn training hours while you do it.

Register

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.

Family Fun Day at Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours: Taylors Falls
2026-06-20 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours, 220 South St., Taylors Falls, MN, 55084
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Join WiFCC on Saturday, June 20th, for a scenic river boat tour with beautiful scenery on an authentic paddlewheel boat! There is a maximum of 6 tickets available per household. Your registration includes pizza and beverages.
The tour will start promptly at 2:00pm and end at 4:00pm.
To learn more about Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours, visit their website here: https://www.taylorsfallsboat.com/
If you have 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.

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

Rest and Recharge: A Day For Moms
2026-06-20 09:30 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 County Hwy K, Fall Creek, WI, 54742
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Moms or those in a mothering or nurturing caregiver role for children impacted by adoption or out-of-home care – Come and fill your cup with WiFCC with nature, connection, and nutrition. Allison and Chelsey from the GIFTS Program will be there to help you find rest and recharge in nature. We will have a speaker and an additional activity planned during our day!
INCLUDED in this free getaway for you:
-A $20 gas gift card
-Saturday programming & lunch
-Giveaway baskets for each participant
AGENDA FOR THE DAY
9:30-10 Check-in and coffee/tea choice
10-10:30 Introductions and refreshments with light snack
10:30 -11 Chair yoga
11-12 Nature based activities
12-1 Lunch (provided) & Speaker Dr. Lona Cooke on how to recharge your energy.
1-2 self-care and self-compassion discussion, time to connect with other attendees.
Dr. Lona Cook, a Chippewa Falls native, brings over 14 years of experience to the practice. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Northwestern Health Sciences University, she is passionate about empowering practice members through chiropractic care. She will be talking about how to maintain your health, especially when you feel depleted, while navigating caring for the children in your care.
Please note:
-This is an adult only event; child care will not be available on-site. If you have questions, please reach out to ccoulthurst@cclse.org or akunkel@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 Milwaukee County Zoo Family Day & Juneteenth Celebration: Milwaukee
2026-06-19 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale May 11 @6pm)

Adoptive, foster, guardianship, relative caregivers, and reunified families and individuals – you are invited to a family fun day at the Milwaukee County Zoo from 10:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. This fun day will include your admission, parking pass, and lunch at the Adventure Africa Loft. We are excited to be hosting this family day on Juneteenth and look forward to incorporating this holiday in our fun as well.
A picnic style lunch buffet will be served featuring burgers and hot dogs in two groups; Group A from 11:00am to 11:45am and Group B from 11:45am to 12:30pm. Please make sure to register for the lunch session that works best for your family and you are also welcome to bring outside food and drink as well.
Group A: You may arrive anytime after 10:30am to check-in before your 11:00am to 11:45am meal time.
Group B: You may arrive anytime after 11:30am to check-in before your 11:45am to 12:30pm meal time.
Please note: due to limited capacity we would like to give each group the full 45 minutes to enjoy their lunch, so please be mindful of the time slot you have signed up for and arrive promptly at your designated time.
One ticket is good for one person with a maximum of 7 tickets per family. Children 2 and under do not need a ticket.
Please visit the Milwaukee County Zoo page at https://milwaukeezoo.org. If you are interested in learning about current exhibits, please visit their FAQ page at: https://milwaukeezoo.org/contact/faqs
Tickets for this event will open on May 11th at 6:00pm. For any questions or accommodation needs, please email ctimm@cclse.org or jsocolick@cclse.org.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

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.

Family Night Out at Milkmen Baseball Game: Franklin
2026-06-17 18:30 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Franklin Field, 7035 S. Ballpark Drive, Franklin, WI, 53132, United States
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale April 10 @6pm)

WiFCC families and individuals–we would love for you to spend an evening at the Rock Sports Center for a Milkmen Baseball game!
The Milkmen play baseball for the American Association of Professional Baseball league, located in Franklin, Wisconsin. Enjoy fresh air, free parking, great food, and entertainment–all entertainment is family friendly!
Each registration comes with a ticket, a Milkmen merch item, pizza, and a drink. Gates open at 5:35 and the game starts at 6:35 pm. Please check-in at the WiFCC table located at the entrance from 5:45pm-6:35pm. Children 2 and under are free and are not included in the 6 ticket limit.
If you have any questions, changes, or need for accommodation 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.

Parent/Caregiver Pressed Flower Frames at Green Oasis: Chippewa Falls
2026-06-17 16:30 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | Green Oasis, 1403 122nd St., Chippewa Falls, WI, 54729
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale May 13 @6pm)

Foster, adoptive, guardianship, kinship, and reunified caregivers, join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center to connect, learn, and share at Green Oasis Garden Center in Chippewa Falls on Wednesday, June 17th at 4:30pm for a pressed flower frame workshop! All materials to create your project will be provided. The workshop will take approximately 1.5 hours.
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 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.

Lavender Farm & Mocktail Class for Birth Parents: Chippewa Falls
2026-06-16 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Pondview Lavender Farm, 3735 Business HWY 29, Chippewa Falls, WI, 54729
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

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.
Join WiFCC at Pondview Lavender Farm for a fun night of mocktail making and connection! The facility will provide you with all the materials necessary to make three different lavender mocktails. You will also be provided a bottle of lavender syrup to take home. In addition, there will be time to roam the lavender fields and check out the giftshop.
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 or kmeyer@cclse.org call/text (715) 577-3999.
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: Trauma Informed Parenting
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.

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.

Virtual Group: Adult Adoptees
2026-06-10 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
A virtual group for adult adoptees in WI

Connect with other adult adoptees from around Wisconsin. This will be a space for discussing your adoption experiences with others who “get it”, as well as for just getting to know one another and talking about life. This group is an open discussion format and is facilitated by an adult adoptee.
This online group will utilize Zoom to connect over video chat. You will need to have access to a smart phone or a computer with the free Zoom app, a camera and microphone. Registrants will be emailed a link to use for joining the video chat. If you have any questions, please contact creppe@cclse.org.
This group is offered through the Wisconsin Family Connections Center, a program funded by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.

Virtual Group: Open Mic Teen Support Group
2026-06-09 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
Youth ages 13-17 who are part of an adoptive or guardianship family in Wisconsin

About this event
Join other teens of adoption or guardianship families for a live, video group session to socially connect and discuss topics related to challenges that arise in these family dynamics. This support group will be facilitated by Chelsey and Christy, WIFCC Support Specialists. Join as often as you would like!
This online group will utilize Zoom to connect over video chat. Your child will need to have access to a smart phone with the free Zoom app, or a computer with a camera and microphone. Parents, you will receive the link your child will need to connect to the group. If you have any questions, please contact ctimm@cclse.org or ccoulthurst@cclse.org.
Who is this group for? for teens who are in foster, adoptive, kinship, and/or guardianship families.
The group’s goal is to provide a structured and safe place for your child to build trust, coping skills, and peer connections while reducing frustration, conflicts, and anxiety felt at home. The group provides your child an opportunity to meet with fellow children dealing with similar challenges with their families on a more personal level. Your child will participate in a variety of activities and discussion while focusing on this session’s theme. The overall goal is for your child to feel supported, that they have control over their attitude and success in life, and understand the complexities of family life.
Group criteria:
• Children between the ages of 13 and 17 are welcome to participate
• During group the child needs a private space free from distractions or other members of the family, but still under the supervision of a trusted adult.
• If you register your child, please be sure they understand prior to registration that this group requires a willingness to participate.
• What your child shares in group is confidential information, unless his or her safety is at risk. Group facilitators are mandatory reporters.
Additional virtual group acknowledgments:
• I understand there are potential risks to this technology, including interruptions, unauthorized access, and technical difficulties. WIFCC may discontinue the virtual group session if it is felt that the videoconferencing connections are not adequate for the situation.
• The group participants must be residing in the state of Wisconsin.
This group is offered through the Wisconsin Family Connections Center, a program funded by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.
Register

Moms Create & Connect - Garden Stake Glass Workshop: Suamico
2026-06-08 17:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Suamico Stained Glass Class, 3070 Mink Ranch Rd., Suamico, WI, 54173
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

If you are a foster, adoptive, kinship, guardianship, reunified, or pre-adoptive mom, join WiFCC for an evening of fun and creative conversation with Suamico Stain Glass.
Come and create a beautiful garden stake that would be a great accent in your garden. You will learn the basic skills on cutting glass and working with lead came. All supplies and glass included to make this beautiful garden stake. The garden stake measures 24 inches tall by 3” wide. This project can be made into a beautiful sun catcher or a garden stake. This is an easy project for a beginner, and is one of their most popular classes.
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.

Taylor/Clark County Support Group
2026-06-08 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | River of Hope Church, 1129 West Broadway Avenue, Medford, WI, 54451
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

A support group for parents/caregivers of children impacted by adoption or out-of-home care residing in Clark or Taylor County. The group will be facilitated by a GIFTS Case Manager/Regional Support Specialist, but is designed for attendees to participate and connect. This is a great chance to connect with other caregivers in your area to help build a supportive network and sense of community.
These in-person groups will run from 5:30-7:00 pm. The first half hour is for parents/caregivers to arrive and eat dinner together before the group discussion starts.
Dinner and water/soda will be provided during each group. Attendees can feel free to bring their own snacks and drinks if that’s preferred! As this is an adults-only support group, a $25 childcare reimbursement, one per family, is available for those who need to secure childcare back at home in order to attend the in-person support group dates.
Please reach out to Chelsey at ccoulthurst@cclse.org with any questions! This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

Families Like Mine: Relative Caregivers for Children-Southwestern WI
2026-06-06 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Henry Vilas Zoo, 702 South Randall Avenue, Madison, WI, 53175
Join us at the Families Like Mine Regional Event for Wisconsin Relative Caregivers of Children – let’s share, learn, and support each other!

This Families Like Mine is a free regional event for relative caregivers in Southwestern Wisconsin who are caring for children both through child welfare and informally. This drop-in event at the Henry Vilas Zoo will take place at the Education Pavilion from 10:00am-2:00pm. Please come when it is convenient for you.
This event will feature:

Regional and state-wide vendors that support relative and like-kin caregiving families
Provide opportunities to connect with experienced relatives and like-kin caregivers to build support and connection
An opportunity for relatives and like-kin caregivers to enjoy the zoo

Attendees will have opportunities to meet and connect with other relative caregivers from throughout the state, as well as collect resources for ongoing support.
Please note- This is a drop-in event. You do not need to stay the entire time. Bringing the children in your care is optional. Boxed lunches, vendors, and opportunity to connect with experienced relative and like-kin caregivers will all take place at the Education Pavilion.
REGISTER
