Wisconsin Family Connections Center

Foster Parent and Adoptive Parent Support Group - Fond du Lac
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

Spiderman Brand New Day (PG-13) Teen/Caregiver Movie Event: Sturtevant
2026-08-03 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Marcus Renaissance Cinema, 10411 Washington Avenue, Sturtevant, WI, 53177
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale May 25 @6pm)

Attention caregivers and teens impacted by adoption or out-of-home care–join WiFCC to enjoy the movie Spiderman Brand New Day (PG-13) at the Marcus Renaissance Cinema.
After the record-breaking global success of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Spider-Man: Brand New Day marks an entirely new chapter for Peter Parker and Spider-Man. Four years have passed since the events of No Way Home, and Peter is now an adult living entirely alone, having voluntarily erased himself from the lives and memories of those he loves. Crime-fighting in a New York that no longer knows his name, he’s devoted himself entirely to protecting his city — a full-time Spider-Man — but as the demands on him intensify, the pressure sparks a surprising physical evolution that threatens his existence, even as a strange new pattern of crimes gives rise to one of the most powerful threats he has ever faced.
The movie will begin promptly at 2pm. Please check-in at the WiFCC table in the lobby anytime after 1:20pm. A drink and popcorn are included!
Movie Information:
Spiderman Brand New Day (2026)
Rated PG-13
Please register for EVERY PERSON ATTENDING (up to 5 tickets). Your registration number must match the number of people attending a space is limited.
Please note that WiFCC will always aim to choose family-friendly films, however, we have no control over the content or themes presented in the movie being shown at this event. This includes family dynamics and possible depictions of out-of-home-care and adoption related topics. Please take a moment to visit sites such as https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ or http://www.adoptionlcsw.com/ to see if this film falls within the scope of what you wish your child to see. You can see the trailer for the movie here: https://youtu.be/8TZMtslA3UY?si=dE0iDU0OPMIZRAzM. Please note: you may register children under 13 with your parental discretion, but please do not register children under 8 years of age.
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 regarding this event, or have any special accommodation requests, 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.

BirthmomsConnect Virtual Support Group
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).

Navigating Legal Procedures for Minor Guardianships and Delegation of Parental Powers
2026-07-28 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | WEBINAR
Caring for a child often means navigating legal processes you never anticipated. This webinar offers an overview of the legal framework governing minor guardianships and delegation of parental powers, with a focus on what caregivers and child‑serving professionals most need to understand.
Presenters will highlight key differences between these legal tools, including procedural requirements, scope of authority, and practical considerations. This webinar equips attendees with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions that promote stability and protect the well‑being of the children in their care.
Register

Candle Making for Teens and Caregivers with WiFCC: Menomonee Falls
2026-07-28 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Art Lounge Menomonee Falls, N88W16567 Main St., Menomonee Falls, WI, 53051
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale June 1 @6pm)

Looking to “Melt Your Worries Away”? Caregivers and teens, join WiFCC on Tuesday, July 28th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for a Candle Making Art Class at the Art Lounge in Menomonee Falls. Attendees will be painting and decorating a jar, choosing their own custom scent, and then pouring their soy wax candle. What a relaxing, creative way to spend quality time with your teens and/or caregivers. Please register for one ticket per person, with a maximum of 3 tickets per family. This workshop is designed for caregivers and teens ages 12+ only! The event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care.
Visit the Art Lounge at https://www.artloungewi.com/ for more information on their exciting workshops. Food and beverages are available for purchase.
Please note that at least one of your tickets should be for the accompanying adult. If you have any questions or need additional accommodations for this event, please contact Jamie at jsocolick@cclse.org or (414) 242-5573.
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.

Virtual Group: Trauma Informed Parenting
2026-07-20 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.

Family Night Out - Mallards Baseball: Madison
2026-07-18 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Warner Park, 2920 N Sherman Ave, Madison, WI, 53704
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

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 Mallards baseball game together. Each registrant for your family will receive a game ticket, Madison Mallards baseball cap, 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 5:05pm and the first pitch will be thrown at 6:05pm. 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-mallards/
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.
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.

Fun Night at the La Crosse Children's Museum
2026-07-17 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Children’s Museum of La Crosse, 207 5th Ave. South, La Crosse, WI, 54601
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale June 5 @6pm)

Join WiFCC for a fun-filled evening at the Children’s Museum of La Crosse. The Children’s Museum offers non-traditional learning opportunities that help kids of all ages see, touch, learn, and grow their way through important developmental milestones and have fun while learning.
This is a privately booked event which will allow you access to all of the museum exhibits. Our group will have access to the building from from 5:30 P.M. until 7:30 P.M. This event is open to foster, adoptive, guardianship, kinship/relative caregiver and reunified families. Please note that all children at this event need to be accompanied by a supervising adult. There will be a room reserved with pizza and refreshments available for families.
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.
If you have any questions or accommodation needs, 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.

Adult Adoptee Board & Brush Night: Oak Creek
2026-07-16 16:30 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | Board & Brush Creative Studio Oak Creek, 8880 S Howell Ave., Suite 860, Oak Creek, WI, 53154
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale May 26 @6pm)

Adult adoptees or any adult who experienced out-of-home care as a youth, please join us for a fun evening at Board & Brush! Each attendee will pick a project to design during this 2 hour class. Pick your design from several options available and create something unique. As a reminder, this is an adult only event. For any attendees who need to secure childcare back home in order to attend, a $25 childcare stipend, one per household, will also be available.
For more information on this location on the projects available please visit their website at: https://boardandbrush.com/oakcreek/
If you have any questions, 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.

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.

WiFCC Day at a State Park: Devil's Lake State Park
2026-07-12 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Devil’s Lake State Park, S5975 Park Road, Baraboo, WI, 53913
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale June 1 @6pm)

Wisconsin Family Connections Center invites adoptive, foster, guardianship, relative/kinship, and reunified families to kick off a season of nature exploration with a Day at Devil’s Lake State Park! This event will start with everyone meeting at the Nature Center! The Nature Center makes a great start for your visit to Devil’s Lake State Park. Friendly staff and volunteers will help you become acquainted with the park’s trails, recreational opportunities, unique geology, history and all the natural curiosities of the park.
Before you head out on your adventure, you will have the opportunity to meet and connect with other families. Snacks and water will be provided and all families will receive a season vehicle admission sticker for Wisconsin’s State Parks (limit of one pass per family)!
From the park website: Situated along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Devil’s Lake State Park offers magnificent views from 500-foot quartzite bluffs overlooking a 360-acre lake. Visitors enjoy nearly 30 miles of hiking trails, lakeshore picnic areas, swimming beaches, paddling opportunities, and year-round naturalist programs. For more information about Devil’s Lake State Park, visit the park website at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/devilslake.
Please register as soon as possible as spots are limited! If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to 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.

Family Movie at Micon Cinemas - Minions 3: Chippewa Falls
2026-07-11 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Micon Cinemas Chippewa Falls, 475 Chippewa Mall Dr. #215, Chippewa Falls, WI, 54729
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale June 5 @6pm)

Bellooooo adoptive, foster, guardianship, relative caregiver, and reunified families and individuals–join WiFCC to enjoy Minions 3 on Saturday, July 11th at Micon Cinemas Chippewa Falls.
Please plan to meet at the theater at 9am to check in. A drink and popcorn will be included in your registration!
Movie Information:
Minions 3 (2026)
Rated PG
Please note that WiFCC will always choose family-friendly films rated PG or G, however, we have no control over the content or themes presented in the movie being shown at this event. This includes family dynamics and possible depictions of out-of-care and adoption related topics. Please take a moment to visit sites such as https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ or http://www.adoptionlcsw.com/ to see if this film falls within the scope of what you wish your child to see.
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.
If you have questions about this event, please reach out to 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.

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.

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.
