Wisconsin Family Connections Center

Caregiver Coffee Meet Up: Madison
2026-05-16 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-18 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-21 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

Circles of Life Conference - Families and Professionals on the Path Together
2026-05-14 - 2026-05-15 | Holiday Inn Convention Center, Stevens Point, 1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point, WI, 54482, United States
Circles of Life is Wisconsin’s annual conference for families who have children with disabilities and the professionals who support them.

Deadline: May 1 / No Walk-in Registrations
Event Highlights:

30 Family-Focused Sessions: IEPs, employment, self-care, financial planning, and more
Gathering of Youth: a dynamic program for youth ages 10 to 18 with disabilities
Sibshops: half-day sessions for brothers and sisters of children with disabilities
Over 45 Valuable Resource Vendors
Financial Assistance: learn how to request funding from CLTS, IRIS or Family Care for this event
Limited Scholarships: available to families to cover the cost of registration and lodging

Register

Virtual Group: Adult Adoptees
2026-05-13 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-08 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
2026-05-12 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-14 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

Virtual Group: Birth Parent Support
2026-05-12 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
A virtual support group for birth parents throughout Wisconsin.

An online support group for birth parents who have placed a child for adoption. This group is open to all birth parents who have had a child placed for adoption, no matter what type of adoption or agency involved. Come ask your questions and meet others who share a similar story. It does not matter how long ago you placed. This group will meet on the second Tuesday of every other month (odd months – January, March….) and will be facilitated by Karla. If you have any questions, please contact kmeyer@cclse.org.
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. Registrants will be emailed a link to use for joining the video chat.
This group is offered through the Wisconsin Family Connections Center, a program funded by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.
Register

Foster Parent and Adoptive Parent Support Group - Fond du Lac
2026-05-05 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-04-07 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

Family Day at Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center: Manitowoc
2026-05-02 11:00 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center, 7001 Gass Lake Rd., Manitowoc, WI, 54220
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (starts March 2, 2026 @ 6pm)

Join WiFCC at Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center, which offers an educational experience about agriculture with interactive exhibits, a birthing barn, and a farm-to-table café. The center spans over 10,000 sq. ft. and celebrates Wisconsin’s agricultural heritage. Wisconsin is highlighted as a major agricultural state with over 58,000 farms.
The itinerary includes:
• A private guided tour.
• Children participating in the Caring for Calves STEM lab.
• Ending with ice cream from the café.
• Feel free to pack a picnic lunch for their designated area.
Additional details:
• Contact: Val at vzegers@cclse.org.
• Cancellation policy: Must cancel 72 hours in advance; repeated late cancellations or no-shows lead to waitlist status.
• Eligibility: Limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

BirthmomsConnect Virtual Support Group
2026-04-30 20:00 - 21:00 UTC | Zoom
Our BirthmomsConnect support calls are held via Zoom and available to anyone who has given birth to a child, anywhere, no matter their affiliation with On Your Feet Foundation or when they placed. The only requirements to participate are as follows:

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

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

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

Virtual Group: KINnect Relative Caregivers of Children
2026-04-23 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.

May 21
June 18
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.

Live Webinar: Thinking About Supported Decision Making
2026-04-22 12:00 - 13:30 UTC | Wisconsin Family Connections Center Classroom
As children move toward adulthood, families often wonder how to balance their growing independence with the guidance they still need. This webinar offers a clear overview of decision-making supports and other legal tools for soon-to-be adults in Wisconsin, including alternatives to guardianship. This webinar will be especially helpful for families of youth ages 14 and older with disabilities, as well as the educators and providers who support them. We look forward to exploring supported decision‑making with you and helping you build confidence as you and your child plan for their future.
Presenter: Danielle Tolzmann is Executive Director of Family Voices of Wisconsin. A parent and grandparent of children with special health care needs, she brings lived experience and professional expertise to empowering families navigating complex systems. She holds degrees in Community and Nonprofit Leadership, Disability Rights and Services, and Public Policy.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 12:00-1:30 PM
Free | Registration is limited to 500 participants. Register for the live webinar by clicking here! 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

Teen & Caregiver Battle at Solve Escape Rooms with WiFCC: Waukesha
2026-04-20 17:30 - 19:45 (America/Chicago) | Solve Escape Rooms, 1720 Dolphin Dr., Suite d, Waukesha, WI, 53186
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Parents/Caregivers and Teens, join WiFCC for a Battle at Solve Escape Rooms on April 20, 2026 from 5:30pm-7:45pm in Waukesha, Wisconsin. This event also includes a behind the scenes tour of the facility to view their ultimate secrets. What is an escape room, you say? Why its a live interactive puzzle game where you and your team work your way into the next layer of challenges and eventually “solve the room” before the time runs out….. if you can!! Solve Escape Rooms boast three fun experiences at Capone’s Cabin, 14 Floors Below, or Caper in the Escape Room. Which challenge will you accept?
Please register for one ticket per person, with a maximum of 4 tickets per family. This event is geared towards parents/caregivers and teenagers ages 13+ only, so please note that at least one of your tickets should be for the accompanying adult. If you have any questions regarding 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: Trauma Informed Parenting
2026-04-20 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.

Flower Box Fun for Moms! (Suamico)
2026-04-18 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Suamico, 3070 Mink Ranch Road, Suamico, WI, 54313-8030
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

If you are a Foster, pre-adoptive, or adoptive mom, join the WiFCC for a fun and creative woodburning workshop! Under the guidance of local artist Jennifer Frisch of Coneflower Creations, you’ll learn the basics of woodburning while crafting your very own Flower Box. This tabletop planter can be customized to fit your personal home decor!
No prior experience is necessary, but open to all levels! Jennifer will provide all the tools and supplies you need to design and create your own stunning piece. There are many designs to choose from, or you can bring your own image to fit on one 3.86″ H x 5.9″ W x 5.9″ D box. Don’t miss this chance to learn this creative and meditative craft, unleash your artistic side, and take home a unique creation that you made yourself!
Each participant will receive 1 Flower Box (plants not included)
You will learn:

How to design and transfer images
How to safely use a wood burner
Basic woodburning techniques

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.

WiFCC & Jockey Being Family Caregiver Getaway: Brookfield
2026-04-11 09:30 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | DoubleTree by Hilton Milwaukee – Brookfield, 18155 West Bluemound Road, Brookfield, WI, 53045
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Parents and caregivers (adoptive, foster, guardianship, kinship/relative, and reunified caregivers who reside in Wisconsin) – you deserve a day for YOU! We invite you to take a night away and join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center to focus on caring for yourself. Attend as an individual or as a couple, both are welcome! Our speaker, Deb Reid, will guide us through the day with a presentation entitled “Embracing Grace: A Day for You.” This day is meant to incorporate connection, learning, and rest to help you re-charge. You will notice the day begins a bit late and ends a bit early, because we wanted to build intentional time for slowness into this opportunity (as well as give anyone traveling some extra morning time).
Registration for this getaway is open to any adoptive, foster, guardianship, kinship/relative, and reunified caregivers who reside in Wisconsin. WiFCC staff will provide you with a certificate of attendance (3 hours) for ongoing education documentation, if needed. Registrants must be in attendance for Saturday’s programming in order to be eligible for hotel and childcare reimbursements.
INCLUDED in this free getaway for you:
-A one-night hotel reimbursement of up to $150*
-Saturday programming & lunch
-Child care reimbursement(up to $50/one child or $100/family)
AGENDA FOR THE DAY
9:30-10 Check-in (fruit and coffee available)
10-11:30 Morning Session
11:30-12:30 Lunch (provided) & time to connect with other attendees
12:30-2 Afternoon Session
Please note:
-This is an adults only event, and no child care will be available on-site. Registrants must attend the Saturday programming in order to take advantage of the child care reimbursement and one-night hotel reimbursement.
-This event is intended for individuals/couples who were unable to attend the WiFCC Caregiver Retreat: Brookfield last year (2025) to provide new participants an opportunity to attend.
-There will be additional WiFCC & Jockey Being Family Caregiver Retreats offered throughout the state, please only register for one getaway.
Space for this event is limited.
*Hotel reimbursement details: A one-night hotel reimbursement of up to $150 is available for each attending household, with block rooms available on either Friday or Saturday evening through the event venue for rates starting at $149++. A link to this group rate will be provided in your registration confirmation email. To receive the group rate all rooms MUST be booked by Friday, March 20, 2026. After this date, the group room block is released to the general public and you will no longer have access to the special group rate. After March 20th, registrants may no longer be able to secure that rate, but will still be eligible for the one-night, up to $150 hotel reimbursement for this weekend (at either the event hotel or another nearby). Registrants are responsible for booking & paying for hotel rooms individually – these reservations will NOT be booked or paid for by the WiFCC.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.

Family Movie at Lake 7 Theatre: Rice Lake
2026-04-11 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Lake 7 Theatre, 1769 County Hwy SS, Rice Lake, WI, 54868
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Attention adoptive, foster, guardianship, relative caregiver, and reunified families and individuals–join WiFCC to enjoy The Super Mario Galaxy Movie at Lake 7 Theatre in Rice Lake on Saturday, April 11th. Please plan to meet at the theater at 9 am to check in. A drink and popcorn will be included in your registration!
Movie Information:
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (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.

WiFCC Dad's Night Out! Golf Sim & Burgers: Appleton
2026-04-09 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Tommy’s Mini Golf & Arcade, 3950 N Richmond St, Appleton, WI, 54913
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Please join WiFCC for a Dad’s Night Out! Foster, pre-adoptive, adoptive, or guardianship dads are welcome to come and relax while connecting with other dads touched by adoption or out-of-home care.
Meet other area dads for a night of build-your-own burgers and unlimited soda while having access to our own private golf simulator for the evening!
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.

Virtual Group: Reunified Parents
2026-04-08 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.

Gamblers Hockey Family Night
2026-04-04 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | The Resch Center, 820 Armed Forces Dr., Green Bay, WI, 54304
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.
Sale starts February 26, 2026 @6PM

Foster, Adoptive, Pre-Adoptive, and Guardianship families join Wisconsin Family Connections Center for a night of hockey! There is no cost to attend. Each ticket will include two brats or hot dogs / popcorn / chips and a dessert.
Please make sure to dress warm as the hockey rink will be on the cooler side. If it’s very cold outside, the rink temperature will be lower as well.
Tickets will be picked up at the Will Call window on the day of game.
Schedule – Green Bay Gamblers Hockey
If you have any questions reach out to Val at vzegers@cclse.org
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Please be sure you are able to attend when you register. Thank you for your understanding, which allows us to continue to make these opportunities available for Wisconsin’s out-of-home care families.
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.
Register

Family Fun Indoor Minigolf: Madison
2026-03-28 12:00 - 15:00 UTC | Vitense Golfland, 5501 Schroeder Rd, Madison, WI, 53711
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.
Join WiFCC for a fun-filled day at the #1 rated miniature golf course in Wisconsin! Vitense Golfland’s 18-hole indoor mini golf course offers entertaining and interactive experiences for all ages. Even if you don’t care much for putting, there are still plenty of entertaining features to maintain your interest, making it fun for all family members and friends. 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.
This event will include a pass for their indoor minigolf course and an all-catered lunch for each registrant, which will include pizza, salad, and some dessert. Learn more about Vitense Golfland here: https://www.vitense.com/
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 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 Megan at mmiller@cclse.org.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

Community Viewing of the 2nd Annual Adoptee Film Festival: Altoona
2026-03-28 09:30 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Fish House at Altoona City Park, 418 9th St. West, Altoona, WI, 54720
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

The Wisconsin Family Connections Center invites the community to join us for this special event focusing on the experience of adoption. Together, we will view the second annual Adoptee Film Festival, spotlighting Adoptee Filmmakers telling Adoptee Stories. This year’s Adoptee Film Festival line-up features 6 short films with a total run-time of approximately 1.5 hrs.
This event is free to attend and will be held in the Classroom at The Fish House in Altoona, WI. Light refreshments will be provided, as well as the opportunity for discussion after the films. Registration via Eventbrite is required. Please note: due to the mature themes of the films, this is an adults-only event.
For more information about the Adoptee Film Festival, visit https://www.adopteefilmfest.com or follow them on Instagram @adopteefilmfest.
If you have any questions about the event, please contact creppe@cclse.org.
FILM LINEUP
‘In Trans*lation’ by Erika Lau
A linguist reflects on their childhood, tracing the names and stories that have shaped their identity. Through language and memory, they navigate their transnational adoptee experience and emotional complexities.
‘MARY MEETS GRACE’ by Faryl Amadeus
When a stranger appears in Grace’s life with disturbing news about her long-lost birth mother, she must fight to untangle herself from a dangerous and sinister plan.
‘One of My Own’ by Analei Song
When a young Chinese girl becomes more aware of her differences in her adopted caucasian family, she attempts to find her place of belonging with others and herself through artistic expression.
‘The Goldfish’ by Ashley Paige Brim
An adopted woman is forced to confront her darkest fear about motherhood at her sister’s baby shower.
‘Yellow Balloon’ by Summer Luu
In 1996, a Vietnamese-American kid named Ái Vân from San Jose, California, is adopted by their paternal immigrant grandparents in Vancouver, Washington. On their journey, Ái Vân processes their identity, the unspoken rules of complex social dynamics, and discovers the reality of letting go.
‘What Remains’ by Elizabeth Berkman
As Mark waits for a phone call from his daughter, he begins to suspect that Maya, his in-home care nurse, is keeping something from him. While they both struggle with his cognitive decline, they must discover what family looks like in the face of Alzheimer’s.

Empowering Care, Strengthening Connections: Foster Care Coordinators’ Conference 2026
2026-03-26 - 2026-03-27 | Chula Vista Resort, 2501 River Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI, 53965, United States
Empowering Care, Strengthening Connections: Foster Care Coordinators’ Conference 2026
When: Thursday, March 26 (9:00 am–5:00 pm) through Friday, March 27 (9:00 am–12:00 pm)
Where: Chula Vista, Wisconsin Dells
We’re busy planning an exceptional conference designed specifically for Wisconsin’s Foster Care Coordinators. This annual gathering is your opportunity to connect with colleagues, strengthen your skills, and recharge your commitment to the children and families you serve.
Stay tuned for more details about sessions, speakers, and programming!
Questions? Contact us at info@coalitionforcyf.org.

More Than One Identity: Resilience and Belonging for Black and LGBTQ+ Adopted People (Shania Ives)
2026-03-25 11:00 - 12:00 UTC | Zoom
This talk explores the lived experiences of adopted people who navigate multiple marginalized identities, focusing on Black and queer adopted people. It examines how intersecting identities shape mental well-being, relationships, and the sense of belonging, and highlights the unique challenges and resilience of adopted people living at these intersections. Attendees will gain insight into how adoption professionals and parents can better understand, support, and advocate for adopted people whose identities exist at the crossroads of race, sexuality, and adoption.

Family Movie Night - Hoppers: De Pere / Sponsored by Jockey Being Family
2026-03-23 17:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Get Reel Cinemas, 905 George Street, De Pere, WI, 54115
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (starts February 2, 2026 @ 6pm)

Please join WiFCC and Jockey Being Family for Hoppers in theaters! Adoptive, foster, guardianship, kinship, and reunified families are welcome to attend. Each family can have up to 8 people from their household come to 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.
Movie Information:
Hoppers (2026)
Rated PG
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. This event is being sponsored by Jockey Being Family. To learn more about Jockey Being family, visit their website here: https://www.jockeybeingfamily.com/
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.

ECCT Disney's Frozen the Musical at Pablo Center: Eau Claire
2026-03-22 13:30 - 15:30 UTC | Pablo Center at the Confluence, 128 Graham Ave, Eau Claire, WI, 54701
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Join Wisconsin Family Connections Center on Sunday, March 22nd, at the Pablo Center for Disney’s Frozen the Musical. The musical begins at 1:30 pm. For this event, there is a maximum of 5 tickets per household.
About this showing: This blockbuster musical about the powerful bond and love between sisters features all the memorable music from the animated film, plus five new songs. Loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Disney’s Frozen the Musical brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life on stage.
This event is intended for adoption, foster, guardianship, relative caregiver, and reunified families.
Due to the popularity of family events, please let your local WiFCC specialist know ahead of time if there is any reason you can no longer attend or need fewer tickets than you originally signed up for. We would like to accommodate as many families as possible.
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.

Caregivers Afternoon Out: Woodburning in Baraboo
2026-03-22 12:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Brushes & Bubbly, S2634 County Highway BD Suite 3, Baraboo, WI, 53913
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

WiFCC parents & caregivers, join us for a fun afternoon in Baraboo! Each caregiver will learn to create a wood burned design onto a cutting board! Pick your design from hundreds of options and create something unique. As a reminder this is an adult only event. For caregivers who need to secure childcare back home in order to attend, a $25 childcare stipend, one per family, will also be available.
If you have any questions, please contact Breanna Calko at bcalko@cclse.org.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.
