Wisconsin Family Connections Center

What's After Highschool?
2026-04-06 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
A broad overview of the transition to adult life for youth with disabilities and special health care needs for families with children ages 14 – 21, and the educators and providers who support them. Attendees will learn about the role of schools, employment, long-term support, supported decision-making, and other legal options, and how youth can be fully engaged in their community. This session is hosted by Nurture Network of Southeast WI Families.
Sign Up:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Wy12WdmjRsOPxa99wpJ2Sg
After you sign up you will get a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting.

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

Nurture Network Coffee Gathering
2026-04-04 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | The Hub/ Social Good Brews, 303 Water St., West Bend, WI, 53095
Join us for a relaxed coffee gathering with other moms of kids with disabilities and special health care needs from southeast Wisconsin. This is an informal space for moms to connect, share experiences, and feel understood by others who get it. We will have resources to share and refreshments. Cost is free unless you want to buy something yourself.
We will be in a private downstairs area, which will keep the capacity to 20-25 moms, so you must sign up before for this event.
Register

Community Viewing of the 2nd Annual Adoptee Film Festival: Brookfield
2026-03-29 12:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Marcus Majestic Cinema, 770 N Springdale Rd, Waukesha, WI, 53186
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Family Night at the Children's Imaginarium: Wausau
2026-03-28 16:30 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | Children’s Imaginarium, 195 N. 2nd St., Wausau, WI, 54403, United States
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Please join WiFCC for a night at the Children’s Imaginarium! This event is for adoptive, guardianship, foster, kinship, and reunified families. We will have the Imaginarium rented exclusively for our group. Pizza and soft drinks will also be provided for attendees.
For more information about the Imaginarium, please check out their website here: https://childrensimaginarium.org/
If you have any questions about this event, contact Chelsey at ccoulthurst@cclse.org.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

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.

Parent/Caregiver Terrarium Workshop-Down to Earth Garden Center: Eau Claire
2026-03-28 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Down to Earth Garden Center, 6025 Arndt Lane, Eau Claire, WI, 54701
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale February 27, 2026 @6pm)

Foster, adoptive, guardianship, kinship, and reunified caregivers, join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center at Down to Earth Garden Center on Saturday, March 28th from 10:00am to 11:00am for a terrarium workshop!
This workshop will be transforming a simple glass container into a self sustained tropical oasis! Learn how to put together a glass terrarium that creates a perfect growing environment for humidity-loving plants.
Registration is required for this event. Contact Madeline at mcurry@cclse.org with any questions.
Please note: This is an adult only event, and no childcare will be available on site. Please make arrangements accordingly. A $25 childcare reimbursement is available, one per family, for participants who must secure childcare in order to attend, if not already covered by another funding source.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

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.

Caregiver Coffee Meet Up: Madison
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

Live Webinar - Two Spirit/ Past and Present
2026-03-19 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | WEBINAR
In this webinar, we will learn about the meaning of “Two Spirit” and the rich and beautiful history of Two Spirit people. We will also learn about the impact of colonialism on Two-Spirit individuals, as forced assimilation nearly erased the sacred and revered place they held in many Indigenous cultures. Lastly, we will hear about the movement to revitalize the traditional and honored Two Spirit identity.
Presenter Joseph Torrez (pronouns he/him) is an enrolled member of the Oneida tribe of Wisconsin on his mom’s side, but also part Mexican and Pueblo on his dad’s. He is number 11 out of 13 children and was raised on the Oneida reservation, but says he never really felt part of the community. He identifies as a proud Gay man and Two Spirit individual. He graduated in May of 2023 from UW-Green Bay with a double major in First Nation Studies and Business Administration. He has been studying Two Spirit culture and presenting on it for almost a decade.
Register

Virtual Group: KINnect Relative Caregivers of Children
2026-03-19 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
A virtual group to support relative caregivers, caring for children.

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

April 23
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.

Lunch-N-Learn: Equipping Youth to Lead and Advocate
2026-03-18 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
Designed for youth and the adults who support them, this training builds confidence, communication skills, and advocacy tools so young people can effectively use their voices in real-life settings. Through storytelling, role play, and reflection, participants learn how lived experience becomes leadership and how youth voice can influence decisions that shape their lives.
Register

Taylor/Clark County Support Group
2026-03-16 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.

Virtual Group: Trauma Informed Parenting
2026-03-16 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.

Sunday Fun at the Children's Museum of Green Bay
2026-03-15 12:00 - 14:00 UTC | The Children’s Museum of Green Bay, 1230 Bay Beach Rd, Green Bay, WI, 54302
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Join WiFCC for a Sunday afternoon at the Children’s Museum of Green Bay!
The time will be open-house style, so come and go as you please. Mingle with other foster & adoptive parents, or just have a fun time playing and exploring the museum with your child! Parents/caregivers must stay with and supervise their children at all times during this event. Please have each household register separately.
Visit the Children’s Museum of Green Bay at https://www.gbchildrensmuseum.org/
If you have any questions or accommodation needs, please contact Val at vzegers@cclse.org.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

Family Fun Night at Chaos Waterpark: Eau Claire
2026-03-14 10:00 - 12:30 UTC | Chaos Waterpark, 5152 Fairview Dr, Eau Claire, WI, 54701
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Join WiFCC at Chaos Waterpark in Eau Claire on Saturday, March 14th, starting at 10 am. Chaos Waterpark features water slides, a lazy river, an activity pool, and an indoor water playground!
Your registration includes up to 5 waterpark passes and a pizza buffet. Additional passes can be purchased through Chaos Waterpark if needed. WiFCC will have a private room available for our group to utilize during our time.
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.
This event is intended for adoptive, foster, guardianship, relative caregiver, and reunified families in the state of Wisconsin. Please note that some of the slides have height restrictions. Check out their website to learn more: https://bit.ly/3Ail3c6
If you have 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.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

Teen & Caregiver Paint Splatter Party at Field Workshop: Greendale
2026-03-13 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | Field Workshop, 5686 Broad St., Greendale, WI, 53129
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (will start Jan. 12, 2026)

Join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center at Field Workshop in Greendale for a fun night at the glow-in-the-dark splatter room! During this interactive party, everyone will get messy! You will be able to splatter a canvas, a hat, the walls or even your friends! Come dressed for a mess! They will provide you with protective gear, a canvas, paint and splatter tools – and you do the rest! The event is designed for foster, adoptive, guardianship, kinship, and reunified caregivers and teens ages 12-17.
Please register individually, with a max of 2 adults and 2 teens per household unless requested otherwise due to limited availability. At least one adult parent/caregiver must be in attendance with youth from each household.
If you have any questions, please contact Christy at ctimm@cclse.org. To learn more about the venue, and what is recommended by them for your time there, you can visit their website here: https://thefieldworkshop.com/splatter-room. **Due to the activity level of this event, every participant will need to be able to move about freely.
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: Adult Adoptees
2026-03-11 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.

You Are Not Alone: Hope & Healing for Relative Caregivers Hybrid Course
2026-03-11 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
We know that relative care is the best option for children needing out-of -home care. We also know that caregiving can be difficult and isolating. This hybrid course gives voice to the authentic experiences, challenges, lessons learned, and successes of Wisconsin caregivers like you, as well as the loved ones who have had children in care, to offer comfort, hope, and healing. You are not alone.
Free | Registration is limited to 15 participants
Register
Licensed caregivers will receive 4.0 training credits for completing the online module and participating in the March 11 Zoom Discussion group. See the Eventbrite registration page for additional information. Questions? Call us at 414-475-1246 or email at: info@coalitionforcyf.org

Virtual Group: Open Mic Teen Support Group
2026-03-10 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
2026-03-10 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

WiFCC Family Waterpark Day Kalahari: Wisconsin Dells
2026-03-07 11:00 - 12:30 UTC | Kalahari Resort, 1305 Kalahari Dr, Wisconsin Dells, WI, 53965
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Please join WiFCC for a day at the waterpark! This event is open to all adoptive, guardianship, foster, kinship, and reunified families. Please note that if you attended this event this past June, you will be automatically put on a waitlist to ensure other families have a chance to attend the event. Please arrive between 11 am and 12:30 pm to ensure you receive your wristbands to access the waterpark.
We will have a conference room rented for families to check in with WiFCC staff to get their wristbands. This will also give a chance for families to connect before enjoying the waterpark for the day. Each registrant will receive a wristband for the waterpark along with a pizza/soda coupon. The waterpark is open from 10 am-9 pm for your family to enjoy!
Please bring your own towels as these are not provided to us. The Kalahari is also cashless, so ensure you have a debit/credit card if you would like to make other purchases. If you have any questions, please reach out to Chelsey at ccoulthurst@cclse.org.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

Parents Night Out with the New Dueling Pianos: The Cove of Lake Geneva
2026-03-06 18:00 - 2026-03-07 22:00 UTC | The Cove of Lake Geneva, 111 Center St, Lake Geneva, WI, 53147
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Calling all Wisconsin Family Connections Center parents/caregivers who are looking for a Night Out full of entertainment and laughs!!! Come join us as we jam with the NEW Dueling Pianos at The Cove in Lake Geneva. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the show runs from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
What are dueling pianos? The New Dueling Pianos are a highly interactive form of musical entertainment, typically featuring two pianists facing each other on grand pianos. “The Guys” are request-based, interactive, hilarious, sing-along/clap-along, request-driven singers who cover practically every music genre! For more information on the New Dueling Pianos, please visit: https://newduelingpianos.com, and for information on the Cove of Lake Geneva, please visit: https://www.coveoflakegeneva.com/
Registration for this event will begin on January 05, 2026, at 6:00 P.M. Our WiFCC Tables will have two ticket types available for the show:

A couple’s ticket for you and your spouse/partner with other WiFCC couples OR
A single ticket for you to come enjoy your evening with other WiFCC parents/caregivers.

This show is for the grown-ups, so leave the kids at home! For caregivers who need to secure childcare back home in order to attend, a $25 childcare stipend will also be available.
For all questions and concerns, please contact Jamie at 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.

Building Your Village: Creating Empowering Communities for Children and Families
2026-03-05 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Microsoft Teams
We are thrilled to welcome special guest speaker Dr. KayLa N. Allen-Young, founder of Dear Mixed Girl. Dr. Allen-Young is nationally recognized for her work on identity development, belonging, and inclusion. She brings a powerful voice and deep expertise in helping families understand and celebrate the unique journeys of children and adolescents as they discover who they are.
What We’ll Cover:
This final session focuses on the importance of building a strong, supportive “village” around children and families as they navigate identity development, belonging, and growth. Families are not meant to do this work alone, and this webinar explores how caregivers, extended family, trusted adults, and community supports can work together to create environments where children feel safe, seen, and empowered.
Participants will explore how emotionally responsive relationships, shared values, and open communication strengthen trust and resilience within family systems. The session will also offer practical tools to help families identify supportive connections, set healthy boundaries, and collaborate effectively with schools and community partners.
Key Takeaways Include:

Understanding why a strong support system matters for children and families
Identifying who belongs in your child’s “village” and how each role contributes
Strengthening trust, communication, and shared responsibility among caregivers
Creating inclusive, nurturing environments that promote empathy and belonging
Practical strategies families can use immediately to build and sustain support

This session brings together the core themes of identity development, emotional intelligence, and cultural proficiency, leaving families feeling equipped, encouraged, and confident in their ability to support their children moving forward.
Questions?
Contact Kaitlyn Healy for more information.
📧 Email: khealy@wifamilyties.org
Register

Emergency Behavior Intervention: What to do When a Child is in Crisis
2026-03-05 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
When a child experiences a behavioral crisis, such as physical aggression, self-harm, property destruction, or running away, immediate intervention is crucial for their safety and the safety of others. This webinar will provide participants with a deep understanding of key crisis management strategies for foster and adopted children, including de-escalation techniques, risk assessment, and the safe management of aggressive or self-harming behaviors. The speaker will emphasize the significance of a child’s trauma history, guiding professionals and families in responding with compassion while ensuring immediate safety.
This FREE live webinar is sponsored by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and will provide 1.5 CE credits for social workers. For social workers licensed in the state of New York, it will provide 1.5 contact hours.
For more information on this webinar and continuing education credits please follow the links below. CE credits: https://adoption.talentlms.com/plus/catalog/courses/353 NY contact hours: https://adoption.talentlms.com/plus/catalog/courses/358
Register
