Wisconsin Family Connections Center

Navigating Grief During the Holidays
2025-10-30 12:00 - 13:30 UTC | Virtual
The end-of-year holidays can be especially challenging for children, teens, and families who are grieving. In this webinar, we’ll explore various considerations during the holiday season for families who are grieving (e.g., expectations, pressures, rituals) and helpful ways to support families this holiday season.
Presented by Jana DeCristofaro, L.C.S.W.
October 30, 2025
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., PDT
Cost: $65/person
Registration closes 10 a.m., PDT, October 29, 2025
Additional Information
We’re pleased to offer discounted pricing for current students. Please contact us to request a coupon code.
If you have registered for a webinar and need to cancel for any reason, Dougy Center can provide a full refund until registration for the webinar closes (10 a.m. Pacific the day prior to the webinar). After registration closes, we unfortunately are not able to provide a refund, but can offer a credit for a future webinar. Please contact us at training@dougy.org to request a refund or credit.
Dougy Center webinars are not recorded.

BirthmomsConnect Virtual Support Group
2025-10-30 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).

Family Fun Day at Great Lakes Aquarium: Duluth
2025-11-01 10:30 - 11:30 UTC | Great Lakes Aquarium, 353 Harbor Dr., Duluth, MN, 55802
Join the WiFCC at the Great Lakes Aquarium on Saturday, November 1st at 10:30 am. The Great Lakes Aquarium features exhibits such as “Amazing Amazon,” “Otter Cove,” “Raptor Ridge,” and MUCH more! Please plan to arrive no later than 11:30 am to check in with WiFCC staff and gain entry to the aquarium.
This event is intended for foster, adoptive, guardianship, reunified, and relative caregiver families residing in the state of Wisconsin.
The aquarium is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Your family is welcome to stay for the entire day. There is a 6-ticket maximum per family for this event. Additional tickets are available for purchase at the aquarium. Your registration includes parking.
To learn more about Great Lakes Aquarium, check out their website: https://glaquarium.org/
Registrants MUST BE a resident of Wisconsin to register for this event. 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.

WiFCC Board and Brush Youth/Caregiver Workshop: Marshfield
2025-11-01 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Board and Brush – Marshfield, 112 E 4th St, Marshfield, WI, 54449
Attention adoptive, foster, guardianship, relative caregiver, and reunified families and individuals!
Join the WiFCC on Saturday, November 1st, from 1 pm to 3 pm at Marshfield Board and Brush – DIY wood sign and wood project workshop! During this event, each participant (both youth and caregiver) will be provided with instructions and materials to create and design a personalized wood sign or project.
This event is designed to be a supportive event for youth ages 11-15 and at least one adult caregiver. Max of 3 youth per family.
To learn more about Board and Brush, check out their website – DIY Projects & Wood Sign Workshops | Board & Brush – Marshfield, WI
If you have any questions, 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 Family Packer Party at Wausau on Water: Wausau
2025-11-02 12:00 - 15:30 UTC | Wausau on Water, 1300 N River Dr, Wausau, WI, 54403
Please join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center for a family Packer party at Wausau on Water! This event is open to adoptive, foster, relative caregivers, guardianship, and reunified families. We will have a private room rented with the Packer game on to watch with your family. Each attendee will receive a pre-loaded arcade card, and an option for a laser tag session will be available (children must be at least 42 inches tall to participate).
We will have pizza, light appetizers, and water/soda for you to enjoy. Please list any food allergies or if you require gluten-free options. 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.

Children Come First Conference
2025-11-03 - 2025-11-04 | Kalahari Resort, 1305 Kalahari Dr, Wisconsin Dells, WI, 53965
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, youth advocate, educator, or mental health professional, this is your opportunity to connect with others who are passionate about supporting children’s social, emotional, and mental well-being. You’ll walk away feeling informed, empowered, and inspired.
Kalahari Resorts is offering exclusive discounted rates for conference attendees. Staying on-site means you’re just steps away from all conference activities—plus, you’ll enjoy world-class amenities like:

One of the nation’s largest indoor waterparks

A sprawling indoor theme park with mini golf, ropes courses, and more

Multiple dining options, spas, and cozy resort rooms perfect for families

Rooms at this special rate are limited, so be sure to book early using our dedicated link

Parent/Caregiver - Wood Burned Charcuterie Board Class: De Pere
2025-11-03 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Flour Pot’s Artisan Marketplace, 307 Reid St, De Pere, WI, 54311
Join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center for this opportunity to meet with other caregivers and parents for a wood-burning charcuterie board class and to make connections!
This interactive workshop, hosted at the Flour Pot’s Artisan Marketplace, will be guided by local artist Jennifer Frisch of Coneflower Creations. She will walk you through the basics of woodburning and help you design a beautiful, food-safe board that’s as functional as it is artistic. No experience? No problem! Jennifer will provide step-by-step instructions to ensure you feel confident as you bring your design to life. All tools and materials will be provided, so all you need to do is show up and let your creativity flow! Don’t miss this chance to unwind, connect with other caregivers and parents, learn something new, and leave with a one-of-a-kind, wood-burning charcuterie board you made yourself.
During this class, you will learn:

How to design and transfer images
How to safely use a wood burner
Basic woodburning techniques
How to add food-safe oil finishing.

Boards are 5.5″ WX12.75″HX1″ D, and there are many different designs to choose from. This event is designed for foster, adoptive, guardianship, kinship, and reunified caregivers. If you have any questions, please email 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.

Foster Parent and Adoptive Parent Support Group - Fond du Lac
2025-11-04 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-12-02 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

Prenatal Substance Exposure Workshop for Parents
2025-11-06 17:00 - 18:30 UTC | Zoom
This evidence-based, trauma-informed workshop helps parents recognize the signs and symptoms of prenatal substance exposure and trains them on techniques that work best with kids exposed prenatally to alcohol and drugs. Each 90-minute session is held on Zoom and includes a facilitated discussion with other caregivers working with these children. We are able to offer this free workshop through the support of the Jockey Being Family® Foundation.
Learning Objectives:

Learn to recognize the primary symptoms and secondary impacts of prenatal substance exposure.
Understand and learn the process and available resources for diagnosis.
Understand the five keys to support family success.
Learn a 3-step approach with strategies to support your child.
Apply knowledge of symptoms and strategies to address issues in children of various age levels.

Workshop Dates:
All Sessions begin at 7 pm Eastern Time Zone.

Session 1
Session 2
Session 3

Thurs., Nov. 6, 2025
Thurs., Nov. 13, 2025
3A: Infants/Toddlers, ages 0-3
Tues., Nov. 18, 2025
3B: School-Age, ages 4-11
Thurs., Nov. 20, 2025
3C: Teens/Young Adults, ages 12-18
Tues., Nov. 25, 2025

Seating is limited.

The workshop is presented in three sessions. Participants will need to be able to attend Session 1 and Session 2, and then you will select a Session 3 from one of the age-specific options.

Each session is 90 minutes and presented on Zoom.
Participants receive access to a resource library and a certificate of completion (4.5 CE hours for 3 sessions).
Participants should be prepared to be on-screen and participate in all discussions during the Zoom training.
Participants are registering for three sessions and should confirm they are available for all sessions before registering. We do not offer any make-up days for this workshop.
All participants need to have access to Zoom to view the video and participate in discussions. A call-in option will not be available.

Parent/Caregiver Night at Deck the Halls - DIY Studio: New Richmond
2025-11-06 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | Deck the Halls DIY Studio, 1491 94th St, New Richmond, WI, 54017
Foster, adoptive, guardianship, kinship, and reunified caregivers join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center to craft and connect at Deck the Halls – DIY Studio on Thursday, November 6th, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. During this event, each participant will be provided with instructions and materials to create and design a personalized project. Details on how to choose your project will be sent closer to the date of the event.
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.

Parent/Caregiver Support Coffee Meet-Up: La Crosse
2025-11-08 09:00 - 11:30 UTC | JavaVino, 2311 State Road, La Crosse, WI, 54601, United States
Foster, adoptive, guardianship, kinship, and reunified caregivers, join us to connect, learn, and share!
Join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center for an opportunity to meet with other caregivers and make connections! We will meet at JavaVino in La Crosse, WI. Each registrant will receive a food or drink purchase of up to $10. You can view the menu here: https://javavinolax.com/menu/
Registration is required for this event. Contact Breanna at bcalko@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, per family, for folks who must secure childcare in order to attend, if not already covered by another funding source.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

Adult Adoptee Coffee Meetup: Eau Claire
2025-11-08 10:30 - 11:30 UTC | Kahvi Coffee House & Cafe, 3830 Talmadge Road, Eau Claire, WI, 54701
Adult adoptees ~ Please join us at Kahvi Coffee House & Cafe (in their private meeting room) in Eau Claire for a morning of coffee or tea and conversation! This event is casual and intended for adult adoptees to connect with other adult adoptees, but please note you are welcome to also register another trusted adult to attend with you if you wish. The first $15 in coffee and/or food is on us! Feel free to bring a resource or any questions you need input or advice on, if you would like.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

Webinar: Thinking About Supported Decision Making (November 13, 2025)
2025-11-13 17:00 - 18:00 UTC | Zoom
We explore the things that families need to know about decision-making supports and other legal tools for adults in Wisconsin, including guardianship. This session is helpful for families with children ages 14 and older, and the providers and educators who work with them. This is presented in partnership with Morgan’s Caring Connections.
After you sign up you will get an email with a link and information about joining the session.

Healing Centered Families Conference 2025
2025-11-15 | Chula Vista Resort, 2501 River Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI, 53965, United States
Save the Date!

A conference for guardians, adoptive parents, foster parents, reunified parents, or any family on the path to permanency.

Healing Centered Families Wisconsin 2025 Conference
2025-11-15 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | Chula Vista Resort, 2501 River Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI, 53965, United States
A free conference for reunified, adoptive, permanent guardianship families, and foster families who are on the path to permanency.
Healing Centered Families is a free statewide conference for reunified, adoptive, permanent guardianship families, and foster families who are on the path to permanency. This all-day conference will feature a dynamic keynote speaker, experts within the field, time to connect with other caregivers, as well as a resource room.
Keynote:

Attaching to Heal or Healing to Attach/Jaclyn Skalnik, founder of Adoption Wellness, LLC

Presentation Topics:

Attachment (Keynote Follow-Up Presentation)/Jaclyn Skalnik
Children’s Mental Health (OCMH)/Andrea Turtenwald
Navigating the School System/Julie Quigley, Autism United of Wisconsin

A block of rooms has been reserved for both Friday night, November 14, 2025 and Saturday night, November 15, 2025. To reserve a room, call the Chula Vista Resort directly at 1-833-509-1665. Please refer to booking ID#: K94459 Coalition for Children & Families for the “Healing Centered Families Conference.” Please make your reservation by November 1st to receive the special group rate of $98 for a single occupancy room or for $139 for a double-quad occupancy room . *We cannot guarantee waterpark hours and/or operation.
Please note- The conference is for adult attendees only. Children will not be admitted to the conference. Please arrange for childcare.

3rd Annual Rock County Foster Care Conference
2025-11-15 08:30 - 16:30 UTC | Dr. Daniel Hale Williams Rock County Resource Center, 1717 Center Avenue, Janesville, WI, 53546
The Third Annual Rock County Foster Parent conference will be a day that promises to be both informative and engaging for all attendees!
Our day will kick off at 8:30 a.m. with check-in and morning refreshments. The Welcome and Opening Remarks will be given by Shelbey Shelton, CPS Lead Supervisor. There will be a conference icebreaker for all attendees. We are pleased to welcome Emi Nietfeld as our morning keynote speaker. Emi is a Harvard graduate, software engineer, journalist, public speaker, and award-winning author! Her memoir, Acceptance, tells her personal journey of her time in foster care and periods of homelessness. She will speak on the true meaning of Resilience.
There will be opportunities for small breakout sessions during the day; covering topics such as internet safety, first aid/cpr, managing risky behaviors, LGBTQIA+, and stress management. Attendees will be able to rank their preferred breakout sessions.
Lunch will be catered by Hacienda Real of Janesville!
Our closing keynote will be given by Patricia Carroll, UW Extension, Associate Professor in the Department of Family Development. She specializes in Human Development and Relationships. Professor Carroll will speak on The Importance of Parental Confidence.
Please see the Conference booklet for more information about the speakers and their presentations.
The conference is a great opportunity to obtain 8 hours of ongoing foster parent training credit, network with other foster parents, and gain insights from experts in the field!
Please see the PDF booklet of available break-out sessions, information about the presenters, and the detailed schedule.

Family Play " Flat Stanley Jr." at Racine Children's Theater: Racine
2025-11-16 12:00 - 14:00 UTC | Racine Children’s Theater, 2519 Northwestern Ave, Racine, WI, 53404
Adoptive, foster, guardianship, kinship, and reunified families: join the WiFCC at The Racine Children’s Theatre for “The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Jr.” at 12:00 pm! The show will last approximately 1 hour, and each family can register for up to 5 tickets (for adults and children four and older).
Based on the best-selling book series, Stanley folds his way around the world with his flat-tastic hijinks. Stanley Lambchop is your ordinary, everyday ten-year-old until the bulletin board on the wall above his bed comes loose and falls right on top of him. The next morning, Stanley wakes up flat. In a whirlwind musical travelogue, Stanley—the ultimate exchange student—scours the globe for a solution to his unusual problem. He’s stamped, posted, and cancelled from Hollywood and France to Honolulu and beyond, all in an effort to become a three-dimensional boy once more.
The Packy Play Experience
At the performances, Packy, our friendly elephant mascot, welcomes the audience and introduces the show. The plays are family-friendly, fun-filled, with action, humor, audience participation, imaginative storylines, and catchy tunes to keep kids interested and involved.
Packy’s Theatre Rules
Plays are appropriate for children ages four and older. Children younger than 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Please do not bring babies.
No eating or drinking allowed in the theater. Concession sold at the performance should be consumed in the lobby.
The taking of pictures and the use of recording devices are prohibited during the performance.
Children with distracting behaviors will be asked to leave the auditorium.
Additional information can be found on their website at: https://racinetheatre.org/
For any questions or accommodations, please reach out to Christy at ctimm@cclse.org.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

Parent/Caregiver Coffee Meet-up at The Gingerbread House: Muskego
2025-11-18 09:00 - 11:00 UTC | The Gingerbread House, S63W16147 College Ave., Muskego, WI, 53150
Foster, adoptive, guardianship, kinship, and reunified caregivers, join us to connect, learn, and share! Join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center for this opportunity to meet with other caregivers and make connections! We will meet at The Gingerbread House in Muskego, WI. Each registrant will receive a food or drink purchase of up to $15.
You can view their menu here: https://gingerbreadfarmhouse.com/
Registration is required for this event. Contact Jamie at jsocolick@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, per family, is available for folks who must secure childcare in order to attend, if not already covered by another funding source.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

Live Webinar: Boys with Braids
2025-11-18 12:00 - 13:30 UTC | Wisconsin Family Connections Center Classroom
The Boys With Braids webinar raises awareness about the cultural and spiritual significance of braids for Native boys and men. It highlights the importance of identity, resilience, and cultural pride while addressing stereotypes and promoting understanding among families, schools, and communities. Through storytelling and education, the presentation fosters respect for traditional practices and encourages positive self-identity for Native youth.
Presenter: Michael Duncan – Founder & CEO, Native Dads NetworkMichael Duncan is an enrolled member of the Round Valley Indian Tribes with Maidu, Wailaki, Wintun, and Western Band Shoshone heritage. He is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Native Dads Network Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2014 to support the healing and empowerment of Native fathers, families, and communities.
Michael is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (CADC II) and has over fifteen years of experience working in Native communities, facilitating culturally grounded programs that focus on wellness, fatherhood, and intergenerational healing. He is a certified trainer of trainers of the Fatherhood/Motherhood Is Sacred curriculum and has brought these teachings to Tribal communities across California.
Through workshops, presentations, and community events, Michael addresses critical issues such as historical and intergenerational trauma, cultural identity, substance abuse prevention, suicide prevention, and healthy relationships. He uses traditional teachings, personal stories, and lived experience to break cycles of harm and support cultural revitalization and healing.
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 | 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

Building Blocks for Effective Co-Parenting
2025-11-20 11:00 - 12:00 UTC | Zoom
Join CWLA for a webinar to explore Building Blocks for Effective Co-Parenting, an engaging, informative framework that highlights the importance of effective co-parenting. When done properly, effective co-parenting can aid and assist in the overall growth and healthy development of children.
We understand that families become separated for a variety of reasons. With the upcoming holiday season, it can be especially difficult for separated parents and their children. This webinar provides an opportunity to:

recognize reasons why some relationships end
learn how these actions can impact children’s identity and self-esteem
offer strength-based, solution-focused strategies and techniques to create consistency and support for all parties involved.

Many of these core principles can be applied to all families—including birth, kin, foster, and adoptive.
Presenter: Marcus Stallworth, LMSW, CWLA Director of Training and Implementation

Grief in the Teenage Years: What We Miss & What They Need
2025-11-20 12:00 - 13:30 UTC | Online
Teens navigating grief often respond with phrases like, “I’m fine” or “It’s no big deal,” leaving adults uncertain whether to inquire further. Yet, beneath the surface, many teens carry the weight of their loss in silence. In this webinar, Dougy Center staff will explore the unique ways teens experience and express grief, dispel common myths, and offer strategies for creating safe spaces where they feel seen, heard, and supported.
Presented by Jana DeCristofaro, LCSW, Alysha Lacey, LPC, ATR, FT, and Monique B. Mitchell, PhD, FT
Children’s Grief Awareness Day, November 20, 2025
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., PST
FREE TO ATTEND
Registration closes 10 a.m., PST, November 19, 2025

CARE Webinar Series: Addiction Recovery
2025-11-20 17:00 - 18:00 UTC | Zoom
Do you know or care for a child who is affected by parental substance misuse? Whether you are a grandparent, relative, foster parent, neighbor, friend, non-parental caregiver, educator, or youth-serving professional, this free & confidential webinar series is for you!
Each month will feature different topics on addiction led by expert guest speakers. Each webinar will be held on a Thursday from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
For questions or assistance with registration, please contact the Tree House at 262-755-8733 or jenna@treehouseforkids.net.
The CARE Webinar Series is presented in partnership by the Tree House Child and Family Center and Walworth County Department of Health & Human Services.

Caregiver Coffee Meet Up: Madison
2025-11-22 10:00 - 11:00 UTC | Mercies Coffee, 1748 Eagan Road, Madison, WI, 53704
Join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center for this opportunity to meet with other caregivers and make connections! Come enjoy a meal and a 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.
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.

The Power of Connection: A Parent's Greatest Protective Tool
2025-12-02 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | WEBINAR
Parent-child connection is key to healthy development and family well-being. Susan Caso will share how genuine connectedness protects kids from mental health challenges, substance use, and the pressures of growing up in a digital world. Learn practical ways to foster open communication, build trust, and strengthen bonds so children feel safe, seen, and supported.
Register

WiFCC Birth Parent Smash Room and Splatter Paint: Appleton
2025-12-04 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | The Breaking Point Rage Room, 2011 N Richmond St, Appleton, WI, 54911
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

This event is open to all birth parents who have had a child placed for adoption, no matter what type of adoption or which agency was involved. Regardless of how long it’s been since placement occurred, you are eligible to sign up for this event.
Join the WiFCC at The Breaking Room in Appleton to engage in a 45-minute fun, stress-relieving smash room. Use bats, golf clubs, and other tools to break ceramic, glass, and metal bustables! There will be an additional 15 minutes to participate in a splatter paint room to create your own canvas. Enjoy throwing paint with squirt guns, paint brushes, and more.
The facility will provide coveralls, gloves, and a face shield to protect you from any flying debris. Please be sure to dress comfortably and wear closed-toed shoes. For more information, check out their website here: https://www.thebreakingpointllc.com/.
If you would like to join, there will be additional time after the event for conversation and snacks at a nearby restaurant. More details to come.
We want all attendees to feel comfortable while meeting other birth parents, which is why we are offering a support person ticket type for this event. This ticket will allow you to bring one supportive person to this event who does not need to identify as a birth parent.
If you have any questions about this event, please contact Karla at kmeyer@cclse.org or 715-577-3999.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

Families Like Mine: Wisconsin Relative Caregivers for Children-SE Wisconsin
2025-12-06 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | Coalition for Children, Youth & Families, 6737 W Washington St. Ste. 2353, West Allis, WI, 53214, United States
Join us at the Families Like Mine Regional Event for Wisconsin Relative Caregivers of Children – let’s share, learn, and support each other!

This Families Like Mine is a free regional event for relative caregivers in SE Wisconsin who are caring for children both through child welfare and informally. This drop-in event at Summit Place-Coalition for Children, Youth & Families will take place from 10:00am-2:00pm. Please come when it is convenient for you.
This event will feature:

Regional and state-wide vendors that support relative and like-kin caregiving families
Provide opportunities to connect with experienced relative and like-kin caregivers to build support andconnection
Offer a family activity for relative and like-kincaregivers to bond with the children in their care

Attendees will have opportunities to meet and connect with other relative caregivers from throughout the state, as well as collect resources for ongoing support.
Please note- This is a drop-in event. You do not need to stay the entire time. Bringing the children in your care is optional.

Please register to attend on Eventbrite!

Eau Claire Children's Theatre Polar Express Holiday Party: Eau Claire
2025-12-06 13:30 - 15:30 UTC | Eau Claire Children’s Theatre, 1814 N Oxford Ave, Eau Claire, WI, 54703
Join WiFCC on Saturday, December 6th at 1:30 pm at the Eau Claire Children’s Theatre for The Polar Express Holiday Party! This event will feature model trains, Santa, hot chocolate and cookies, holiday bingo, a reading of The Polar Express, and more! This event is intended for foster, adoptive, guardianship, reunified, and relative caregiver families. Please feel free to wear holiday pajamas or festive sweaters!
There is a maximum of 6 tickets per family/household. If you have questions about this event, please contact Madeline at mcurry@cclse.org.
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.

Christmas with Santa & the WiFCC- Busy Barn Adventure Farms: Fort Atkinson
2025-12-07 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Busy Barn Farm Adventures, W7675 US-12, Fort Atkinson, WI, 53538
Wisconsin Family Connections Center invites you to a special Christmas on the Farm Event at Busy Barn Farm Adventures in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Bring the whole family for a magical moment with Santa. Say hello, share your wish list, and snap a festive photo to remember. You won’t want to miss Mrs. Claus’s story time as she reads some of her favorite Christmas stories while you enjoy cookies and milk. Take a stroll out to Santa’s stables to visit and feed some of the furry and feathered friends on the farm (weather dependent and please dress accordingly). This private event is intended for foster, adoptive, guardianship, reunified, and relative caregiver families residing in the State of Wisconsin.
For additional information on Busy Barn Adventure Farms, please visit: https://www.busybarnsfarm.com.
Tickets are limited to 6 individuals per household. For any questions or accommodation needs, please email 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.

Family Fun Night at Skate City: Rice Lake
2025-12-09 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | Skate City – Rice Lake, 2057 17 1/2 Avenue, Rice Lake, WI, 54868, United States
Adoptive, foster, guardianship, relative caregiver, and reunified families – join WiFCC for family fun night at Skate City in Rice Lake on Tuesday, December 9th, from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm! Along with skating, Skate City features a playland for children 11 years old and under. Pizza and beverages will be provided!
Please note that there is a maximum of 5 tickets per family.
To learn more about Skate City, check out their website: http://www.sk8city.com/.
All children must have a guardian/parent present for the entire event. Each attendee, regardless of plans to skate or not, must have a registered ticket. Please note that this may not be a sensory-friendly event due to loud music and lights on the rink. 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.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.
