Wisconsin Family Connections Center

Virtual Group: KINnect Relative Caregivers of Children
2026-08-20 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.

September 17
October 22
November 19
December 17

As a reminder this is for Wisconsin Residents who are relative caregivers of children.

Virtual Group: Trauma Informed Parenting
2026-08-17 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-20 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-06-15 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-18 12:00 - 13:00, 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.

Foster Parent and Adoptive Parent Support Group - Fond du Lac
2026-08-04 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-07 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-02 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-05-05 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

BirthmomsConnect Virtual Support Group
2026-07-30 20:00 - 21:00, 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
2026-07-23 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
A virtual group to support relative caregivers, caring for children.

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

August 20
September 17
October 22
November 19
December 17

As a reminder this is for Wisconsin Residents who are relative caregivers of children.

Caregiver Coffee Meet Up: Madison
2026-06-20 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-05-16 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-18 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

Virtual Group: KINnect Relative Caregivers of Children
2026-06-18 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
A virtual group to support relative caregivers, caring for children.

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

July 23
August 20
September 17
October 22
November 19
December 17

As a reminder this is for Wisconsin Residents who are relative caregivers of children.

Virtual Group: Reunified Parents
2026-06-10 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-20 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Please join us for this new support group offered to parents who have recently reunified, or are in the process of reunifying (transitioning to reunification within the next month of the support group occurring). We will be meeting once every six weeks via Zoom at 7:00pm and will rotate between open discussion and topics.
Our Reunified Parent Support Group will be co-facilitated by a Parent Partner with lived experience from the PSP Jefferson County program, and by WiFCC Support Specialists Christy Timm and Chelsey Coulthurst.
We have several professional parent partners who are reunified parents themselves who will be discussing topics most important to the reunified parent community. The program, Parents Supporting Parents, cultivates the leadership of Wisconsin’s parents who have lived experience in the child welfare system. This group of parents serves as a model of hope and sources of support for parents currently experiencing public child welfare. It is parents with lived experience that will help to shape services and systems to promote child safety, permanency, and family well-being—and we want this support group to promote those ideals.
This group will value and be built upon non-judgmental support and encouragement. All attendees will be expected to respect the supportive environment of the group. If you are not sure if you qualify for this group, please reach out to your social worker. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact ccoulthurst@cclse.org.

Virtual Group: Adult Adoptees
2026-06-10 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-13 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
A virtual group for adult adoptees in WI

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

Virtual Group: Open Mic Teen Support Group
2026-06-09 19:00 - 20:00, 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: KINnect Relative Caregivers of Children
2026-05-21 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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.
