Wisconsin Family Connections Center

Foster Parent and Adoptive Parent Support Group - Fond du Lac
2026-12-01 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-11-03 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-10-06 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-01 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

WiFCC Moms Night Out - Holiday Season Kick-Off: Appleton
2026-11-20 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Van Zeeland Nursery & Landscape, 2600 N Casaloma Dr., Appleton, WI, 54913
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale September 12 @6pm)

Come Kick off the Holiday Season with a Moms Night Out! Foster, pre-adoptive, adoptive, guardianship, kinship, or reunified moms are welcome to come and relax while connecting with other moms touched by adoption or out-of-home care.
Learn how to decorate your own set of Christmas themed cookies with The Floured Whisk! You will be provided with 6 cookies, all the supplies to decorate, a box to take the cookie home along with the recipes and step by step instructions. Everyone will receive a thank you bag with a cookie cutter, some piping bags and some chocolates.
*We are prioritizing registration for this event to first time attendees for this event since Floured Whisk! was previously a event with us earlier this year.
You can be added to the Waitlist Ticket option and will be contacted directly should a spot become available.
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.

Virtual Group: KINnect Relative Caregivers of Children
2026-11-19 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.

December 17

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

Virtual Group: Connected Parenting
2026-11-16 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-10-19 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-09-21 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 connected parenting virtual support group just for you! This group is especially for parents/caregivers who are looking for:
–A place to be seen, heard, and supported from other attendees who understand similar parenting challenges;
–More brain based, connection-focused parenting support; and
-Helpful ideas and resources from the group’s facilitators.
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 and Support Specialist Val Zegers. With questions, please email wifcc@cclse.org.
Please note: This group is specifically designed to provide support for the caregivers who are struggling to find parenting techniques to support a child in their home who may have a trauma history alongside 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.
Register

Save the Date - Children Come First Conference
2026-11-16 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Kalahari Resort, 1305 Kalahari Dr, Wisconsin Dells, WI, 53965
📅 November 16–17, 2026
📍 Kalahari Resorts and Conventions | Wisconsin Dells
Join hundreds of passionate professionals, caregivers, youth advocates, and community leaders from across the state and beyond for two energizing days of learning, connection, and inspiration.

Save the Date - Healing Centered Families Conference 2026
2026-11-14 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Chula Vista Resort, 2501 River Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI, 53965, United States
A conference for adoptive parents, foster parents, guardians, reunified parents, or any family on the path to permanency.
There will be more details in the upcoming months. You can also contact us at info@wifamilyconnectionscenter.org, or
1-800-762-8063 with any questions.

Virtual Group: Adult Adoptees
2026-11-11 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-10-14 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-09 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.
Register

Virtual Group: Birth Parent Support
2026-11-10 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-09-15 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 smartphone 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

Virtual Group: Open Mic Teen Support Group
2026-11-03 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-10-06 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-08 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.
Register

BirthmomsConnect Virtual Support Group
2026-10-29 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).

Nature's Navigators STEM Camp
2026-10-24 13:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-19 13:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-12 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center, N194 County Rd. N, Wisconsin Dells, WI, 53965
Nature’s Navigators STEM Camp aims to broaden science opportunities for autistic youth by providing a summer camp that supports inquisitiveness in a non-threatening, nontraditional, and inclusive learning environment. We provide nature-based, hands-on learning opportunities and encourage pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) degrees and careers.
The camp is open to all autistic youth within grades 5-12. That includes youth with a medical diagnosis, self-diagnosis, or suspected diagnosis. Nature’s Navigators embraces neurodivergence and the associated unique thinking and learning of autistic youth through flexible teaching strategies.
Attendees will participate in hands-on outdoor and indoor activities, such as barging to and exploring Blackhawk Island, geocaching for treasure, Lego robotics, and hiking through beautiful landscapes. The camp will be held at Upham Woods, along the famous Dells (Dalles) of the Wisconsin River, two miles northwest of Wisconsin Dells. Upham Woods consists of 320 acres of land on the banks of the Wisconsin River, including a 210-acre island called Blackhawk Island, which offers an excellent “river classroom” to study Wisconsin’s natural and cultural history.
Nature’s Navigators is funded by the USDA-backed Wisconsin Rural Partnerships Institute, a gift from the Read Coakley Family Foundation, and gifts from other generous donors. The camp is free to all attendees. All youth campers must be accompanied by an adult during the duration of the camp sessions.
Registration is required and space is limited.

Virtual Group: KINnect Relative Caregivers of Children
2026-10-22 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.

November 19
December 17

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

The 2026 Families Rising Adoption & Foster Care Conference
2026-10-21 08:00 - 2026-10-22 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
A virtual conference for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers AND child welfare professionals.
Registration opens May 4.

Calling all kinship families, youth advocates, and foster and adoptive parents! Plus, are you a caseworker, family support specialist, kinship navigator, or child therapist? Join our international social services community helping children and families everywhere THRIVE.
This year’s conference is VIRTUAL to ensure accessibility for all our US and Canadian communities.
More information

Save the Date - Indigenous Peoples' Day 2026: Community Gathering & Potluck
2026-10-12 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Tthigwe Gymnasium, 3232 W Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53208
Milwaukee Intertribal Circle and HIR Wellness Institute welcome you to come together in community and resiliency to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day again this year!
There will not be a “sign-up” for what you’re bringing. Simply feel free to share whatever you’d like. If you are unable to bring a dish to share, you’re still welcome! We are community and the goal is simply, to be together.
For more information see the Facebook post here.

WFAPA's Foster & Adoptive Parent Conference
2026-10-09 - 2026-10-11 | Holiday Inn Rothschild, 1000 Imperial Ave., Rothschild, WI, 54474
If you have been touched by adoption or foster care, you’ll want to attend this conference! Our conference offers a fantastic chance to discover the most recent state updates and to learn about the activities of WFAPA. It is specifically designed to equip and empower parents, caregivers and workers, enhancing their capacity to tackle the challenges associated with fostering and adoption.

Participants will have the chance to reflect on their current perspectives and discover new care strategies. Additionally, they will be able to connect with like-minded individuals from various backgrounds in child protection and out-of-home care.

It is specifically designed to equip and empower caregivers and workers, enhancing their capacity to tackle the challenges associated with fostering and adoption.
Register

Family Fun Day at Burch Barn: Spooner
2026-09-26 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | The Burch Barn, N5921 Co Hwy K, Spooner, WI, 54801
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale August 28 @6pm)

Adoptive, foster, guardianship, kinship, and reunified families – bring the family out for some fall fun! Come and enjoy the many attractions The Burch Barn Pumpkin Patch offers – get lost in the corn maze, dig around in the corn pit, win a derby horse race, explore the pedal carts, or slide down the gunny sack slide.
We ask that families arrive between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to check in with WiFCC staff near the entrance and gain entry. The barn is open from 10:00am to 5:00pm and your family is welcome to stay for a few hours or for the whole day.
To learn more about The Burch Barn check out their website here: https://www.burchbarn.com/ The cost of concessions and/or store products are not covered by basic admission.
If you have questions about this event, contact Madeline at mcurry@cclse.org or 715-491-4752 (call/text).
This event would be a great opportunity to invite your child’s birth/first family or previous foster family. We understand this may not work for all families but encourage you to consider it. We hope to create an opportunity for children to have all their loved ones in one location whenever possible and create positive memories together. Please have each household register separately
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

Virtual Group: KINnect Relative Caregivers of Children
2026-09-17 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.

October 22
November 19
December 17

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

Family Fun Day at Fergusons Orchard: Eau Claire
2026-09-12 09:30 - 10:30 (America/Chicago) | Fergusons Orchard – Eau Claire, 6470 Balsam Rd., Eau Claire, WI, 54701
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale August 7 @6pm)

Adoptive, foster, guardianship, kinship and reunified families – join WiFCC at Ferguson’s Orchard on Saturday, September 12th, 2026 starting at 10:00am. Ferguson’s offers a corn pit, friendly farm animals, corn maze, straw bale pyramid and much more!
Please plan to arrive between 10:00am and 11:00am to check in with WiFCC staff and gain entrance into the orchard. After checking in between 10:00am and 11:00am, feel free to stay a few hours or the whole day! The orchard is open until 6:00pm. The tickets will be season passes and able to be used for the remainder of their season.
The cost of apples, pumpkins, store products, and attractions are NOT covered by basic admission. Please note: we must have the names of each attendee so they can secure their season pass to the orchard. Ages 2 and under are free and do not need to be included in your list of attendees for the season pass.
There is a maximum of 5 tickets per household. Any additional tickets needed can be purchased online prior to the event or at the orchard the day of the event. To purchase tickets and to learn more about the orchard, visit their website: https://fergusonsorchard.com/eau-claire-home/.
Due to popularity of family events, please let your local WiFCC specialist know ahead of time if there is any reason you can no longer attend or need fewer tickets than you originally signed up for. We would like to accommodate as many families as possible.
If you have any questions about this event, contact Madeline at mcurry@cclse.org.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.
