Wisconsin Family Connections Center

Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth: The Courage+ Approach
2026-08-25 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | Champions Classrooms
When youth feel affirmed and connected, they can feel safe and thrive. This webinar provides an overview of Courage+ programming and the organization’s approach to supporting LGBTQ+ youth through affirming care, housing, community connection, crisis support, and wraparound services. Participants will learn about the unique challenges LGBTQ+ youth face in Wisconsin, particularly those involved in foster care, homelessness, or family rejection, and how Courage+ works to create safe, inclusive, and empowering environments where youth can thrive. The webinar will also introduce practical resources, referral pathways, and partnership opportunities available through Courage+. Walk away with actionable tools and affirming practices to better support LGBTQ+ youth.
Register

End of Summer at The Ball Park: Appleton - Sponsored by Jockey Being Family
2026-08-23 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Fox Cities Stadium, 2400 North Casaloma Drive, Appleton, WI, 54913
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (starts June 1, 2026 @6pm)

Attention adoptive, foster, guardianship & relative/kinship families! It’s an end-of-summer day at the ballpark! Jockey Being Family and the WiFCC is sponsoring an event for your families at Fox Cities Stadium for a Timber Rattlers game! We have reserved three loft suites for our families! Included in the experience will be an all-you-can-eat buffet starting 90 minutes before game time and a ticket to the Kids Zone. Each attendee receives a ticket to the game, access to the all-you-can-eat buffet and three non-alcoholic beverages per person.
You do NOT need to register for a child that is two years old and younger if they do not occupy a seat. They will not need a ticket, so you DO NOT need to include them in your number of attendees. In order to make attendance possible for the greatest number of families, each family can reserve up to 6 tickets.
*Digital Game Tickets and parking passes will be sent to you via email the week prior to the game.
If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact Val at vzegers@cclse.org.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

Virtual Group: 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.

WiFCC Mom's Summer Night Out - Floral Workshop: De Pere
2026-08-18 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Ginger Birch, 622 George St, De Pere, WI, 54115
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale June 1 @6pm)

If you are a foster, pre-adoptive, adoptive, guardianship, kinship, or reunified mom, join WiFCC for a fun and creative evening where we join Angie at Ginger Birch to create a beautiful late summer floral arrangement. We’ll learn the basics of fresh floral care & design principles all while having fun!
Each participant will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of flowers to work with and a vessel to go home with.
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: Connected Parenting
2026-08-17 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-20 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 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

Family Photo Mini Sessions with Amy E Photography: Rice Lake
2026-08-14 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Rice Lake Main Street, 37 S Main St., Rice Lake, WI, 54868
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale July 10, 2026)

Wisconsin Family Connections Center invites adoptive, foster, guardianship, relative/kinship, and/or reunified families to participate in an opportunity for a mini family photo session in Rice Lake. Each family will have a 15-minute mini session with a professional photographer.
If you have had a photoshoot with WiFCC in the past 2 years, we please ask you to withhold registering for this event to let families who have not had the opportunity to have family photos taken register. We appreciate your understanding.
Registrants will receive further information about arrival details and the exact location closer to the date of the photoshoot.
Please note: As these sessions are very time-limited, we will follow the guidelines below:
-Each family must register for only one session.
-We will not be able to accommodate pets at these photo shoots.
-Registrants not arriving by their assigned session start time will forfeit their session.
Photography for these sessions is being provided by Amy E Photography.
https://amyephotography.org/
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 or concerns, please reach out 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.

Virtual Group: Adult Adoptees
2026-08-12 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-08 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
A virtual group for adult adoptees in WI

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

2026 Endless Possibilities Conference: Advocacy in Education and Beyond
2026-08-07 08:30 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Waukesha County Technical College, 800 Main Street, Pewaukee, WI, 53072
Teamwork makes the dream work! We’ve all heard this phrase, but how can we create teams to make that dream a reality?
Imagine a day filled with ideas, inspiration, and powerful stories of advocacy. At Endless Possibilities: Advocacy in Education and Beyond, families and professionals will explore how advocacy shapes education, healthcare, and future opportunities for youth. Hear from parent advocates, teen leaders, and experts who are helping build more inclusive communities. Come for the learning, connect with others who share your passion, and leave inspired by what young people of all abilities can achieve.
The conference will be held in-person at Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) again! WCTC’s Pewaukee campus offers a state-of-the-art venue on a beautiful, easily accessible campus, for a day of engaging in-person learning and community. WCTC campus maps and directions to WCTC can be found here.
Register

Virtual Group: Open Mic Teen Support Group
2026-08-04 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-07 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

Foster Parent and Adoptive Parent Support Group - Fond du Lac
2026-08-04 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-07 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Grace and Truth Christian Fellowship, N5776 County Rd D, Fond du Laz, WI, 54937
This group will have training opportunities, help and guidance with questions and concerns, and help to build relationships with others who are walking similar roads. Led by fellow foster parents.
A time of encouragement, support, and community.
Light refreshments and childcare will be provided. Please notify us if you will be utilizing childcare so we can plan accordingly.
Meeting on the first Tuesday of every month.
Email Lydia Duke for more info joelandlydia13@gmail.com

Spiderman Brand New Day (PG-13) Teen/Caregiver Movie Event: Sturtevant
2026-08-03 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Marcus Renaissance Cinema, 10411 Washington Avenue, Sturtevant, WI, 53177
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale May 25 @6pm)

Attention caregivers and teens impacted by adoption or out-of-home care–join WiFCC to enjoy the movie Spiderman Brand New Day (PG-13) at the Marcus Renaissance Cinema.
After the record-breaking global success of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Spider-Man: Brand New Day marks an entirely new chapter for Peter Parker and Spider-Man. Four years have passed since the events of No Way Home, and Peter is now an adult living entirely alone, having voluntarily erased himself from the lives and memories of those he loves. Crime-fighting in a New York that no longer knows his name, he’s devoted himself entirely to protecting his city — a full-time Spider-Man — but as the demands on him intensify, the pressure sparks a surprising physical evolution that threatens his existence, even as a strange new pattern of crimes gives rise to one of the most powerful threats he has ever faced.
The movie will begin promptly at 2pm. Please check-in at the WiFCC table in the lobby anytime after 1:20pm. A drink and popcorn are included!
Movie Information:
Spiderman Brand New Day (2026)
Rated PG-13
Please register for EVERY PERSON ATTENDING (up to 5 tickets). Your registration number must match the number of people attending a space is limited.
Please note that WiFCC will always aim to choose family-friendly films, however, we have no control over the content or themes presented in the movie being shown at this event. This includes family dynamics and possible depictions of out-of-home-care and adoption related topics. Please take a moment to visit sites such as https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ or http://www.adoptionlcsw.com/ to see if this film falls within the scope of what you wish your child to see. You can see the trailer for the movie here: https://youtu.be/8TZMtslA3UY?si=dE0iDU0OPMIZRAzM. Please note: you may register children under 13 with your parental discretion, but please do not register children under 8 years of age.
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 regarding this event, or have any special accommodation requests, please contact 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.

BirthmomsConnect Virtual Support Group
2026-07-30 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).

Navigating Legal Procedures for Minor Guardianships and Delegation of Parental Powers
2026-07-28 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | WEBINAR
Caring for a child often means navigating legal processes you never anticipated. This webinar offers an overview of the legal framework governing minor guardianships and delegation of parental powers, with a focus on what caregivers and child‑serving professionals most need to understand.
Presenters will highlight key differences between these legal tools, including procedural requirements, scope of authority, and practical considerations. This webinar equips attendees with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions that promote stability and protect the well‑being of the children in their care.
Register

Candle Making for Teens and Caregivers with WiFCC: Menomonee Falls
2026-07-28 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Art Lounge Menomonee Falls, N88W16567 Main St., Menomonee Falls, WI, 53051
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale June 1 @6pm)

Looking to “Melt Your Worries Away”? Caregivers and teens, join WiFCC on Tuesday, July 28th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for a Candle Making Art Class at the Art Lounge in Menomonee Falls. Attendees will be painting and decorating a jar, choosing their own custom scent, and then pouring their soy wax candle. What a relaxing, creative way to spend quality time with your teens and/or caregivers. Please register for one ticket per person, with a maximum of 3 tickets per family. This workshop is designed for caregivers and teens ages 12+ only! The event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care.
Visit the Art Lounge at https://www.artloungewi.com/ for more information on their exciting workshops. Food and beverages are available for purchase.
Please note that at least one of your tickets should be for the accompanying adult. If you have any questions or need additional accommodations for this event, please contact Jamie at jsocolick@cclse.org or (414) 242-5573.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

Virtual Group: 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.

Family Night Out - Mallards Baseball: Madison
2026-07-18 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Warner Park, 2920 N Sherman Ave, Madison, WI, 53704
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Let the Wisconsin Family Connections Center take you out to the ball game! We are happy to offer individuals and families impacted by adoption or out-of-home care the opportunity to attend a Madison Mallards baseball game together. Each registrant for your family will receive a game ticket, Madison Mallards baseball cap, and a small food voucher. Limit of 6 tickets per household, please. Children 5 and under who do not require a seat can join you without a ticket, but please note these children will NOT receive a seat, cap, or food voucher. This event is for Wisconsin’s adoptive, foster, guardianship, relative caregiver, and reunified families and individuals!
The gates will open at 5:05pm and the first pitch will be thrown at 6:05pm. The WiFCC staff will have a place for families to check-in prior to the start of the game, and registrants will receive an email with these details as the date draws nearer. Learn more about the venue and team at: https://northwoodsleague.com/madison-mallards/
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.
No food or beverages can be brought into the ballpark. An exception will be made for one factory sealed bottle of water or one empty refillable container per person. Please check the ballpark’s website for other items NOT allowed in the ballpark here: https://northwoodsleague.com/madison-mallards/ticket-info/. Fans CAN bring blankets and seat cushions.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this event, please reach out directly to Megan at mmiller@cclse.org or 608-769-1493.
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.

Fun Night at the La Crosse Children's Museum
2026-07-17 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Children’s Museum of La Crosse, 207 5th Ave. South, La Crosse, WI, 54601
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale June 5 @6pm)

Join WiFCC for a fun-filled evening at the Children’s Museum of La Crosse. The Children’s Museum offers non-traditional learning opportunities that help kids of all ages see, touch, learn, and grow their way through important developmental milestones and have fun while learning.
This is a privately booked event which will allow you access to all of the museum exhibits. Our group will have access to the building from from 5:30 P.M. until 7:30 P.M. 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. There will be a room reserved with pizza and refreshments available for families.
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.
If you have any questions or accommodation needs, please contact Breanna 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.

Adult Adoptee Board & Brush Night: Oak Creek
2026-07-16 16:30 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | Board & Brush Creative Studio Oak Creek, 8880 S Howell Ave., Suite 860, Oak Creek, WI, 53154
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale May 26 @6pm)

Adult adoptees or any adult who experienced out-of-home care as a youth, please join us for a fun evening at Board & Brush! Each attendee will pick a project to design during this 2 hour class. Pick your design from several options available and create something unique. As a reminder, this is an adult only event. For any attendees who need to secure childcare back home in order to attend, a $25 childcare stipend, one per household, will also be available.
For more information on this location on the projects available please visit their website at: https://boardandbrush.com/oakcreek/
If you have any questions, please contact 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.

Playtime at Bookworm Gardens with WiFCC
2026-07-15 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Bookworm Gardens, 1415 Campus Drive, Sheboygan, WI, 53081, United States
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Attention adoptive, foster, guardianship, kinship, and reunified families – join us as we explore Bookworm Gardens in Sheboygan. Bookworm Gardens is a botanic garden inspired by your favorite children’s literature. Hop aboard the magic school bus, meet the three bears, or dig for dinosaur bones as we enjoy this hands-on opportunity.
This event is from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Please plan to meet at the Amphitheatre at 10:00 a.m. to enjoy a group story time. One ticket is good for one person. 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 Jamie Socolick 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.

Virtual Group: Birth Parent Support
2026-07-14 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

WiFCC Midsummer Movie Night - Minion 3: Appleton
2026-07-13 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Marcus Valley Grand Cinema, W3091 Van Roy Rd, Appleton, WI, 54915
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale May 11 @6pm)

Please join WiFCC for a Midsummer Movie Night for Minions 3 in theaters! Adoptive, foster, guardianship, kinship, and reunified families are welcome to attend. Each family can have up to 8 people from their household attend 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.
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.
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 Day at a State Park: Devil's Lake State Park
2026-07-12 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Devil’s Lake State Park, S5975 Park Road, Baraboo, WI, 53913
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale June 1 @6pm)

Wisconsin Family Connections Center invites adoptive, foster, guardianship, relative/kinship, and reunified families to kick off a season of nature exploration with a Day at Devil’s Lake State Park! This event will start with everyone meeting at the Nature Center! The Nature Center makes a great start for your visit to Devil’s Lake State Park. Friendly staff and volunteers will help you become acquainted with the park’s trails, recreational opportunities, unique geology, history and all the natural curiosities of the park.
Before you head out on your adventure, you will have the opportunity to meet and connect with other families. Snacks and water will be provided and all families will receive a season vehicle admission sticker for Wisconsin’s State Parks (limit of one pass per family)!
From the park website: Situated along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Devil’s Lake State Park offers magnificent views from 500-foot quartzite bluffs overlooking a 360-acre lake. Visitors enjoy nearly 30 miles of hiking trails, lakeshore picnic areas, swimming beaches, paddling opportunities, and year-round naturalist programs. For more information about Devil’s Lake State Park, visit the park website at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/devilslake.
Please register as soon as possible as spots are limited! If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to 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.

Family Movie at Micon Cinemas - Minions 3: Chippewa Falls
2026-07-11 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Micon Cinemas Chippewa Falls, 475 Chippewa Mall Dr. #215, Chippewa Falls, WI, 54729
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale June 5 @6pm)

Bellooooo adoptive, foster, guardianship, relative caregiver, and reunified families and individuals–join WiFCC to enjoy Minions 3 on Saturday, July 11th at Micon Cinemas Chippewa Falls.
Please plan to meet at the theater at 9am to check in. A drink and popcorn will be included in your registration!
Movie Information:
Minions 3 (2026)
Rated PG
Please note that WiFCC will always choose family-friendly films rated PG or G, however, we have no control over the content or themes presented in the movie being shown at this event. This includes family dynamics and possible depictions of out-of-care and adoption related topics. Please take a moment to visit sites such as https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ or http://www.adoptionlcsw.com/ to see if this film falls within the scope of what you wish your child to see.
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.
If you have questions about this event, please reach out to Madeline at mcurry@cclse.org.
Cancellations for events must be made at least 72 hours in advance. If 3 or more late cancellations or no-shows occur within a six-month period, the household’s event registrations in the following six months will default to a waitlist.
This event is limited to Wisconsin residents impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.

Live Viewing - Hope for the Journey Conference: Altoona
2026-07-10 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Fish House at Altoona City Park, 418 9th St. West, Altoona, WI, 54720
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite. (on sale May 18 @6pm)

Wisconsin Family Connections Center is excited to host an opportunity for individuals and families to attend a simulcast of the national virtual conference, “Hope for the Journey.” We will view the simulcast together, in-person on Friday, July 10th, 2026 in Altoona. We will begin showing the conference at 9:00am sharp, and welcome folks to register for the whole day or any part of it they can attend. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided, with time over lunch to connect with other attendees of the simulcast.
The Hope for the Journey Conference will equip parents and caregivers meeting the everyday needs of children impacted by adoption and foster care, and further resource churches in their endeavors to be beacons of hope and encouragement for families in their congregation and surrounding communities.
Through proven, trusted content, Hope for the Journey explores the fundamentals of Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) across five sessions—chock-full of knowledge, insight, and practical tools. Rooted in research and neuroscience, the Connecting, Empowering, and Correcting Principles of TBRI will guide you to a better understanding of your child’s or teen’s needs and equip you to adequately meet those needs.
Please note: This is a faith-based conference put on by the non-profit organization, Show Hope. For more information on the conference content, visit – https://hopeforthejourney.com/
If you have questions about this conference, 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.

Caregiver Coffee Meet Up: Waukesha County
2026-07-07 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Inclusion Coffee, 3152 Village Square Dr., Hartland, WI, 53029
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Foster, adoptive, guardianship, kinship, and reunified caregivers—join us to connect, learn, and share! The Wisconsin Family Connections Center invites you to gather with fellow caregivers in a welcoming, informal setting to build community and support one another.
We meet every 6 weeks at rotating locations throughout Waukesha County. Each registered participant will receive up to $15 toward a food or drink purchase.

ℹ️ Important Details

Registration is required for each individual event date.
This is an adults-only event; childcare is not available onsite.
A $25 childcare reimbursement per family is available for those who need to arrange care (if not covered by another funding source).

❗ Cancellation Policy
Cancellations 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.
👥 Eligibility
This event is limited to Wisconsin caregivers of children impacted by adoption or out-of-home care and their immediate household.
📧 Questions?
Contact Jamie at jsocolick@cclse.org for more information.
We look forward to connecting with you!

WiFCC Family Night at the Races: Eagle River Speedway
2026-06-30 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Eagle River Speedway, 3973 Cloverland Dr., Eagle River, WI, 54521
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Kick off your 4th of July celebrations with WiFCC with an exciting night of racing topped off by an epic fireworks display! Each attendee who registers will receive their ticket to the races along with one food and beverage item (non-alcoholic) from the concessions stand.
This event is open to any families or individuals residing in the state of Wisconsin who have been impacted by adoption or out-of-home care.
The 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.
Spots are limited for this event. Contact Chelsey at ccoulthurst@cclse.org with 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.
