Journeys Program

VIRTUAL GROUP: Trauma Informed Parenting
2024-04-15 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-03-18 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
For WI adoptive/kinship/foster/guardianship caregivers who are parenting youth with a high level of need due to complex trauma histories

Parents/Caregivers Night Out-Painting at The Workshop: Columbus
2024-04-12 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | The Workshop, 128 W James Street, Columbus, WI, 53925, United States
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

WiFCC parents & caregivers, join us for a fun Parents Night Out in Colombus! This event will take place at The Workshop. They provide all the materials and instruct you step-by-step to create a beautiful piece for your home or for a gift. Choose from a variety of paint colors in the workshop. The Workshop will provide demos for fluid acrylic pour painting and string pull painting. Create beautiful abstract art by pouring acrylic paint on canvas; add paint mediums and silicon for different effects. Or create flowers by dipping string in paint and pulling across the canvas. You can decide which type of art you want to make!
Please register for one ticket per person. Snacks will be provided for this event. If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact Brenda at bhoene@cclse.org
Due to popularity of events, please let your local WiFCC specialist know ahead of time if there is any reason you can no longer attend. We would like to accommodate as many individuals as possible.

Teen/Caregiver Cooking Class at Nourish Farms: Sheboygan Falls
2024-04-11 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Nourish Together Good Food Education Center, 100 Alfred Miley Avenue, Sheboygan, WI, 53085, United States
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

The Wisconsin Family Connections Center invites you to cook the night away. Join us at Nourish Farms for an evening cooking class and a chance to explore the farm. This is an excellent opportunity to spend time with your teen, promote new independent living skills, and get to know other adoptive, guardianship, foster, kinship, and reunified caregivers in your area.
The Cooking Class takes place from 5:00pm to 7:00 pm. To learn more about Nourish Farms visit them at https://nourishfarms.org.
One ticket is good for a caregiver and teen pair. Registration is required as spots are limited. If you are in need of additional tickets or if you have questions, please contact Jamie at jsocolick@cclse.org.

VIRTUAL GROUP: Adult Adoptees
2024-04-10 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-03-13 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
A virtual group for adult adoptees in WI

VIRTUAL GROUP: Open Mic Teen Support Group
2024-04-09 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-03-12 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
Youth ages 13-17 who are part of an adoptive or guardianship family in Wisconsin

Birth Parent Get Together: Eau Claire
2024-04-09 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Catholic Charities, 318 Fulton Street, Eau Claire, WI, 54703, United States
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.

VIRTUAL GROUP: Coffee Talk for Adoptive and Guardianship Parents
2024-04-05 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago)
A virtual, relaxed chat for parents-

Virtual Group: Reunified Parents
2024-04-03 18:30 - 19:30, 2024-03-06 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago)
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

VIRTUAL GROUP: Foster Parent Support
2024-04-02 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-03-05 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago)

Creating a Lifebook Workshop: Part 2 (In-Person): Appleton
2024-03-28 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Copper Rock Coffee Company – College Ave, 210 W College Ave, Appleton, WI, 54911, United States
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

This is Part 2 of the Creating a Lifebook Workshop. The Creating A Lifebook Workshop Part 2 is where it all comes together! If you missed Creating A Lifebook Workshop: Part 1 but are interested in joining in this in-person Part 2 session, don’t worry! We’ll spend some time at the beginning of our time together to catch you up to speed on what you missed.
We will meet at the Cooper Rock Cafe- College Ave in Appleton, WI to craft together and create our Lifebook. You are welcome to bring whatever materials you would like, but we will also have a variety of supplies available for your use as well. : Part 2 of this workshop will be offered in person in various locations around the state.
If you have any questions or an accommodations request, please contact Sidonie at skintopf@cclse.org

VIRTUAL GROUP: KINnect Relative Caregivers of Children
2024-03-28 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago)
A virtual group to support relative caregivers, caring for children.

Teen/Caregiver Yoga Experience: Eau Claire
2024-03-24 13:30 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Latitude 44 Yoga Studio, 313 E. Madison Street, Eau Claire, WI, 54703, United States
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Caregivers and teens, please join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center for a fun afternoon of connection through a beginning yoga class at Latitude 44 Yoga Studio in Eau Claire. Yoga instructor, Sara, will lead the class through some guided meditation followed by accessible/beginner yoga postures. This event is an excellent opportunity to introduce yourself or your child to gentle movement and mindfulness techniques.
Spots are limited and registration is required to attend. If you have any questions, contact Lydia at ldeering@cclse.org.

Creating a Lifebook Workshop: Part 2 (In-Person): La Crosse
2024-03-21 16:00 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | La Crosse Diocese, 3710 East avenue South, La Crosse, WI, 54602, United States
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

This is Part 2 of the Creating a Lifebook Workshop. If you missed Creating A Lifebook Workshop: Part 1 but are interested in joining in this in-person Part 2 session, don’t worry! We’ll spend some time at the beginning of our time together to catch you up to speed on what you missed.
The Creating A Lifebook Workshop Part 2 is where it all comes together! Through Part 1, you have learned what a Lifebook is and have gathered your materials, pages, and photos together. We will meet at the La Crosse Diocesan Center in La Crosse to craft together and create our Lifebook. You are welcome to bring whatever materials you would like, but we will also have a variety of supplies available for your use as well. Part 2 of this workshop will be offered in person in various locations around the state.
If you have any questions or an accommodations request, please contact Breanna at bhalling@cclse.org.

Adult Adoptee Meet-Up at Fresh Baked Cafe: Elm Grove
2024-03-21 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Elm Grove, 890 Elm Grove Road, Elm Grove, WI, 53122, United States
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Please join us at Fresh Baked Cafe: Elm Grove for an afternoon of coffee and conversation! This event is casual and intended for adult adoptees to connect with other adult adoptees. The first $10 in coffee and food is on us! Feel free to bring a resource or any questions you need input or advice on if you would like.
If you have any questions or need accommodations please reach out to Christy at ctimm@cclse.org

Roller Skating Family Fun Skate City: Rice Lake
2024-03-17 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Skate City, 2057 17 1/2 Avenue, Rice Lake, WI, 54868, United States
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Take a break from winter and come join WiFCC for a fun evening of roller skating at Skate City in Rice Lake. This event will include rental of skate/blades, one drink per person, and pizza. We have the rink to ourselves for two hours. All ages and experience levels are welcome to join us! Skate City also has a playland available for children ages 11 and under.
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. You will note there are two different tickets for adults – skater and non-skater. Please note that this may not be a sensory friendly event due to loud music and lights on the rink.
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 family dynamics 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.
There are a limited number of tickets available so please register soon as registration is required. For more information about our venue: http://www.sk8city.com/
Please contact Lydia at ldeering@cclse.org with any questions.

VIRTUAL GROUP: Waiting to Adopt
2024-03-14 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago)
A virtual support group for WI pre-adoptive parents.

GIFTS Case Management Informational Session - Virtual
2024-03-12 20:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)

VIRTUAL GROUP: Birth Parent Support
2024-03-12 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago)
A virtual support group for birth parents throughout Wisconsin.

Teen/Caregiver Rockclimbing Event: Madison
2024-03-10 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Boulder’s Gym, 3964 Commercial Ave, Madison, WI, 53714, United States
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Join the Wisconsin Family Connection Center for this opportunity to meet with other caregivers and make connections! Come enjoy a fun day of rock-climbing on us and get to know other adoptive, guardianship, foster, kinship, and reunified caregivers in your area.
The event takes place at Boulder’s Gym in Madison. The event starts at 2pm and ends at 4pm. You can see what Boulder’s Gym is all about at https://www.bouldersgym.com/. There is no pressure to rock climb. You can also sit back and relax and connect with other caregivers as well. Please note you will need to sign a safety waiver before the fun begins.
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 Brenda at bhoene@cclse.org.
Please note: All youth must be accompanied by at least one adult caregiver from their household. Each individual should register as either a climber or observer.

Family Bowling Day Sponsored by Jockey Being Family: Wausau
2024-03-10 11:30 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | Day’s Bowl-A-Dome, 1715 Stewart Avenue, Wausau, WI, 54401, United States
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Please join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center for a day of family bowling in Wausau! Each person who registers will get 1.5 hours of bowling, shoe rental, unlimited soda, and 2 slices of pizza. This is a great event to invite your kiddo’s birth/first family to (if it is appropriate and safe to do so) and they are more than welcome to attend!
Please arrive by 12:00pm to ensure you get your full bowling time in! We will have a few lanes just for our group which will give families a chance to meet and get to know each other if you share a lane!
Please register by Monday, March 4, 2023 as space is limited. If you have questions, please reach out to czommers@cclse.org. This event is sponsored by Jockey Being Family.

Creating A Lifebook Workshop: Part 2 (In-Person): Greenfield
2024-03-10 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Wi FCC Milwaukee Regional Office, 4811 S 76th St., Suite 100, Greenfield, WI, 53220, United States
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

This is Part 2 of the Creating a Lifebook Workshop. If you have not yet registered for Part 1, please do so here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/775676869397?aff=oddtdtcreator.
The Creating A Lifebook Workshop Part 2 is where it all comes together! If you missed Creating A Lifebook Workshop: Part 1 but are interested in joining in this in-person Part 2 session, don’t worry! We’ll spend some time at the beginning of our time together to catch you up to speed on what you missed.We will meet at the WiFCC Milwaukee Regional Office to craft together and create our Lifebook. You are welcome to bring whatever materials you would like, but we will also have a variety of supplies available for your use as well. : Part 2 of this workshop will be offered in person in various locations around the state.
If you have any questions or an accommodations request, please contact Christy T at ctimm@cclse.org or Jamie S at jsocolick@cclse.org.

Creating A Lifebook Workshop: Part 2 (In-Person): Eau Claire
2024-03-07 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, 400 Eau Claire St,, Eau Claire, WI, 54701, United States
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

This is Part 2 of the Creating a Lifebook Workshop. If you have not yet registered for Part 1, please do so here: https://lifebookworkshoppart1.eventbrite.com
The Creating A Lifebook Workshop Part 2 is where it all comes together! If you missed Creating A Lifebook Workshop: Part 1 but are interested in joining in this in-person Part 2 session, don’t worry! We’ll spend some time at the beginning of our time together to catch you up to speed on what you missed. We will meet at the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library to craft together and create our Lifebook. You are welcome to bring whatever materials you would like, but we will also have a variety of supplies available for your use as well. Part 2 of this workshop will be offered in person in various locations around the state.
If you have any questions or an accommodations request, please contact Lydia at ldeering@cclse.org

Admirals Hockey Game Family Night: Milwaukee
2024-03-06 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | UW Milwaukee Panther Arena, 510 W Kilbourn Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53203, United States
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Attention adoptive, foster, guardianship, relative caregiver, and reunified families and individuals, please join us for a fun night of hockey with the Milwaukee Admirals! The Admiral’s play the Manitoba Moose at the UW Panther Arena in downtown Milwaukee. This will be an exciting game, perfect for a family night out. Each attende will also receive a Milwaukee Admirals glow stick as a gift from WiFCC.
Game starts at 7pm, and WiFCC staff will have a place for you to check-in from 6:15-7:15pm.
One ticket is good for one person. Maximum of 7 tickets per family. Tickets are available for purchase separately if more are needed.
https://www.milwaukeeadmirals.com/
Please note the arena’s bag policy: “The Admirals follow the bag policies implemented by the Wisconsin Center District and UW Panther Arena. At this time clear bags under 12″x6″x12″ are allowed. One-gallon, clear plastic freezer bags allowed. Medical bags and diaper bags are permitted and will be searched. Non-clear bags under 4″x6″x1″ are also allowed.”
For any questions please email ctimm@cclse.org or jsocolick@cclse.org.

Teen/Caregiver Yoga Experience: Plover
2024-03-04 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Plover Yoga Studio, 2817 Post Rd, Stevens Point, WI, 54481, United States
Registration for this event is required on Eventbrite.

Caregivers and Teens, please join the Wisconsin Family Connections Center for a fun night of connection through Yoga! Lisa Lee- Oswald, owner of the studio, will lead you through some beginner yoga moves.
A little bit about Lisa: (leaving this blank for now until she gets me her biography over)
Please RSVP, as spots are limited. When you register, please sign yourself and your teen up for one spot, as the ticket is for a pair. If you have any questions, please reachout to czommers@cclse.org.
