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Hello!
We invite you to “spring” into 2024 with us!
Check out this quarter’s program spotlights, highlighted publications and resources, and ongoing program offerings. Also, get ready to mark your calendars and encourage your families to register for upcoming educational, family fun, and support opportunities, and much more.
As always, the Wisconsin Family Connections Center staff are always just a phone call or email away!
Sincerely,
Your Wisconsin Family Connections Center Team
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Regional Spotlight:
One of the best parts of planning events is the opportunity to try new things with families. Families had so much fun in February at a teen/caregiver event at WhirlyBall in Brookfield. What is WhirlyBall? It's only the most fun you can have going four miles an hour! WhirlyBall combines lacrosse, hockey, basketball, and bumper cars in a game of skill and a touch of chance. Ten people could participate at once, and people were lined up at the door for their next turn. We saw so many smiles and laughter throughout the evening. Our family lines were blurred as everyone intermingled and participated with new friends. It was a great evening, and we are thankful to have spent it with some wonderful families. We hope to see you and your family at an event in your region soon!
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Statewide Spotlight:
We receive inquiries from families and professionals via phone or email daily. When they connect with us, they can expect a warm welcome and compassionate response from a member of our Resource Team. Our staff is committed to actively listening and providing customized guidance, support, information, referrals, and resources for their specific circumstances.
Occasionally, families and professionals may need to contact a Resource Specialist for resources or connections to support resources after typical business hours. As a result, we allow families and professionals to schedule a time to connect with a Resource Specialist when it’s convenient for them.
Families and professionals have expressed appreciation for this scheduling feature with our Resource Specialists. Here's what one individual had to say about their experience with scheduled calling:
“It was so easy to schedule a time to connect with a Resource Specialist. The experience was wonderful because I could schedule something that worked for my partner and me. We were both able to talk to a live person, get our questions answered, walk through the information and resources that would be most helpful for our situation, and understand our next steps. I am grateful for this resource.”
If you or the families you support have any questions about scheduling a call with one of our Resource Specialists, call us at 800-762-8063.
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New & Existing Resources Highlight
Giving Incredible Families Tools for Success Short-Term Case Management Program:
We invite you to learn more about the Wisconsin Family Connections Center GIFTS Case Management program.
The Giving Incredible Families Tools for Success (GIFTS) Short-Term Case Management Program is designed for caregivers with adoption or out-of-home care experience who are identified as having a high need for services. Families may self-refer or be referred by a community service member.
Download the flyer by clicking the link below, or visit this page for more details.
And sign up for our next virtual informational session on May 16 from 8:00-9:00 AM. Register for this session now by clicking here.
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New Tip Sheet — Education & Adoption: Working with Students and Families
This tip sheet was created for educators who work with youth who were adopted. Parents can use it as a resource tool to provide to school staff and administrators to help them understand some of the complex emotional issues associated with adoption, such as grief, trauma, and loss. Topics include being an advocate, the language of adoption, and curriculum concerns.
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Looking Ahead
Here’s a brief look at what's coming up near you. The links included below will provide more detailed information and registration instructions. Additionally, you can find flyers and registration links for all upcoming Wisconsin Family Connection Center offerings on our website.
Upcoming Conferences Scheduled—Save the Dates!
Dates and venues have been selected for our 2024 conferences, and registration will open this summer.
Families Like Mine (for relative caregivers)
When: Saturday, September 14, 2024
Where: Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells
Healing Centered Families (for post-permanency families)
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Where: Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells
Upcoming Trainings
Upcoming Family Fun Events
Here is a sampling of family fun events around the state. Click on the specific locations to find a complete listing for that area.
Eau Claire & Surrounding Areas
- Teen/Caregiver Yoga Experience: Eau Claire - Sunday, March 24, 1:30 PM
- GIFTS Case Management Info Session: Virtual Event - Thursday, May 16, 8:00 AM
Green Bay & Surrounding Areas
- Creating a Lifebook Workshop Part 2: Appleton - Thursday, March 28, 3:00 PM
- Teen/Caregiver Cooking - Nourish Farms: Sheboygan Falls - Thursday, April 11, 5:00 PM
- GIFTS Case Management Info Session: Virtual Event - Thursday, May 16, 8:00 AM
La Crosse & Surrounding Areas
- Creating a Lifebook Workshop Part 2: La Crosse - Thursday, March 21, 4:00 PM
- GIFTS Case Management Info Session: Virtual Event - Thursday, May 16, 8:00 AM
Madison & Surrounding Areas
- Bowling at Dream Lanes Sponsored by JBF: Madison - Saturday, March 23, 12:00 PM
- Parents/Caregivers - Painting at the Workshop: Columbus - Friday, April 12, 7:00 PM
- GIFTS Case Management Info Session: Virtual Event - Thursday, May 16, 8:00 AM
Milwaukee & Surrounding Areas
- Adult Adoptee Meet-Up Fresh Baked Cafe: Elm Grove - Thursday, March 21, 1:00 PM
- Teen/Caregiver Cooking - Nourish Farms: Sheboygan Falls - Thursday, April 11, 5:00 PM
- Adult Adoptee Event at Luxe Golf Bays: Franklin - Thursday, April 25, 4:30 PM
- Parent Event at Luxe Golf Bays: Franklin - Thursday, April 25, 4:30 PM
- Family Fun at Action Territory: Kenosha - Saturday, May 4, 12:00 PM
- GIFTS Case Management Info Session: Virtual Event - Thursday, May 16, 8:00 AM
Rice Lake/Superior & Surrounding Areas
- Family Fun Roller Skating at Skate City: Rice Lake - Sunday, March 17, 5:00 PM
- GIFTS Case Management Info Session: Virtual Event - Thursday, May 16, 8:00 AM
Wausau & Surrounding Areas
- Indoor Mini Golf/Laser Tag w/ JBF: Stevens Point - Sat. March 23, 5:00 PM
- GIFTS Case Management Info Session: Virtual Event - Thursday, May 16, 8:00 AM
Find the most up-to-date listing of events on the WiFCC Eventbrite Page.
Standing Support Group Offerings
Direct links to our support groups with details are listed below. Flyers for all of the ongoing support groups are located on our website. Click on the links for more details and to reserve a spot.
| To learn more about the Wisconsin Family Connections Center, visit our website. We also welcome you to connect with a member of our team by emailing info@wifamilyconnectionscenter.org or calling our toll-free number at 800-762-8063. You can also visit the Wisconsin Family Connections Center website to access Statewide and Regional staff contact information here. | | | | |
