Hello!

We are pleased to introduce the first Wisconsin Family Connections Center (WiFCC) quarterly newsletter!

This newsletter is intended for professionals like yourself and your colleagues to inform you about the array of resources and service offerings from the Wisconsin Family Connections Center. We know you are committed to working diligently to provide direct services, support, and resources to children, youth, and families in your communities.

We want you to know that we are committed to walking alongside you on your journey and helping you as well as the individuals and families you support--whether it is through creating new content, connecting you with outside established resources, building learning opportunities, providing opportunities for networking and connection, or simply by listening and using that information to guide the work we do so that families get what they need.

In this issue, we hope to provide a snapshot of how our first quarter and first few months of the current quarter went. We have also included some things you can look forward to in the coming months. Lastly, we have included a survey as part of this initial newsletter to get your feedback about what you find most valuable and helpful.

We hope this newsletter will offer you insight into what and how you can utilize information to support you, your colleagues, and the individuals and families you serve. Perhaps what you read will serve as gentle reminders, encourage you to develop new and innovative ideas, or motivate you daily. Remember that Wisconsin Family Connections Center staff are always just a phone call or email away!

Happy reading!

Sincerely,

Your Wisconsin Family Connections Center Team­

A Brief Introduction to WiFCC

Staff members from the Wisconsin Family Connections Center were extremely busy in the months leading up to the launch of the WiFCC in October 2023. The team spent much of that time planning and transitioning, including building a new website and social media profiles, branding, and re-branding content previously developed under the merged contracts (the Wisconsin Foster Care and Adoption Resources Center contract and the Wisconsin Adoption Permanency and Support Program contract), and developing shared messaging. 

At the same time, we have been working diligently and collaboratively internally and externally with stakeholders and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to streamline and ensure minimal interruption of services where possible. Here is a look at some data: 

July – September 2023



• Approximately 1,366 people engaged/served by either Statewide and/or Regional Staff (this includes attendee numbers from training, events, support groups, outreach, and phone/email/in-person inquiries)
• Survey respondents rated their overall satisfaction with their engagement in services as 100%

You may have already seen this WiFCC Infographic that provides a general overview of who we are, our purpose, and a peek at what we offer.

To learn more about WiFCC, please check out this recorded Lunch and Learn session recently uploaded to Champion Classrooms.

Program Spotlights

Regional Spotlight:

After a recent WiFCC arcade event for caregivers and teens, one of our Regional Support Specialists received the following encouraging and insightful message from one of the attendees. We are honored to be a small part of these special family moments!

“As we drove home, we processed together the ‘event with a purpose’! Having the event be for caregivers and teens gave space for the teens just to be kids and the caregivers to encourage one another. That time is a blessing!

“There were so many takeaways for our teens, my husband, and me. We are overwhelmed with your care at tonight’s event! You are making a difference in the lives of so many families!

“Here is a moment of play I captured that happened because of your intentional event! Thank you!”

Statewide Spotlight:

The Statewide WiFCC training team vets, coordinates, and facilitates free monthly webinars. Recently, staff engaged with representatives from the Tribal community to bring to light a powerful and moving webinar on how historical trauma has impacted generational cycles of parenting and coping of families in Tribal communities.

Here’s what one attendee had to say about the training:

“We like to think we’re well informed, but the ‘7 Generations’ webinar on the trauma inflicted on American Indian families was such an eye opener. The webinar really increased our awareness of the intergenerational impact and horrific harm done to American Indian families. So heartbreaking. We must do better!”

The free recording of this webinar can be accessed through the Champion Classrooms website by visiting this link.

New Resources Highlight



GIFTS: Giving Incredible Families Tools for Success Short-Term Case Management Program:

The GIFTS 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 a be referred by a community service member. 

WiFCC Website

The Wisconsin Family Connections Center (WiFCC) launched a new website: https://wifamilyconnectionscenter.org/.

Our goal was to create a family-friendly website that is easy to navigate. You can use the search bar to search for resources on the site or click on the tabs at the top of the website (How Do I, I Am, Help Me Find) to locate resources and support services.

You can also click on any of the buttons on the home page to access the training and event calendar, resource library, short-term case management resource, Statewide and Regional contact information, and information about the Wisconsin Family Connections Center.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with our Resource Specialists by emailing us at info@wifamilyconnectionscenter.org or calling our toll-free number: 1-800-762-8063.

Looking Ahead

Here’s a look at what is coming up soon near you. Click on the hyperlinks or additional links provided below for more details on how to register for upcoming opportunities.

Upcoming Trainings

• Beyond Hair Care: Celebrating the Power and Cultural Significance of Black Hair

You can find a current calendar of training opportunities, events, and more on the WiFCC website.

Upcoming Family Fun Events

More detailed information and registration information for each of the events listed below can be found here!

Eau Claire and Surrounding Areas

• Caregiver/Teen Arcade Night: Eau Claire - Monday, December 18, 6:00 PM

Rice Lake/Superior & Surrounding Areas

• None listed

Green Bay & Surrounding Areas

• Family Night Walk at Botanical Gardens: Green Bay - Saturday, December 16, 6:00 PM

La Crosse and Surrounding Areas

• Family Movie - Trolls Band Together: La Crosse - Sunday, December 17, 11:00 AM

Madison & Surrounding Areas

• None listed

Milwaukee & Surrounding Areas

• Teen/Caregiver WhirlyBall Extravaganza: Brookfield - Tuesday, February 27, 5:30 PM

Wausau & Surrounding Areas

• Family Bowling Day Sponsored By JBF: Wausau - Sunday, March 10, 11:30 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. Click on the links for more details and to reserve a spot.

• Birth Parent Support
• Waiting to Adopt
• KINnect Relative Caregivers of Children
• Adult Adoptees
• Trauma-Informed Parenting
• Coffee Talk for Adoptive and Guardianship Parents
• Open Mic Teen Support Group
• Foster Parent Support
• Reunified Parents

We Want Your Feedback!

Please take a moment to click on the survey link below and share your feedback with us. Your input and suggestions are valuable to us and help inform and enhance our work to better serve you and your families. Thank you for your hard work and commitment!

Wisconsin Family Connections Center

1-800-762-8063

info@wifamilyconnectionscenter.org

wifamilyconnectionscenter.org

All newsletter emails from the Wisconsin Family Connections Center are operated by the Coalition for Children, Youth & Families.