|
Hello everyone!
We hope you're doing well. We wanted to take a moment to share some important news about our Wisconsin Family Connections Center e-newsletter.
Our first quarterly edition mentioned that our content was tailored primarily for community and child welfare professionals, aiming to support them, their colleagues, and the individuals and families they serve. However, thanks to the invaluable feedback from our amazing readers like you, we’ve realized that our audience extends far beyond just our community and child welfare professionals.
That’s why we're excited to announce that we’ll expand the WIFCC e-newsletter and its contents to include everyone! Whether you're a professional seeking support in your work, a caregiver searching for helpful resources for yourself, a family member looking for information to assist your loved ones, or anyone in between, this e-newsletter is for you.
We believe this will enable us to serve our community better and offer valuable insights to a broader audience. Your support and engagement have driven this decision, and we're incredibly grateful for it.
So, dive right in and explore all the excellent resources and information we have to offer. And remember, the Wisconsin Family Connections Center team is always here for you, just a phone call or email away.
Here's to happy reading and the exciting journey ahead!
Warm Regards,
Your Wisconsin Family Connections Center Team
| |
|
Regional Spotlight:
The Wisconsin Family Connections Center welcomed spring with free mini-family photo sessions for families throughout the state in May and June. It was such a joy to see these families come out to join us and enjoy their photo shoots and some of the photos that have been shared with us. We want to offer a huge shoutout to our partner photographers who navigated many details (and rainy days) to make these photos a reality for everyone. We sincerely thank Caleb Enockson Photography, Joys In Life Photography, Heather Collins Photography, Stevie G Photography, Katrina Jayne Photography, PIK Photography, Alyssa Sachs Photography, Emily Jean Photography, and Justine Miller Photography. Below are just a few of the great shots captured. Thank you all for allowing us to be a part of these lifelong memories!
| |
|
Statewide Spotlight:
We occasionally receive inquiries from individuals who speak languages other than English and are interested in learning more about the processes involved in becoming licensed for foster care, adoption, or guardianship or accessing related resources to support their current situation. Spanish speakers make up most of these inquiries.
Our agency ensures that Spanish-speaking callers can directly communicate with bilingual staff members. When bilingual staff are unavailable, we seamlessly connect them with Language Line support, which offers interpretation and translation services in over 240 languages and dialects. This commitment to language accessibility ensures that every community member can access the support they need, regardless of their native language.
We're pleased to announce that we're actively translating essential materials into Spanish to support our Spanish-speaking community further. Recently, we translated our 'Introducing the WIFCC' one-pager into Spanish. You can now download this document directly from our website.
But that's not all! Did you know that you can also use Google Translate on your web browser to translate WIFCC web content or any other website into any of the 100+ languages supported by Google Translate? While this feature provides a relatively adequate initial translation, we highly recommend having someone fluent in the language review it to ensure clarity and accuracy.
Please get in touch with us if you or someone you know requires assistance in this area. We're committed to offering support within our abilities to ensure fair and equal access to our resources.
| |
|
Illuminate Your Path With WIFCC’s Highlighted Resources
GIFTS Short-Term Voluntary Case Management Program
Are you a caregiver navigating the complexities of adoption or out-of-home care, seeking additional support tailored to your unique needs and the needs of children in your care? Look no further than GIFTS (Giving Incredible Families Tools for Success)—the ultimate resource designed to empower families like yours on the path to success.
What makes GIFTS stand out? Here's a glimpse of what the program has to offer:
- Ongoing support channels—whether through phone, online, or in-person, we're here for you every step of the way.
- Personalized assessments—we'll work with you to identify your family's needs and pinpoint areas for growth, ensuring that every plan is tailored to your specific concerns.
- Individualized skill development—because every caregiver deserves the tools and techniques to thrive, we provide targeted coaching to bolster your parenting journey.
- Seamless service referrals—count on us to connect you with the resources you need based on our comprehensive assessment of your family's requirements.
Who's eligible to join the GIFTS family?
- Post-adoptive, post-guardianship, and reunified families in Wisconsin—this program is tailored just for you!
- Residents of Wisconsin who are ready to embark on a journey of growth and support.
- Families committed to voluntary engagement, recognizing the transformative potential of our program.
- Caregivers seeking support and education, understanding that while GIFTS is a valuable resource, it's not a substitute for counseling services.
Ready to take the next step? Making a referral is easy:
Join us on this empowering journey—where every family has the tools they need to thrive!
|  | |
New Publication - Empowering Caregivers: 12 Strategies to Help Prevent Burnout
Supporting and caring for children with complex needs and behaviors can be emotionally, mentally, and physically demanding. This new publication provides practical strategies to empower caregivers facing challenges by enhancing their resilience and maintaining their well-being while providing essential care and support.
To access this resource, click on the hyperlink or visit our Resource Library on the WIFCC website. There, you'll find all the latest and previous WIFCC Publications.
| |
Recently Added Recorded Webinars
Missing Threads, The Story of the Wisconsin Indian Child Welfare Act
This award-winning documentary provides first-hand accounts of the heart-breaking tragedy of Indian children who lost their families and culture by being placed in foster care. The screening is followed by a live Q&A session on making the film with the writer, producer, and director, Susan Reetz.
|  | |
Looking Ahead
Take a quick peek at what's coming up. Click on the hyperlinks or additional links provided below for more details on how to register for upcoming WIFCC opportunities.
Fall 2024 WIFCC Family Conferences
Get set for an extraordinary journey at our Fall 2024 WIFCC Family Conferences! Registration is right around the corner, so don't forget to mark your calendars and set those alarms. Our dedicated planning teams have been hard at work, meticulously curating an exhilarating agenda packed with captivating topics and top-tier presenters. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with excitement and enrichment—it's an experience you won't want to miss!
Families Like Mine 2024: Relative Caregivers for Children Conference
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Chula Vista Resort-Wisconsin Dells
Registration opens on Thursday, July 25, 2024
https://bit.ly/3yPRi1t
|  | |
Healing Centered Families 2024: A Conference for Reunified, Adoptive, and Permanent Guardianship Families
Saturday, November 16, 2024
Chula Vista Resort-Wisconsin Dells
Registration opens on Tuesday, October 1, 2024
https://bit.ly/4c6jM5c
| |
Upcoming Training
We Are Go for Launch: How to Get There
Thursday, July 25, 2024
6:00 PM-7:30 PM
This webinar focuses on supporting caregivers as they prepare to help the teens and young adults in their lives transition into independence and accept adulthood. Learn how to assess your child’s readiness and identify areas where they may need extra support. You will learn the art of letting go while still offering guidance.
Presenter: Jeanette McCrea Willis, CEO of Advantage Adoptions
Licensed foster parents will receive 1.5 training credits for participation, and each individual in a household must register separately to receive credit.
|  | |
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. Visit the WiFCC Eventbrite Collections to learn more: WiFCC Collections.
Milwaukee & Surrounding Areas
- Adult Adoptee Coffee Meet-Up: Walker's Point - Thursday, July 11, 2:00 PM
- Family Day at the Bear Den Zoo: Waterford - Wednesday, July 17, 11:00 AM
- Teen & Caregiver Laser Tag Event at iCombat: Waukesha - Monday, July 22, 3:30 PM
- Cultural Family Event at Black Arts Festival: Milwaukee - Saturday, August 3, 12:00 PM
Rice Lake/Superior & Surrounding Areas
- WiFCC Day at a State Park: Amnicon Falls State Park - Saturday, June 22, 10:00 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. | | | | |
