Catholic Charities Friends of Adoption

Marshfield Cultural Fair

2012-01-25T14:35:00.002-06:00

Join Catholic Charities in Marshfield, WI on Saturday February 25th at the 8th Annual Marshfield Cultural Fair. The fair will be held at the UW-Marshfield/Wood County Campus (2000 West 5th St) from 10am-4pm. The fair will offer music, dance, international foods, arts, crafts, cultural displays and more. Stop by the Catholic Charities booth and say hi!

We've Moved!

2012-01-13T13:55:00.002-06:00

The Stevens Point Catholic Charities Friends of Adoption office is now located in the Wausau Catholic Charities building!

Contact info is as follows:

1105 S. 10th Ave
Wausau, WI 54401
Phone: 715-340-4601
Fax: 715-849-8414
arozeboom@cclse.org

Feel free to contact Anne with any questions...

Adoption Tax Tips Workshop

2011-12-20T11:18:00.003-06:00

Do you have questions about how the adoption credit could reduce your taxes? Wondering which adoption expenses qualify and which ones don't? Join Friends of Adoption for a FREE workshop on Adoption Tax Tips on Thursday, January 12th. This workshop will be held from 6-8pm at 356 S. 18th Ave in Wausau. The presenter will be Paul Jauch who is an adoptive dad and a tax professionalist.
Please RSVP by contacting Catholic Charities Friends of Adoption before 1/10/12 at arozeboom@cclse.org or by calling 715-340-4601.

Mom's Night Out on 1/7/12 in Amherst, WI

2011-11-30T11:29:00.002-06:00

Ready to relax and enjoy a night out with other adoptive and pre-adoptive mom's you can relate to? This is a great way to get out, give yourelf a well-deserved break and connect with one another. We'll meet from 5:00pm-7:00pm at The Ambrosia Pub & Grill located at 192 S. Main St. in Amherst. Please RSVP by 1/5/12 to arozeboom@cclse.org

Mom's Night Out on 11/14 in Bancroft, WI

2011-11-02T13:51:00.002-05:00

Come connect with other adoptive moms and and pre-adoptive moms at Ponderosa Pines on Monday November 14th. We'll be meeting at 5:30pm at the restaurant, which is located at 287 State Road 73 in Bancroft.
Please RSVP to Friends of Adoption by 11/10/11
Contact: 715-344-2500 x24 or arozeboom@cclse.org
Please note that this event will be cancelled if there are no RSVP's.

Eat, skate and win an iPod Shuffle on Nov. 3rd!

2011-10-29T13:49:00.003-05:00

Celebrate National Adoption Month at Skate City Family Fun Center in Wisconsin Rapids! Any and all pre- or post-adoptive families are invited to come and enjoy an all you can eat pizza and soda buffet, and an evening of skating for FREE. One lucky family at the celebration will go home with an iPod Shuffle too. Event is from 5-8pm.
PLEASE RSVP to Friends of adoption by 10/31/11 by calling 715.344.2500 x24 or emailing arozeboom@cclse.org

Hope for Children: Conference on Adoption, Foster & Global Care

2011-10-06T11:29:00.002-05:00

Register now for the Hope for Children Conference and concert featuring the "Living River Quartet". This event will be held Sunday, November 13th at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Plover, WI.
The conference will run from 1:00pm-6:30pm and includes dinner. The concert begins at 7pm. Featured speakers will be Patricia Dischler, Mary Grossnickle, Rachel Allord, Sharon Mall, Jim Yagow and Jane Guffy.
Cost is $15 (individual), $20 (professional), $25 (couple).
Brochure with registration form is printable online at: www.friendsofadoption.org
Questions? Call 1-866-344-2500 x24.
See you there!

Transracial/Transcultural Parenting Workshop: Embracing Your Child's Story

2011-10-04T14:20:00.002-05:00

Adoptive mom and freelance writer for the, "Chicken Soup for the Soul" anthologies, Rachel Allord will present this FREE workshop on Saturday, October 22nd from 10-11:30am in Stevens Point. Please RSVP by contacting Catholic Charities Friends of Adoption by 10/19/11 at 715.344.2500 x24 or arozeboom@cclse.org Visit www.friendsofadoption.org for more information. Hope you can join us!

Apple Orchard Fun!!!

2011-09-19T10:15:00.003-05:00

Toddler Adoption and Attachment Workshop!

2011-09-19T09:38:00.001-05:00

Stevens Point Picnic this Thursday!!!

2011-08-15T10:36:00.001-05:00

There is still time to RSVP!! Please do so as soon as you can so we can have enough food and fun for everyone!!!

Hayward Summer Picnic

2011-06-01T11:27:00.002-05:00

Join us for a great get together up north!

Upcoming Event ~ La Crosse Summer Picnic

2011-05-23T13:11:00.002-05:00

Be Sure to join us for food, fun and a little splashing around!!

2011 International Picnic

2011-05-11T14:02:00.001-05:00

Join us on Thursday, June 16th from 4:30-6:30 at Carson Park's Oak Pavilion in Eau Claire for our 3rd annual International Families Picnic! We will provide hotdogs, drinks, and utensils -- just bring your family and a dish to share. There will be games, crafts, food, and fun!

Prior to the picnic, a new group of families with children from Ethiopia will be gathering at the Oak Pavilion at 4:00 to meet and play soccer.

In addition to the fun of the picnic, Genesis Photography will be there providing special $35 mini-sessions for families! See the flyer for details.

If you have questions on the picnic or if your family is planning to join us, please email Christy by June 13th with your family info. Looking forward to seeing you!

A letter from an adoptive mom and a workshop opportunity!

2011-04-26T10:52:00.002-05:00

March 3, 2011

Dear Fellow Parent:
I am a parent of twin boys, now 13, whom we adopted at the age of 11 months. They are wonderful, bright boys – but we/they have struggled with significant behavioral issues. While their transition to us was difficult, we began to wonder if something was amiss when they were three. By the age of five, we knew something was going on that we did not understand. Daily, the least little frustration would result in intense rages that would last up to an hour. There were multiple threats to kill us, others or themselves. There were destructive, violent and aggressive behaviors, clingy behavior, sleep problems, mood swings. Most of this occurred at home with my husband and me. We were at a loss of what to do.
When they were six, we started seeing a psychologist to help us. We explored numerous “diagnosis:” ADD, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Conduct Disorder, and many meds. With every diagnosis, there were pieces that fit, and other pieces that did not. Some meds made things worse, others helped for a while.
About 3 years ago, our psychologist found an article on developmental trauma. Suddenly, all the information we had gathered about our boys’ history and their behavior fit. Multiple traumas, beginning in utero, had impacted their brain development. The more we read and researched, the more we began to understand how these “traumas,” none of which were violence related and many of which we did not even consider to be traumatic, were the root cause of our boys’ behaviors. But, the rages were continuing and the boys were getting bigger and stronger. We were emotionally and physically exhausted.
In December 2009, we attended our first parenting camp with Kimberly Erickson-Nichols in LaCrosse. Kimberly is a therapist and social worker who specializes in working with families with children with severe behaviors. We came away from that weekend with a renewed sense of hope that our children could heal. We realized we were not alone as we met other families who struggled with similar behaviors in their children – be they birth, adoptive or foster children. We began to heal emotionally. And, we began to learn and implement a new paradigm of parenting our boys. Last November, we attended our second parenting camp with Kimberly. While we still have a long ways to go in truly implementing this new paradigm of parenting, and our boys still have a lot of healing to do, we all have made significant progress in the last year.
In mid February, 80 teachers, social workers, law enforcement workers and therapists from the St. Croix Valley attended a workshop on developmental trauma with Kimberly Erickson Nichols. For many, this was new information. Because working with the parents is so vital to helping these kids heal, we asked them to help us identify families that they knew of who might be interested and benefit from a workshop for parents. Someone who cares about you may have suggested you receive this letter and invitation. Believe me, I know from experience how difficult it is to admit that you are afraid of your own kids, and that you don’t know what to do as a parent. You feel exhausted, ashamed and alone.
Kimberly Erickson-Nichols will be returning to this area to conduct a workshop for parents whose children exhibit severe behaviors on April 29 and 30. This intensive, hands on workshop will begin with supper on Friday evening as we get to know each other, and learn about brain development. Saturday will be spent continuing that journey as we learn, discuss and practice how we can parent these children in a manner to help them heal. I encourage both parents to attend if at all possible.
The workshop is limited to 36 people. Thanks to our sponsors: the Amery, Hudson, and River Falls Community Foundations and the St. Croix Valley Foundation, the cost to attend the workshop is $45/couple or $30/individual, which includes the Friday evening meal, Saturday noon meal, snacks and all materials. (A limited number of scholarships are available to help cover child care costs. Please inquire about these when you register.)
Contact the Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley 715-684-4440 for more information or to register for the parents workshop. I know we are not the only family who has struggled with this issue. Because it was so hard for us to find the help and support we needed, it has been my dream to help more parents find resources that will help them in their difficult parenting journey. Increasing the awareness about trauma and its impact with professionals was the first step toward realizing that dream. This workshop to empower parents is the second part of that dream. Please feel free to call me if you have questions about our experience or wonder if this workshop is for you.
Sincerely,

Linda Jacobson
River Falls, WI 54022

Come Celebrate Cinco De Mayo with the new Multi Cultural Adoptive Families Group!

2011-04-21T11:16:00.001-05:00

Free Workshop!

2011-04-19T14:16:00.002-05:00

Dad's Night Out!

2011-03-29T08:51:00.002-05:00

The mom's have been doing it for quite awhile now, it's time for the dad's to experience this group activity and support system! It will be a great opportunity to connect with other dads in the area that may be experiencing some of the same wonders as you are! Please join us....

Friday, April 15th, 6:00 PM
Club 8, Ladysmith

Join other adoptive fathers to connect over dinner.

Please RSVP by Wednesday, April 13th by contacting Christy at creppe@cclse.org or 715-832-6644 ext. 18.

Couples Night!

2011-03-08T12:11:00.002-06:00

Reminder for next Monday night...Join us for Couples Night Out ~ a fun night out to relax and connect with other adoptive parents. Offered in three different locations:

Grizzly’s Bar & Grill, Eau Claire, WI 6pm
Please RSVP to Christy with Friends of Adoption
creppe@cclse.org Or 715-832-6644 ext.19

Tequila’s Restaurant, Onalaska, WI 6pm
Please RSVP to Magen with Friends of Adoption
mduffy@cclse.org Or 608-782-0710 x223

Grazies Italian Grill, 5327 Hwy 10 E,Stevens Point, WI 6-8pm
Please RSVP to Anne with Friends of Adoption
arozeboom@cclse.org Or 715.344.2500 ext.24

Couples in need of securing child care, Friends of Adoption will offer $10 off your bill. Please mention when you RSVP.

Cultural Fair

2011-02-22T11:38:00.002-06:00

"We invite you to participate in this wonderful opportunity to promote harmony and respect for diversity in the community."

“This unique annual community gathering held at the UW-Marshfield/Wood County Campus offers music, dance, international foods, arts & crafts, cultural/ethnic displays, educational activities and more.”

Join us in Marshfield, Saturday Feburary 26th from 10am to 4pm. Stop by the Catholic Charities and Friends of Adoption booth and say hello.

2011 WWAA Conference - From the Heart: Voices of Adoption

2011-02-16T12:18:00.000-06:00

Friends of Adoption is proud to be a sponsor of the 2011 Western Wisconsin Advocates for Adoption Conference - From the Heart: Voices of Adoption. The conference will take place in Eau Claire on Saturday, March 12th 2011, and registrations are being taken now. See the link below for all of the conference details and registration form. Hope you can make it!

Conference Brochure

Join adoptive dad Scott Wallace for a Dad's Night Out!

2011-02-06T15:18:00.002-06:00

Adoptive and pre-adoptive dads in the Stevens Point and surrounding areas, here's a great opportunity to build a great support system, exchange triumphs and trials. Adoptive dad Scott Wallace has voluntered to chair this event, join him and other dads Saturday February 12th, 6:30pm at Hilltop Pub and Grill in Stevens Point. Please RSVP to Anne Rozeboom by Friday, February 11th at arozeboom@cclse.org.

Join Us for Family Movie Night on FOX!

2011-01-03T10:41:00.003-06:00

Family Movie Night features "Change of Plans", which stars Brooke White (American Idol); Joe Flanigan (Stargate Alantis) and Phylicia Rashad (The Cosby Show). "Change of Plans" is the story of the joys and struggles of building a family from a group of strangers - including children of international adoption.

Life sometimes gives us more than we planned for. "Change of Plans" sheds new, important light on the impact of adoption on families - including those created through circumstances outside of out control. People of all ages will be moved by the film's message.

Tune in - Saturday, January 8, 2011 8/7C on FOX

NACAC Hosting Webinar on Adoption Tax Credit

2010-12-23T11:32:00.002-06:00

NACAC is hosting three webinars regarding the U.S. federal adoption tax credit on:

* January 20- 8pm CST
* January 24- 6pm CST
* February 1- Noon CST

Registration is $15 for NACAC members and $20 for non-members.

During these webinars, participants will learn the steps they will need to take to file for the U.S. federal tax credit, whether they adopted in 2010 or as far back as 2005. Josh Kroll will explain the credit, how it recently became refundable, and what parents need to do to take advantage of the credit. The session will focus on families who adopted children with special needs from foster care but will be applicable to all adoptive families as well.

Link to register for the webinar:
https://www.nacac.org/secure/webinarregistration.html

NEW Journey of a Lifetime Fall Conference

2009-08-05T12:18:00.002-05:00

Friends of Adoption is excited to announce a new fall conference for 2009 - Journey of a Lifetime. It will take place on October 3rd at the Metropolis Hotel in Eau Claire. Keynote speaker Patricia Dischler will share her inspirational story as a birthmother and part of a successful open adoption in the morning, and teach adoption parenting ideas in the afternoon. It is sure to be a wonderful event, one we expect to touch hearts and change families, as so often happens when we share and learn from one another's life experiences. Registration is only $25/person or $40 for a couple, including lunch.

Mark your calendar now and plan to bring a sitter for the kids as they can enjoy the attached CHAOS water park or nearby Action City while you enjoy the conference. The first 10 non-professional registrants will receive one FREE pass to the waterpark, so sign up soon!

Email Christy to request a brochure and registration form!

International Families Picnic - Chippewa Falls

2009-06-10T13:04:00.006-05:00

If you have adopted internationally and live in the Western Wisconsin area, we have a wonderful opportunity coming up this summer for you! On Sunday, July 12th from 11:30-2:30 at Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls, we will be holding an International Families Picnic at the main pavilion. We will provide hot dogs, drinks, and utensils -- families can just bring themselves and a dish to share. We will plan to eat lunch right around 12:30.

There are many activities to enjoy at Irvine - a playground right by the pavilion, a small zoo, and a fun water fountain perfect for kids to cool off in! Not to mention the camaraderie of getting to know other families who share the international adoption experience.

If your family plans to attend OR if you have any questions, please email me (Christy) at creppe@cclse or call 715-832-6644 ext. 19. This will help us know how many hot dogs we need to plan on!

As an added bonus, we have Jen Schultz from Genesis Photography (who happens to also be an international adoptive mom) offering a WONDERFUL deal for Friends of Adoption families with a mini photo shoot! The details are below. Please check out her website for a taste of her photography, and call her at the number listed below to reserve a time slot for your child or family! I can not say enough good things about her work -- it is really extraordinary, and I hope many of you will take this opportunity to experience it for yourself.

Free Webinar - I'm the One Who Needs a Timeout!

2009-05-05T19:47:00.005-05:00

Check out this FREE live webinar going on one week from today!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

7:30 PM Central Time

1 Hour Webinar "I'm the One Who Needs a Timeout!"

Hosted by : Bren Wolfe and Heather T. Forbes, LCSW

Click here to register for this free webinar.

Do you ever find yourself overreacting to your child's behavior? Do you sometimes find yourself at your brink, not understanding how you could have moved from a place of pure love and joy to absolute frustration and intolerance?

Parenting is the hardest job--ever! Our children can move us to a whole new level within ourselves, especially children with traumatic histories. They have a way of challenging us like no one else on this planet could ever do.

Listen in on this webinar with Heather T. Forbes, LCSW to discover why these dynamics are happening within you. You aren't going crazy! There is a reason for these intense feelings and she will bring to you a new understanding to settle your heart and mind. As an adoptive mother herself, she knows first hand how it feels to be the one who needs a time-out more than your child! Heather will also share some of her own personal story of healing that will inspire you and help you embrace each moment with your child.

Sensory Integration workshop - Menomonie

2009-04-28T13:33:00.002-05:00

We are very excited to be able to offer this Sensory Integration in the Home workshop featuring Nancy Lawton-Shirley at the Menomonie Public Library on Tuesday, June 23rd at 6:00 pm. Click here for an event flyer, and email Christy in the Eau Claire office to register for a spot.

This is a free workshop, and a wonderful opportunity to learn more about creating a sensory and emotionally rich environment in our homes for our families. Don't miss it!

Registration forms!

2009-03-17T10:22:00.004-05:00

We told you about these two spring events a couple of months ago, and now they are fast approaching! The Friends of Adoption Spring Retreat and Conference near Wausau on April 24th-25th, and the WWAA Spring Conference in Eau Claire on April 25th are just over a month away. Brochures and registration forms for each of the conferences are now available - send us a quick email to request one or both. Hope to see you at one of these great events!

Thank you to all that attended the Lifebook workshop in La Crosse

2009-03-11T10:24:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to thank all of you for attending the lifebook workshop that we held here in La Crosse last Saturday. We had a great turn out and Jennifer Demar from Scrap and Tell did a wonderful presentation on how to make a lifebook for your adopted child. I know that many of you that attended enjoyed the presentation and also enjoyed all of the wonderful scrapbooking supplies that she had available for purchase.
If anyone would be intersted in having a lifebook workshop in their area please contact Magen (608-782-0513 ext. 223) or Christy (715-832-6644) and we can arrange that for your group.

Older Child Adoption article

2009-02-05T08:58:00.002-06:00

Adoptivefamilies.com posts this interesting article, written by both mother and daughter, on the things they wish they'd known before their adoption journey. Be sure to read the box under the article as well, entitled "10 Ways to Bond With an Older Child."

Do any families who have walked the road of older child adoption have anything they would add to either of these? We would love to hear from you!

Foster Care and Adoption Resource Center

2009-01-13T12:27:00.003-06:00

If you are an adoptive or foster parent in Wisconsin and have never checked out the WI Foster Care and Adoption Resource Center, now is the time! They exist specifically to provide information and resources to you. They have a wonderful resource library where you can find and borrow countless resources, an online calendar, and our favorite - a section of articles and tip sheets written by their staff on a variety of foster and adoption-related issues. Click here for their home page.

Lifebook Workshop

2009-01-06T12:20:00.003-06:00

On Saturday, March 7th Friends of Adoption will sponsor a Lifebook workshop from Jennifer Demar in La Crosse, WI. Jennifer will be presenting a lifebook workshop for pre-and post-adoptive and foster families: Lifebooks: How to Present an Adopted Child's Life Story. Cost is $15.00 per person, and you can RSVP to Magen Duffy in our La Crosse office at 608-782-0710 ext. 223. This is sure to be a fun and meaningful event you will not want to miss!

Attaching in Adoption online radio broadcast

2008-12-17T10:34:00.002-06:00

Tune in with me at 11:00 central time today to an online radio broadcast entitled Attachment Issues When Adopting a Child Over the Age of Two. Deborah Gray, author of Attaching in Adoption and Nurturing Adoptions will talk about the special challenges of adopting a preschool aged child and what parents can do to help their child attach and bond. The one-hour show is put on through the website creatingafamily.com, which airs a live show on topics of adoption and infertility every Wednesday. Miss the live airing? You can still follow the link to listen to the show and other past shows in their archive as well. If you do tune in, please leave a comment and let us know what you thought!

Save the Dates for Spring

2008-12-08T15:39:00.004-06:00

We know...it's not even Christmas yet and here we are telling you to mark your calendars for spring! There are two events taking place the weekend of April 24 -25. These will be well worth saving the dates...

The first is our annual Friends of Adoption Spring Retreat! This will take place on Saturday at the Lodge at Cedar Creek Resort & Waterpark in Wausau, WI (you can arrive and stay over night on Friday). Those of you who have attended in the past know what a fun time this is for kids and adults alike. If you can make it, you will be glad you did.

If you only have one day to work with, mark Saturday the 25th on your calendar for a one-day seminar in Eau Claire entitled "The 7 Wonders of the World of Adoption." This seminar is put on bi-annually by Western Wisconsin Advocates for Adoption.

More details on both events will be coming in February!

Adoption Panel in La Crosse

2008-12-04T09:19:00.005-06:00

If you are in or near the La Crosse area, mark your calendar for Saturday, January 10th for an exciting opportunity to hear from adult adoptees speak about their own adoption experiences as well as answer any questions you may have. Both international and domestic adoptions will be represented, and the age range of the adoptees varies. This FREE event will take place at Catholic Charities in La Crosse from 9:30 - 11:00 am. Children ages 6 and over are welcome to attend. Email mduffy@cclse.org to RSVP. Click here to see a flyer for the event.

Childhood Mental Health Seminar

2008-11-25T11:23:00.003-06:00

If you are a parent or professional who would like to learn more about how we can best help children with mental health needs, join us in Menomonie on Tuesday, December 16th from 6-9 pm. Mary Paulson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, will be presenting Childhood Mental Health Disorders and Medications: Is It Any of the Foster/Adoptive Parent's Business? The workshop is free -- click here for event details. Hope to see you there!

"A Home for the Holidays" television special

2008-11-21T08:43:00.007-06:00

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and Children's Network will present their 10th annual "A Home for the Holidays" CBS network television special on Tuesday, December 23rd at 7:00 pm Central time. The program raises awareness for foster care adoption and features stars such as Faith Hill, Melissa Etheridge, Kristin Chenoweth, and many others!

Plan to tune in with your family and friends to celebrate the joy of having a family - not only for Christmas but for always. You can view or print the flyer here. Let us know what you think!

Eau Claire area support group

2008-11-06T21:17:00.004-06:00

What: Pot luck and support group for adoptive families
When: First Monday of every month, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Where: St. Olaf Catholic Church (click here for directions)

Free childcare is available, so bring the whole family and a dish to pass.

Email dougdeeanderson@aol.com for more information or if you plan to attend the December 1st meeting. New families are always welcome!

"A Place In My Heart" one-day conference

2008-11-05T18:40:00.006-06:00

Coming up next Saturday, November 15th is a wonderful conference, "A Place In My Heart." Join us at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells. The conference will feature Juli Alvarado, who will give two presentations: From Chaos to Calm and Intentional Parenting.

Registration is $40 per person, $80 per twosome. Call Leann at 800-762-8063 to register.

Click here for the event brochure. Hope to see you there!