Calendar of Events
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F Fri
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1 event,
Support Group: General Parenting Support (evening)
Support Group: General Parenting Support (evening)
Virtual monthly support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Katie Neuman Parent Support Specialist
2 events,
Parents of Adopted Adults Support Group
Parents of Adopted Adults Support Group
A support group for individuals who have an adult (18+) child adopted through any type of adoption (infant, international, foster care adoption). Sessions will be held online. Parents from any placing agency/county are welcome to attend. While each story is unique, we recognize that there are many core similarities that adoption weaves into life experiences.…
Support Group: Central MN Parenting Support
Support Group: Central MN Parenting Support
Join our in-person support group for foster, adoptive, and kinship caregivers in St Cloud and surrounding area. Childcare and dinner are provided. Pre-registration is required. Click on the Support Group Link to pre-register. Location: 1300 W. St. Germain St. Room 268 Facilitated by Katie Nueman Parent Support Specialist
3 events,
Support Group: General Parenting Support
Support Group: General Parenting Support
Virtual weekly support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Julie Peterson Parent Support Specialist
Virtual Book Club
Virtual Book Club
Join us for bi-weekly virtual sessions focusing on trauma-informed books that focus on parenting, adoption, foster and kinship families. The first book we will be reading is called Raising Kids with BIG, Baffling Behaviors: Brain-Body-Sensory Strategies that Really Work by: Robyn Gobbel. Pre-registration is required. Click on Book Club Link to pre-register. Facilitated by, Jeanne Walsh Parent Support Specialist
Support Group: Rainbow Families Support
Support Group: Rainbow Families Support
Virtual support for LGBTQIA2S+ adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Nitara Frost Senior Parent Support Specialist
1 event,
Children’s Mental Health: Where to start?
Children’s Mental Health: Where to start?
Learn about mental health supports for American Indian children and connect with culturally specific mental health services in the Twin Cities!
1 event,
Kinship Support Group
Kinship Support Group
EVOLVE Family Services is collaboratively hosting a Kinship Support Group with the Institute to Transform Child protection. This group is held monthly, on the last Friday of every month at Wilder Foundation. This group is intended to provide a space for Kinship caregivers to connect on similar experience and learn from one another. Special topics…
0 events,
1 event,
Support Group: Sunday Night Owl Group
Support Group: Sunday Night Owl Group
Weekly late-night virtual support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Nitara Frost Senior Parent Support Specialist
2 events,
Support Group: Parenting Teens & Young Adults
Support Group: Parenting Teens & Young Adults
Virtual monthly parenting support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers of youth and young adults. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Nitara Frost Senior Parent Support Specialist
Share and Support Group
Share and Support Group
Support Groups are an excellent tool where families are able to share experiences and encourage each other in a confidential, non-judgmental setting. Support Groups are facilitated by North Homes case managers, with years of experience in both adoption and foster care fields. It is an opportune time for families to network, problem solve, and gather…
2 events,
[Part 2] Wealth-Building Strategies & Risk Management
[Part 2] Wealth-Building Strategies & Risk Management
PLEASE NOTE: To receive a certificate of attendance for the live webinar, attendees must register individually, attend the entire training, and watch from their own device to ensure proper tracking Life is full of surprises, and financial security is key to navigating them with confidence. Whether you’re a foster or adoptive parent, part of a blended…
Culturally Responsive Parenting Group
Culturally Responsive Parenting Group
Everything you always wanted to explore about transracial parenting but were too afraid to ask! Ever felt like you had questions about transracial parenting but weren’t sure where to ask them? This group is an opportunity to do just that in a sensitive and stimulating way. Let’s explore the many layers of parenting children across…
4 events,
Support Group: General Parenting Support
Support Group: General Parenting Support
Virtual weekly support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Julie Peterson Parent Support Specialist
Foster Care and Education Classes – Online
Foster Care and Education Classes – Online
The online track is best suited for individuals who want flexibility, have limited business hour availability, and/or those who prefer virtual learning. Couples may complete their education together or pursue it separately. Either way, each participant must attend the entirety of their chosen track. In this track, you will complete your education over a four-week…
The Healing Home: Trauma-Responsive Caregiving for Foster & Adoptive Children
The Healing Home: Trauma-Responsive Caregiving for Foster & Adoptive Children
PLEASE NOTE: To receive a certificate of attendance for the live webinar, attendees must register individually, attend the entire training, and watch from their own device to ensure proper tracking This interactive workshop offers practical strategies for caregivers to enhance nurturing environments where children who have experienced trauma can heal and thrive. Participants will learn to…
1 event,
Support Group: Chit, Chat & Chill Caregiver Support
Support Group: Chit, Chat & Chill Caregiver Support
In-person support for foster, adoptive, and kinship caregivers aimed at practicing self-care and connecting with other caregivers. Location: Qamaria Yemini Coffee Co. 3 Little Canada Rd. E Little Canada, MN 55117 Facilitated by Julie Peterson Email: juliepeterson@wearefamiliesrising.org Parent Support Specialist
4 events,
Foster Care and Adoption Education Classes – Hybrid
Foster Care and Adoption Education Classes – Hybrid
This education option is the balance between the in-person and online options. It is best suited for individuals who want to move swiftly and prefer a blended learning style. Your education will begin with an online pre-test as well as introductory and a guest speaker section of online learning. This can be completed at your…
UMOJA MN – Coffee Connection
UMOJA MN – Coffee Connection
We invite you to join us for Coffee Connection, a gathering created for parents and caregivers of Black fostered and adopted youth in Minnesota. Thís is more than just a chat over coffee—it’s a safe, supportive space to share stories, ask questions, and have meaningful conversations about identity, culture, and caregiving. Two sessions left! June…
Virtual Kinship Support & Education Group
Virtual Kinship Support & Education Group
1st & 3rd Fridays of the Month 9:30-10:45 am on Zoom Facilitator: Janet Salo, Kinship Navigator Providing education, information and mutual support for kinship caregivers-those caring for a relative's or friend's child. Thoughtful topics that help you in your role as a kinship caregiver such as child development, relationships with adult children, understanding trauma, mental…
1 event,
In-Person Kinship Support and Education Groups
In-Person Kinship Support and Education Groups
Our Kinship Support and Education Groups are open to all kinship caregivers- those caring for a relative’s or friend’s child. We offer both virtual and in-person group sessions. Virtual sessions occur the first and third Friday of every month, while the in-person sessions take place the first Saturday of every month. Join us when you can…
1 event,
Support Group: Sunday Night Owl Group
Support Group: Sunday Night Owl Group
Weekly late-night virtual support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Nitara Frost Senior Parent Support Specialist
1 event,
Pride Caregiver Support Group
Pride Caregiver Support Group
The group was created to provide foster and adoptive caregivers who are part of the LGBTQ+ community an opportunity to connect about their experiences as foster and adoptive parents. This group is facilitated by CH/LSS staff. Participants may have worked with, or currently be working with, any agency/county for foster care or any type of…
2 events,
Early Signs of Mental Illness in Children
Early Signs of Mental Illness in Children
Tuesday, June 10 10 a.m. - Noon on Zoom This workshop is designed to help parents, guardians and foster parents learn early warning signs of mental illnesses and gain an understanding of the impact of trauma on children. We will also discuss strategies to support children and youth, including suicide warning signs and resources. Presenter: Beth…
Culturally Responsive Parenting Group
Culturally Responsive Parenting Group
Everything you always wanted to explore about transracial parenting but were too afraid to ask! Ever felt like you had questions about transracial parenting but weren’t sure where to ask them? This group is an opportunity to do just that in a sensitive and stimulating way. Let’s explore the many layers of parenting children across…
3 events,
Support Group: General Parenting Support
Support Group: General Parenting Support
Virtual weekly support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Julie Peterson Parent Support Specialist
Share and Support Group
Share and Support Group
Support Groups are an excellent tool where families are able to share experiences and encourage each other in a confidential, non-judgmental setting. Support Groups are facilitated by North Homes case managers, with years of experience in both adoption and foster care fields. It is an opportune time for families to network, problem solve and gather…
Virtual Book Club
Virtual Book Club
Join us for bi-weekly virtual sessions focusing on trauma-informed books that focus on parenting, adoption, foster and kinship families. The first book we will be reading is called Raising Kids with BIG, Baffling Behaviors: Brain-Body-Sensory Strategies that Really Work by: Robyn Gobbel. Pre-registration is required. Click on Book Club Link to pre-register. Facilitated by, Jeanne Walsh Parent Support Specialist
5 events,
Support Group: Kinship Caregivers Support
Support Group: Kinship Caregivers Support
Join us for a monthly virtual support group for kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Katie Neuman Parent Support Specialist
UMOJA MN Family Connection at the Minnesota Twins
UMOJA MN Family Connection at the Minnesota Twins
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon as the Minnesota Twins face off against the Texas Rangers on Thursday, June 12, at 12:10 PM. This game is a fantastic opportunity for Black and transracial adoptive, foster, and kinship families to come together, enjoy a thrilling game, and build lasting connections. Don't miss out on this chance…
How to Be Welcoming to LGBTQ+ Youth, with an Emphasis on the “T”
How to Be Welcoming to LGBTQ+ Youth, with an Emphasis on the “T”
PLEASE NOTE: To receive a certificate of attendance for the live webinar, attendees must register individually, attend the entire training, and watch from their own device to ensure proper tracking In the last two decades, many people have become far more willing to accept and act as allies for people who identify as LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay,…
2 events,
Support Group: Central MN Lunch Bunch
Support Group: Central MN Lunch Bunch
Join us for a monthly meetup to connect with other foster, adoptive, and kinship parents to talk over lunch for emotional and parent resource support. We will meet monthly at various locations. Pre-registration is required. Click on the Lunch Bunch Link to view details and pre-register. Facilitate by Katie Neuman Parent Support Specialist
Relative/Kin Legal Clinic
Relative/Kin Legal Clinic
Free virtual legal clinic for relative & kin families hoping to be a permanency resource for a child in foster care. What to expect during the clinic: A brief "Know Your Rights" presentation A 1:1 consultation with an attorney Connection, support, and resource sharing Space is limited! Please RSVP at this link, or the link…
0 events,
1 event,
Support Group: Sunday Night Owl Group
Support Group: Sunday Night Owl Group
Weekly late-night virtual support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Nitara Frost Senior Parent Support Specialist
1 event,
Foster Care and Adoption Education Classes – Hybrid
Foster Care and Adoption Education Classes – Hybrid
This education option is the balance between the in-person and online options. It is best suited for individuals who want to move swiftly and prefer a blended learning style. Your education will begin with an online pre-test as well as introductory and a guest speaker section of online learning. This can be completed at your…
2 events,
Webinar: Money Trauma-Related Stress for Youth impacted by Adoption and Foster Care
Webinar: Money Trauma-Related Stress for Youth impacted by Adoption and Foster Care
Join Us for a Webinar: Money Trauma – Related Stress for Youth in Foster Care Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. (CT) This two-hour training session focuses on understanding the emotional impact of financial trauma on youth in foster care and provides foster care parents with practical tools to support their children. The training…
Culturally Responsive Parenting Group
Culturally Responsive Parenting Group
Everything you always wanted to explore about transracial parenting but were too afraid to ask! Ever felt like you had questions about transracial parenting but weren’t sure where to ask them? This group is an opportunity to do just that in a sensitive and stimulating way. Let’s explore the many layers of parenting children across…
5 events,
Support Group: General Parenting Support
Support Group: General Parenting Support
Virtual weekly support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Julie Peterson Parent Support Specialist
“Personal Belongings” Project: Returning Records to Adoptees & Birth Families
“Personal Belongings” Project: Returning Records to Adoptees & Birth Families
PLEASE NOTE: To receive a certificate of attendance for the live webinar, attendees must register individually, attend the entire training, and watch from their own device to ensure proper tracking The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) is working to return approximately 9,500 personal items to adoptees and birth families, some dating back to…
Greater Minnesota Parent Support Group
Greater Minnesota Parent Support Group
Open to pre-adoptive, adoptive, foster, relative and/or kinship caregivers living in Greater Minnesota (outside the Twin Cities Metro Area). This online group is facilitated by CH/LSS staff and offers connection, positive parenting strategies, support, and more! After registration, you will receive a link to join the next Zoom session. This service is provided by funding made…
1 event,
Support Group: Metro Lunch Bunch
Support Group: Metro Lunch Bunch
Join us for a monthly meetup to connect with other foster, adoptive, and kinship parents to talk over lunch for emotional and parent resource support. We will meet monthly at various locations. Pre-registration is required. Click on the Lunch Bunch Link to view details and pre-register. Facilitated by Julie Peterson Parent Support Specialist
3 events,
Foster Care and Adoption Education Classes – In-Person
Foster Care and Adoption Education Classes – In-Person
The in-person track is best suited for individuals who need or desire to complete their education quickly, prefer in-person learning and/or those who have previously completed education and want a refresher course. This track will primarily take place during two live consecutive days (Friday/Saturday) with minimal use of the online learning management system which includes…
UMOJA MN – Coffee Connection
UMOJA MN – Coffee Connection
We invite you to join us for Coffee Connection, a gathering created for parents and caregivers of Black fostered and adopted youth in Minnesota. Thís is more than just a chat over coffee—it’s a safe, supportive space to share stories, ask questions, and have meaningful conversations about identity, culture, and caregiving. Two sessions left! June…
Virtual Kinship Support & Education Group
Virtual Kinship Support & Education Group
1st & 3rd Fridays of the Month 9:30-10:45 am on Zoom Facilitator: Janet Salo, Kinship Navigator Providing education, information and mutual support for kinship caregivers-those caring for a relative's or friend's child. Thoughtful topics that help you in your role as a kinship caregiver such as child development, relationships with adult children, understanding trauma, mental…
2 events,
Workshop: Be-You-tiful: Empowering Teens with Tools for Skin, Hair & Self-Care
Workshop: Be-You-tiful: Empowering Teens with Tools for Skin, Hair & Self-Care
Workshop: Be-You-tiful Empowering Teens with Tools for Skin, Hair & Self-Care Presented by: Faatemah Ampey Format: Hands-on Workshop Duration: 3 hours Target Audience: Pre-teens & teens ages 12–17 (all genders) Capacity: 15-20 participants ( must have guardian accompanying) Supplies Provided: gift bags, combs, brushes Workshop Overview: Adolescence is a critical time for self-image, identity, and…
1 event,
Support Group: Sunday Night Owl Group
Support Group: Sunday Night Owl Group
Weekly late-night virtual support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Nitara Frost Senior Parent Support Specialist
1 event,
Support Group: General Parenting Support (evening)
Support Group: General Parenting Support (evening)
Virtual monthly support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Katie Neuman Parent Support Specialist
4 events,
Using Reflective Foster Parenting to Understand the Mind of the Child with Anger and Aggression
Using Reflective Foster Parenting to Understand the Mind of the Child with Anger and Aggression
PLEASE NOTE: To receive a certificate of attendance for the live webinar, attendees must register individually, attend the entire training, and watch from their own device to ensure proper tracking. The importance of reflecting on the possible thoughts, feelings, and intentions related to children's behavior and behavior problems will be discussed. Being a reflective parent involves:…
Parents of Adopted Adults Support Group
Parents of Adopted Adults Support Group
A support group for individuals who have an adult (18+) child adopted through any type of adoption (infant, international, foster care adoption). Sessions will be held online. Parents from any placing agency/county are welcome to attend. While each story is unique, we recognize that there are many core similarities that adoption weaves into life experiences.…
Support Group: Central MN Parenting Support
Support Group: Central MN Parenting Support
Join our in-person support group for foster, adoptive, and kinship caregivers in St Cloud and surrounding area. Childcare and dinner are provided. Pre-registration is required. Click on the Support Group Link to pre-register. Location: 1300 W. St. Germain St. Room 268 Facilitated by Katie Nueman Parent Support Specialist
4 events,
Support Group: General Parenting Support
Support Group: General Parenting Support
Virtual weekly support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Julie Peterson Parent Support Specialist
Curl Confidence: Empowering Providers to care for Children’s Natural Hair
Curl Confidence: Empowering Providers to care for Children’s Natural Hair
Empowering Providers to care for Children’s Natural Hair Presented by: Faatemah Ampey Format: Hands-on Workshop Duration: 3 hours Children: ages 3-12years Target Audience: parents and caregivers of children with court, curly or Afro. Capacity: 10–15 participants (to allow for personalized attention) Supplies: Each parent will be paired with their child with textured hair, combs, brushes, conditioner,…
Virtual Book Club
Virtual Book Club
Join us for bi-weekly virtual sessions focusing on trauma-informed books that focus on parenting, adoption, foster and kinship families. The first book we will be reading is called Raising Kids with BIG, Baffling Behaviors: Brain-Body-Sensory Strategies that Really Work by: Robyn Gobbel. Pre-registration is required. Click on Book Club Link to pre-register. Facilitated by, Jeanne Walsh Parent Support Specialist
1 event,
Caregiver Roundtable
Caregiver Roundtable
For all Ampersand-affiliated adoptive, pre-adoptive, and kinship caregivers. Caregivers are invited to share their experiences and get support from other caregivers while youth participate in an activity supervised by Ampersand Families staff. Dinner is provided for all. Invites go out approximately 2 weeks before the event. Hybrid option available. Please RSVP to mina@ampersandfamilies.org.
1 event,
Kinship Support Group
Kinship Support Group
EVOLVE Family Services is collaboratively hosting a Kinship Support Group with the Institute to Transform Child protection. This group is held monthly, on the last Friday of every month at Wilder Foundation. This group is intended to provide a space for Kinship caregivers to connect on similar experience and learn from one another. Special topics…
1 event,
Curl Confidence: Empowering Providers to care for Children’s Natural Hair
Curl Confidence: Empowering Providers to care for Children’s Natural Hair
Empowering Providers to care for Children’s Natural Hair Presented by: Faatemah Ampey Format: Hands-on Workshop Duration: 3 hours Children: ages 3-12years Target Audience: parents and caregivers of children with court, curly or Afro. Capacity: 10–15 participants (to allow for personalized attention) Supplies: Each parent will be paired with their child with textured hair, combs, brushes, conditioner,…
2 events,
Connect2Connect: Community Gathering
Connect2Connect: Community Gathering
Join Us for Community & Connection Connect2Connect provides opportunities for foster and adoptive families to connect with one another and build relationships in an in-person, interactive, and fun way. Connect2Connect is made possible by the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families Permanency Support Service grant. Carlson’s Llovable Llamas – Waconia, MN Sunday, June 29th, 2025…
Support Group: Sunday Night Owl Group
Support Group: Sunday Night Owl Group
Weekly late-night virtual support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Nitara Frost Senior Parent Support Specialist
0 events,
0 events,
2 events,
Support Group: General Parenting Support
Support Group: General Parenting Support
Virtual weekly support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Julie Peterson Parent Support Specialist
Virtual Book Club
Virtual Book Club
Join us for bi-weekly virtual sessions focusing on trauma-informed books that focus on parenting, adoption, foster and kinship families. The first book we will be reading is called Raising Kids with BIG, Baffling Behaviors: Brain-Body-Sensory Strategies that Really Work by: Robyn Gobbel. Pre-registration is required. Click on Book Club Link to pre-register. Facilitated by, Jeanne Walsh Parent Support Specialist
1 event,
Support Group: Chit, Chat & Chill Caregiver Support
Support Group: Chit, Chat & Chill Caregiver Support
In-person support for foster, adoptive, and kinship caregivers aimed at practicing self-care and connecting with other caregivers. Location: Qamaria Yemini Coffee Co. 3 Little Canada Rd. E Little Canada, MN 55117 Facilitated by Julie Peterson Email: juliepeterson@wearefamiliesrising.org Parent Support Specialist
1 event,
Virtual Kinship Support & Education Group
Virtual Kinship Support & Education Group
1st & 3rd Fridays of the Month 9:30-10:45 am on Zoom Facilitator: Janet Salo, Kinship Navigator Providing education, information and mutual support for kinship caregivers-those caring for a relative's or friend's child. Thoughtful topics that help you in your role as a kinship caregiver such as child development, relationships with adult children, understanding trauma, mental…
1 event,
In-Person Kinship Support and Education Groups
In-Person Kinship Support and Education Groups
Our Kinship Support and Education Groups are open to all kinship caregivers- those caring for a relative’s or friend’s child. We offer both virtual and in-person group sessions. Virtual sessions occur the first and third Friday of every month, while the in-person sessions take place the first Saturday of every month. Join us when you can…
1 event,
Support Group: Sunday Night Owl Group
Support Group: Sunday Night Owl Group
Weekly late-night virtual support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Nitara Frost Senior Parent Support Specialist