Winter 2021 - Wisconsin Adoption & Permanency Support
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Winter 2021
Whew – 2021. We’ve made it we care for and help one really exciting things on the
here. You’ve made it here. I another to keep on. We take horizon. No matter what, we
know that this last year has been our turns being the will continue to be here to
a difficult one for all of us in supporter and the provide you with supportive
many ways. Perhaps you’ve supported. I hope that you connections, resources, and
experienced family-related have had the opportunity to opportunities to continue your
stress, job-related stress, or feel both. Maybe right now learning. The webinars (both
health-related stress, or maybe will be a good moment to live and recorded) have been
even all three. This year has acknowledge some of your phenomenal with some really
been a lot. I am reminding supporters, human and non- wonderful local speakers, and
myself of a few very simple human, who have been with you can register for those, as
things as we enter into the new you through this journey of well as virtual groups and other
year… 2020 and will continue to be events at
1. We are here. May we be as by your side in the coming wisapsp.eventbrite.com. I
present as we can be in the year. I am grateful for them. encourage you to look into our
moments we are given. May ongoing virtual groups for a
we take that walk, play that What are a few of the good really great way to stay
game, and practice engaging things coming your way in 2021? connected with a few people in
in the “here” in ways that Who have you been supporting the coming year, and watch for
bring us breath and life and this past year? Who or what has the continued unique events
joy. been supporting you? I’d love to happening near you. We hope to
hear your answers if you have see you very soon.
2. There will always be good
things coming. Some are the time to drop me a note at
christy@wisapsp.org or give me Continue to take care –
routine, the mundane, even
a call at 608-519-8057. I love To a new year,
the boring, and it is nice to
hearing from you all, as each Christy Reppe
find some relief in even
conversation is a reminder to Adoption & Permanency
those. There will continue to
me of our connectedness as well. Support Coordinator
be birthdays, changes of
seasons, and new days. We
have learned not to hold too We have some really fun plans
tightly to our best laid plans, and hopes for the coming year
but also that there can be here from Wisconsin Adoption
new gifts within the changes & Permanency Support. What I
we must make to adapt. continue to hear from our staff
is their desire to see you, to hear
3. We are all connected. Our
you, and to be with you in
fellow humans, the plants,
person – you truly have been
animals, ground…together
missed, and there are some
In Case You Missed It... On Wednesday, November 4th,
parents joined WISAPSP for a
Parent’s Night
Another couple of kids pictured out Out at
on their hike. Swanstone
Their mom, Alison stated, “Thank Gardens in
you so much for the amazing day. Green Bay.
Rain never scares us, lol. We had Parents were
the place almost to ourselves (no served dinner
social distancing difficulties) and and then, with
had a great time. Max even started an artist’s
up a conversation in the big cat direction, made
building and got us a personal tour their own
from a volunteer worker for almost Christmas
an hour! Before tucking the kids in gnomes! The
to bed tonight, both of the kids said gnomes turned out adorable! The
Family photos were taken at a it was the best day of school yet. attendees had a fantastic time…
recent WISAPSP activity. Check out We never would have had this thank you to everyone that was able
the above photo of the Anderson opportunity without this group. to make it!
family. The Anderson’s attended the Thank you so much.
La Crosse Family Photo Event.
I look forward to the upcoming
Thanks to Bekky Murphy of Ladybug
events.”
Photography. It was a wonderful
event and many families were able
to have their families photographed
and provided with a digital image.
Looks like a possible Christmas Card
photo to me!
On November 10th, Milwaukee area
kids were given the opportunity to
gather at the Urban Ecology Center
and venture into the trees to
discover nature's patterns on leaves
and become inspired to make their
own unique art. They
learned the basics of
tree identification and
then tested their skills
in the forest. Thanks Alison, we look
forward to hosting
Check out the boy more events too and
Thank you so much for today. Just
pictured right. He was hope that more
spending time with you and April
able to fill his bag with families will continue
made my week. I appreciated all
items he found and to join us! Be sure to
your advice and support.
enjoyed arranging check out the
them in an artful way upcoming activities in Sincerely, Molly
to take home. He had this newsletter. A WISAPSP Program Participant
a blast learning about
everything he
collected!
Don’t Worry...There’s New Activities Coming Up!
Meet the Staff - Susan McParker Do you have a pet, and how if so how
did you choose its name?
We have one cat named Mira
What was your first job?
because when we first got her she
I delivered newspapers after school had really big eyes and in Spanish
with my older sister while I was in Mira means to look.
elementary school.
Favorite part of my job?
Have you ever had a moment of
Creating opportunities for families to
glory?
spend time together and with other
I got to participate in the Olympic adoptive, guardianship and foster
Torch relay heading to the 1996 families.
Summer Olympics as the torch
passed through Iowa.
Get to know our La Crosse area What are you reading right now?
Specialist…Susan McParker Watching?
Hi, this is Susan, the support I am listening to The Power of
specialist in the La Crosse area. I Showing Up by Dan Siegel & Tina
have enjoyed this role for almost a Payne Bryson, and watching This is
year and a half. I enjoy connecting US.
with and supporting the WISAPSP
community. Here is a little bit about Favorite place you’ve ever visited?
me… I spent a semester in Newcastle,
How many states have you lived in? Australia in 2000 and loved seeing all
the unique animals.
I’ve lived in Iowa, Michigan, Oregon
and Wisconsin, and Australia for 1
semester.
Get connected! Call or text us 24/7 at
1-833-WIS- APSP
Winter Family Fun Contest
What has your family been up to this winter? Please send a photo of your family enjoying time
together by January 31, 2021. A family from each region will be selected on February 1, 2021 to win a
$20 gift card to Target. The photos may be used in future WISAPSP newsletters and Facebook posts
but this is not a requirement to win the contest. Please email your name,
county, and photo to judi@wisapsp.org and include one of these
statements in your email.
I give permission for WISAPSP to use my photo.
I do not give permission for WISAPSP to use my photo.
Family Fun Winter Activity
children's enthusiasm to leave
Parent - Child Snow Shoeing? Why Not? behind electronic devices. Getting in
some cardio exercise and building
Recently I had the chance to ask angels along the family bonds is a bonus. Inclusion
several members of our WISAPSP way! means finding ways to include all
Virtual Support Group to share one Snowshoeing children. If your children have
of their favorite childhood is a self-paced special needs and snowshoeing may
memories. I could hear that their activity that not be an option, here is a sled
memories shared some common can be done in your (pictured below) that can be pushed
threads. Being out-of-doors, being backyard, an urban park, in the front of you while
physically active, and spending or local hiking trails. The payoff is snowshoeing. Keeping children fully
happy times with their families. the pure bliss of uncrowded beauty included in the adventure is what
Researchers have learned exposure and natural social distancing! matters! Click here for online
to the natural environment and play shopping.
can have a real impact when healing So how do snowshoes work? A
trauma for children and adults. Play snowshoe creates a phenomenon
includes whole-body movement and called "flotation" by distributing the
naturally integrates all the senses; person's weight over a larger area so
("experiential learning"). A great that the person's foot does not sink
deal of recent research shows completely into the snow. The
experiential learning is the way crisscross pattern of latticework on
young children learn best! Could the snowshoes keeps them light and
being out-of-doors and active be a prevents the accumulation of
contributing factor to my support weighty snow. Snowshoes are
group's very positive and lasting designed to move forward, not
memories? This winter, backward; instead of backing up, Here's a fun idea; you can make
snowshoeing with your children perhaps show your children how to snowshoe ornaments with your
might check off all the boxes for fun make a u-turn. You can even children to commemorate your
and learning while strengthening practice making letters in the snow! family outing! Check out ornament
family connections! Practicing on grass is a great way to instructions.
get started. Try this to help your
children learn more about the With so many upsides to
Whether your family enjoys the snowshoeing, I hope this article will
scent of pine boughs, observing the mechanics of snowshoeing...look up
pictures of the "Artic Snowshoe inspire your family to step out this
sparkle of newly fallen snow, tasting winter on snowshoes! Please
snowflakes, hearing the crunch of Hare" with your children and have
your children look closely at the consider sending your snowshoeing
snowshoes, or feeling the cold air on family photos to info@wisapsp.org.
their skin, these are all rich sensory hares back feet. (They literally have
natural snowshoes for hind feet). We would love to hear all about
experiences. Even better, if you can your snowshoeing adventures!
walk, you can snowshoe! This is a You don't have to worry that your
low anxiety activity for your family, kids didn't start snowshoeing at a
and there is no need for helmets young age. If they can walk, they can Article submitted by Pattie
when a cushiony blanket of snowshoe! Godsell, a WISAPSP staff
Snowflakes surrounds you. Add in Offering an opportunity to "play" in member in our Milwaukee
some play with the perfect the snow may heighten your area office.
opportunity to make snow
How Can I Empower Children With Two Families To
dressing, or thinking like a group of
Embrace Their Own Identity? people they identify with, listen. Be
open as they find where they fit in.
3. Offer exposure to like-minded
people. Especially in transracial
adoptive families, exposure to
people who are similar to our
children is vital. Our children
should see themselves reflected in
the people around them. We can
help by exposing our children to
people who look and talk like
them. If your child speaks a
different first language, provide a
place for them to use the language
of their birth. If your child is from a
rural area and you have moved to
an urban area, allow your child to
on ourselves. spend time in the country.
Foster and adoptive families are far
from the traditional family unit in All children are trying to find their 4. Embrace them. Children learn
many ways. The biggest difference place in the world. It is in our DNA self-empowerment when the
is that our children come from two to discover who we really are. For adults in their lives embrace them.
families. How do we help them children who are adopted, the If the child loves science, embrace
embrace their own identity as they possibilities for identity are that. If the child is a social
grow into adulthood? endless. All people tug and push butterfly, embrace that. Let your
and pull at the things that define us child know you delight in them no
We are a multiracial, throughout life. My identity is matter what. Assure your child that
multigenerational, multicultural different than it was when I was no matter where they fit in society,
family. We have our own identity twenty, and it is different from they will always fit in your home
as a family, and it is unique to us. It when I was ten. Parents can and your family. A solid identity
includes the things we laugh at, the support children as they find and comes first from a solid foundation
movies we watch, our traditions, embrace their own identities. We at home.
and our inside jokes. It includes a can empower them to see value in
set of values and expectations we The most important thing you can
themselves in all circumstances. do (if you’re wondering what to do
live by. This is a very important part Here’s how:
of our identity, but it is not our now) is start! Even if this has
entire identity. 1. Ask. We empower our children slipped off your radar in the past,
by asking questions that help them or not even shown up, that’s okay.
In any family, two separate units Open your heart and mind. Listen
think on their own. A simple
join under one roof. In an adoptive and learn. And start today
question, such as “What do you
family, each person brings a little
think about that?” allows our Blog - 2020, Mike & Kristin Berry,
piece of something else to the
children to value their own The Honestly Adoption Company,
table. In our home, we are African,
opinion. Asking “Why do you think LLC. All rights reserved. Originally
Scottish, Irish, German, and Italian.
that?” helps your child stretch their published
We have lived in trailers,
ability to think through things. at www.honestlyadoption.com.
apartments, large homes, and tiny
homes. We have lived in rural 2. Listen. Listen to the answer Other articles can be found online:
areas, urban areas, and suburban even if it is not exactly what you https://honestlyadoption.com/how
areas. When we come together, want to hear. Listen even if it’s not -can-i-empower-children-with-two-
each person brings his or her own exactly who you are. If your child families-to-embrace-their-own-
history. Our identity is a embraces the culture of their birth, identity/
compilation of all that makes us listen. If they are walking, talking,
who we are. It is the label we put
Check out all of our Winter Activities. To learn more about each event or to register visit
wisapsp.eventbrite.com. Below are in person events, but there are so many additional webinars
and online opportunities listed in Eventbrite. Be sure to check them out! Please RSVP for ALL
events as notifications of any changes or cancellations will, in most cases, be sent to registrants
only.
Remember-Please follow COVID-19 safety procedures. Facemasks must continue to be worn at
all personally attended events.
Community Activity Date Location Time Cost
Schlitz Audobon
Bayside Snow Daze! Snowshoeing! Saturday, January 16 1:00 pm FREE
Nature Center
Palm + Pine,
Holmen Morning of Self-Care Tuesday, January 19 10:00 am—noon $10
Holmen
Wildcat Mountain
Family Day at Wildcat State
Ontario Saturday, January 23 State Park— 1:00—3:00 pm $5
Park: Ice Caves
Ontario
Wausau Family Fun Tubing Sunday, January 24 Sylvan Hill Park 1:30—3:30 PM $0-3
The Rock
Franklin Snow Tubing Wednesday, January 27 6:00—8:00 pm SOLD OUT
Snowpark
Blue Mound State
Blue Mounds Family Winter Hike Sunday, January 31 1:00—2:00 pm $5
Park
Kewaunee County
Kewaunee Family Fun Sledding Tuesday, February 2 1:00—2:00 pm $10
Winter Park
Schmeeckle
Stevens Point Winter Hike Saturday, February 6 Reserve - Stevens 10:00—11:30 am FREE
Point
Hunt Hill Audubon
Sarona Snowshoe Hike at Hunt Hill Saturday, February 20 1:00—3:00 pm $10/family
Sanctuary
Super Bowl -
Appleton Bowling Family Fun Tuesday, March 2 5:30—7:30 pm FREE
Appleton
Uptown Coffee
Marshfield Coffee Meet Up Saturday, March 27 9:30 am FREE
Company
Have you liked us on FACEBOOK yet? If not, here are some of the items you may
have missed! Contests! Yoga! Articles! Support Groups!
Develop a Self–Care Plan.
Raise your hand if you’re watching This Is Us on Tuesday night! What storyline
are you most curious to catch up on? Join us for an Online This Is Us Discussion!
Join us online for this gentle yoga session two weeks from tonight.
Brand new online support group - Single adoptive or guardianship parents.
How To Help Your Child Thrive During the Holidays with Adoption Therapist
Robyn Gobbel.
Follow us on Facebook.com/wisapsp/
Parents of Older Youth & Teens Caregivers of Younger Children
3 Dates from 12/10 - 2/11
5 Dates from 12/15 - 3/9
Birth Parent Support Waiting to Adopt
3 Dates from 12/14 - 4/20
Meets every other month, 2nd Tuesday @ 6:30
Relative Caregivers Caring for the Caregiver
On 1-21-21, join other adoptive & guardianship
caregivers for a live, video check-in to socially
connect and discuss topics related to caring for
the caregiver. This support group with be facilitated
4 Dates from 12/17 - 3/25 by Lydia Deering, Adoption & Permanency Support
Specialist from our Eau Claire office.
Single Parent Support Adult Adoptees
An online support group for single adoptive and
guardianship parents. This group will meet via
Zoom on the 4th Tuesday of every month and
will be facilitated by Heather Hansen. Join the
conversation!
Meets every month, 4th Tues @ 6:00pm 4 Dates from 12/9—3/10
The Wisconsin Adoption & Permanency Support Staff are available to assist you!
Please feel free to contact them if you are interested in an event, have a creative
event idea, or would love to learn more about local resources. They are here to
serve you and your family! They would love to hear from you!
Name Service Area Email Phone
Eau Claire & Surrounding Area
Lydia Deering and lydia@wisapsp.org 608-519-8049
Far Northern Region
Heather Hansen Green Bay & Surrounding Area heather@wisapsp.org 920-272-8240
Susan McParker La Crosse & Surrounding Area susan@wisapsp.org 608-519-8023
Jessica Wright Madison & Surrounding area jessica@wisapsp.org 608-692-2910
Pattie Godsell Milwaukee & Surrounding Area pattie@wisapsp.org 414-369-7489
Chelsey Zommers Wausau & Surrounding Area chelsey@wisapsp.org 608-519-8057
Giving Incredible Families Tools for Success
The GIFTS Program is our short-term, in-home support program for post-adoptive or
guardianship families with a higher level of need to support permanency. It is a
strengths-focused, trauma-informed program. If a family is determined to be eligible for
the program, a GIFTS Case Manager will work closely with that family to assist in:
Finding resources
Navigating cross-system needs
Identifying family strengths and goals
Offering consistent support and advocacy
To find out more about the program or determine eligibility, give us a call at our toll-free number or fill out our First Step Form.
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