December 2024
At Alliance CaRES, we believe caregivers thrive when connected to each other, practical resources, and the broader community.
Below you will find all CaRES’ offerings for next month. Beyond the initial summary are in-depth explanations of each program or event.
All groups, trainings and events are open to all families under the umbrella term of “caregiver.” Whether you are a relative (also called kinship), foster, fictive kin, guardianship, or adoptive parent, we are here for you.
Statewide Events
Grief and Loss in Your Fostering Journey – Mondays, Dec. 2 & 9 at 7:00 p.m.
Living in Limbo, Awaiting Permanency in Foster Care – Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 6:00 p.m.
Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth in Foster Care – Monday, Dec. 2 & Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 5:00 p.m.
Self-Care for Caregivers – Monday, Dec. 9 at 1:00 p.m.
Using Storytime for Connection and Support – Thursday, Dec. 12 at 11:00 a.m.
Local Events
Moses Lake: Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Wenatchee Valley: TBD
Tri-Cities: Thursday, Dec. 12 from 7-9 p.m.
Ellensburg: Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. (Early Learning Coalition Event)
Yakima Valley: Sunday, Dec. 8
Seattle: Sunday, Dec. 15 from 2:30-4:30pm
Vancouver: Saturday, Dec. 1 at 9:30 a.m.
Vancouver: Saturday, Dec. 14 from Noon-3 p.m.
E-Learning & Webinars
Find our extensive catalog of E-Learnings and webinars for kinship and foster parents at RiseWithTheAlliance.org.
CaRES Mentors are always available to provide peer support. Request a Mentor contact at AllianceCaRES@uw.edu.
Statewide Events
Topic Support Group (TSG)
Caregivers say they wish they could get training credit for talking with other kin caregivers and foster parents. CaRES Topic Support Groups are the answer! Caregivers participate in a topic-based conversation guided by a CaRES Mentor. There are a wide range of topics to help caregivers build the skills and strategies they need through peer experience and Mentor guidance. All topic support groups provide an Alliance training certificate.
Special Events
Let’s Talk About Runaway Prevention
Thursday, Dec. 5 at 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Speaker: Nathan LaChine
“Let’s Talk Runaway Prevention” is designed to empower youth and their parents with essential life skills that foster awareness about runaway prevention, resources, and education on alternatives to running away. Participants will develop a better understanding of options, build resilience, and learn effective strategies for addressing challenges in a safe, constructive manner.
Gaining Support During Stressful Situations
Monday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Speaker: Camille Hereth
In this workshop you will get hands on tools to easily apply at home and work to help identify your main stressors and learn how to offset them. You will learn easy to apply ways to resource yourself daily and how to regularly apply these techniques during times of high stress.
Region 1
Moses Lake Community Group
Saturday, Dec. 14 at 10:00 a.m.
CaRES and CaRES Community Connector, Lori, host a monthly breakfast for caregivers across Central Washington to gather, socialize and support one another. This group is open to all caregivers of DCYF-involved children including kinship and licensed foster families. If you have finalized guardianship or adoption, we’d love to have you, too! The group is ever evolving, so feel free to drop in for one month, or many.
This ongoing support group meets regularly on the Third Saturday of every month. Meet us at 10am on Saturday, Saturday, December 14th for breakfast at Red Door Cafe in Moses Lake, located at 202 W 3rd Avenue. Red Door has graciously offered regular use of their private room for the group. We ask that only adults attend and plan to pay for their own coffee or meal.
Please let Lori know if you plan to attend breakfast by emailing moseslakecares@gmail.com or by texting her at 206-850-4464.
Lori is always planning fun events and activities for caregiving families to get together, so watch this newsletter and the CaRES Facebook Page for other things happening near you!
Wenatchee Valley Community Group
To Be Determined
Your CaRES Community Connector, Jenny, will be hosting a fun group gathering at a local holiday event this month. Watch your email for details to come! You can Reach Jenny to learn about in-person events in the Wenatchee Valley by emailing her at careswenatchee@gmail.com or texting her at 509-670-9411.
Region 2
Kittitas County Books & Connection for Caregivers
Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 3:30 – 6:00 p.m.
The Early Learning Coalition hosts Free Activities and books for Parents & Children 0-5 years (older siblings welcome). There will be lots of great activities, free books, and educational tools. This month’s theme is Jungle!
CaRES Community Connector, Heidi, will be attending and would love to meet you at this event. Heidi is a foster parent and offers support and connection to other foster, kinship, adoptive and guardianship families just like yours. Located at Hal Holmes Community Center in Ellensburg on Wednesday, December 4th, between 3:30pm – 6:00pm. Drop in at your convenience.
Actividades gratuitas para los padres y los hijos de 0-5 años. Los Hermanos mayores son bienvenidos. El primer miérocoles de cada mes. Abierto entre las horas 3:30pm-6:00pm.
If you’d like to connect with Heidi about this event email her at: ellensburgcares@gmail.com.
Yakima Valley Holiday Gathering
Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
This month, get festive with us! Your local CaRES Connector and foster mom, Ashley, is hosting a casual gathering for caregivers to make connections and have fun together. Join us on Sunday, December 8th from 2pm-4pm. Drop in at your convenience!
There will be treats and warm beverages, ornament-making crafts and a wide-open indoor space for kids to play basketball or burn off energy. There will be something for everyone so relax and come meet others who get it. This group is open to all caregivers of DCYF-involved children including kinship and licensed foster families. CPA and post-permanency families are also welcome. Meet us at Heights Church, located at 101 Butterfield Rd. STE C. Yakima, WA 98901. The church is providing space for this gathering but there is no religious affiliation or requirement to attend. All families are welcome.
You can reach out to Ashley about the event or about other ways to get support locally. Email her at yakimacares@gmail.com or text her at 509-572-6924.
Tri-Cities Caregivers’ Meet-Up
Thursday, Dec. 12 at 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
CaRES is bringing in-person support to caregivers across the Columbia Basin! Join CaRES Community Connector and fellow foster mom, Rebecca, for a monthly meet up. This group is open to all caregivers of DCYF-involved children including kinship and licensed foster families. If you are licensed with a CPA, or have finalized guardianship or adoption, we’d love to have you, too. The group is ever evolving, so feel free to drop in for one month, or many.
This ongoing support group meets regularly on the second Thursday of every month. Join Rebecca at 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 12th for community and conversation about all things fostering. In the interest of attendees’ time, the group ends no later than 9 p.m. The group meets at the Yoke’s Deli in Richland, located at 454 Kenne Rd. We ask that only adults attend, although bringing babies along is welcome.
Let Rebecca know you’re coming by emailing carestricities@gmail.com or by texting her at 509-492-2185.
Region 3
Community Connector, Sarah, hosts fun events throughout the year. There is no meeting in December but check out CaRES social media announcements and the webpage for regional and statewide happenings.
Region 4
Seattle Caregiver’s Support Group
Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Join adoptive parent and CaRES Lead Mentor Lisa for support and connection from 2:30-4:30pm Sunday, December 15th, at Mt. Baker Park Presbyterian Church (directions here).
We know that driving across the city can be a daunting task, and we think you’ll feel rewarded by the time spent surrounded by others who “get it” and can help you through the challenges of raising kids and navigating the system. This group meets monthly and is open for all kinship, relatives, and foster families to come together in a safe and supportive environment. Foster parents awaiting placement are also welcome. Light snacks will be provided. Children and teens are welcome, but RSVP is required to confirm childcare availability. Contact Lisa about this support group by emailing her at southseattlecares@gmail.com.
Mt. Baker Park Presbyterian Church is located at: 3201 Hunter Blvd. South, Seattle. Please enter through the door on the west side of the building, on 37th Avenue S. While the church has graciously provided space for this event, the group has no religious affiliation, and all families are welcome to attend.
Region 5
We have a new Community Connector who will be hosting community groups and events soon. Keep an eye out for email and social media announcements with the date, time, and location.
Region 6
Southwest Washington Holiday Party for Caregiving Families
Saturday, Dec. 14 at 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
This annual event is happening on Saturday, December 14th from Noon to 3pm in Vancouver. It is a delightful day especially for kinship and foster caregivers and their children. Families in Clark, Cowlitz and Skamania counties are all welcome.
Expect a jolly, fun-filled afternoon of holiday magic! Attendees will be treated to a festive lunch, meet Santa, play family games and get creative with holiday crafts. Also, let each child in your home pick out their very own, special gift. It’s going to be a merry celebration you won’t want to miss! Registration is now open and we hope you will join us.
You’ll need to Pre-Register using this link so we can plan for your family. The exact location is shared at the time of registration.
Santa Train Experience for Foster & Kinship Families
Saturday, Nov. 30 & Sunday, Dec. 1 at 9:30 a.m.
We look forward to treating your family to a special holiday train ride! The rides are Saturday, November 30th and Sunday, December 1st at 9:30am. They’ve filled up fast, but you can get on the waitlist if additional tickets become available. Just email Aric at caresvacouver@gmail.com.
We believe caregivers thrive when connected to each other, practical resources, and the broader community. Refer a caregiver for a personal Mentor contact at AllianceCaRES@uw.edu.
Find the November 2024 CaRES Newsletter here.
