June 2025
Choose Your Own Adventure: Caregiver Conference 2025
We are so excited to offer caregivers a conference! It will include two in-person events in twenty communities across the state, special guests, and a day of training credit via zoom. This 3-day event will take place on June 27 – 29, 2025. Registration is open now!
At Alliance CaRES, we believe caregivers thrive when connected to each other, practical resources, and the broader community.
Support groups that fit your schedule! Find a calendar of CaRES’s events plus a map with your local events on our website: AllianceCaRES.org
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
Peer Support + Caregiving Skills (TSGs) Support Groups with Training Hours
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!
Caregiver Strategies for Holidays and Celebrations – Thursday, 5th at 3:00 p.m.
Fostering Across Race, Ethnicity, and Culture – June 9th at 1:00 p.m.
Grief & Loss in Your Fostering Journey – Mondays, June 2nd and 9th at 7:00 p.m.
Navigating Fostering as an LGBTQIA+ Caregiver – Wednesday, June 11th at 7:00 pm
Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth in Foster Care – Monday, June 2nd and Tuesday, June 3rd at 6:00 p.m.
Local Events
Community Groups are a way for you to gain support, build networks, feel heard, solve problems, and learn from others who share this unique parenting experience. You might even leave with new connections for respite care!
In addition to all the opportunities for in-person gathering in association with the Alliance’s Caregiver Conference happening June 27th- June 29th, join us earlier in the month in these locations for even more connection.
Grays Harbor: Sunday, June 21st from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Moses Lake: Saturday, June 21st from 10:00 a.m. – Noon
Vancouver: Tuesday, June 17th from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 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. Find all TSGs here.
Special Events
Developmental Monitoring for Drug-Impacted Infants
Tuesday, June 3 at 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Speaker: Emily Myers
The Infant Development Follow-up Clinic (IDFC) at UW Medical Center provides care for children from birth to age 5 who are at high risk for developmental problems due to prematurity, low birth weight, or prenatal exposure to drugs. The goal is to provide early identification and referral for early intervention for children at risk for neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral problems.
Tween Book Club
Wednesday, June 18 at 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Do you have an avid “tween” reader in your home? A child who likes to socialize or would enjoy a dedicated time to interact virtually with others their age? We have just the event! CaRES is proud to kick off our new virtual Tween Book Club. This will be for young people aged 8 to 12 years old. We will meet for one hour monthly over Zoom, and CaRES will provide a monthly book and activity! The book club will kick off on Wednesday, June 18, from 6:30 – 7:30 pm, with local author Nathan LaChine. Nathan will be sharing his new book, “Internet Safety Workbook for Tweens: With Olivia and Friends.” During this event, we will also distribute the first book for our book club series, by Raina Telgemeier, called Smile! The first discussion of “Smile” will be held on Wednesday, July 16, from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. If you have a child who would be interested and could commit to a monthly event, please email their name and mailing information to Luanne at Lmarsh3@uw.edu.
Region 1
Moses Lake Caregiver Breakfast
Saturday, June 21st at 10:00 a.m.
CaRES Community Connector, Lori, hosts 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.
Meet us at 10am on Saturday, June 21st for coffee and breakfast at The Drip in Moses Lake, located at 121 W 3rd Avenue. We ask that only adults attend and plan to pay for their own coffee or meal, although a purchase is not required to attend.
Please let Lori know if you plan to attend breakfast by emailing moseslakecares@gmail.com or by texting her at 206-850-4464.
Region 2
Kittitas County Books & Connection for Caregivers
Wednesday, May 7 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 ‘Market.’
CaRES Mentor 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, May 7th 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 heidin5@uw.edu.
There are no community groups across the region in June, but we hope to see you at the in-person components of the Alliance’s Caregiver Conference. You can also check out CaRES social media announcements and the webpage for regional happenings: Regional Support – Region 2 – Alliance CaRES. We will see you again in July!
Region 3
You’re Invited: Splash into Summer with Us!
Wednesday, June 4 at 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Come join us for a fun-filled morning at the park. It’s a great chance for kids and caregivers to connect, play, and kick off the summer season. Wednesday, June 4th, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM, at Haller Park (Meet at the splash pad), 1100 West Ave, Arlington, WA 98223.
If the weather cooperates, be sure to bring splash-friendly clothes and towels. The kids won’t want to miss the water fun. We look forward to seeing you there! Mentor Stephanie Reid will be hosting. Email her at sdreid@uw.edu to RSVP.
Region 4
Seattle Caregivers’ Support Group
Sunday, May 18 at 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Join adoptive parent and CaRES Lead Mentor, Lisa, for support and connection from 2:30pm-4:30pm Sunday, May 18th, 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. This group welcomes tribal families, CPA-licensed families as well as foster, adoptive, guardianship and foster parents awaiting placement.
Light snacks will be provided. There are child-friendly spaces available, should your children tag along, but note that childcare is not provided for this group. 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.
There is no meeting for June, as it falls on Father’s Day. We hope all of you have a wonderful day and look forward to seeing you at the caregiver conference June 27th -29th and in July for our usual group. The third Sunday of the month, Sunday, July 20th, details will follow in the July newsletter.
Region 5
Community Connector, Dorris, hosts events for kinship and foster caregivers throughout the year. There is no gathering this month but check out CaRES social media announcements and the Region 5 webpage for statewide happenings.
Community Connector, Dorris, hosts events for kinship and foster caregivers throughout the year. There is no gathering this month but check out CaRES social media announcements and the webpage for statewide happenings: Regional Support – Region 5 – Alliance CaRES.
Region 6
Join us for a Park Play Date!
Tuesday, June 17 at 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Come spend a relaxed morning connecting with other caregivers at Nikkei Park (Dinosaur Park) in Vancouver! CaRES Clark County Connector Aric and Mentor Brittany will be there to welcome you, offer support, and help create space for caregivers to connect while the kids play.
This casual gathering is open to all caregivers of DCYF-involved children, including kinship and licensed foster families. If you’ve finalized guardianship or adoption, you’re welcome, too! Whether this is your first event or you’ve come to others before, we’d love to have you.
Meet us under the red pop-up and CaRES flag on Tuesday, June 17th from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Nikkei Park (Dinosaur Park), 5009 NE 135th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98682.
Feel free to bring snacks, water, or anything your family might enjoy at the park. No RSVP is required, but if you have any questions, reach out to Aric at caresvancouver@gmail.com or (360) 931-4458. We hope to see you there!
You’re Invited! Grand Opening of Birdie’s Blessings Foster Clothing Closet
Saturday, June 21 at 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Hosted by CaRES Community Connector, Mauri
Join us on Saturday, June 21st from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Montesano Assembly of God (125 S Sylvia St, Montesano, WA 98563) for the grand opening of Birdie’s Blessings Foster Clothing Closet.
Come shop for clothing and essentials, enjoy light snacks and drinks, and connect with others in the community who care about supporting children and caregivers. Every guest will be able to pick one item to take home for free, whether it’s clothing, a toy, or another essential item. The evening will be followed by dinner provided by Foster the Harbor.
Please RSVP to Dustin at 916-212-4171 if you plan to attend the dinner. If you have any questions about the event, contact our Connector, Mauri, at (253) 392-7223 or graysharborcares@gmail.com.
This event is open to everyone, especially those connected to foster care, adoption, and kinship care, and anyone who wants to be part of uplifting and strengthening our caregiving community. We hope to see you there!
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 May 2025 CaRES Newsletter here.
