March 2025
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
TBRI Book Club: The Connected Therapist – Mondays, March 10, 17, & 24 at 5:30 p.m.
Caregiver Strategies for Holidays and Celebrations – Tuesday, March 4 at 6:00 p.m.
Fostering as Part of a Team – Mondays, March 17, 24 & 31 at 2:00 p.m.
Living in Limbo: Awaiting permanency in foster care – Tuesday, March 18 at 9:00 a.m.
Parenting in the Digital Age – Thursday, March 6 at 6:00 pm
Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth in Foster Care – Monday, March 10 & Tuesday, March 11 at 5:00 p.m.
Self Care for Caregivers – Tuesday, March 18, at 7:00 pm
Using Storytime for Connection and Support – Thursday, March 13 at 11:00 a.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!
Spokane: Tuesday, March 11th from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Moses Lake: Saturday, March 15th from 10:00 a.m. – Noon
Wenatchee: Saturday, March 22nd at Noon
Ellensburg: Wednesday, March 5th from 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. (Early Learning Coalition Event)
Tri-Cities: Thursday, March 13th from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Arlington: Tuesday, March 18th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Seattle: Sunday, March 16th from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Pierce County: Saturday, March 1st from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Clark County: Tuesday, March 18th from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Grays Harbor: Saturday, March 1st from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. & Saturday, March 22nd from 1:00 – 2:30 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.
Special Events
Special Event: Child Advocate Program
Thursday, March 6 at 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Speaker: Ryan Murrey
Join us to learn more about the Child Advocate Program (typically called CASA: Court Appointed Special Advocate or GAL: Guardian Ad Litem). These volunteers assist the court in protecting the best interests of children in care. Come hear more about their duties, when they are assigned, what the program does, and how your child is represented in court.
Special Event: Single/Solo Parenting
Tuesday, March 18 at 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Speaker: Deshanna Brown
Whether you are a single mother, father, grandparent or solo parenting for any reason, life in a single household can present overwhelming responsibilities and pressures at times. Join Deshanna Brown, who is also a single parent, and other single parents in this event to gain support and resources to help strengthen your parenting and celebrate your successes!
Story Time: Celebrate our Differences!
Wednesday, March 26 at 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Reader: Christa Murray
This month we’re reading, “Celebrate our Differences!” by Steve Herman and “This Morning Sam Went to Mars” by Nancy Carlson. Join us through this zoom link: https://washington.zoom.us/j/95633288306
Connect and Create
Theme: Crochet with Rae
Monday, March 31 at 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Speaker: Rae, CaRES Mentor of Region 3
CaRES is proud to present Connect and Create. This will be a quarterly event developed with the intent of getting caregivers together for a relaxing time of learning a new skill, sharing time together with others who have a like interest, and bringing families together to have a fun time. These events will be held via Zoom. If there are any supplies needed for the event CaRES will send them your direction. This quarter we will be sponsoring “Crochet with Rae” to learn the basic crochet stitch and create a pot holder or washcloth on March 31, from 6:30 – 7:30 pm, via Zoom https://washington.zoom.us/j/94998014317. If you already know how to crochet and would like to join us for this time of fellowship, bring your supplies, your expertise or share one of your projects with other in the group.
Supplies will be furnished to those who register by March 25th. Sign up/Register with Luanne at Lmarsh3@uw.edu to receive your crochet kit. Please include your name, mailing address, and how many kits your household needs.
Our next Connect and Create will happen around the last weekend in June. You won’t want to miss it! More details to come.
Region 1
An Evening at Mobius Discovery Center in Spokane
Tuesday, March 11 at 5:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, March 11th Mobius Discovery Center and CaRES invite local foster and kinship caregivers to spend an evening at the museum at no cost. Mobius Discovery Center has graciously agreed to open for one special night, just for kinship, foster, adoptive and guardianship families. From 5:30pm-7pm, Make memories with your children in a safe environment, surrounded by other families just like yours. All exhibits will be open, and families can apply for scholarships for 6 free months of family admission to Mobius, so the fun can continue all summer long.
The museum has limited capacity, so please RSVP with the number of attendees for your family to Aimee at aimee80@uw.edu. This is a first come, first serve event, so don’t delay in reaching out if you plan to attend!
Moses Lake Caregiver Breakfast
Saturday, March 15 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, March 15th 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, 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.
Celebrate Spring in Wenatchee
Saturday, March 22 at 12:00 p.m.
Join a group of area foster and kinship caregivers as we celebrate the beginning of spring! Load up the kids, shed off the winter layers and find us at Rocky Reach Park Playground on Saturday, March 22nd at Noon. Park playdates like this are a great chance to meet other families who share the unique journey of fostering. Your local CaRES Community Connector and foster and adoptive mom, Jenny, will be there to welcome you. There will be picnic snacks and juice. This event is open to all caregivers of DCYF-involved children including kinship and licensed foster families and post-permanency families. If you are licensed with a CPA, we’d love to have you, too. RSVP is appreciated, though not required. You can reach Jenny at careswenatchee@gmail.com or texting her at 509-670-9411. We hope to see you!
Region 2
Kittitas County Books & Connection for Caregivers
Wednesday, March 5 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 ‘Sand and Water.’
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, March 5th, between 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. 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.
Tri-Cities Caregivers’ Meet-Up
Thursday, March 13 at 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Join CaRES Community Connector and fellow foster mom, Rebecca, for a monthly meet up for Columbia Basin families. This group is open to all caregivers of DCYF-involved children including kinship and licensed foster families. If you are licensed with a CPA, 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.
Meet Rebecca at 7:30pm on Thursday, March 13th for community and conversation about all things fostering. In the interest of attendees’ time, the group ends no later than 9pm. The group meets at 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
Free Evening at Jungle Playland!
Tuesday, March 18 at 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Join your local CaRES Community Connector, Sarah, for a free evening at Jungle Playland for foster and kinship families! Join us on Tuesday, March 18th from 5pm-7pm at Jungle Playland located at 2901 Martin Rd. in Mount Vernon (directions here). All families will be treated to free admission! In addition, families who RSVP 3 days in advance will get free pizza and soda. This is a safe and non-judgmental space for you to connect with your children and meet other parents who share the fostering experience. This event is open to all caregivers of DCYF-involved children including kinship and licensed foster families and adoptive and guardianship families. If you are licensed with a CPA, we’d love to have you, too. Sarah is an experienced foster and adoptive mom and will be there to greet you and offer resources and support. We’d love to plan for your family, so please RSVP to Sarah. She can be reached at: caresarlington@gmail.com or 507-358-1328.
CaRES holds both the emotional and physical safety of the families we serve in the highest regard. This community group is a closed event solely for registered caregivers and their children. Because Jungle Playland generously donates the exclusive use of their space and because we’ve heard from caregivers that they value this time to connect, we are hosting the March 18th community group as planned. We will continue to engage with the caregiver community and will adjust future events in response to the community’s needs.
Region 4
Seattle Caregiver’s Support Group
Sunday, March 16 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, March 16th, 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
Pierce County Youth Financial Literacy Workshop
Saturday, March 1 at 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
This month join your local CaRES Community Connector and foster parent, Dorris, for a youth financial literacy workshop, presented by Pearl Foundation of Puget Sound and Seattle Credit Union. Financial literacy is a key skill for life-long success! This special workshop is designed for youth ages 13-21, with the support of their caregivers, to gain real-life money management skills. Adolescents who are registered in advance will receive a $25 gift card. The workshop is happening in Tacoma on Saturday, March 1st from 10am-1pm at Seattle Credit Union (Hilltop) located at 824 MLK Jr. Way, Suite A in Tacoma (get directions here). There will be light refreshments so you can stay energized while you learn!
You will need to pre-register using this link. Once you’ve registered, let Dorris know you’re coming by emailing her at carestacoma@gmail.com. Reach out to her if you have any questions about the event, need assistance registering, or anything else!
Region 6
Grays Harbor Support Group
Saturday, March 1 at 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Hello Grays Harbor families! We’re happy to announce the hiring of a CaRES Community Connector. Mauri is an experienced foster mom who is bringing in-person support and activities to all caregivers involved with the DCYF system, past and present. Join us for the CaRES support kick-off event on Saturday, March 1st from 10am-11:30am at Montesano Library located at 125 S Main St. Kids are welcome! Stop in at your convenience. There will be take-home goodie bags and activities for the children in your home and a chance to meet other local caregivers to “get it.” Leave feeling reassured that you’re not in this alone.
Mauri will be sharing all about the CaRES resources available to you and you will have a chance to weigh in on how CaRES can best support you in your journey.
To get in touch with Mauri about this event and other things being planned for your area, email her at graysharborcares@gmail.com or text her at 253-392-7223.
Clark County Support Group
Tuesday, March 18 at 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
CaRES and your local Community Connector and fellow foster and adoptive parent, Aric, welcome you to attend the Clark County Support Group. Join us on Tuesday, March 18th from 5:30pm-7:00pm at Crossroads Community Church in Vancouver, located at 7708 NE 78th St. Here, you can connect, share experiences, and find encouragement. Our support group offers a safe space to discuss challenges, celebrate successes, and build lasting connections with others who understand the unique journey of fostering. Whether you’re new to fostering or have years of experience, we welcome you.
This group is open to all relatives, kinship, and foster parents as well as CPA licensed homes, families awaiting placement and post-adoptive families. Leave knowing that you don’t have to do this alone. Dinner will be provided, and children are welcome. Parents should note there is no dedicated childcare available but there is a fun place for children to play safely within view of the parents while volunteers help keep them corralled and entertained. While the church has graciously provided space for this event, the group has no religious affiliation and all families on this invitation are welcome to attend. Reach out to Aric about this and other local events for families like yours by emailing him at caresvancouver@gmail.com.
Grays Harbor Caregiver Ice Cream Social
Saturday, March 22 at 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
This month, join your local CaRES Community Connector, Mauri, for ice cream! Mauri is an experienced foster mom who is bringing in-person support and activities to all caregivers involved with the DCYF system, past and present. Let us celebrate all of your hard work and treat your family to ice cream. Stop by Gene’s Stop & Go in Montesano on March 22nd from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. to meet other families like yours and enjoy a sweet treat. To get in touch with Mauri about this event and other things being planned for your area, email her at graysharborcares@gmail.com or text her at 253-392-7223. caresvancouver@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 February 2025 CaRES Newsletter here.
