May 2025
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!
FASD Book Club – Thursdays, May 15th, 22nd, and 29th at 3:00 p.m.
Fostering as Part of a Team – Wed. – Fri, May 7th, 8th, and 9th at 10:00 a.m.
Parenting Teens – Tues. & Wed., May 13th & 14th at 5:00 p.m.
Practical Parenting Skills for Caregivers – Mon. & Tues., May 12th & 13th at 4:00 p.m.
Self Care for Caregivers – Tuesday, May 6th at 1:00 p.m.
We Hear You! A CaRES Podcast Club – Thursday, May 8th 6:30 p.m. – This podcast club’s topic is lying! Join us to listen to a podcast and join a discussion about the reasons children lie and some strategies for how to respond when they do.
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!
Wenatchee: Thursday, May 15th from 6:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wenatchee: Saturday, May 17th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Moses Lake: Saturday, May 17th from 10:00 a.m. – Noon
Ellensburg: Wednesday, May 7th from 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Early Learning Coalition Event)
Tri-Cities: Thursday, May 8th from 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Seattle: Sunday, May 18th from 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Grays Harbor: Saturday, May 24th from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 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
Understanding Safety and Case Plans
Thursday, May 1 at 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Speaker: Ryan Murrey
Join us in learning more about the differences between a Safety plan and Case plan. When the Keeping Families Together Act – HB1227 went into effect July 1, 2023, there were several changes made to Washington code regarding child dependency cases. This workshop will look at the Safety Framework and requirements, the difference between a safety plan and a case plan and how those apply to the case of a child in Kinship care as well as Foster care.
Narcan Training
Wednesday, May 14 at 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Speaker: April Morgenroth and Dr. Rodriguez
Join us May 14, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm for a Special Event on “Why Foster Families Should Know About Narcan”, presented by April Morgenroth, PhD, RN, and Dr. Rogriguez from Northwest Pediatric Center. Topics which will be discussed are: What is Narcan? How to get Narcan and when to use or not use it; Safety of use around children; destigmatizing support, as well as other information on substances, youth substance use, and more.
Indicators that your child may need to be evaluated for a learning disability
Thursday, May 15 at 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Speaker: Camille Hereth
Learning disabilities cover a wide range of neurologically based disorders which may interfere with speaking, listening, reading, writing, spelling and other areas of learning. Join us to learn more about the indicators your child may be exhibiting that may lead you to seek an evaluation for your child.
Story Time: We All Belong
Wednesday, May 21 at 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Reader: Shelby Russell Hayes
Join us on May 21 from 6:30 – 7:30 pm for children’s (age 3-8 yo focus) story time and craft hour. May’s theme is “We All Belong”. Our first reading in celebration of April being Diversity Month, is a book by Nathalie and Alex Goss, called “We all Belong,” which recognizes and celebrates the diversity in a caring group of children. In celebration of June being PRIDE month, our second book is “The Rainbow Parade,” by Shane Jordan and Rick Hendrix, a heartwarming story of acceptance and friendship. Our craft honors these two celebrations as well as Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. If you would like to receive the craft kit for your child to participate in this event, please email Luanne at Lmarsh@uw.edu with your name, address, and the names and ages of your children who will be participating by May 15.
Region 1
Park Meet-Up for Wenatchee Area Families
Thursday, May 15 at 6:45 – 8:00 p.m.
Join a group of area foster and kinship caregivers for an evening of fun on Thursday, May 15th at 6:45pm at the Washington Park Playground in Wenatchee— located at 110 South Miller St. Your local CaRES Community Connector and foster and adoptive mom, Jenny, will be there to welcome you. This is a great chance to get the wiggles out before bedtime, enjoy some fresh air, and meet other families like yours. 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 or tribe, we’d love to have you, too.
RSVP is appreciated, though not required. You can reach Jenny at careswenatchee@gmail.com or text her at 509-670-9411.
Join us at ‘Touch a Truck’
Saturday, May 17 at 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
CaRES will have a booth at this year’s Touch a Truck event in Wenatchee. Enjoy the wonder in your kid’s faces when they get up close and personal with their favorite trucks and equipment. Stop by the CaRES table to say ‘hi’ to your local Community Connector, Jenny, and your CaRES Mentor, Mary! There will be goodies and a chance for you to get advice and encouragement from seasoned foster parents. Drop by any time during the event, and we’ll be glad to see you. If you’d like to chat with Jenny about this or other events for kinship and foster families in the Wenatchee area, reach her at careswenatchee@gmail.com or by texting her at 509-670-9411. CaRES has 50 general admission tickets to give out free for caregiving families. Families will need a ticket for each adult/child and can contact Jenny directly to get them.
Moses Lake Caregiver Breakfast
Saturday, May 17 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 10 am on Saturday, May 17th 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.
Tri-Cities Caregivers’ Meet-Up
Thursday, May 8 at 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Join CaRES Community Connector and fellow foster mom, Rebecca, at 7:30pm on Thursday, May 8th, for building community and conversation about all things fostering. 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 and would be better with you in it! Drop in for one month or many. In the interest of attendees’ time, the group ends no later than 9 pm. 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
Community Connector Sarah hosts fun events throughout the year. There is no meeting in February, but check out CaRES social media announcements and the webpage for regional and statewide happenings
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.
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.
Region 6
Grays Harbor Caregiver Free BBQ Cookoff
Saturday, May 24 at 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Hey caregivers! No travel plans this Memorial Day Weekend? Take a break from the yardwork and join us for a community BBQ! Load up the family and join us from 11am-1pm on Saturday, May 24th at Lake Sylvia State Park. We’ve rented the Legacy Pavillion, so rain or shine, it will be a good time. We will provide food, crafts for the kids and goodie bags to take home. After you’re fueled up, make a day of it and enjoy all the park can offer. Lake Sylvia has a huge park and playground, beautiful lake, fishing and hiking opportunities.
Your local CaRES Community Connector, Mauri, will be there grilling hot dogs and offering up support. This is open to all caregivers involved with the DCYF system, past and present. This includes foster and relative caregivers as well as families licensed with tribes or CPAs.
Entry into the park does require a Discover Pass, but did you know? You can get one FREE as a Washington State Caregiver. Here’s how to get one: Park Passes for Caregivers. Let Mauri know if you need help.
RSVP is appreciated so we can plan on food. You can reach out to Mauri about this, or any event happening in the area. Email her at graysharborcares@gmail.com or text her at 253-392-7223.
Clark County Support Group
There is no support group this month. See you again in June!
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 April 2025 CaRES Newsletter here.
