November 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
Boundaries as Self Care – Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Caregiver Strategies for Holidays and Celebrations – Friday, Nov. 15 at 2:00 p.m.
Fostering as Part of a Team – Wednesdays, Nov. 6, 13, & 20 at 12:30 p.m.
Navigating Fostering as an LGBTQIA+ Caregiver – Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 5:00 p.m.
Parenting in the Digital Age – Saturday, Nov. 16 at 11:00 a.m.
We Hear You! A CaRES Podcast Club – Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 6:00 p.m.
Local Events
Moses Lake: Saturday, Nov. 16 at 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Wenatchee Valley: Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Ellensburg: Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. (Early Learning Coalition Event)
Yakima Valley: Coffee Conversations Meet Up Date TBD
Arlington: Saturday, Nov. 30 at 4:15 p.m.
Seattle: Sunday, Nov. 17 at 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Vancouver: Third week of November
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
Managing Holiday Stress Within a Shifted Family Structure
Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Speaker: Racheal Turner
The Holidays can be a challenging time for kinship families when family dynamics shift. Join us for this discussion on how to get through the Holidays and learn strategies to incorporate new traditions, talk through the grief or other emotions Holidays may present and set up a plan to not just “make it through”, but enjoy your Holiday season
Working with Foster Care Liaisons in the School System
Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Speaker: Stacey Klim
The Foster Care Program at Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) supports students in foster care by encouraging innovative practices that reduce educational disruptions, strengthen school stability, and improve academic performance. Join us to learn more about working with School Foster Care Liaisons and Best Interest Determinations for your child.
Region 1
Moses Lake Community Group
Saturday, Nov. 16 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, November 16th 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
Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
CaRES and Community Connector, Jenny, invites you to get support from other foster parents and kinship caregivers in the Wenatchee area. This group meets in-person on the third Wednesday each month and would be even better with your participation. Come and get support on November 20th, 6:30pm-8pm. Sometimes caregiving can feel isolating, scary and challenging but with this group, know that you are not alone. Childcare is not yet available, but children of all ages are welcome.
The location is yet to be determined but will be in Wenatchee. Just let Jenny know you’re interested, and she’ll keep you in the loop. Reach Jenny by texting her at 509-670-9411 or by emailing careswenatchee@gmail.com.
Region 2
Kittitas County Community Group
Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 3:30 – 6:00 p.m.
The Early Learning Coalition’s monthly events begin again this month!! 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.
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 November 6th, 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.
We want to know how to support you best! If you live in the Ellensburg area and have an idea for an event or gathering for foster and kinship families, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to Heidi at ellensburgcares@gmail.com.
Yakima Valley Coffee Conversations
Date and time to be determined.
Your local CaRES Community Connector and fellow foster parent, Ashley, invites you to join other foster and kinship caregivers for supportive conversations & coffee. We will meet at Mak Daddy Coffee Roasters in November. Check back for the exact date and time, we’ll post it soon!
We ask that only adults attend and plan to pay for their own coffee, although no purchase is required to be part of the group. We hope you’ll join us and share your voice in a conversation about the joys and challenges of fostering. You can reach out to Ashley about this, or any event happening in the area. Email her at yakimacares@gmail.com or text her at 509-572-6924.
Region 3
Arlington & Mt. Vernon-Area Community Group
Saturday, Nov. 30 at 4:15 p.m.
Arlington’s Hometown Holiday Kickoff returns on Saturday, November 30th. CaRES Community Connector, Sarah, is gathering a group of foster and kinship families to meet up and walk downtown together in time for the tree lighting. To join in the fun, families should meet Sarah in the parking lot of the First Baptist Church of Arlington at 4:15pm, located at 426 N French Ave in Arlington.
There will be lots of activities throughout the town for your family to enjoy. The Tree Lighting is at 5pm Legion Park and there will be Firepits & Smores, Mrs. Claus & Olaf will be there to delight the kids, and the Movie “The Star” is playing at Olympic Theater 7pm, Lighted Cars will be on Display, and more. Learn more here: Hometown Holidays | Arlington, WA (arlingtonwa.gov).
If you’d like to chat with Sarah about the event, or other things happening in Arlington, reach Sarah at: caresarlington@gmail.com or 507-358-1328.
Region 4
Seattle Community Group
Sunday, Nov. 17 at 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Join adoptive parent and CaRES Lead Mentor Lisa for support and connection from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Sunday, November 17th, at Mt. Baker Park Presbyterian Church.
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. Children and teens are welcome with limited childcare; light snacks will be provided (tell the teenagers we have Takis!) RSVP is required to confirm childcare availability. Contact Lisa 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
Clark County Community Group
Third Week of November
CaRES Connector and foster parent Aric invites you to the CaRES community support group, happening the Third week of November. We are finalizing the date, which will either be the evening (5:30pm-7:30pm) of Tuesday November 19th, or Thursday November 21st at Crossroads Community Church in Vancouver. This group is open to all relatives, kinship, and foster parents and is a safe space for meeting other families who “get it.” Nathan LaChine, a CaRES Mentor and trainer with Apple Health, will be presenting about benefits and support available through Coordinated Care. Come for the support and resources, and leave knowing that you don’t have to do this alone. Dinner will be provided, and children are welcome.
Please RSVP so they can plan the meal accordingly. (No dedicated childcare is available but there is a fun place for children to play safely within view of the parents while volunteers help keep them corralled.) RSVP to Aric at: caresvancouver@gmail.com
Crossroads Community Church is located at 7708 NE 78th St., Vancouver. While the church has graciously provided space for this event, the group has no religious affiliation, and all families are welcome to attend.
Jefferson/Clallam Counties
CaRES Connector and Relative Caregiver Valerie is busy working on a fun family activity for the Fall season. Keep an eye on your email and the CaRES calendar for more details.
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 October 2024 CaRES Newsletter here.
