Free Strengthening Families for Caregivers program offered

Strengthening Families for Caregivers is an eight week program which focuses on providing strategies for caregivers to build positive relationships with children who have experienced trauma.

This program uses scenarios to guide discussion, provides tangible tools to use, and offers participants opportunities to build their skills. Participants will learn how trauma affects children, how a child’s trauma can affect caregivers, how to create a safe environment and how to be an advocate for children who have experienced trauma. In addition, participants will learn how to help children develop connections as well as understand and manage their feelings and behaviors. Each session of the program builds on the prior session. We understand how busy life can be and know that things come up and we will work with participants to keep everyone caught up if a session is missed.

Organizers believe in creating a safe environment for learning and will never ask participants to speak to their own trauma or their child’s trauma. They understand the material being shared can evoke strong feelings and emotions and commit to allowing participants to take the space and time they need and will be available for participants after sessions if they need to process.

The program will be offered free and in person on Tuesday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Lincoln County Service Center. The program begins on Tuesday, March 28 and will conclude on Tuesday, May 16. To register and for additional information contact Brenda Rasmussen at brenda.rasmussen@co.lincoln. wi.us; or Kristine Shorey at kristine.shorey@co.lincoln. wi.us.