Georgia Center for Resources and Support

REAL TALK: Summer Strategies: Making the Most of Your Summer
2025-06-11 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | https://gacrs.org/courses/real-talk-summer-strategies-making-the-most-of-your-summer/
Join us in a discussion about making the most out of your summer.
Presented by: Chena Blanchard

Virtual Regional Training: Understanding Behavior: Strategies That Work at Home and School
2025-06-10 19:00 - 20:30 | https://gacrs.org/courses/virtual-regional-training-understanding-behavior-strategies-that-work-at-home-and-school/
Raising children comes with joys and challenges, especially when behavior gets in the way of connection, learning, or daily routines. In this session, parents and caregivers will learn simple and effective ways to better understand their child’s behavior, strengthen relationships, and promote positive change at home and in school. We’ll explore why challenging behaviors happen, what you can do in the moment, and how to collaborate with educators to support your child’s growth.
Gereen R. Francis, MS, BCBA

Webinar: Why Do Our Children Do the Things They Do? Let’s Talk About It.
2025-06-05 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/webinar-why-do-our-children-do-the-things-they-do-lets-talk-about-it/
Join us for an open and insightful conversation about children’s behavior. Together, we’ll explore:

Common behaviors and the underlying factors behind them
Thought-provoking questions to guide deeper conversations
Key considerations every parent should understand
The P.A.R.E.N.T. Model—a helpful framework for making interventions a more positive and supportive experience

Let’s connect, share, and learn how to better understand and support our children.
Brenda H. Gillespie, LMSW

Get Real Teen Group for 13-19 year olds: Presenting to an Audience
2025-06-04 19:00 - 20:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/EFo3IrGVT6Gl6ylrvFbnmA#/registration
Does the thought of speaking in front of a crowd make you nervous? You’re not alone—but with the right skills, you can become a confident and compelling presenter! Join this interactive webinar to learn how to craft engaging presentations and deliver them like a pro. Whether you’re preparing for a school project, a competition, or just want to improve your speaking skills, this webinar will help you shine in the spotlight!
Presented by Janae Roberts

Webinar: Supporting Foster Children through Grief and Loss
2025-05-28 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/webinar-supporting-foster-children-through-grief-and-loss/
Children in foster care often experience profound grief and loss, and these challenges can take many forms—whether it’s the loss of their home, beloved pets, siblings, school environment, or even their parents. This seminar is designed to help caregivers and professionals recognize the unique stages of grief that foster children may face. You will gain valuable insights into how to support and guide children through their emotional journey, equipping them with the tools to navigate their healing process with understanding, patience, and compassion.
Presented by: Theresa Nash, MA

REAL TALK on Screen Time, Social Media and Family Connections
2025-05-21 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/real-talk-managing-screen-time-social-media-and-connections/
Tools and tips for helping your family cut down on the screen time and social media and prioritize the things that are most important to you. Connections with family.
Presented by: Laura Cochling, M.Ed., LPC

Parenting Time: Divorce: What Parents Need to Know
2025-05-20 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/parenting-time-divorce-what-parents-need-to-know/?preview=true
To provide caregivers a better understanding of what effect divorce has on foster and adoptive children and how to help them survive it.
Presented by: Janae Combs, M.A., LPC

Virtual Regional Training: Calming the Highly Sensitive Child
2025-05-19 12:00 - 13:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/virtual-regional-training-calming-the-highly-sensitive-child-2/
This training will discuss calming techniques when parenting a highly sensitive child. It will also give parents tips on how to identify their child’s emotional triggers.”

Presented by:
Natasha Hope-Moriaty, LMSW

Webinar: Guiding your High Schooler through their College and Career Planning Journey
2025-05-15 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/webinar-guiding-your-high-schooler-through-their-college-and-career-planning-journey/
Figuring out what to do after high school can be overwhelming for young people. Parents can feel lost when it comes to supporting their teen with such big decisions. Join this session to learn some helpful tips on guiding your student through the journey of planning for college and career.
Presented by: Stacey Foney

Cafe Chats: A Virtual Parent to Parent Support Group: May 2025
2025-05-15 12:00 - 13:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/cafe-chats-a-virtual-parent-to-parent-support-group-may-2025/
Join GACRS for a monthly virtual adoption support group- Café Chats. This event is for adoptive families who share one thing, the journey of adoption. And while adoption is rewarding it also has challenges. GACRS wants to provide a virtual platform for you to exchange information and learn from one another. It’s also your opportunity to share your experiences, what’s in your heart, the challenges, and the success of parenting an adopted child or children. Please see the event calendar for specific dates of each Café Chat- An Adoption Support Event.
Lead by: Cathy Burks

Virtual Regional Training: The Talk Tank: CULTIVATING MOTIVATION: FROM EYE ROLLS TO GOALS
2025-05-14 19:00 - 20:30 | https://gacrs.org/courses/virtual-regional-training-the-talk-tank-with-the-bossy-educator-whats-on-your-mind-2-2/
Join us for an engaging workshop designed specifically for parents looking to connect, share, and learn from one another. The Talk TankⓇ offers a safe and supportive space to discuss the joys and challenges of parenting. Together, we’ll explore topics like effective communication, emotional wellness, and practical strategies for handling everyday parenting dilemmas. Whether you’re a seasoned parent or new to the journey, come share your experiences and leave with a renewed sense of community and confidence. Presented by: Tara Seals, MBA, MAED

Virtual Regional Training: Trauma & Helping Children Cope
2025-05-13 19:00 - 20:30 | https://gacrs.org/courses/virtual-regional-training-trauma-helping-children-cope/
Trauma is an emotional response to an intense event that threatens or causes harm–harm that can be physical or emotional, real or perceived, and can threaten a child or someone close to them. Childhood trauma is a significant barrier to emotional and psychological development and usually presents itself throughout the course of a child’s life. During this webinar, learn about trauma, specifically childhood trauma, its impact on toddlers & children, and ways to help children cope with trauma. Presented by: Natasha Hope-Moriarty, LMSW

GET REAL TEEN GROUP FOR 13-19 YEAR OLDS: SUMMERTIME SELF-CARE
2025-05-07 19:00 - 20:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/kqO7nZUbTg-QqXfC6LSFNQ
Summer is the perfect time to unwind, but true relaxation goes beyond just taking a break. Join us for this refreshing webinar on summertime self-care, where you’ll learn how to balance fun and relaxation while taking care of your mental and physical well-being. Make this summer your best yet by investing in yourself. Join us and level up your self-care game!
Presented by: Janae Roberts, MPH, CHES

Webinar: Ending the Silence for Families
2025-05-06 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/webinar-ending-the-silence-for-families/
Ending the Silence for Families is a 1-hour presentation designed for adults with middle or high school-aged youth. It covers the warning signs of mental health conditions, effective communication strategies, and how to collaborate with school staff. This program empowers families to create a culture of understanding and support
Presented by: NAMI Georgia
Angel Faison
Affiliate Supervisor & Program Coordinator

Webinar: Facilitating a Deeper Connection with your Foster Children: A Practical Approach
2025-04-29 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/webinar-facilitating-a-deeper-connection-with-your-foster-children-a-practical-approach/?preview=true
This interactive workshop will explore practical ways to build a deeper relationship with your foster children. Whether you are new as a foster parent or just looking to build a more meaningful connection with your children, this workshop will provide practical guidance on how to facilitate connection.

Cafe Chats: A Virtual Parent to Parent Support Group: April 2025
2025-04-24 12:00 - 13:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/cafe-chats-a-virtual-parent-to-parent-support-group-april-2025/
Join GACRS for a monthly virtual adoption support group- Café Chats. This event is for adoptive families who share one thing, the journey of adoption. And while adoption is rewarding it also has challenges. GACRS wants to provide a virtual platform for you to exchange information and learn from one another. It’s also your opportunity to share your experiences, what’s in your heart, the challenges, and the success of parenting an adopted child or children. Please see the event calendar for specific dates of each Café Chat- An Adoption Support Event.
Lead by: Leslie Anderson

Parenting Time: Guardianship/Foster 101:
2025-04-22 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/parenting-time-fostering-guardianship-101-am-i-ready-so-what-now-3/
This group will discuss new placements: preparing and adjusting to family roles.
Presented by:
Janae Combs

Virtual Regional Training: Identifying Grief in Children
2025-04-21 12:00 - 13:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/virtual-regional-training-identifying-grief-in-children/
This training examines the stages of grief as experienced by children in care. Participants will also be given information on how to identify grief in their children and how grief manifests in behavioral symptoms.
Presented by: Natasha Moriarty, LMSW

Webinar: Mandated Reporting
2025-04-17 18:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/webinar-mandated-reporter/
Child serving professionals and volunteers may suspect child abuse or have a child disclose abuse to them through their work with children. Learn how to recognize factors associated with abuse and neglect prevention, understand how the laws around mandated reporting affect you, and learn the process for handling a disclosure of abuse.
Presented by: Kathyrn R. Ricks, MS
Amerigroup

REAL TALK: Behavioral Health Treatment Options
2025-04-16 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/real-talk-behavioral-health-treatment-options/
April is Counseling Awareness Month. We will discuss different treatment modalities that families and youth might be exposed to through counseling.
Presented by: Chena Blanchard

Virtual Regional Training: Life Skills and Preparation: How to Help Your Child get Started
2025-04-10 12:00 - 13:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/virtual-regional-training-life-skills-preparation-how-to-help-your-child-get-started-3-2/
Are you ready to assist your child in gaining an early advantage and establishing the foundation for the life they envision? Excited about the upcoming chapters in life but uncertain about how to guide your child toward their goals? Look no further – you’ve found the right resource! By embracing a proactive stance rather than a reactive one, your family can strive for exceptional accomplishments. Join us and explore proven skills and strategies that will provide lasting benefits to future generations!
Presented By:
Tara Seals, MBA, MAED

Webinar: Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD)
2025-04-09 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/webinar-oppositional-defiance-disorder-odd/
Oppositional Defiance Disorder, or ODD. What separates an ODD diagnosis from the average child/teenager exhibiting defiant behaviors? Learn more about ODD, its symptoms and behaviors associated with it—as well as coping skills and strategies for parents.
Presented by: Natasha Hope-Moriarty, LMSW

Virtual Regional Training: Decoding Teens: Communication Clicks
2025-03-27 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/virtual-regional-training-decoding-teens-communication-clicks-2
Parenting a teenager can feel like you’re trying to understand someone you have never met before! It’s completely normal to worry about whether you’re connecting in a meaningful way or if communication seems impossible. But here’s the good news—just by wanting to connect with your teen, you’re already making amazing progress! In this fun and insightful training, foster and adoptive parents will dive into the “mental anatomy” of teens, learning how to better understand their world. You’ll also discover simple yet powerful ways to shift your perspective and start building a strong relationship with your teen—one that fosters trust, communication, and balance between being a parent and a friend. Get ready to strengthen your bond and become the supportive guide your teen needs!
Presented by: Davind Taylor, MPA

Cafe Chats: A Virtual Parent to Parent Support Group: March 2025
2025-03-20 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/cafe-chats-a-virtual-parent-to-parent-support-group-march-2025
Join GACRS for a monthly virtual adoption support group- Café Chats. This event is for adoptive families who share one thing, the journey of adoption. And while adoption is rewarding it also has challenges. GACRS wants to provide a virtual platform for you to exchange information and learn from one another. It’s also your opportunity to share your experiences, what’s in your heart, the challenges, and the success of parenting an adopted child or children. Please see the event calendar for specific dates of each Café Chat- An Adoption Support Event.
Lead by: D. Suzette Brown

Parenting Time: Guardianship: Love- Give it, Get it and Goodbye to It
2025-03-18 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/parenting-time-fostering-guardianship-101-am-i-ready-so-what-now-2/
This group will discus to Grief Process and Healing after a child leaves your home.
Presented by: Janae Combs

Webinar: Addressing Signs of Depression with Youth
2025-03-13 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/1webinar-addressing-signs-of-depression-with-youth/
Many children have times when they are sad or down. Occasional sadness is a normal part of growing up. However, if children are sad, irritable, or no longer enjoy things, and this occurs day after day, it may be a sign that they are suffering from major depressive disorder, commonly known as depression. Some people think that only adults become depressed. In fact, children and adolescents can experience depression, and studies show that it is on the rise. More than one in seven teens experience depression each year. Learn how to recognize the signs and what to do next for your child.
Presented by: Tina Neese, Ed.D., LPC

GET REAL TEEN GROUP FOR 13-19 YEAR OLDS: Preparing for Life after School
2025-03-12 19:00 - 20:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/4lXf8vW-RHKieXN0n1notw
Graduating from high school is an exciting milestone—but what comes next? Join us for an interactive webinar designed to help teens explore different paths after graduation. Whether you’re considering college, trade school, the military, starting a business, or entering the workforce, this session will provide valuable insights and practical tips to guide your journey. This session is perfect for teens, of any age, planning their next steps and looking for clarity on the many possibilities available.
Presented by: Janae Roberts

Virtual Regional Training: The Talk Tank with The Bossy Educator: What’s On Your Mind
2025-03-06 19:00 - 20:30 | https://gacrs.org/courses/virtual-regional-training-the-talk-tank-with-the-bossy-educator-whats-on-your-mind-2/

REAL TALK: Building Relatonships
2025-03-04 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/real-talk-building-relationships/
Building Relationships: Tools and tips for extending relationships for your child outside of your home. We will look at ways to create relationships to your own extended family and the child’s family of origin and discuss ways to proceed with healthy boundaries to build that support for you and your child.
Presented by: Laura Cochling, M.Ed., LPC

REAL TALK: Preparing a Child to Transfer from a Foster Home to an Adoptive Home
2025-02-20 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/real-talk-parenting/
This group will discuss the importance of preparing children for transitioning into an adoptive home.
Presented by: Chena Blanchard
