Cafe Chat: Cafe Chats: A Virtual Parent to Parent Support Group: November 2025
2025-11-20 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | https://gacrs.org/courses/cafe-chats-a-virtual-parent-to-parent-support-group-november-2025/
This month, we’re celebrating our amazing adoptive parents with a special giveaway!
✨ Everyone who attends will be entered into a drawing for a gift card — we’ll select 5 lucky winners to celebrate YOU!
Winners will be announced on Facebook on Nov 21 and contacted by email for mailing details.
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: Amy Parmer

Webinar: Navigating Bipolar Disorder: A Parent's Essential Guide
2025-12-02 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/webinar-navigating-bipolar-disorder-a-parents-essential-guide/
This focused and practical class is designed specifically for foster and adoptive parents seeking clarity on bipolar disorder in children and teens.
​Children with histories of trauma and loss often present unique diagnostic challenges. This session will move beyond the basics to provide you with the critical knowledge and tools you need to support your child.
​What You Will Learn
​Understanding Bipolar: Clear definitions of the disorder, its different types, and how its symptoms of mania and depression can be masked by or confused with trauma-based behaviors.
​Treatment Overview: A concise review of diagnosis, medication, and effective therapy options.
Focus on Support: Practical, actionable
strategies for your role as the parent, including:
​Communication: Techniques for talking through mood swings and intense emotions.
​Structure: Creating the predictable, low-stress home environment necessary for stability.
Presented by: Tina Neese, Ed.D., LPC

Virtual Regional Training: Preparing your Foster Child for Adoption
2025-12-08 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/virtual-regional-training-preparing-your-foster-child-for-adoption/
This training provides guidance on preparing and supporting children through the transition from foster care to adoption. Participants will learn strategies to promote emotional stability, strengthen attachment, and facilitate a smooth adjustment to permanency.
Presented by: Theresa Nash, MA

REAL TALK on Dealing with Grief when a Child goes Home
2025-12-10 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/real-talk-on-dealing-with-the-loss-from-when-children-go-home/
Join us for a group discussion on Dealing with Loss from Children returning home.
Presented by Chena Blanchard, LCSW

Cafe Chats: A Virtual Parent to Parent Support Group: December 2025
2025-12-11 12:00 - 13:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/cafe-chats-a-virtual-parent-to-parent-support-group-december-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

Webinar: Co-Parenting & Maintaining Healthy Couple Relationships
2025-12-11 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/webinar-co-parenting-maintaining-healthy-couple-relationships/
There is no one size fits all when it comes to parenting. Relationships can be difficult to navigate, especially when children are involved. Learn the importance of, and ways to successfully, co-parent and build on healthy couple relationships.
Presented by: Natasha Moriarty, LMSW

Parenting Time: Holidays – "Time to Reflect, Support and Create New Memories"
2025-12-16 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/parenting-time-holidays-time-to-reflect-support-and-create-new-memories/
Reflection & Processing

Coping with Holiday Grief and Loss
Reflecting on Your Own Holiday Expectations
Recognizing Trauma Triggers During the Holidays

Creating New Memories

Blending Old and New Traditions
Affordable and Meaningful Holiday Activities
Helping Children Feel a Sense of Belonging During Celebrations
Celebrating Diversity

Presented by: Janae Combs, MA, LPC

Common Ground: A Resiliency Group for Parents and Teens- Looking Back, Moving Forward: Reflection and Goal Setting for the New Year
2025-12-18 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/common-ground-a-resiliency-group-for-parents-and-teens-looking-back-moving-forward-reflection-and-goal-setting-for-the-new-year/
This is a space where teens and caregivers come together to listen, learn, and grow. Here, every voice matters. We believe in sharing without judgment, respecting different perspectives, and finding connection through conversation. Let’s make this a place of empathy, honesty, and mutual support.
Please Note: Both parent and Teen will need to have a way to join the meeting as we will do a breakout group
This month’s topic is: “Looking Back, Moving Forward: Reflection and Goal Setting for the New Year”
Discussion:
As the year comes to a close, this session invites teens and parents to pause, reflect, and set intentions for the year ahead. Together, participants will explore the past year—celebrating achievements, acknowledging challenges, and identifying lessons learned. Through guided reflection activities, families will have the opportunity to share personal insights, strengthen their connection, and recognize growth in one another. This session will also explore goal setting for the upcoming year. Participants will set meaningful goals for 2026, leaving with a clearer sense of direction, a shared understanding of one another’s aspirations, and practical strategies for supporting each other’s success throughout the year.
Facilitated by: Stacey Foney

Virtual Regional Training: Resilience
2026-01-07 12:00 - 13:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/webinar-resilience/
Resilience is the ability to recover from difficulties and children more than ever, need to develop resilience in today’s world. This session will cover the seven-character traits that develop resilience and how you can best nurture it.

Presented by: Lynne Watts, Ed.S

The Adoptee Voice: Lessons from Lived Experience: Part 1: The Two Stories: Loss and Loyalty
2026-01-13 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/the-adoptee-voice-lessons-from-lived-experience-part-1-the-two-stories-loss-and-loyalty/
Series Goals and Value Proposition
The most critical resource for adoptive and foster parents is the authentic, lived experience of adopted individuals. This series provides a structured environment to analyze common emotional and relational challenges through the eyes of those who have experienced them.
4-Part Session Breakdown (60 Minutes Each)
The four one-hour sessions are structured to explore distinct, critical themes in the adoption/foster journey.

Session
Title
Focus & Theme
Case Study Example (Conceptual)

Part 1
January 13
The Two Stories: Loss and Loyalty
Exploring the primal wound of loss and the feeling of loyalty conflicts often experienced when talking about birth family or the past.
A story detailing a moment the adoptee hesitated to express curiosity about their birth mother for fear of hurting their adoptive mother’s feelings.

Part 2
February 10
Identity and Difference: “Just Like Everyone Else”
Analyzing the search for self and identity formation, particularly moments where the adoptee felt “different” or marginalized due to their adoption status.
A narrative about filling out a family tree assignment in school or a moment of micro-aggression from extended family or the public.

Part 3
March 24
Communication in Crisis: The Tough Conversations
Focusing on difficult, high-stakes communication points (e.g., finding out the truth, reacting to intense grief, or the decision to search).
A story recounting a major argument with parents regarding adoption records, or an emotional outburst related to original loss.

Part 4
April 28
Connecting the Dots: Adoptee-Informed Parenting
Synthesizing the lessons learned into proactive, daily parenting habits that validate the adoptee experience.
A narrative detailing a simple, ordinary moment where a parent’s subtle, validating comment made a profound positive impact on the adult adoptee.

Developed and presented by: Tina Neese, Ed.D, LPC

Cafe Chats: A Virtual Parent to Parent Support Group: January 2026
2026-01-14 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/cafe-chats-a-virtual-parent-to-parent-support-group-january-2026/
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: Debra Suzette Brown

Real Talk on Attachment 101
2026-01-15 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/real-talk-on-attachment-101/
Join us for a group discussion on Attachment.
Presented by Chena Blanchard, LCSW

Parenting Time: "Listening and Talking to Your Child"
2026-01-20 12:00 - 13:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/parenting-time-holidays-listening-and-talking-to-your-child/
Ways to build trust and learn reflective listening skills
How to reduce emotional outbursts
How to encourage independence and problem-solving
Ways to strengthen the parent-child relationship

Presented by: Janae Combs, MA, LPC

Webinar: How Trauma Effects Kids During the Holidays
2026-01-20 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/webinar-how-trauma-effects-kids-during-the-holidays/
The holidays can be stressful, especially considering trauma your kids have experienced. Come learn how to navigate trauma for kids during the holidays.
Presented by: Ashley Willcott, JD

Common Ground: A Resiliency Group for Parents and Teens- What Worked? What Didn't? What's Next?
2026-01-26 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/common-ground-a-resiliency-group-for-parents-and-teens-looking-back-moving-forward-reflection-and-goal-setting-for-the-new-year/

Webinar: Going Through the Motions: When Blocked Care/Compassion Fatigue Takes Over
2026-01-27 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/webinar-going-through-the-motions-when-blocked-carecompassion-fatigue-takes-over/
Has your parenting journey lost its joy? Caring for kids with attachment struggles, various mental health diagnoses, neurodiversity, medical needs, and challenging behaviors requires so much of us and can lead to exhaustion, discouragement, shame, and resentment. Take heart! We will explore together the signs and types of blocked care in families and compassion fatigue in the workplace, discuss the role our brains play in protecting us from relational pain, and identify effective strategies to rebuild our compassion and put the joy back into our parenting and caregiving of others.
Presented by: Julie Witsotsky

Virtual Regional Training: The Dangers of Social Media for Teens
2026-02-02 12:00 - 13:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/virtual-regional-training-the-dangers-of-social-media-4-2/
This training explores the risks social media poses to teens, including online predators, cyberbullying, mental health impacts, and risky online behaviors.
Presented by Leslie Anderson, BA

Webinar: Adoption vs. Guardianship
2026-02-05 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/webinar-adoption-vs-guardianship/
Join Attorney Christina E. Campbell for a free, informative webinar that explains the key differences between adoption and guardianship. We’ll explore what each option means legally, emotionally, and financially — and help you understand which path may be right for your family. Learn about parental rights, long-term responsibilities, eligibility, and the process in Georgia. Whether you’re a caregiver, foster parent, or relative, this session will give you the clarity and confidence to make an informed decision.
Presented by: Christina E. Campbell

The Adoptee Voice: Lessons from Lived Experience: Part 2: Identity and Difference: "Just Like Everyone Else"
2026-02-10 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/the-adoptee-voice-lessons-from-lived-experience-part-1-the-two-stories-loss-and-loyalty-2/

Real Talk on Understanding Adolescent Identity Development
2026-02-11 12:00 - 13:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/real-talk-on-the-emotional-toll-of-caring-for-another-persons-child-2/
Join us for a group discussion on Understanding Adolescent Identity Development
Presented by Chena Blanchard

Cafe Chats: A Virtual Parent to Parent Support Group: February 2026
2026-02-12 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/cafe-chats-a-virtual-parent-to-parent-support-group-february-2026/

Parenting Time: Trauma-Informed Care
2026-02-17 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/parenting-time-trauma-informed-care/
Impact of trauma on child development
Recognizing trauma triggers
Building safety, trust, and connection
Trauma-responsive discipline

Presented by: Janae Combs, MA, LPC

Common Ground: A Resiliency Group for Parents and Teens- The Loneliness Crisis: Rebuilding Connection at Home & Beyond
2026-02-18 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/common-ground-a-resiliency-group-for-parents-and-teens-the-loneliness-crisis-rebuilding-connection-at-home-beyond/
This is a space where teens and caregivers come together to listen, learn, and grow. Here, every voice matters. We believe in sharing without judgment, respecting different perspectives, and finding connection through conversation. Let’s make this a place of empathy, honesty, and mutual support.
Please Note: Both parent and Teen will need to have a way to join the meeting as we will do a breakout group
This month’s topic is: “The Loneliness Crisis: Rebuilding Connection at Home & Beyond”
Discussion:
Loneliness is rising for both teens and adults — even in a hyper-connected world. This conversation digs into why so many young people and caregivers feel isolated, and how families can rebuild connection, belonging, and emotional closeness. We’ll share simple ways to strengthen relationships and feel less alone.
Facilitated by: Janae Roberts

In-Person Region 13 Training: Resilience
2026-03-06 18:00 - 20:30
Join us for Foster and Adoptive Parent Support, networking, and training on Friday, March 6, 2026. Dinner & Childcare will be provided. Dinner 6:00-6:30pm. Training 6:30pm-8:30pm
Please click on the link below to let them know how many people will be attending the dinner.
Kennesaw Church Support Group & Training – March 6, 2026

2 training hours will be awarded to each participant for attending the training. For questions email fostercare@kennesawmc.orgSupport Group is held at:
Kennesaw Church
1801 Ben King Road
Kennesaw, GA 30144Drive around to the back of the building and enter in Door G. Training will be held in Room 137 and childcare will be in the children’s hall. Please sign in at the Registration desk inside Door G.The Foster Care Resource Closet will be open and available from 6:00-6:30pm.

Resilience is the ability to recover from difficulties and children more than ever, need to develop resilience in today’s world. This session will cover the seven-character traits that develop resilience and how you can best nurture it.

Presented by: Lynne Watts, Ed.S

Cafe Chats: A Virtual Parent to Parent Support Group: March 2026
2026-03-10 12:00 - 13:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/cafe-chats-a-virtual-parent-to-parent-support-group-march-2026/
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: Dawn Scott

Real Talk on the Emotional Toll of Caring for Another Person's child
2026-03-11 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/real-talk-on-the-emotional-toll-of-caring-for-another-persons-child/
Join us for a group discussion on the Emotional Toll of careing for another persons child.
Managing guilt, resentment, or isolation
Presented by Laura Cochling, M.Ed., LPC

Common Ground: A Resiliency Group for Parents and Teens- Connected & Protected: Cyber Safety for Teens
2026-03-16 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/common-ground-a-resiliency-group-for-parents-and-teens-speaking-their-language-building-better-communication-at-home/
This is a space where teens and caregivers come together to listen, learn, and grow. Here, every voice matters. We believe in sharing without judgment, respecting different perspectives, and finding connection through conversation. Let’s make this a place of empathy, honesty, and mutual support.
Please Note: Both parent and Teen will need to have a way to join the meeting as we will do a breakout group
This month’s topic is: “Connected & Protected: Cyber Safety for Teens”
Discussion:

Facilitated by: Janae Roberts

Webinar: Sleep challenges and attachment-related insomnia
2026-03-17 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/webinar-sleep-challenges-and-attachment-related-insomnia/
This practical, hands-on workshop helps foster parents understand why sleep difficulties are so common for children with trauma and disrupted attachment—and what to do about it. Participants will learn trauma- and attachment-informed strategies to reduce bedtime anxiety, build felt safety, and respond effectively to night wakings. Foster parents will leave with concrete tools, routines, and language they can use immediately to support healthier sleep for both their child and themselves.
Presented by: Theresa Nash, MA

Parenting Time: Family Identity & Transition
2026-03-18 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/parenting-time-family-identity-transition/
Helping children understand their story
Maintaining sibling connections
Managing divided loyalties

Presented by: Janae Combs, MA, LPC

The Adoptee Voice: Lessons from Lived Experience: Part 3: Communication in Crisis: The Tough Conversations
2026-03-24 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/the-adoptee-voice-lessons-from-lived-experience-part-3-communication-in-crisis-the-tough-conversations/
