Georgia Center for Resources and Support

Parenting Time: Guardianship- Caregiver Wellness & Support
2025-10-15 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | https://gacrs.org/courses/parenting-time-guardianship-caregiver-wellness-support/
Managing compassion fatigue and burnout
Building a support network and accessing resources
Reflective practice and self-regulation tools
Finding joy and meaning in the caregiving journey

Presented by: Janae Combs, MA

Common Ground: A Resiliency Group for Parents and Teens- Celebrating Our Differences
2025-10-16 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/common-ground-a-resiliency-group-for-parents-and-teens-celebrating-our-differences/
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: “Celebrating Our Differences”
Discussion:
Affirm what makes each person unique, and how honoring individuality strengthens the group.
Teens: 💬 “What’s something about you that’s often misunderstood—but you love about yourself?” 💬 “How do you wish adults responded to parts of you that are different from them?”
Caregivers: 💬 “How do you embrace differences in your teen—even when they challenge your own experiences or beliefs?” 💬 “What personal experiences have helped you appreciate diversity within family or community?
Presented by: Stacey Foney

Virtual Regional Training: Understanding Teen Emotions
2025-10-21 12:00 - 13:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/virtual-regional-training-understanding-teen-emotions/
This training is designed to help foster and adoptive parents better understand the emotional world of teenagers. Participants will explore the unique challenges teens face, especially those with trauma histories and gain practical tools to support emotional regulation, build trust, and strengthen connections.

Presenter: Natasha Hope-Moriarty

Webinar: Raising Kids with OCD
2025-10-21 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/webinar-raising-kids-with-ocd/
Raising Kids with OCD: A Workshop for Foster & Adoptive Families
This workshop is designed to equip foster and adoptive parents with the tools to support a child struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). We’ll explore the common signs of OCD, the unique challenges it presents in a family setting, and practical strategies to help your child manage their symptoms and find relief.
Presenter: Tina Neese, Ed.D., LPC

Cafe Chats: A Virtual Parent to Parent Support Group: October 2025
2025-10-23 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/cafe-chats-a-virtual-parent-to-parent-support-group-october-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: Suzette Brown

Resource Fair
2025-10-30 12:00 - 13:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/resource-fair/
Come learn about local programs, services, and opportunities available to you and your family. Meet representatives from community organizations offering support with housing, healthcare, education, and more.

Cancelled-- Region 14 In Person Training: Harvest the Understanding of Well-Being through Education & Support
2025-11-01 09:00 - 12:00
Fulton County DFCS and GACRS presents a 3-hour training
“Harvest the Understanding of Well-Being through Education & Support”
Saturday, November 1, 2025, 9:00am-12 Noon
Three-hour Training Certificate
IN PERSON ONLY
5710 South Stonewall Tell Road, College, Park, Georgia 30349
Title: THE RESILIENCE FACTOR: 7 Keys to Finding Your Inner Strength
Ways to Learn Your ABCs, To Avoid Thinking Traps, Detecting Icebergs, Challenging Beliefs, Putting It in Perspective, Calming and Focusing and Real-time Resilience and
Presented by: Brenda Gillespie, LCSW
Title : IN OUR OWN VOICE
Talking openly about living with mental health condition.
Presented by: NAMI: Sonja Felton & Sadeja Divine
Title: GACRS OVERVIEW
Debra Suzette Brown, presenter for GACRS Resource Advisor Regions 4,6,13 & 14
GACRS Resource Services for Foster, Adoptive & Guardianship Families

Real Talk on Supporting Children as they age out of Foster Care
2025-11-05 12:00 - 13:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/webinar-raising-kids-with-ocd-a-workshop-for-foster-adoptive-families/
Join us for a group discussion on aging out of Foster Care.
Presented by Laura Cochling, M.Ed., LPC

Common Ground: A Resiliency Group for Parents and Teens- When Worlds Collide: School, Friends, and Family Expectations
2025-11-05 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/common-ground-when-worlds-collide/
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: ” When Worlds Collide: School, Friends, and Family Expectations“
Discussion:
Map out the pressures teens face and how caregivers can offer support without adding stress.

Teens: 💬 “What pressures from school or friends feel hardest to explain at home?” 💬 “What helps you feel understood when your priorities clash with family expectations?”
Caregivers: 💬 “How do you balance encouraging independence while staying involved?” 💬 “What fears or hopes come up when your teen’s choices don’t align with yours?”

Facilitated by: Stacey Foney

Virtual Regional Training: How Trauma Effects Kids During the Holidays
2025-11-06 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/virtual-regional-training-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

Webinar: Depressive Disorders in Children
2025-11-12 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/webinar-navigating-pre-teenteenage-emotions/
1 in 5 children are diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Depression is one of the most common childhood mental health disorders, affecting around 4% of children ages 3-17. In this webinar, learn more about depressive disorders in childhood, symptoms, and how we as caretakers can help.
Presented by: Natasha Hope Moriarty, LMSW

Webinar: Understanding Diabetes
2025-11-13 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/webinar-understanding-diabetes/
Learn the different types of diabetes, possible causes, common symptoms, and treatment options.
Presented by: Molly Abrokwah, Amerigroup

Parenting Time for Guardianship Families Raising Kids in the Digital Age
2025-11-18 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/parenting-time-raising-kids-in-teh-digital-age/
Technology & Social Media Safety – practical tools and monitoring apps

Goals

Help caregivers understand the risks and benefits of technology use.
Provide tools to set healthy boundaries with devices and apps.
Empower parents to protect children without isolating them from peers.

Presented by: Janae Combs,

Virtual Regional Training: THE TALK TANK: TRUST, BEHAVIOR, & CONNECTION
2025-11-19 12:00 - 13:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/virtual-regional-training-the-talk-tank-trust-behavior-connection/
This Talk TankⓇ creates a parent-centered space to connect, share, and discover practical strategies and real-life tools to build trust, strengthen relationships, and nurture calm, connected homes where children can thrive even after trauma or challenging family experiences.
Presented by:

Tara Seals, MBA, MAED

TheBossyEducator.com

Cafe Chat: Cafe Chats: A Virtual Parent to Parent Support Group: November 2025
2025-11-20 12:00 - 13:00 | 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/

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
