UW-Extension Lincoln County offering free Strengthening Families for Caregivers program

For the Tomahawk Leader

LINCOLN COUNTY – Strengthening Families for Caregivers, a free eight-week program that focuses on providing strategies for adults to build positive relationships with children who have experienced trauma, is being offered by UW-Madison Division of Extension Lincoln County.

The program will be held virtually via Zoom on Tuesday mornings from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The program begins on Tuesday, March 1 and will conclude on Tuesday, April 19.

To register, visit www.bit.ly/SFSReg.

In a release, Extension said the strategies shared in the program “are excellent for anyone who provides support to children.”

“The program uses scenarios to guide discussion, provides tangible tools to use, and provides opportunities to build skills,” Extension stated. “Participants will learn how trauma affects children, how a child’s trauma can affect us as caregivers, how to create a safe environment, help understand and manage feelings and behaviors, develop connections and healing, and learn how to become an advocate for the children you support.”

Extension said each session builds on the prior session, so it is important that participants attend each session, if possible. However, Extension will work with participants to keep them caught up if a session is missed.

“We believe in creating a safe environment for learning and will never ask participants to speak to their own trauma or their child’s trauma,” Extension stated. “We understand that the material we share 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.”

For more information, contact Casey Hanson at casey.hanon@co.lincoln.wi.us; Renee Krueger at renee.krueger@co.lincoln.wi.us; Debbie Moellendorf at deborah.moellendorf@wisc.edu or via phone at 715-539-1077; Brenda Rasmussen at brenda.rasmussen@co.lincoln.wi.us; or Kristine Shorey at kristine.shorey@co.lincoln.wi.us.