CONGRATULATIONS!

… to Gabby at the Alexander Foster Home in Evansville, WI for completing bike camp and learning to ride a two-wheeler. What a great accomplishment. Have fun riding!

WELCOME!

…to Gregg and Susan Hancock who joined the Eau Claire Cluster!  The Hancocks live in Eau Claire with three adorable Pomeranians!  Their children are all grown and out of the home.  Susan works at Nortech in Augusta and Gregg is currently doing road construction. He plans to stay home full-time with their future foster child/ren.  They have experience working in New Mexico at a hospital training school for the cognitively disabled.  We look forward to finding a great match for their home!

CONGRATULATIONS!

…to Carolann and Dylan who were adopted by Keri Anderson (formerly Malinowski). The big event took place on June 14th. We are so happy for all of them to be completing their long journey.

…to Social Worker Mary Stone and her husband Caleb on the birth of their daughter. Fionnuala Catherine Anne was born on July 2nd at 6:07 a.m., weighing 5 lbs 14 oz and 18 inches long. The whole Stone family is doing well.

…to Connie Koebke on the birth of her third grandchild. Jennifer and Ben Halvorson had another daughter on June 19th. She weighed 7 lbs 9 oz and was 20 1/4 inches long. Her name is Leah Jean.

WELCOME!

…to Gary and Sandy Kalan, new foster parents with Family Works in Mauston. They have been fostering for almost 20 years and have three grown children. Gary and Sandy were already caring for two children at their time of their licensure. Gary is a veteran and retired police officer; Sandy devotes herself full time to caring for foster children. Welcome aboard!

… to Rick Fredrickson in Westby who has joined the Kickapoo Cluster. He also is licensed to provide adult family care. Rick likes fishing, camping, and volunteering as a wrestling coach for his 10 year old son. He also had a child in placement at the time of his licensure. He is eager to meet and collaborate with other FW families.

…to Doug and Jenn Titera in the Ladysmith area who joined the northern cluster. Doug and Jenn have three biological and two adopted children and come to us with several years of  experience in treatment foster care. Doug does road construction and Jenn is a stay-at-home mom and has a teaching degree. The Titeras are a very busy, child-focused family with a lot to offer.

CONGRATULATIONS!

…to Connor B. at the Donna and Ross Johnson foster home, who graduated from Horicon High School.  He plans to attend UW Platteville next spring and work towards a degree in criminal justice.

…to Bethaney A. at the  Melissa and Shjon Anderson foster home, who graduated from Clear Lake School District.  Bethaney plans to pursue her interests in cosmetology at WITC – Superior!

…to Alisha B., Joy Anderson’s daughter, who graduated with honors from Mt. Horeb High School on June 6.  Alisha plans to attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities this fall to pursue her passions for global studies and music/theatre.

…to Adam at the Joan Litwitz and Ray Willey foster home, on receiving a gold medal at the State forensic tournament. He also won a poetry slam at the UW- Barron County campus where there were 65 participants. Way to go Adam!!

…to Dominic, at Matt and Shelley Stanley foster home, for achieving the High Honor Roll.  He received an award and an “Excellent Achievement” medallion for “having a positive attitude, solid work ethic and being the best student he can be”.

…to Henry and Rae Cuykendall and their family on the adoption of Alex on April 19th.

…to FW foster parents Jill and Gene Leanard, of Pepin, WI, on their recent nomination to the 2010 Governor’s Foster Care Award. In addition to the awards, the Department of Children and Families will also be launching a website campaign called “Fostering our Future” to profile foster children and families. These stories will be highlighted throughout the month on the DCF website at http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/children/foster/progserv/fcmo/fostering_our_future/default.htm.  The Leonards are featured in the “Fostering Our Future” campaign, to recognize the efforts of those who make a difference in the lives of foster children.

The following are the kind words written by their FW Social Worker, Holly McAbee.

To be successful foster parents, you must understand and support the children’s connection to their families.  For over fifteen years the Leonards have been foster parents for countless children that other providers are less likely to accept.  Jill and Gene Leonard are often willing to take on emergency placements and tackle the difficult task of caring for children with extreme behavioral issues.

They are outstanding foster parents not only in their commitment to even the most challenging of children, but in their ability to care for the children extraordinarily well.  They work with schools, agencies, and law enforcement to build close relationships for support.  Jill and Gene do all that they can to foster relationships with children’s families, which will help the children under their care succeed and have the support that they need.  They ensure that the children under their care are able to spend time and build relationships with their biological families, even opening up their home at times for entire weekends for family visits.  The Leonards are truly dedicated to the children under their care.

WELCOME!

…to Luke Tankovich who was licensed in the Eau Claire Cluster.  Luke lives in Osseo and is a nurse in Black River Falls.  He brings experience not only from the medical field but also from working several years at the Eau Claire Academy and working with children through coaching and personal training.  Luke enjoys helping others and weightlifting.  He has already provided respite for Family Works.

…to Sandie Becker who was licensed in the Central Cluster.  She lives in Neshkoro and has been a foster parent for 40 years!  She raised four sons with her late husband and is now retired and available full-time to provide foster care.  Sandie likes to travel and recently took a trip to Africa. She enjoys taking classes on foster parenting, shopping at second hand stores in Oshkosh, and she is very involved in her church. Sandie is outgoing and loves to share stories of experience. We welcome Sandie and look forward to her sharing her years of expertise with us.

… to Georgeina O’Connell, our newest member of the Northern Cluster.  Georgeina has lived in Turtle Lake for 20 years, and has experience in the field of treatment foster care.  She currently has two boys living with her, John and Rob, and they are constantly busy attending community functions and events.  Her infectious smile and glint in her eye makes you feel welcome the moment you walk into her home.

…to Noelle Sander who has joined the Southern Cluster as Case Manager.  Noelle is originally from Baraboo, WI and is happy to be returning to the state.  Her previous experience working with children and youth in residential treatment and youth aging out of the foster care system provides her with ample experience to perform her new job as a social worker for Family Works.  She is excited to get to know all of the staff, families and children.

… to Jennifer Stangl who has joined the Eau Claire Cluster as a Case Manager.   She is originally from Sheboygan, and moved to Eau Claire after graduating from UW-La Crosse in 1992.  She has worked in family services until the adoption of her first child, and then was home full-time with the addition of two more.  Foster care and adoption have always been her main areas of interest, and she is very excited to be a part of Family Works!

DEEPEST CONDOLENCES

Family Works wishes to express our deepest sympathy over the recent death of Beau G. Our condolences go out to the parents, foster parents, and all of those individuals who were important in Beau’s life.  He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered!

CONGRATULATIONS!

…to Jackie Burton, FW’s Social Work Intern, on achieving her Masters Degree at UW-Madison and on accepting her new job working with kids in foster care. We wish Jackie success as a Case Manager for Samaritan Counseling Center in Treatment Foster Care. Her new office is located in Menasha, and the service area includes Green Bay, Oshkosh, and the Fox Cities… so if you are in the area, stop by and say hello. We’ll miss you, Jackie!

…to Shelby at the Ohde foster home who was nominated by her eighth grade team of teachers for demonstrating the asset of positive peer influence! Jeff and Linda will proudly attend the Eighth Grade Recognition Program in May, at which time Shelby will also be recognized for the Spotlight Award she received in March. Way to go Shelby!

WELCOME!

…to Donna and Ross Johnson, FW’s newly licensed foster family. The Johnsons have been treatment foster parents for six years and work primarily with teen boys. Donna and Ross have two adult children, five grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. They grew up in Milwaukee, but have been living in Horicon for the past 7 years. Ross is a truck-driver, and Donna stays home full-time with the kids. We are glad that you joined our team!

CONGRATULATIONS!

…to Adam at the Joan Litwitz and Ray Willey residence. He earned a trip to the State Forensics Tournament in Madison. He will perform the poetry that he wrote. Great job and good luck at State.

WELCOME!

… to Linda Hammer in our growing Milwaukee cluster. Linda brings years of experience in addition to being brought up in a family that fostered children for over 20 years. Linda also has experience owning and operating a local group home for teenage girls in the Northern Milwaukee area. Her vibrant personality and advanced advocacy skills will be a gift to the teen girls placed in her home.

…to Brad and LaNita Richardson in the Eau Claire cluster! Brad and LaNita live in rural Arkansaw and join Family Works with several years of experience as treatment foster parents and as respite providers. The Richardsons currently are fostering two teenage boys with extensive needs. Brad and LaNita are dog breeders, and they enjoy spending time with their adult children and grandchildren, as well as crafting, cooking, baking, gardening, and many other fun activities.

CONGRATULATIONS!

…to Ashley at Karen Kress’s home for making the B honor roll!

GOOD BYE!!

…to Erika Grewer, our former UW grad student, who had been working with the Developing Abilities program. We wish her well as she begins her new position with Options in Community Living.

DEEPEST CONDOLENCES

Family Works wishes to express their deepest condolences to former FW Foster Parents Dee and Don Thorpe and their family as they grieve the sudden loss of their 16 year old daughter, Haleyem.

WELCOME!

“Welcome Back” to Mike and Genny Colligan who have recently become relicensed with Family Works, after taking a couple of years break. The Colligans reside in Wild Rose and have raised three of their own children. Mike and Genny are warm and friendly people with a tremendous amount of experience and a wonderful sense of humor. The Colligans stayed in contact with a boy whom they had worked with almost 9 years ago. As circumstances would have it, this 16 year old young man will now be fostered by Mike and Genny. Together, they’ll work to strengthen his independent living skills. We’re glad you’re back Mike and Genny!!

…to Shjon and Melissa Anderson who joined the northern cluster.  The Anderson family lives in rural Clear Lake.  Shjon has an adult son and teenage daughter, Melissa has two daughters, and together they have a young daughter.  They also are fostering a teenage girl as they come to Family Works with experience from another treatment foster care agency.  Shjon works as a millwright and Melissa owns her own taxidermy business.  They enjoy outdoor activities and watching their children’s sporting events.

… to Essie Biddle to the Milwaukee Cluster.  Mrs. Biddle has extensive professional and personal experiences working with the foster care system.  She has worked in the capacity of a foster parent for over two decades and finds parenting foster children one of the most rewarding things she has ever done.  She has a strong desire to provide care for children and families who are involved in the child welfare system and believes it to be a way to create a positive society for the future.  Over the years, she has had many successful formal and informal placements in her home who remain a part of her extended family today.

WELCOME!

…to Dave and Denise Berrier who joined our northern cluster on New Year’s Day! They come to Family Works with experience from another treatment foster care agency. The Berrier family resides in rural Clayton on many acres of land where their two biological children, three adopted children and one foster child enjoy doing many activities outdoors. They have horses, chickens, dogs and a cat. They are very involved in school sports, especially wrestling.

CONGRATULATIONS!

…to Rae and Henry Cuykendall, treatment foster parents in the Northern Cluster. On 12/7/09 they adopted 4 year old Keith Cooper Cuykendall. We are all very happy for them as they make this new addition to their family.

WELCOME!

…to Bekki and Jason Schofield and their two sons Brett and Zakkari. The Schofields live in Cornell. Bekki and Jason are active parents and active in their community. They started a flag football league and a pom group in their community for the youth. They have done a lot of respite and are familiar with treatment foster care as they have relatives already licensed with Family Works. Welcome to treatment foster care and Family Works!!!

…to Steve Morgan who was licensed with Family Works during this past summer! Mr. Morgan provided emergency respite and completed a child specific license to provide care for a teen boy, who was discharging from another Family Works home. Mr. Morgan had been involved with this child since he was a boy and he believes that he will provide him the opportunity to experience life to the fullest as a friend, a mentor and a parent. Mr. Morgan and his fiancé, Jennifer, are active members of the Milwaukee Cluster and very eager to learn and use a trauma informed care parenting approach. We look forward to working together with this family!

CONGRATULATIONS!

…to Connie Koebke on her recent appointment as a member of the Mayo Regional TBI Advisory Council, which provides oversight to the Mayo Clinic Traumatic Brain Injury Model System. The Model System is one of only 16 in the country. The Mission Statement says…. The primary mission of the Mayo Clinic TBI Model System is (1) to study the course of long-term recovery after traumatic brain injury (TBI), and (2) to develop, provide and evaluate innovative services to address identified needs for service coordination and community reintegration for persons with TBI.
Jessica Mitchell would like to give recognition and thanks to Marie Hipsher for her outstanding work and dedication to helping the two children in her home return to their mother successfully. She has opened her home and her time to the biological mother in order to give mom an opportunity to have hands on training with the girls, especially in regard to the fragile medical needs of one of the children. Marie has invited mom into her home for the visits in order to help mom gain a better understanding of the children’s needs and schedules. Her willingness and dedication is remarkable and what she is doing for this whole family will impact their lives forever.

DEEPEST CONDOLENCES

…to the family of Jim Hanson, our northern-most foster parent, who passed away in November after a struggle with leukemia. The Hansons were licensed with us since 2003 and truly changed kids’ lives. Jim was well known for his generosity, resourcefulness and his dry sense of humor. He was very interested in genealogy and could rattle off family trees of most people he knew. Jim was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Superior, where he was the mascot for the UWS Yellow Jacket Hockey Team. For many years Jim was a social worker for Bayfield County and while there he most certainly made a positive impact on those he served. Our deepest condolences go out to Jim’s wife, Karla and his son, Kristopher and family. We are glad for the opportunity to have worked with Jim over the years. He will be dearly missed.

WELCOME!

…to Wayne and Wendy Jennings, who are newly licensed with our agency! The Jennings live in Osseo and have two children of their own. They are active in school, church and community events and are very family oriented. The Jennings will be fostering children of all ages and are open to adoption as well. The Jennings literally hit the ground running as they got their first placement, a sibling group, shortly after becoming licensed! Please help welcome Wayne, Wendy, Nichelle and Matthew!

…to Cynthia and Eddie Miller who are a resourceful addition to the Milwaukee Cluster! The couple has parented five children and has successfully raised three adult daughters who are all supportive of their parents’ decision to foster. Eddie and Cynthia have a zest for life and making this world a better place. Cynthia is a Head Start teacher and also brings that knowledge base to foster care. Eddie works part time completing handy-man jobs and plans to be available full time to work with children placed in their home. The Miller family has strong family, faith, and community supports, and they are especially excited for their first placement.

CONGRATULATIONS!

…to Dominic, an 8th grader at the Stanley foster home for earning the “Student of the Week” award!! The certificate reads, ” ‘Personal Success Award’ To succeed requires setting goals, hard work, and determination. We are proud to recognize and congratulate: Dominic” Yeah!! What an accomplishment!!

..to Lyn Ungrodt. Lyn became a grandma to a beautiful baby girl named Raina Lyn. Lyn’s son Jedd and his wife Heidi became proud parents on November 4th at 8:54 AM. Raina weighed in at 7lbs 12 oz and is 20 inches long. The whole family is doing great! Congrats Lyn on your first grandchild!

The Ungrodt Family - Lyn, Heidi, Raina & Jedd