This website would look a lot better in a browser that supported Web Standards

Family Connections of Southwest Wisconsin

Skip to Content

Family Resource Services

Family Connections is a place where people can gather to share information and ideas about parenting and providing care for children. It’s a place to find a caring friend, a helping hand or a listening ear. While Family Connections staff believes there is no one right way to parent, all families can benefit from parenting information and support. Families and providers who participate in Center activities will have the opportunity to:

  • Learn effective discipline techniques
  • Improve family relationships
  • Lean how to communicate with their children
  • Develop stress management skills
  • Learn what to expect as their children grow
  • Connect and share with other parents

Family Connections family resource services are provided free-of-charge to all families living in Southwest Wisconsin. On-site child care is available for all family resource activities. Please call in advance to register for programs: 1-800-267-1018 or 608-723-3400

For a schedule of when these activities or programs are being offered, please see the calendar.

Parenting/Provider Classes

Parent/Provider Education Classes are offered on a regular basis at Family Connections. Parent/Provider Ed. Classes offer information on parenting skills, child development, behavioral management, and various other issues related to raising and caring for young children. Generally these classes range from 4-8 weeks in length.

Workshops

These individual discussion sessions are offered several times per month and give parents/providers an opportunity to learn about a variety of topics.

New Baby Visits

The first few weeks of parenthood are full of emotional highs and lows and can be a very stressful time. Parents and staff working together can seek answers to parent’s questions through a hospital visit, or in-home visiting.

Family Literacy

Opportunity to earn your GED or HSED, work on computer skills, enhance your employability portfolio, or learn English. Family Time activities included.

Family Visiting

The changes experienced by parents of young children can be very challenging. Parents and staff work together during one-on-one visits to find positive options, and offer support for handling the joys and concerns of being a parent.

Family Playtime

These programs offer a regular opportunity for parents and their children to enjoy songs, stories, outings, and play together.

  • Indoor Fun- Tuesdays from 4:00-6:00 pm at Platteville Center (see calendar for possible changes)
  • Playtime:
    • Tuesdays 9:30-11:00 am at Lancaster Center
    • Wednesdays 9:00 – 12:00 noon at Boscobel Public Library
    • Thursdays 9:300-11:00 am at Platteville Center
  • Tot Time-Wednesdays 9:00-10:15 am at Platteville Center, (ages 2 & under)

Family Events

During each season of the year, staff and families go on at least one special outing to visit a new attraction, have a picnic, join in a special activity or just spend time together.

Parent/Provider Lending Library

Toys, theme tubs, equipment, and parenting/provider resources are available for loan at Family Connections. Parents and Providers can choose among the wide range of books, articles and videos/DVDs for themselves, and for their children. We have tons of toys and equipment that is age appropriate for the age and development of your child. Great for Grandparents too! View the Resource Library Catalog.

Respite

Supports Families by giving them a break from the stresses of parenting.
Call 1-800-267-1018 or E-mail kathyw@familyconnectionsswwi.org for more information.

Support/Discussion Groups

Family connections offers ongoing groups for parents and other interested groups each month or on a quarterly basis. Please see calendar for dates and times.

Warmline

Our telephone Warmline is your link to a friendly voice who can offer and empathetic ear, non-emergency parenting information, and resource/referral services to other organizations. The Warmline is available during Family Connections hours, or leave a message and we’ll get back to you. Toll Free 1-800-267-1018.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are important to every component of our programs and services. Parents and others who have participated in activities and programs are encouraged to volunteer their time and expertise. Some of the volunteer opportunities include:

  • Parent to Parent Volunteer
  • Child Care during Programs
  • Co-facilitator of Group Activities
  • Library and/or Office Assistant
  • Activities Leader
  • Parent Avisory Member
  • Provide Transportation