Family Works Programs, Inc.

06/26/2026

We had two famous Family Works alumni visit this month.
We gave them an assignment to spread the "word" about Family Works!

06/24/2026

Wednesday Wisdom:
Stop trying to calm the storm.

Calm yourself.

The storm will pass.

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06/22/2026

June's Deeper Dive:
When teens in foster care lie or steal, it’s not just intentional misbehavior, but is often a trauma response.

For some youth, lying and stealing were useful adaptions to ensure well-being and safety

🌿 Lying may have protected them from punishment, conflict, or harm
🌿 Stealing may have gotten them necessities they would otherwise not have
🌿 Adults they could trust to provide may not have been there

These behaviors do not disappear immediately in a new home!

What you’re seeing from them is:

🔆 Fear of severe consequences or rejection
🔆 Hypervigilance
🔆 Scarcity mindset
🔆 Testing if you’re a safe adult

How to best respond:

🫂 Stay calm, big reactions reinforce fear
🫂 Be curious, not accusatory
🫂 Separate the behavior from the child
🫂 Keep boundaries clear, consistent, and safe

06/21/2026

Happy Father's Day to all of our amazing dads!

06/19/2026

Today is Juneteenth. This holiday serves as a powerful reminder of the continued struggle for racial equity and social justice in our country. Check out this article by Parade magazine to learn how you can celebrate and make a difference.

How to celebrate Juneteenth at work, at home and in your community.

06/18/2026

Looking for ways to incentivize your child's summer reading?
Read on!

Almost two dozen stores, sports teams, and organizations offer free summer reading programs for kids with some really cool rewards!

06/17/2026

Family Works wishes to extend a huge thank you to the Widen Family Foundation for their grant that allowed our foster families and staff to go to the Kalahari water park yesterday! Their generosity made for many smiles, happy memories and an amazing day!

06/15/2026

Courtesy of one of our wonderful foster parents, Vanessa!

06/12/2026

Family Works is sending out a big congratulations to all of our graduates!

F.W. Social Worker Erika was able to attend C's graduation this week along with several of C's family members/supporters. Erika shared, "Moments like today are a powerful reminder of why all the hard work is worth it. Seeing the joy, love, and connections being restored makes every challenge along the way worthwhile."

06/11/2026

Thank you to JavaAbilities, who has graciously agreed to partner with Family Works for the next month to raise awareness for the need of foster parents.

Come visit this fun and inclusive coffee shop in Monona. Pay close attention to the great F.W. coffee sleeves as the JavaAbilities' team works on their mission of "empowering lives one cup at a time!"