2008

Time:	All day event
Summary:	New Year's Day
Description:	January 1

Time:	12:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Location:	2320 N. 20th St. Phx., Az. 85006
Summary:	Independent Living Seminar

Time:	1:30 AM - 3:00 AM
Location:	2320 N. 20th St. Phx. 85006
Summary:	Adoption or Guardianship: What’s the Difference?
Description:	This 90 minute training is designed to help families make informed decisions when considering the possibility of adoption or permanent guardianship. Child care and a meal will be provided at this training! To register please call Corina Aguilar at 602-863-0799 x190.

Time:	4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location:	Lodestar Family Connection Center located @ 2320 N. 20th St. Phoenix, Az. Training Room A
Summary:	Foster Parent Support Group
Description:	This is an ongoing parent support group for foster parents. Child care will be provided.

Time:	1:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Location:	2320 N. 20th St. Phx 85006
Summary:	What Is It Like To Be a Foster Child with Shannon Clayton
Description:	While we have all received training on the realities of being a foster child, nothing can get us closer to understanding than listening to someone who has experienced it themselves. Shannon Clayton will be here to share her story of being in foster care and offer her recommendations to the families who have foster children in their homes. Registration is required. Please call Mike at 602-930-4451 or email mweddle@lodestarfcc.org to register.

Time:	1:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Location:	2320 N. 20th St Phx 85006
Summary:	Meet Arizona’s Children- Adoption
Description:	The Lodestar Family Connections Center is partnering with DES to offer Meet Arizona's Children. This is an opportunity for foster families to get involved in the placement process at an earlier stage. Families that attend will see video presentations of children who are currently looking for placement and case managers or caregivers are there to answer your questions. Families can then fill out a form so that the child's case manager is notified directly that they are interested in more information or potentially taking placement of that child. The children presented will have current placement in a group home or shelter and DES is looking for a foster home. These children all still have a case plan of reunification, and are not legally free for adoption. If you are a licensed foster parent with room for a child or children in your home, then please call Mike at 602-930-4451 or email mweddle@lodestarfcc.org to register to attend. Limited child care will be available! Registration is required and space is limited so call soon!

Time:	12:45 AM - 3:00 AM
Location:	2320 N. 20th St. Phx 85006
Summary:	Stepping Stones- Post Placement Workshop Series: For Parents of children 6 – tweens.
Description:	This group is specially designed for families that have recently (in the past year) taken placement of a child through adoption, foster care, kinship, or guardianship. Topics include: Child development, Grief & Loss, Attachment, & Discipline. There is no cost to the family and dinner and childcare (for children 7 and younger) are provided. There is a parent group and a youth group (for children 8 and older). We request that families attend all four sessions which will be every Wednesday from January 16th through February 6th. Families will earn 9 hours of advanced training for completing the series. Registration is required. For additional information/registration, please contact Salvador Pastrana at 602-930-4443.

Time:	9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Location:	Lodestar Family Connection Center located @ 2320 N. 20th St. Phoenix, Az. Training Room A
Summary:	Adoptive Parent Support Group
Description:	This is an ongoing parent support group for parents who have adopted older children. Registration is required. Contact Salvador at 602-930-4443.

Time:	All day event
Summary:	Martin Luther King Jr.
Description:	3rd Monday of January

Time:	1:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Location:	2320 N. 20th St Phx 85006
Summary:	Creating a Life Book for your child, Instructor: Celeste Soong-Tang
Description:	A lifebook is a treasure for any child, but especially for children who are adopted or in foster care. It is a tool to help a child know they are special, but that in many ways they are very much like their friends or classmates. A lifebook will help them build their self-esteem, self-awareness and prepare them for their future, whatever that may be. If you have the desire to create a lifebook for a child in your home but don't know where to start you will have the opportunity to start this treasured project on January 28, 2008 from 6pm - 8pm. $35 materials fee will include a small album and supplies needed to start a lifebook. Bring 24-36 photos of your child. These photos will help tell your child's life story. They might include a photo of your child, activities your child has been involved in, your child with their friends or pets, their family, their neighborhood or their favorite things. You may even bring copies (they must be a maximum size of 4.5"x6.5") of a birth certificate, adoption papers, or other important documents. Please include your email address when registering for this class so that we may send you further instructions. Please call Mike @ 602-930-4451 or email mweddle@lodestarfcc.org to register.

Time:	All day event
Summary:	Groundhog Day
Description:	February 2

Time:	1:00 AM - 5:00 AM
Location:	Lodestar Family Connection Center located @ 2320 N. 20th St. Phoenix, Az. Training Room A
Summary:	Understanding Special Education: Presented by Lynn Davis, Special Education Professional
Description:	Here is your opportunity to speak to a special education professional about the frustrations of navigating the education system. Lynn has over twenty years of experience as a special education teacher in a Phoenix School District as well as a special education instructor for Arizona State University in their College of Education. Lynn is the mother of a special education student as well. The majority of this session will be devoted to your questions. Lynn works very closely with class room teachers and is planning on bringing one of her colleagues with her to the session to present another perspective. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge of the educational system. Please contact Mike @ 602-930-4451 or email mweddle@lodestarfcc.org to register.

Time:	All day event
Summary:	Lincoln's Birthday
Description:	February 12

Time:	1:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Location:	Lodestar Family Connection Center located @ 2320 N. 20th St. Phoenix, Az. Training Room A
Summary:	Meet Arizona’s Children- Foster Care
Description:	The Lodestar Family Connections Center is partnering with DES to offer Meet Arizona's Children. This is an opportunity for foster families to get involved in the placement process at an earlier stage. Families that attend will see video presentations of children who are currently looking for placement and case managers or caregivers are there to answer your questions. Families can then fill out a form so that the child's case manager is notified directly that they are interested in more information or potentially taking placement of that child. The children presented will have current placement in a group home or shelter and DES is looking for a foster home. These children all still have a case plan of reunification, and are not legally free for adoption. If you are a licensed foster parent with room for a child or children in your home, then please call Mike at 602-930-4451 or email mweddle@lodestarfcc.org to register to attend. Limited child care will be available! Registration is required and space is limited so call soon!

Time:	All day event
Summary:	Valentine's Day
Description:	February 14

Time:	9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Location:	2320 N. 20th St, Phx, Az, 85006
Summary:	Adoptive Parent Support Group
Description:	This is an ongoing parent support group for parents who have adopted older children. Registration is required. Contact Salvador at 602-930-4443.

Time:	All day event
Summary:	President's Day
Description:	3rd Monday of February

Time:	4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location:	2320 N. 20th St. Phx Az. 85006
Summary:	Foster Parent Support Group
Description:	This is an ongoing parent support group for foster parents. Child care will be provided.

Time:	1:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Location:	2320 N. 20th St. Phx., Az., 85006
Summary:	Positive Behavior Support
Description:	Approaches and proceedures that help families and caregivers pursue realistic behavioral expectations. Registration is required. Please contact Mike at 602-930-4451 mweddle@aask-az.org to register.

Time:	All day event
Summary:	Washington's Birthday
Description:	February 22

Time:	1:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Location:	2320 N. 20th St Phx, Az, 85006
Summary:	AZAFAP Town Hall- Legal Issues in Foster Care and Adoption
Description:	Presented by Bill Owsley, Dependency Division Chief Office of the Legal Advocate. Discover the legal process for foster care and adoption in Arizona and how you can be the best advocate for your foster and adoptive children in the legal process. This event is sponsored by the Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents. Please email Russ Funk at rfunk_395@cox.net with questions regarding this event.

Time:	1:30 AM - 4:00 AM
Location:	2320 N. 20th St. Phx., Az., 85006
Summary:	ADHD and Attachment with Dr. Texidor
Description:	During this presentation Dr. Texidor will review the ADHD literature and how early childhood trauma results in developmental deficits that are likely to be manifested as symptoms of ADHD. Registration is required. Please call Mike to register at 602-930-4451 or email @ mweddle@aask-az.org.

Time:	7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location:	2320 N. 20th St. Phx, Az, 85006
Summary:	African-American Skin and Hair Care
Description:	Many foster and adoptive parents will care for an African-American or Biracial child and have no idea about the specialized care needed for their child’s hair and skin. Join Kiara Howerzyl, adoptive mother and co-founder of the Arizona Transracial Adoptive Families Support and Playgroup, as she shares what she has learned. Kiara will discuss everything from basics of washing and conditioning and common skin conditions, to hair and skin products, and hair styling. Registration is required. Please contact Mike @ 602-930-4451 or email mweddle@aask-az.org to register.

Time:	1:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Location:	2320 N. 20th St. Phx, Az, 85006
Summary:	Meet Arizona’s Children- Foster Care
Description:	The Lodestar Family Connections Center is partnering with DES to offer Meet Arizona's Children. This is an opportunity for foster families to get involved in the placement process at an earlier stage. Families that attend will see video presentations of children who are currently looking for placement and case managers or caregivers are there to answer your questions. Families can then fill out a form so that the child's case manager is notified directly that they are interested in more information or potentially taking placement of that child. The children presented will have current placement in a group home or shelter and DES is looking for a foster home. These children all still have a case plan of reunification, and are not legally free for adoption. If you are a licensed foster parent with room for a child or children in your home, then Please contact Mike @ 602-930-4451 or email mweddle@aask-az.org to register. Limited child care will be available! Registration is required and space is limited so call soon!

Time:	9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Summary:	Adoptive Parent Support Group
Description:	This is an ongoing parent support group for parents who have adopted older children. Registration is required. Contact Salvador at 602-930-4443.

Time:	All day event
Summary:	St. Patrick's Day
Description:	March 17

Time:	4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location:	2320 N. 20th St. Phx. Az. 85006
Summary:	Foster Parent Support Group
Description:	This is an ongoing parent support group for foster parents. Child care will be provided. For our March support group on 3/17/08. We will be having Judge Willett from family court as a guest speaker. She has requested a list of questions that families would like answered to prepare her session with us. We would like advance RSVP so we know how many we will need room for. Please RSVP to Betsy Allen @ 602-930-4446 or Katrina Haynes @ 602-930-4610

Time:	7:30 PM - 12:00 AM Sunday, March 30
Location:	Lodestar Family Connection Center located @ 2320 N. 20th St. Phoenix, Az.
Summary:	TEEN DAY!!! A Conference Just for Teens!
Description:	We will be offering a day especially for foster and adopted teens! There will be two sessions of classes and activities and lots of fun! The day will end in a pizza party for all participants. Registration will be limited and on a first come first served basis. Registration information will be included in the February news letter.

Time:	All day event
Summary:	April Fools Day
Description:	April 1

Time:	All day event
Summary:	Daylight Savings +1 hr
Description:	1st Sunday of April

Time:	1:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Location:	2320 N. 20th St. Phx. Az. 85006
Summary:	Meet Arizona's Children Adoption
Description:	The Lodestar Family Connections Center is partnering with DES to offer Meet Arizona's Children. This is an opportunity for adoptive families to get involved in the placement process at an earlier stage. Families that attend will see video presentations of children who are currently looking for placement and case managers or caregivers are there to answer your questions. Families can then fill out a form so that the child's case manager is notified directly that they are interested in more information or potentially taking placement of that child. The children presented will have current placement in a group home or shelter and DES is looking for an adoptive home. These children are legally free for adoption. If you are a licensed adoptive parent with room for a child or children in your home, then Please contact Mike @ 602-930-4451 or email mweddle@aask-az.org to register. Limited child care will be available! Registration is required and space is limited so call soon!

Time:	1:30 AM - 4:00 AM
Location:	2320 N. 20th St. Phx. Az. 85006
Summary:	Dr. Texidor- Neurofeedback and Attachment
Description:	Dr. Texidor will educate participants on how their child's brain develops, particularly how this development is interrupted by various forms of trauma. This training will help parents understand the interplay of neurodevelopment and attachment, and the role neurofeedback can play. Snacks and beverages will be served. Registration is required. Please contact Mike @ 602-930-4451 or email mweddle@aask-az.org to register.

Time:	9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Location:	2320 N. 20th St. Phx, az. 85006
Summary:	Adoptive Parent Support Group
Description:	This is an ongoing parent support group for parents who have adopted older children. Registration is required. Contact Salvador at 602-930-4443.

Time:	4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location:	2320 N. 20th St. Phoenix, Az. Training Room A
Summary:	Foster Parent Support Group
Description:	This is an ongoing parent support group for foster parents. Child care will be provided.

Time:	All day event
Summary:	Secretaries Day
Description:	Wednesday of last full week in April

Time:	1:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Location:	2320 N. 20th St. Phx, Az. 85006
Summary:	The Great Divide: Mediating between biological and foster/adoptive children
Description:	This session will address the conflicts between Foster/Adoptive Children and Biological children by utilizing role play, experiential activities, power point, and handouts. We will explore the following I. Child “ownership”/sorting out parent roles II. “What’s best for the children”- loyalty conflict in children. III. The Child’s Role as a Child. IV. Being in control, being out of control. V. ”Express Yourself”- Assertive, Passive, and Aggressive Styles. VI. Communication and Conflict Resolution. VII. Nurturing our own needs as Parents. VIII. Benefits of Parental Partnership. Snacks and beverages will be served. Registration is required. Please contact Mike @ 602-930-4451 or email mweddle@aask-az.org to register. LIMITED CHILD CARE (Ages 0-11) WILL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE First come first serve: reserve your spot early

Time:	1:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Location:	2320 N. 20th St. Phx, Az. 85006
Summary:	Coping with an Angry Child: Facilitated by: Latonya Whitaker, MSW, LCSW
Description:	Objective: To provide foster parents and adoptive parents information along with practical techniques to manage anger while developing an inclusive relationship with the child. Segments of the training include: I. Coping with the Angry Child, II. Responding to the Angry Child, III. Techniques, IV. Behavior Responsibility/Consequences V. Questions and Answers  Snacks and beverages will be served. Registration is required. Please contact Mike @ 602-930-4451 or email mweddle@aask-az.org to register. LIMITED CHILD CARE(Ages 0-11) WILL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE First come first serve: reserve your spot early

Time:	1:30 AM - 3:00 AM
Location:	2320 N. 20th St. Phx Az 85006
Summary:	Adoption or Guardianship: What’s the Difference?
Description:	This 90 minute training is designed to help families make informed decisions when considering the possibility of adoption or permanent guardianship. Child care and a meal will be provided at this training! To register please call Corina Aguilar at 602-863-0799 x190.

Time:	All day event
Summary:	Mother's Day
Description:	2nd Sunday of May

Time:	1:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Location:	2320 N. 20th St. Phx Az. 85006
Summary:	Meet Arizona’s Children- Foster Care
Description:	The Lodestar Family Connections Center is partnering with DES to offer Meet Arizona's Children. This is an opportunity for foster families to get involved in the placement process at an earlier stage. Families that attend will see video presentations of children who are currently looking for placement and case managers or caregivers are there to answer your questions. Families can then fill out a form so that the child's case manager is notified directly that they are interested in more information or potentially taking placement of that child. The children presented will have current placement in a group home or shelter and DES is looking for a foster home. These children all still have a case plan of reunification, and are not legally free for adoption. If you are a licensed foster parent with room for a child or children in your home, then Please contact Mike @ 602-930-4451 or email mweddle@aask-az.org to register. Limited child care will be available! Registration is required and space is limited so call soon! Snacks and beverages will be served.

Time:	All day event
Summary:	Armed Forces Day
Description:	3rd Saturday of May

Time:	1:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Location:	2320 N. 20th St. Phx, Az. 85006
Summary:	Loving-Touch Parent-Child Massage Training: Karen S. Gillian, LMT, CIMI, CPST
Description:	Karen S. Gillian, LMT, CIMI, CPST is a licensed Massage Therapist and certified instructor of infant massage, in addition to a foster/adoptive parent of six. In this hands-on training, parents will learn the techniques of infant/child massage for their children. Karen will teach the physical benefits of massage, including strengthening of digestive, circulatory and gastrointestinal systems, reduced discomfort from teething, gas or colic, increased circulation and respiration, increased mid-line orientation and increased vocalization. Karen will also include the emotional/psychological benefits including increased bond, relaxation of both parent and child, increased self-esteem for parent and child, and increased ability for the parent to read their child's cues. Karen will address special needs issues, positive vs. negative touch, and protocol for using massage. Please bring your infant/child and a small blanket as this is a hands-on class. Snacks and beverages will be served. Registration is required. Please contact Mike @ 602-930-4451 or email mweddle@aask-az.org to register.

Time:	1:30 AM - 4:00 AM
Location:	2320 N. 20th St. Phx Az. 85006
Summary:	Dr. Texidor- PTSD and Attachment
Description:	Dr Texidor will be Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD as it relates to neurodevelopmental stages in the developing brain and attachment. He will also discuss its impact on cognitive function, memory and attention. . Snacks and beverages will be served. Registration is required. Please contact Mike @ 602-930-4451 or email mweddle@aask-az.org to register.

Time:	All day event
Summary:	Memorial Day
Description:	Last Monday of May

Time:	All day event
Summary:	Flag Day
Description:	June 14

Time:	All day event
Summary:	Father's Day
Description:	3rd Sunday of June

Time:	All day event
Summary:	Independence Day
Description:	July 4

Time:	All day event
Summary:	Labor Day
Description:	1st Monday of September

Time:	All day event
Summary:	Grandparent's Day
Description:	First Sunday after Labor Day

Time:	1:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Location:	Lodestar Family Connection Center Training rooms A and B
Summary:	Todos los Ninos, El Apego ( Attachment in spanish)

Time:	All day event
Summary:	Columbus Day
Description:	2nd Monday of October

Time:	1:00 AM - 3:30 AM
Location:	Lodestar Family Connections Center, Training rooms A and B
Summary:	Meet Arizona's Children (Adoption)

Time:	1:00 AM - 3:30 AM
Location:	Lodestar Family Connections Center, Training rooms A and B
Summary:	Working with Children From Families Where there is Domestic Violence

Time:	9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Location:	Lodestar Family Connections Center, Training rooms A and B
Summary:	Adoptive Support Group

Time:	1:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Location:	Lodestar Family Connections Center, Training rooms A and B
Summary:	Foster Parent Support Group

Time:	12:45 AM - 3:00 AM
Location:	Lodestar Family Connections Center, Training room A and B
Summary:	Stepping Stones Post Placement Support Group

Time:	12:30 AM - 3:00 AM
Location:	Lodestar Training Room B
Summary:	Special Friends Training

Time:	All day event
Summary:	Daylight Savings -1 hr
Description:	Last Sunday of October

Time:	12:30 AM - 3:00 AM
Location:	Lodestar Training Room A
Summary:	Arizona Foster Care Alumni Association

Time:	12:45 AM - 3:00 AM
Location:	Lodestar Family Connections Center, Training room A and B
Summary:	Stepping Stones Post Placement Support Group

Time:	All day event
Summary:	Halloween
Description:	October 31

Time:	All day event
Summary:	Election Day
Description:	Tuesday after 1st Monday in November

Time:	All day event
Summary:	Veteran's Day
Description:	November 11

Time:	All day event
Summary:	Thanksgiving
Description:	4th Thursday of November

Time:	1:30 AM - 3:30 AM
Location:	Lodestar Center Training Room A
Summary:	Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Attachment (Alberto Texidor, Ph.D.)

Time:	All day event
Summary:	New Year's Eve
Description:	December 31