Connect Groups provide a supportive space for foster and adoptive parents to build relationships, offer advice, and share the unique journey together. Each Connect Group is hosted at a local church and is facilitated by a Connect1Child Foster Care & Adoption Specialist, all of whom are licensed, master's level social workers. Connect Groups combine a faith-based curriculum with open discussion and time for connection. While all Connect Groups follow the same general format, the details vary according to location. Discover more about each Connect Group below.

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Lafayette Region Connect Group for Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship Caregivers

The Lafayette Connect Group meets on the last Wednesday of each month, at First Baptist Church Lafayette 1100 Lee Ave, Lafayette, LA 70501. Connect Groups will be held from 6:00-7:30pm.

Group Details: Lafayette Connect Groups are open to foster and adoptive parents, as well as kinship caregivers. This is an open group – new members are welcome at any time! FBC Lafayette offers childcare and activities for all ages on Wednesday nights, including nursery care, kids’ ministry classes, and student programs. FBC Lafayette will also provide dinner for all group attendees from 5:00 to 5:45 PM. If you and your family plan to join us for dinner, please let us know so we can ensure all attendees and children receive a meal ticket. We are excited to announce that Connect Group has also been approved for training hours.

Register for the Lafayette Connect Group here*: Lafayette Connect Group Registration
*Registration is required to ensure there is enough food for all who attend

Lafayette Connect Group Facilitator: Cassidy Armstrong, MSW, LMSW

I am a licensed master social worker (LMSW) who serves as the Lafayette Region Foster Care & Adoption Specialist for Connect1Child. Connect Group are a great way to gain practical tools, to have a safe place to process both the highs and lows, and to build meaningful community. Fostering and adopting are beautiful yet challenging journeys, but they do not have to be lonely. Together, in our unique journeys, we will learn from and encourage one another, utilizing a faith-based curriculum that will guide, equip, empower, and connect us as we meet each month. My hope is that Connect Group will be a space that connects you with the Truth, the resources, and the support needed to sustain you in your “yes.” I am honored and excited to walk alongside you in your journey! Questions? Email me at carmstrong@lbch.org

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Shreveport Region Connect Group for Generally Certified Foster Parents

The Shreveport Connect Group meets on the last Wednesday of every month, 5:45 – 7:15pm, at Broadmoor Baptist Church, 4110 Youree Drive, Shreveport, LA, 71105.

Group Details: Shreveport Connect Groups are open to generally certified foster parents. This is an open group – new members are welcome at any time! Snacks and refreshments are provided for group members. Childcare is provided by Broadmoor Children’s and Youth Ministries by registration only! Dinner is also provided for children and youth.

Register for the Shreveport Connect Group here*: Shreveport Connect Group Registration
*Registration is mandatory if childcare is needed (must register one day prior to Connect Group)

Shreveport Connect Group Facilitator: Abigail Meza, MSW, LMSW

I am a Licensed Master Social Worker with internship experience at the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). While I don’t have all the answers about foster care, I’m here to listen, learn, and offer encouragement to those navigating this important journey.

My hope is that Shreveport Connect Groups provide support and allow space for foster parents to build relationships and share experiences in the foster parenting journey. Like most support groups, we will have some time for open discussion, but we will also have a faith-based curriculum that we will use to help guide that discussion time to ensure we stay focused on having productive and encouraging conversations. Questions? Email me at ameza@lbch.org.