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.
Baton Rouge Connect Group for Foster, Adoptive, or Kinship Caregivers in the Greater Baton Rouge Region
The Baton Rouge Connect Group meets on the first Thursday of every month, 6:00 – 8:00pm, at CrossPoint Baptist Church, 14965 Airline Highway, Baton Rouge, LA, 70817.
Group Details: Baton Rouge Connect Groups are open to any foster, adoptive, or kinship caregivers in the Greater Baton Rouge Region that want support from and connection with other caregivers on a similar journey. This is an open group – new members are welcome at any time! Snacks and refreshments are provided. However, there is currently no childcare provided for this group.
Register for the Baton Rouge Connect Group here:* Baton Rouge Connect Group Registration
*Registration is not mandatory; however, it is encouraged that you register and select the date you plan to attend. This helps us prepare to bring the best support possible.
Baton Rouge Connect Group Facilitator: Hannah Beth Nielsen, MSW, CSW
I grew up as a biological child in a foster family, which gives me a unique perspective on the experiences of both children and parents in foster care. Along with my personal experience, I also bring professional knowledge, holding a master’s degree in social work. However, I don’t have all the answers when it comes to foster care, adoption, or kinship care. What I do have is a willingness to walk alongside you, offer my support, and learn with you throughout your journey.
This group is a space for caregivers to come together, share support, and connect with others who understand the journey. Foster care, adoption, and kinship care are not paths that should be walked alone. Join us for Connect Group to discover how you can be supported, learn about available resources in our area, and build relationships with other caregivers who may be facing similar challenges. Questions? Email me at hbnielsen@lbch.org
Alexandria Region Connect Group for Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship Caregivers
The Alexandria Connect Group meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 5:30 – 7:00pm, at Kingsville Baptist Church, 3911 Monroe Hwy, Ball, LA, 71405.
Group Details: Alexandria 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! Dinner is provided for group attendees. However, there is currently no childcare provided for this group.
Register for the Alexandria Connect Group here*: Alexandria Connect Group Registration
*Registration is required to ensure there is enough food for all who attend
Alexandria Connect Group Facilitator: Emily Williams, MSW, LMSW
I’m a licensed master social worker (LMSW) who serves as the Alexandria Region Foster Care & Adoption Specialist for Connect1Child. I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. Although I am not a foster parent myself or even a parent in general, I am here to facilitate lifelong connections between you and other foster, adoptive, and/or kinship parents who attend our connect group.
I want to build a safe space for you all to share each other’s joys and burdens. I’m even more excited to learn from each of you as we go through this journey together. I can’t wait to meet everyone! Questions? Email me at ewilliams@lbch.org
Monroe Region Connect Group for Kinship Caregivers
The Monroe Connect Group meets on the second Wednesday of each month, 6:00 – 7:30pm, at Victory Baptist Church, 740 Finks Hideaway Rd, Monroe, LA, 71203.
Group Details: Monroe Connect Groups are specifically designed to offer support and encouragement to kinship caregivers and those actively pursuing kinship caregiver certification. This is an open group – new members are welcome at any time! Victory Baptist Church offers a meal for attendees that begins at 5:15pm, providing an opportunity to enjoy a shared meal with others in the community. Children and youth are more than welcome to join in Wednesday night classes tailored to their age groups, ranging from pre-k through 12th grade.
Register for the Monroe Connect Group here*: Monroe Connect Group Registration
*While registration is not required, we kindly ask that you register for the specific dates you plan to attend to help us better prepare and serve you in the best way possible.
Monroe Connect Group Facilitator: Kamiron May, MSW, LMSW
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) who serves as the Foster Care & Adoption Specialist for Monroe Region. I am passionate about connecting kinship caregivers to a supportive community full of valuable resources, and I am excited to facilitate these monthly meetings for the Monroe Region, helping to foster connection and growth for those in need.
My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where participants can share their experiences, gain valuable insights, and receive guidance as they navigate the complexities of kinship care. Whether you are just beginning the certification process or are already well into it, this group is designed to connect you with others who understand the unique challenge and rewards of being a kinship caregiver. Together, we will walk alongside you, offering support and encouragement.
Come as you are. In the Monroe Region Kinship Connect Group, we strive to make sure everyone feels accepted, loved, and embraced by our community. Just as Christ welcomed all, regardless of where they were in life, we too open our arms to you with love and understanding. The Bible teaches us in Romans 15:7, “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Here, we seek to reflect that love and acceptance, creating a space where all feel welcome and supported in their journey. Questions? Email me at kamiron@lbch.org.
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.