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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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

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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.