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Are you interested in learning more? Register for orientation to learn more about foster care and the certification process.
Upcoming options:
Wednesday, June 18, 4:30 to 6 p.m., virtual via Microsoft Teams.
Wednesday, July 23, 4:30 to 6 p.m., virtual via Microsoft Teams.
 Have you already attended orientation? Register for pre-certification training by contacting your foster care coordinator or Kristy at deandakr@weldgov.com.
Upcoming pre-certification training options Complete one of the following cohorts to meet the 24 hours of training required for foster care certification.
August 2025 Cohort
Friday, Aug. 8, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (in person, Carbon Valley Lutheran Church, Firestone)
Saturday, Aug. 9, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (in person, Carbon Valley Lutheran Church, Firestone)
Wednesday, Aug. 13, 6 to 9 p.m. (virtual via Zoom)
Wednesday, Aug. 20, 6 to 9 p.m. (virtual via Zoom)
Note: The last session will be 4 hours of online training, on your own.
September 2025 Cohort
Tuesday, Sept. 2, 5 to 9 p.m. (in person, Zoe's Cafe, Greeley)
Thursday, Sept. 4, 6 to 9 p.m. (in person, Zoe's Cafe, Greeley)
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 6 to 9 p.m. (Zoom)
Thursday, Sept. 11, 6 to 9 p.m. (Zoom)
Tuesday, Sept. 16, 6 to 9 p.m. (Zoom)
Thursday, Sept. 18, 5 to 9 p.m. (in person, Zoe's Cafe, Greeley)
Note: The last session will be 4 hours of online training, on your own.
Consider becoming a therapeutic
foster home
Anyone can become a therapeutic foster parent with the necessary experience and training. Therapeutic foster care certification requires an additional 12 hours of specialized training and bi-weekly visits from their support team. Contact Kelly Krause at krausekc@weld.gov for more information.
Kim and Peter Serna (pictured here) are a recent Weld County therapeutic foster family.
"We decided to try therapeutic foster care specifically for the foster child getting placed in our home. There are more resources for the child and more resources for us. So far it has been a win/win!" -Kim Serna
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Plan structured time this summer (Part 2)
Check out Part 1 in May's newsletter!
Last month, we covered reasons for planning structure into your summer. Kids in foster care particularly benefit from structure with some opportunities for flexibility and “off days.” Make sure you also schedule some downtime for yourself! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Create a summer activity schedule with themes like Make-It Monday (crafts), Water Wednesday (sprinklers, pool), Field Trip Friday (local parks, hikes, geocaching, museums, libraries).
- Schedule daily unplugged hours when everyone puts their phones away (including adults).
- Have your kids plan a week’s worth of activities.
- Let kids earn screen time by completing tasks (like a summer chore/reward chart).
- Help them learn a new skill like photography, gardening, knitting, cooking a new recipe of their choice, or even car basics.
- Schedule some no-tech events like movie nights with popcorn or game nights.
- Encourage kids to join a summer reading program through the library or create your own program with a point system and small rewards.
- Check out your city’s events calendar for festivals, free movie nights, concerts. See some local summer events below!
- Check with your local school or parks and rec for sports clinics, swimming lessons, crafting opportunities.
- Let your kids plan a camping trip or set up a fun campsite in your back yard for relaxing.
- Make sure you schedule some guilt-free time just for you when kids are napping, reading, or asleep.
- Meet a friend, or attend a support group or therapy appointment so you can talk with people who can listen without judgment.
Foster and Kinship Family Appreciation
Join Weld County for a summer appreciation event. There will be swimming, mini golf, food and fun!
When: Saturday, June 14, 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Family FunPlex (1501 65th Ave., Greeley)
Please RSVP with the number of kids and adults attending to your foster or kinship worker by Tuesday, June 10.
Weld County Child Welfare Reunification Celebration
Join us to celebrate reunification superheroes who are working hard to keep families together. Pull out your capes and masks! Best superhero costume wins a prize. Food and games provided.
RSVP to Sara Kramer by phone, text or email: (970) 590-5317or skramer@weld.gov.
When: Wednesday, June 18, 4 to 6 p.m.
Where: LINC Library (501 8th Ave., Greeley)
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Weld County Foster, Adoption, and Kinship
Support Group
When: Third Thursday of the month, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Upcoming dates: June 19, July 17, Aug. 21
Where: Department of Human Services (315 N. 11th Ave., Building A, Greeley)
Join us to connect with other foster parents, kinship caregivers, adoptive parents, childcare providers, and family childcare (FCC) home providers to share parenting strategies, successes and struggles with those who can relate! We focus on support around parenting and caregiving issues using a nationally recognized, research-based framework for keeping children safe and families strong. Dinner and childcare are provided.
Register for an upcoming Foster, Adoption and Kinship Support Group.
Be the Source (formerly Foster Source) Workshop
When Love Feels Hard: Understanding and Overcoming Blocked Care
This eye-opening virtual session will explore Blocked Care, a common and reversible state where a caregiver’s brain shifts out of connection mode and into protection. Whether you’re a parent, relative caregiver, or professional supporting families, this session will leave you equipped and encouraged to take the next steps toward healing — starting with yourself.
When: Saturday, June 28, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Note: Two training hours will be earned. Live Spanish interpretation is included.
City Lights Parent’s Night Out
Mark your calendar for the annual City Lights Parent’s Night Out.
When: Saturday, Aug 9, 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: City Lights Church (7251 W. 4th St., Greeley)
More information coming soon!
Local Summer Fun Ideas
Greeley Summer Concert Series
This annual family-friendly concert series is a crowd pleaser. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic, spread out a blanket, set up a lawn chair and relax during an evening of exceptional local music.
When: Thursdays, June 19 through August 7, 7 to 8 p.m.
Where: Family FunPlex Outdoor Amphitheater (1501 65th Ave., Greeley)
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Johnstown Movies in the Park
Have a fun night out with the family while watching a movie and enjoying delicious food trucks. Make sure to bring your own blankets and chairs to comfortably enjoy a movie under the stars.
Movies begin at dusk, but make sure to come early to grab a spot and some food.
- June 20 - Thompson River Ranch HOA Park
- July 18 - Lake Park
- August 8 - Rolling Hills Ranch
Thompson Rivers Family Swim Night
It’s time for the family swim night summer kick off party! Bring the whole family for an evening packed with family and kid games, inflatables, music, cool treat and more. Fee is $15 and includes admission for one same household family, a slice of pizza and drink, and a cool treat! Sign up at the Thompson Rivers Parks and Recreation website.
When: Friday, June 13, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Milliken Waterworks Pool (112 S. Centennial Dr., Milliken)
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Teen Swim Night
This event is for 6th through 12th graders. Inflatables and pizza are provided.
When: Friday, June 27 and July 25, 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Milliken Waterworks Pool (112 S. Centennial Dr., Milliken)
Note: Registration is not required; just pay $2 at the door. Sign-in sheet with emergency contact will be required.
Town of Windsor Summer Concert Series
The series showcases diverse musical acts, including local bands, solo artists and occasionally, headlining national performers. Genres range from rock to country, offering something for everyone. Bring your lawn chair and picnic blankets. Food trucks and other vendors will be on-site. Additional activities like face painting and cornhole will also be available.
When: Thursdays, June 12 through Aug. 21, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Boardwalk Community Park (100 N. 5th St., Windsor)
Referral Incentives
Foster parents are the best recruiters! Weld County foster parents can refer a family, up to five per calendar year, and receive $100 upon placement. The referred family must name you at inquiry or by their orientation. Have your friends and family visit www.weldgov.com/go/fostercare for more information and to register for orientation.
Donations
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Weld County is proud to partner with Realities for Children, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, to collect monetary and item donations for our children and teens in foster care. Your gift provides emergency funding to Weld County youth who have been abused, neglected or are at-risk. All donations are tax deductible, and 100% of your donation goes directly to help our children and teens in foster care.
Visit the Weld County website for more information.
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