National Foster Care Month: Learn How to Foster in Connecticut | Wednesday, May 27 at 6:30 PM ET

Wendy, 1 placements in, will share what it's really like.

Wednesday, May 27, 2026
6:30 PM – 7:15 PM EDT
Virtual (Zoom — link sent on next screen)
Free

Ready? Save your spot below ↓

About this session

May is National Foster Care Month — a time to raise awareness about the needs of children and youth in foster care and to recognize the families, professionals, mentors, and community members who help them find safety, stability, and connection. National Foster Care Month is a federal initiative led by the Children’s Bureau. This year’s theme is “Engaging Youth. Building Supports. Strengthening Opportunities.” Foster care is also receiving renewed attention at the federal level. In late 2025, the White House issued an executive order focused on strengthening opportunities for children, youth, and families connected to foster care, with emphasis on support systems, partnerships, and better pathways to long-term success for young people transitioning out of care. If you have ever wondered whether fostering could be right for you, this is a warm, practical, no-pressure session to learn more. You do not need to be ready to make any decision. Just come, listen, and ask questions. 🌟 In this one-hour session, you’ll learn: ✅ How to become a licensed foster parent in Connecticut ✅ What the training process looks like and when the next sessions begin ✅ What kinds of support and reimbursement are available ✅ How fostering may, in some cases, also lead to adoption ✅ What real families and professionals want you to know before you begin You’ll also have the chance to hear from experienced foster care voices and ask questions live. 💛 During National Foster Care Month, this is a meaningful time to learn how one caring adult and one steady home can make a real difference in a child’s life. Register today and we’ll send a text reminder with the Zoom link shortly before the session.

A letter from Wendy

Before my first placement, I was terrified. I kept waiting to feel ready. I never did. What I felt instead was that these kids had already survived things I hadn't, and they deserved someone who showed up anyway. That's what this is. If you've read this far, you're probably that person.

— Wendy

What happens in 45 minutes

First 10: Wendy tells you what the first placement really felt like.
Middle 25: A social worker walks through what the agency looks for, the training you'll get, and what therapeutic foster care actually means.
Last 10: Your questions. Anything is on the table.

Community Residences, Inc. is licensed and contracted by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families.

Most people qualify

You don't need to be married, own your home, or have raised kids before. You need stable housing, a car, and the time to show up. We'll walk through the rest together.

Your hosts

Stacy Kelsey

CRI Foster Care Team

Thank you for your interest in fostering. I have been employed in the foster care department for over two decades. In that time, I have seen many changes, but one thing has remained the same, the overwhelming need for supportive foster homes. We are looking for foster parents that possess patience, compassion and the desire to help those children who might be a bit more difficult to place because they are slightly older and many have endured a great deal of trauma. If you become a foster parent with Community Residences, Inc, you are joining a team of employees and fellow foster parents who are dedicated to helping some of Connecticut’s most vulnerable youth. Once you become a foster parent with us, you will get to know me much more as I am the person responsible for matching and placing foster children who I feel you are capable of helping reach their full potential. I look forward to meeting you!

Meliessa W. Pellerin

CRI Foster Care Team

I have been employed at Community Residences Inc. for 20 years. Over the 20 years, I have held various positions. My experience ranges from working directly with foster children and foster families as a foster care social worker to training families to prepare them to be successful as a Training and Re-Approval Specialist. I enjoy interacting with the families in the classes I teach and hearing about your success when you become foster parents. In the 20 years, I have worked in the foster care department, I have been lucky enough to have witnessed numerous graduations, adoptions, reunifications, and overall life success. As the saying goes, “It takes a Village.” It is not always easy, but it is so rewarding when you see children begin to reach their potential with the proper guidance. Thank you for showing up here. If you are interested in fostering children from 11 and above who might need extra support due to the difficult circumstances they have encountered in their young lives; those children who desperately need someone to see the potential within them when they don’t see it in themselves, I urge you to attend one of our virtual open houses to hear more. I hope you can join the CRI team on our mission of helping children and families heal. I look forward to meeting you and working with you as you begin your journey to becoming foster parents.