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Hundreds Gather at KVC’s Resource Family Conference for Training & Inspiration

More than 400 people joined us for the 2018 KVC Nebraska Resource Family Conference! Attendees included foster families who care for youth who have experienced abuse or neglect, Shared Living providers who care for individuals with disabilities, industry professionals, and the youth and clients we serve. The event was held at the Cornhusker Marriott in Lincoln, Nebraska from November 30 to December 1. For the first time, we were able to open the event to all Nebraska foster families and Shared Living providers as well as industry professionals, regardless of which agency sponsors them.

What is the KVC Resource Family Conference?

resource family conference

The Resource Family Conference (RFC) is a gathering of people who care about youth in foster care or individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. Families and industry professionals learn from inspiring experts, receive continuing education, and develop an invaluable support network of people who share their passion. For youth and clients in care, it’s a fun and rare time to be “spoiled” and make new friends. They are treated to a variety of fun, developmental age-specific events such as bowling, crafts, an indoor trampoline park, and many other planned activities.

The event kicked-off Friday evening for KVC resource families with a pasta dinner and carnival themed-event. The carnival gave time for youth, clients, and families to have a fun-filled evening together. There was a variety of activities such as games, bounce houses, a DJ, face painting, a balloon artist, a photo booth, lots of sweet treats, and prizes! Take a look at photos from the weekend event by visiting our Facebook page.

Resource Family Training and Keynote

resource family conferenceThis year, experts provided training on a variety of topics, such as: testing our own biases, gender diversity, brain architecture, trauma-informed care, and much more. Click here to read more about each breakout session training topic.

 

Attendees heard from keynote speaker Josh Shipp, dubbed the “Teen Whisperer” and a published author, global youth empowerment expert, modern self-help guru and acclaimed speaker. Shipp spent time in foster care and used his personal experience to provide our attendees with real tips and strategies for communicating with children. Shipp’s heartfelt inspiration had our audience crying and laughing—and left attendees with many new techniques for staying persistent to help children who have experienced trauma succeed.

Josh Schipp Speaker for KVC Nebraska's RFC 2018“Your imperfections make you human and your humanity makes you influential.”

Josh Shipp

 

Made Possible Through Community Support

resource family conference

Throughout the past year, KVC has raised funds to sponsor the event and provide free hotel accommodations, meals, training, and child/client care for KVC resource families. Generous individuals, companies and foundations make the RFC possible by donating or sponsoring and attending KVC Nebraska fundraising events. We are so thankful for the many generous partners who help make this event possible, so we can create new happy memories for the clients we serve. See below for all of the generous donors and sponsors who helped fund this year’s RFC.

resource family conference resource family conference

resource family conference 

KVC Nebraska Foster Care Services

Last year, KVC Nebraska foster families cared for more than 700 youth experiencing crisis. Foster care is a safe place that gives a child and his or her family an opportunity to resolve conflicts or disruptions and learn healthy skills so that the child can safely return home. KVC Nebraska also works to prevent the need for children to enter foster care whenever possible by providing intensive in-home services to families in crisis.

KVC Nebraska Shared Living Services

KVC Nebraska launched its Shared Living program in 2017. This past fiscal year, KVC Shared Living providers supported more than 58 individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. These families provide individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities a structured, safe and loving home where they can learn independent living and social skills.

If you would like to get involved and help make Nebraska a healthier, stronger community, learn more about becoming a foster parent, Shared Living provider, volunteer, or KVC Nebraska employee.

Make a donation to KVC Health Systems and help families in need.