The 2019 Circles of Life Conference was a great setting for Family Voices’ annual, Family Listening Session. Over 160 parents, family members and providers ate dinner and took part in this productive and spirited discussion about family challenges and the good things that are happening all around us. Family Voices of Wisconsin directed the conversation using questions from the five-year Maternal Child Health Needs Assessment. Families were asked to share the following with our listeners:

1. What is the most important or urgent issue your family/community is facing right now?
2. What does “living your best life” mean to you?
3. If you could change one thing about your family’s experience, community or neighborhood, what would you change to make it better?
4. What are some good things about your community that make life better for people who are part of it, especially for your family?

The responses from families were varied, but some themes appeared to be most urgent including  Isolation, lack of access to mental health services, behavioral health services and transportation. The information from our Listening Session will be used to help guide the Maternal and Child Health Program as they think about plans for future programs and services for Wisconsin’s children and families.

 

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