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American Rescue Plan Act: Medicaid HCBS Grants Success Stories

The following awardees have shown success in their projects. We’re pleased to share key milestones and outcomes that awardees have achieved so far.

Innovative Services, Inc. | $135,800 | Brown County

For over 20 years, Innovative Services, Inc. has helped people of all ages with developmental disabilities. They offer support through mental health and community services, supported living, and residential services. After the pandemic, this also included empowering disabled clients to reengage socially with their community.

Innovative Services, Inc. hired a new life enrichment specialist to create activities, programs, and events in the local community.

Person in a pink shirt and dark grey pants watering plants in a raised flower bed using a red cup while sitting on a chair outdoors
A person wearing pink glasses and a grey shirt looking at an orange and brown-colored butterfly that is resting on a white stick someone who is out of frame is holding

Clients and staff have embraced these new programs. As of April 2024, more than 300 HCBS participants enjoyed in-home activity kits or joined group outings, including baseball games, WWE matches, picnics, a winter dance, bingo parties, and more! Some of these events were sponsored by community partners and are free to members.

More than 170 staff have joined too! The life enrichment specialist has worked with staff members to enhance their activity calendars to help participants join and enjoy activities inside their homes and in their communities.

Living Our Visions Inc. | $422,000 | Dane County

Living Our Visions (LOV) Inc. is guided by a key value: inclusivity. Driven by a mission to help people with developmental disabilities build their best lives, the organization grew from a group of eight families in Madison into a network of hundreds of families across Wisconsin. With funds from this grant, LOV Inc. is continuing to expand that network to include even more people and families that need support.

LOV Inc. has partnered with the Catholic Multicultural Center and Deluce Respite Center to form Colectivo de Familias Latinas (the Latino Families Collective). This joint initiative unifies Spanish-speaking organizations and services to help children with disabilities access services, train and educate service providers, and provide culturally responsive care. These collective efforts help change the lives of Spanish-speaking families and children across Wisconsin.

As of April 2024, Colectivo de Familias Latinas had provided:

  • 11 educational events for family caregivers
  • Activities and social groups for 36 Spanish-speaking children and youth
  • Education, respite care, and personal navigation services for 56 Latino families

Improved Living Services, LLC | $55,230 | Brown County

Improved Living Services, LLC captures their mission in its tagline: "working together to improve the lives of those with special needs." Their residential and day programs help people with special needs develop living, coping, and social skills to live more independently and participate in the community.

Man in an orange and green camouflage hat with a cream shirt sitting at a table using a computer

More and more, these essential skills revolve around technology. Improved Living Services, LLC has used the grant funding to purchase devices and created training programs to help HCBS participants and direct care workers. Participants are learning to access the internet, communicate virtually, and explore their community and interests online. Direct care staff are learning about new technology and related skills that enhance the quality of the participant's care.

Through this project, Improved Living Services, LLC is achieving their mission and has already trained 15 HCBS participants and 15 direct care staff. Participants now join telehealth appointments, use email, connect to community resources, and more!

Salisott Parent Coaching and Certification | $348,859 | Milwaukee County

Salisott Parent Coaching and Certification, formerly known as The Foster Lane, was founded by parent coach and author Sarah Salisott to equip parents with trauma-informed techniques for connecting and communicating with their children. Working in several Wisconsin counties, the organization serves families with children in the Children’s Long Term Support (CLTS) Program. They offer both virtual and in-person workshops where parents—including foster and adoptive parents—can learn modern strategies to help their children thrive.

Using funds from this grant, Salisott Parent Coaching and Certification has broadened their workshops to better reach underserved parents, including those living in rural areas, who may have lower incomes, or who are part of LGBTQ+ families. They are also offering additional workshops in multiple languages, training staff to address complex family needs, enhancing their online presence, and partnering with a tech company to ensure all virtual interactions are HIPAA compliant.

Salisott Parent Coaching and Certification coach with a client
A Salisott Parent Coaching and Certification client, left, works with coach Sarah Salisott, right

Thanks to the HCBS grants they received, Salisott Parent Coaching and Certification has expanded its team by adding three new members. This expansion enables the organization to offer parenting services not only in English but also in Spanish, Hmong, and American Sign Language, increasing accessibility to diverse families across the state.

These enhancements have allowed Salisott Parent Coaching and Certification to potentially support thousands more children each year. There has been a notable decrease in in-patient stays for many families, an increase in referrals from parents of LGBTQ+ children, and the organization recently received an award for LGBT Business of the Year from the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. After attending the workshops, clients have demonstrated increased skills, greater confidence, and more engagement with essential services.

Even after grant funding ends, they plan to continue offering expanded services and hosting the workshops for a wide population thanks to the increased capacity built during the grant period.

Vision Forward Association | $244,945 | Milwaukee County

According to the CDC, vision loss is one of the top five leading causes of disability in the United States. Still, most people are reluctant to talk about vision problems. The Vision Forward Association, which offers comprehensive services for people at all stages of vision loss, wants to change that with their grant-funded program, “Addressing Vision Loss as a Public Health Issue.”

The program is a 22-month effort to make sure HCBS participants, providers, and communities all have the information they need to make informed decisions about living with vision loss. Dedicated outreach specialists meet with the public to talk about vision loss and services that can help. These specialists focus particularly on low-income communities in underserved urban and rural areas, as well as communities of older adults.

As of April 2024, Vision Forward Associations has held 26 outreach events, six parent meetings, 43 client support meetings, and 73 presentations for service providers. Overall, the number of clients receiving vision services has increased by 10%, with notable gains in Black communities (from 9% up to 20%) as well as Latino (from 3% up to 7%) communities.

Vision Forward staff hosting an event for adults with vision loss
Vision Forward hosted Vision Connections in October 2023, a free community education event geared towards seniors, at the Hart Park Senior Center. The event offered adults with vision loss a chance to learn more about common vision concerns and gather information and resources about available services. This photo shows Adult Vision Rehabilitation Services Director Cory Ballard and Assistive Technology Specialist Luke Scriven presenting on smart phone apps and accessibility features.

Jackson County Department of Health & Human Services | $600,000 | Jackson County

Before the Jackson County Department of Health & Human Services-Behavioral Health Division started its grant project, there were no all-abilities playgrounds within 30 miles of Black River Falls, a city at the heart of Jackson County.

But between using grant funds for the original playground project, a local company donating thousands of dollars in time and equipment costs, and a community group raising nearly half a million more through donations, the vision for an all-abilities playground was able to grow. Grant funds helped replace old playground equipment with a new, safe, inclusive playground that people of all ages and abilities can use. It has also increased physical activity, socialization, and acceptance opportunities.

Additional funds raised have been used for shading, security features, and a more accessible restroom area. In addition to the new all-abilities playground, the park also features two covered picnic areas, a fishing pond with an accessible fishing platform, and a quarter-mile paved sidewalk path.

The playground opened on October 21, 2023. In a survey, members of the community agreed almost unanimously that the playground was an excellent addition to the park and Jackson County community.

Jackson County all-abilities playground
Kids playing on Jackson County all-abilities playground

BRIDGE for Community Life, Inc. | $59,450 | St. Croix County

Like any organization serving adults and children with disabilities, BRIDGE for Community Life, Inc. knows how important it is to have a trained staff of dedicated, full-hearted people to care for clients every day. But finding and keeping team members like that can be a constant challenge.

That’s why BRIDGE for Community Life used grant funds to create retention bonuses for existing direct care staff and recruitment bonuses for new staff. These bonuses will help BRIDGE for Community Life serve more adults and children in Polk, Pierce, and St. Croix Counties.

So far, 62 direct care workers, four managers, and two leadership and admin staff members have received retention bonuses. Further, the recruitment bonuses have helped BRIDGE for Community Life hire three new direct care workers in the fourth quarter of 2023 alone. With these new bonuses, BRIDGE for Community Life can maintain the staff they need to continue making a positive difference in the lives of people with physical or developmental disabilities.

After grant funding is spent, BRIDGE for Community Life will use its fundraising capacity to raise money for recruitment bonuses for direct care workers so they can provide more HCBS to Medicaid beneficiaries in their area.

BRIDGE for Community Life staff meeting to coordinate Day Services program
BRIDGE for Community Life staff meet to coordinate daily schedule options for Day Services program clients and transportation to community locations. From left to right: Manager Kristin Beckman, Direct Care Worker Elspeth Ballantine, Director Jesse Stickler, and Direct Care Worker Danny Sammon

Opportunity of North Central WI Inc. | $113,500 | Marathon County

For over 60 years, Opportunity of North Central WI Inc. has helped children and adults with disabilities lead independent and productive lives in their communities. In that time, new supportive technology and telehealth devices have helped more people live how and where they want.

With help from grant funds, Opportunity of North Central WI Inc. is partnering with remote support providers to help individuals who want to remain in the community. That includes letting caregivers and providers check in virtually with clients, and helping HCBS participants access essential supports remotely.

As of April 2024, these new virtual and remote supports have helped 62 people transition from more restrictive settings back into community living. And, almost 200 caregivers and participants have completed online trainings to learn more about the rights of people with disabilities.

TransCen Inc. | $200,568 | Milwaukee County

New technologies offer new opportunities to help people with disabilities find meaningful work and a place in the community. “Harnessing Technology for Employment Independence,” a new program developed by TransCen Inc., is an example of how the right technology can drive workplace independence.

TranCen’s project uses AI-powered tools to help jobseekers and employment specialists complete various tasks from report writing to resume building. These new tools boost efficiency and empower participants to navigate the job market with confidence. During monthly meetings, participants can also share insights, present success stories, and troubleshoot any challenges using the new technology. This collaborative approach creates a sense of community and a focus on lifelong learning.

So far, nine providers have been trained on the new technology, with more to come. As the project evolves, TransCen will offer their curriculum online. Organizations across Wisconsin will be able to enroll anyone who may be interested in how these new tools can help them.

Grace Lutheran Communities | $210,000 | Eau Claire County

Grace Lutheran Communities continually needs compassionate, knowledgeable health care workers. Using grant funds to develop a workforce solution, its leaders completely revamped their recruiting process and hired a success coach to support new and current employees. The results have been nothing short of stunning, says CEO Amy Duhr. "By the end of the summer, we had already hired more people in 2023 than the entire year of 2022. We have seen such value in having this recruiting process and a specialized recruiter that we definitely plan to continue it."

Disability Service Provider Network | $191,000 | Statewide

Home and community-based services (HCBS) providers across the state have drastically improved caregiver retention and hiring, thanks to the Wisconsin Disability Service Provider Network (DSPN). Using grant funding, DSPN held a series of workshops via Blitz Creative, which were open to all HCBS providers. Providers who attended these workshops have shared positive outcomes as a result. "This training is going to save care centers," said Sydney Kern, of Coulee Region Adult Day Center. "With workshops like the DSP Magnet Training, we are better prepared to support staff and keep caregivers in this line of work." Julie Strenn of Opportunity Development Centers in Wisconsin Rapids said she learned editing job postings made a dramatic difference. "Since making the changes one week ago, we have 98 applicants! In three years, we haven’t even had 98 applicants." Kristin Frane, CEO of Ventures Unlimited, Inc., said, "I have never taken a training that changed things so quickly and so dramatically for me. The training was a game-changer!" Other positive results included being able to find dependable people who are passionate about caregiving.

Opportunity Development Centers | $166,350 | Wood County

Founded in 1965, Opportunity Development Centers, Inc. (ODC) provides services to promote independent living and community inclusion for more than 1,000 people with disabilities in central and northeastern Wisconsin. These include employment services, day services, school transition, daily living skills, children’s long-term support, and mental health services.

Using funds from their Medicaid HCBS grant, ODC expanded their job services to support self-employment, giving participants the tools to start their own businesses. Before this, people in this service area had no options for this training.

ODC has hired full-time staff to deliver a curriculum based on college courses, and works with Mid-State Technical College to provide additional education opportunities.

So far, 15 participants joined the pilot program to develop their business ideas. After conducting feasibility studies and creating business plans, some have already successfully started their own small businesses!

ODC client with their landscape paintings on display.
Kelsey is working with ODC and her local DVR on her business plan. She paints landscapes of places she has lived or visited, and sometimes creates landscapes based on her imagination. Kelsey plans to paint 6-8 pieces a year, sell at 1-2 conferences a year, and make a majority of her income through sales with third-party shops and websites and licensing her artwork for commercial use.
And ODC client with their hand crafted jewelry.
Katie is working with ODC to start her own small business offering hand-crafted necklaces, bracelets, and earrings for adults and children of all ages. She’s always had a passion for creating her own jewelry.

Allegiance Transportation LLC | $92,200 | Brown County

Allegiance Transportation LLC’s mission is to provide quality, non-emergency transportation to help older adults or people with disabilities arrive safely to medical appointments, day programs, and other important errands.

Doing this during harsh winters is difficult, especially in rural northeast Wisconsin, but Allegiance found a solution. The company used a Medicaid HCBS grant to hire drivers and buy an all-wheel drive, wheelchair-accessible SUV and passenger car to handle rough terrain and challenging weather. These new vehicles and drivers have made life much easier for the 200 people who rely on Allegiance to get where they’re going and to access home and community-based services to live their best lives.

Helping Hands Community LLC. | $64,696 | Waukesha County

Before receiving a Medicaid HCBS grant, staff from Helping Hands Community LLC, which serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, had to use their own cars to take clients on community trips. As a result, fewer members could join the fun.

With their grant, Helping Hands Community bought a passenger van to allow more members to enjoy community events. Clients have gone to Brewer games, the state fair, the Milwaukee County Zoo, Summerfest, and other exciting places. In fact, members now take trips from the adult day center up to three times per week and have become more integrated in their communities. The trips allow them to start new friendships, enjoy a sense of belonging, and explore different environments.

Capri Senior Communities | $907,000 | Ozaukee County

After implementing a pilot "4-for-5" workweek for their caregiving and dining staff, Capri has seen a huge increase in applicants and employees who stay with the company.

Capri Caregiver With Resident Doing a Puzzle
Capri Caregiver Coordinating Activity
Capri Caregiver With Resident

In the news

Foundations Counseling Center | $345,000 | Dane/Green Counties

Mental health has been an increasing concern since the pandemic, with many people unable to find counseling due to a lack of therapists. Using a $345,000 grant, Foundations Counseling Center has successfully retained all 15 of its therapists – and hired an additional four.

Foundations has been able to provide mental health services to 480 new Family Care Partnership clients and their families through in-home therapy, telehealth, and groups.

Foundations has also:

  • Provided two additional paid mental health days for all therapists and three additional paid training days.
  • Provided over six mental health trainings for 16 therapists that will expand their clinical treatment knowledge for Family Care and Family Care Partnership clients.
  • Been able to expand their services into one new county (Grant).
  • Contacted more than 100 referring workers from My Choice Wisconsin, Inclusa, iCare, and Lakeland about Foundations' expanded service availability for clients on the waiting list.
  • Been buying and distributing devices to clients for telehealth and developing marketing materials for onsite mental health and wellness groups to be provided in 10 counties.

Overall, the grant helped reduce barriers to treatment and increased the mental health of clients and families.

The Director of Foundations Counseling Center Prepares for a Wellness Workshop As Part of the ARPA HCBS Grants Initiative
Alisa Kelly-Martina, Director of Foundations Counseling Center, helps prepare for for a wellness workshop at Fountainhead Homes in DeForest, Wisconsin for Family Care and Family Care Partnership clients.

Valley Packaging Inc. (VPI) Center | $232,740 | Outagamie County

Valley Packaging Inc. (VPI) is a community rehabilitation center offering human services and vocational skills training programs for individuals who experience disadvantages or have disabilities. All VPI programs are designed to support and guide individuals while they reach their optimum level of independence in the community.

VPI has created a Community Inclusion Manager position that schedules outings, speakers, tours, and volunteer opportunities for clients. Their clients interact with others from local businesses and get to know more about the community, while the community gets to know their great work.

Clients participated in more than 25 community inclusion outings over the past three months alone, including a Wheelchair Wash at the facility, and more than 20 guest speaker events have occurred. Speaker events have included a Spanish speaker and the manager of a local baseball team. Many community businesses and speakers have requested to work again, in the future, with VPI clients.

Two VPI Clients Attend an Inclusion Outing As Part of the ARPA HCBS Grants-Funded Project
Justin Fait (left) and Houa Yang (right) on an inclusion outing with other peers from VPI’s Day Services program at a concert in downtown Appleton.

Options for Independent Living Inc. | $337,000 | Brown County/Northeast Region

Options for Independent Living (Options) empowers people with disabilities to lead independent and productive lives through advocacy, and by providing information, education, and technology. With its grant, Options provided services to 19 HCBS members during the first quarter of the grant through their Modification Navigator (NAV) Pilot Program.

Funding was used to purchase a wheelchair docking pin that allowed member access to the community and employment in days instead of months. A temporary modular wheelchair ramp allowed another member to safely get in and out of his house without having to crawl up and down stairs. Options has also received referrals from IRIS agencies, including one member living in a rural area who had been trying for over a year to find contractors to provide estimates for a wheelchair ramp. Once the NAV Pilot got involved, the member had her wheelchair ramp installed within a month.

Wait times for members utilizing the NAV Program (for home and vehicle modifications and adaptive equipment) have been drastically reduced as a result. The NAV Pilot Program removes member’s barriers to create affordable, safe, and accessible housing. NAV also assists with members needing simple vehicle modifications or adaptive equipment.

Learn more about Options for Independent Living.

Two Accessibility Assessment Specialists/Modification Navigators with Options for Independent Living Stand Beside Ricki and William On Their New Ramp
Accessibility Assessment Specialist/Modification Navigator Marie Smith (top left) and Sarah Dunks (top middle) stand with Ricki (top right) and her husband William (front center) celebrating the success of bringing William home. William spent over a year in a nursing facility after having a stroke. He couldn't return home because his house wasn't accessible.

Other awardees in the news

Many awardees have received media attention since receiving grant funding. A selection of news clips show just some of the newsworthy work awardees are doing.

Glossary

 
Last revised October 3, 2024