American Rescue Plan Act: Social Connection
Grants to improve social connection
"Social connection - the structure, function, and quality of our relationships with others- is a critical and underappreciated contributor to individual and population health, community safety, resilience, and prosperity." The U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community, 2023.
The following grant programs are intended to help fight loneliness and make communities more livable for older adults and people with disabilities.
Social Isolation and Loneliness grant
This grant has been awarded to various public and private organizations to create effective ways to help people feel more connected and less isolated. These efforts aim to improve services and conditions in the environments that support older adults and people with disabilities to live well in their communities. The research has shown that high-quality relationships can help people live longer, healthier lives. Social connection can help reduce the risk of chronic disease and serious illness.
Learn more about social isolation and loneliness:
The Wisconsin Coalition for Social Connection (WCSC) brings community organizations and individuals together to make that happen! We encourage your participation!
Join the Wisconsin Coalition for Social Connection today!
Livable Communities grant
This grant has been awarded and will support solutions for people to connect, get around, or stay engaged with greater ease. The goal is to improve the built environment where older people and people with disabilities live so they can be independent and be involved in their communities longer, avoiding the need for expensive care or moving away from home. Learn more about livable communities:
- AARP Livable Communities
- Administration for Community Living
- Creating Aging-Friendly Communities in Wisconsin
- Partners for Livable Communities
Grant awards by county
The numbers on the map correspond with the organizations listed below.
Organization: Midstate Independent Living Choices, Inc.
Map key: 18
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: Continued / Existing
Primary contact: Don Wigington
Email: dwigington@milc-inc.org
Project Description: Tangible improvements in accessibility across 40 parks. Enhance awareness among park officials and interested parties regarding the importance of accessibility. Initiation of new projects that prioritize accessibility and directly impact 5-10 parks by providing funding to acquired adaptive recreational equipment or features. This may involve the procurement of outdoor wheelchairs, kayak launches, kayaks, or other adaptive equipment tailored to meet the diverse needs of park visitors.
Organization: indiGo
Map key: 13
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Emma Duchrow
Email: emma@indigowi.org
Project Description: Twenty free community-based accessibility assessments, plan, and completed outreach and resource fairs based on accessibility in every county and tribal community in the service area. Community members will feel empowered to voice accessibility needs in their communities and participate in needs assessments.
Organization: ADRC of Barron and Rusk Counties
Map key: 2
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Trisha Witham
Email: Trisha.witham@co.barron.wi.gov
Project Description: Establish a men's shed.
Organization: ADRC of Bayfield County
Map key: 3
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Carrie Linder
Email: Carrie.linder@bayfieldcounty.wi.gov
Project Description: Awareness raising and developing a repair café.
Organization: indiGo
Map key: 13
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Emma Duchrow
Email: emma@indigowi.org
Project Description: Twenty free community-based accessibility assessments, plan, and completed outreach/resource fairs based on accessibility in every county and tribal community in the service area. Community members will feel empowered to voice accessibility needs and participate in needs assessments.
Organization: Long Chen Senior Center LLC
Map key: 16
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness and Livable Communities
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Maiyoua and Chungyia Thao
Email: chungyia@gmail.com and info@longchengsc.com
Project Description: Purchase a wheelchair-accessible van and employ a dedicated driver to allow greater access to an adult day care center and other social outings.
Organization: NeighborWorks Green Bay
Map key: 22
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: Expand existing
Primary contact: Julie Filapek
Email: julief@nwgreenbay.org
Project Description: A community campaign to discover the knowledge, skills, and interests that residents of the Village of Denmark and surrounding rural areas can share with their neighbors. This includes three intergenerational knowledge and skill sharing demonstration projects: Denmark Connects (tech tutors for older adults), Neighbor Ed (older adults sharing their skills with young people), and ADRC Timeslips.
Organization: indiGo
Map key: 13
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Emma Duchrow
Email: emma@indigowi.org
Project Description: Twenty free community-based accessibility assessments, plan, and completed outreach/resource fairs based on accessibility in every county and tribal community in the service area. Community members will feel empowered to voice accessibility needs and participate in needs assessments.
Organization: Long Chen Senior Center LLC
Map key: 16
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness and Livable Communities
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Maiyoua and Chungyia Thao
Email: chungyia@gmail.com and info@longchengsc.com
Project Description: Purchase a wheelchair-accessible van and employ a dedicated driver to allow greater access to the adult day care center and other social outings.
Organization: Pointters Community Initiatives
Map key: 27
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Oladimeji Tomori and Gabrielle Thomas
Email: tomori@pointters.org and gabrielle.thomas@pointters.org
Project Description: Develop a volunteer program that matches volunteers with older adults and individuals with disabilities to provide companionship, assistance with daily activities, and emotional support. Establish community hubs where individuals can access resources, participate in social activities, and connect with peers in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Organization: Marshfield Area United Way
Map key: 17
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Sarah Chy and Ashley Winch
Email: sarah@marshfieldareaunitedway.org and ashley@marshfieldareaunitedway.org
Project Description: Intergenerational community garden project.
Organization: Access to Independence
Map key: 1
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Jason Beloungy
Email: jasonb@accesstoind.org
Project Description: Identify inaccessible locations, events, websites, and services in downtown Madison and complete two accessible assessments. Increase visibility and understanding of need. Expand capacity by hiring staff a member. Reduce community barriers through increased demand for accessibility consultation and technical assistance services.
Organization: Neighborhood House Community Center
Map key: 21
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Laura Gundlach
Email: laura@neighborhoodhousemadison.org
Project Description: Improve our existing social connectedness programs for older adults and adults with disabilities in the Greenbush-Triangle Service Area. Integrate a social programming initiative that encompasses art, fitness, volunteerism, and social interaction.
Organization: New Bridge Madison
Map key: 23
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: Expand existing
Primary contact: Jim Krueger
Email: jimk@newbridgemadison.org
Project Description: Friendly Visitor and Caller Project, Neighborhood-Based Health and Wellness Project.
Organization: Greater Watertown Health Foundation
Map key: 10
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: Expand existing
Primary contact: Susan Olson
Email: solson@watertownhealthfoundation.com
Project Description: Expand the existing coalition by adding two subcommittees focusing on older adults and people with disabilities.
Organization: Do Good Door County
Map key: 8
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: Continue existing
Primary contact: Cynthia Germain
Email: dogooddoorcounty@gmail.com
Project Description: This proposed community project will utilize a program developed in 2010 by Dr. William Gingold. Vitality in Aging was created to motivate senior citizens to maintain health practices by awarding Vitality Stamps, like S&H Green Stamps, that can be redeemed for prizes when seniors engage in three activities: physical activities, regular food and fluid intake (nutrition activities), and socialization activities.
Organization: indiGo
Map key: 13
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Emma Duchrow
Email: emma@indigowi.org
Project Description: Twenty free community-based accessibility assessments, plan, and completed outreach/resource fairs based on accessibility in every county and tribal community in the service area. Community members will feel empowered to voice accessibility needs and participate in needs assessments.
Organization: Eau Claire Health Department
Map key: 9
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness and Livable Communities
Coalition: Expand existing
Primary contact: Cortney Sperber
Email: Cortney.Sperber@eauclaircounty.gov
Project Description:
SI&L:
- Adding benches at 14 primary bus stops and shelters at three primary bus stops in the City of Eau Claire.
- Improving crosswalks within the City of Augusta business district by installing solar-powered flashing crosswalk beacons.
- Improving pedestrian ramps at all four corners, repaving, and installing lighted signal crossing.
LC:
- Providing tables, chairs, and art therapy supplies for Eau Claire LE Phillips Senior Center and Augusta Senior & Community Center.
- New ADA park equipment in the City of Augusta.
- Support for the first two ADA camping sites at the Harstad County Park.
Organization: Midstate Independent Living Choices, Inc.
Map key: 18
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: Continue existing
Primary contact: Don Wigington
Email: dwigington@milc-inc.org
Project Description: Tangible improvements in accessibility across 40 parks. Enhance awareness among park officials and interested parties regarding the importance of accessibility. Initiation of new projects that prioritize accessibility and directly impact 5-10 parks by providing funding to acquired adaptive recreational equipment or features. This may involve the procurement of outdoor wheelchairs, kayak launches, kayaks, or other adaptive equipment tailored to meet the diverse needs of park visitors.
Organization: Long Chen Senior Center LLC
Map key: 16
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness and Livable Communities
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Maiyoua and Chungyia Thao
Email: chungyia@gmail.com and info@longchengsc.com
Project Description: Purchase a wheelchair-accessible van and employ a dedicated driver to allow greater access to our adult cay care center and other social outings.
Organization: Midstate Independent Living Choices, Inc.
Map key: 18
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: Continue existing
Primary contact: Don Wigington
Email: dwigington@milc-inc.org
Project Description: Tangible improvements in accessibility across 40 parks. Enhance awareness among park officials and interested parties regarding the importance of accessibility. Initiation of new projects that prioritize accessibility and directly impact 5-10 parks by providing funding to acquired adaptive recreational equipment or features. This may involve the procurement of outdoor wheelchairs, kayak launches, kayaks, or other adaptive equipment tailored to meet the diverse needs of park visitors.
Organization: indiGo
Map key: 13
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Emma Duchrow
Email: emma@indigowi.org
Project Description: Twenty free community-based accessibility assessments, plan, and completed outreach and resource fairs based on accessibility in every county and tribal community in the service area. Community members will feel empowered to voice accessibility needs and participate in needs assessments.
Organization: Greater Watertown Health Foundation
Map key: 10
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: Expand existing
Primary contact: Susan Olson
Email: solson@watertownhealthfoundation.com
Project Description: Expand the existing coalition by adding two subcommittees focusing on older adults and people with disabilities.
Organization: Aging and Disability Resource Center of Eagle Country Juneau County Office
Map key: 7
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Gina Laack
Email: glaack@juneaucountywi.gov
Project Description: Expand a successful men's shed.
Organization: Kenosha Achievement Center (KAC)
Map key: 15
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Erin Winch
Email: ewinch@pleasantprairiewi.gov
Project Description: Build and equip an adaptive biking program with two components. The component will be modeled after the Cycling Without Age program. Our project will expand on that concept to serve people with disabilities and older adults. Initially, it will be located at the Pleasant Prairie RecPlex.
Organization: UW Extension Kewaunee County
Map key: 30
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: Expand existing
Primary contact: Renee Koenig
Email: renee.koenig@wisc.edu
Project Description: Expand and promote "Mastery Makers," which combines "Mastery" from the Aging Mastery Program curriculum and "Makers" from the former Homemakers organization now known in Wisconsin as the Association for Home and Community Education (HCE).
Organization: Midstate Independent Living Choices, Inc.
Map key: 18
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: Continued / Existing
Primary contact: Don Wigington
Email: dwigington@milc-inc.org
Project Description: Tangible improvements in accessibility across 40 parks. Enhance awareness among park officials and interested parties regarding the importance of accessibility. Initiation of new projects that prioritize accessibility and directly impact 5-10 parks by providing funding to acquired adaptive recreational equipment or features. This may involve the procurement of outdoor wheelchairs, kayak launches, kayaks, or other adaptive equipment tailored to meet the diverse needs of park visitors.
Organization: Newcap, Inc.
Map key: 24
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Jessica DeGrave
Email: Jessicadegrave@newcap.org
Project Description: None
Organization: Opportunity Development Centers, Inc.
Map key: 26
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: Expand existing
Primary contact: Julie Strenn
Email: jstrenn@odcinc.com
Project Description: "Connecting Older Adults and the Disabled to Technology," enhancement of existing broadband coalition work focusing on providing underserved populations, specifically older adults and people with disabilities, with the devices and training to reduce social isolation and loneliness. Pilot a model process for acquiring used computers, refurbishing them, and distributing them to the elderly and persons with disabilities. Provide basic training in computer use based on the person's needs and independent living goals.
Organization: Opportunity Development Centers, Inc.
Map key: 26
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Kate Norby
Email: knorby@odcinc.com
Project Description: Expand Community Connectors to include adaptive recreation, expand Better Together (matches PWD to mentor volunteers), and Community Friends, a monthly social group. Launch a men's shed.
Organization: Midstate Independent Living Choices, Inc.
Map key: 18
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: Continued / Existing
Primary contact: Don Wigington
Email: dwigington@milc-inc.org
Project Description: Tangible improvements in accessibility across 40 parks. Enhance awareness among park officials and interested parties regarding the importance of accessibility. Initiation of new projects that prioritize accessibility and directly impact 5-10 parks by providing funding to acquired adaptive recreational equipment or features. This may involve the procurement of outdoor wheelchairs, kayak launches, kayaks, or other adaptive equipment tailored to meet the diverse needs of park visitors.
Organization: Opportunity Development Centers, Inc.
Map key: 26
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: Expand existing
Primary contact: Julie Strenn
Email: jstrenn@odcinc.com
Project Description: "Connecting Older Adults and the Disabled to Technology," enhancement of existing broadband coalition work focusing on providing underserved populations, specifically older adults and people with disabilities, with the devices and training to reduce social isolation and loneliness. Pilot a model process for acquiring used computers, refurbishing them, and distributing them to the elderly and persons with disabilities. Provide basic training in computer use based on the person's needs and independent living goals.
Organization: Opportunity Development Centers, Inc.
Map key: 26
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Kate Norby
Email: knorby@odcinc.com
Project Description: Expand Community Connectors to include adaptive recreation, expand Better Together (matches PWD to mentor volunteers), and Community Friends, a monthly social group. Launch a men's shed.
Organization: Hmong American Center, Inc.
Map key: 12
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: Expand existing
Primary contact: Nasiah Herr, Bee Lor, and Pa Voua Moua
Email: nasiahherr@hmongamericancenter.org, beelor@hmongamericancenter.org, pavoua@hmongamericancenter.org
Project Description: Implement "F.U.N. (Feem Ua Neej)" program. This program comprises a series of physical activities, cultural integration programs, and mental health workshops specifically tailored to older adults and individuals with disabilities in the community.
Organization: Marshfield Area United Way
Map key: 17
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Sarah Chy and Ashlet Winch
Email: sarah@marshfieldareaunitedway.org and ashley@marshfieldareaunitedway.org
Project Description: Intergenerational community garden project.
Organization: Midstate Independent Living Choices, Inc.
Map key: 18
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: Continued / Existing
Primary contact: Don Wigington
Email: dwigington@milc-inc.org
Project Description: Tangible improvements in accessibility across 40 parks. Enhance awareness among park officials and interested parties regarding the importance of accessibility. Initiation of new projects that prioritize accessibility and directly impact 5-10 parks by providing funding to acquired adaptive recreational equipment or features. This may involve the procurement of outdoor wheelchairs, kayak launches, kayaks, or other adaptive equipment tailored to meet the diverse needs of park visitors.
Organization: Opportunity Development Centers, Inc.
Map key: 26
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: Expand existing
Primary contact: Julie Strenn
Email: jstrenn@odcinc.com
Project Description: "Connecting Older Adults and the Disabled to Technology," enhancement of existing broadband coalition work focusing on providing underserved populations, specifically older adults and people with disabilities, with the devices and training to reduce social isolation and loneliness. Pilot a model process for acquiring used computers, refurbishing them, and distributing them to the elderly and persons with disabilities. Provide basic training in computer use based on the person's needs and independent living goals.
Organization: Opportunity Development Centers, Inc.
Map key: 26
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Kate Norby
Email: knorby@odcinc.com
Project Description: Expand Community Connectors to include adaptive recreation, expand Better Together (matches PWD to mentor volunteers), and Community Friends, a monthly social group. Launch a men's shed.
Organization: Midstate Independent Living Choices, Inc.
Map key: 18
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: Continued / Existing
Primary contact: Don Wigington
Email: dwigington@milc-inc.org
Project Description: Tangible improvements in accessibility across 40 parks. Enhance awareness among park officials and interested parties regarding the importance of accessibility. Initiation of new projects that prioritize accessibility and directly impact 5-10 parks by providing funding to acquired adaptive recreational equipment or features. This may involve the procurement of outdoor wheelchairs, kayak launches, kayaks, or other adaptive equipment tailored to meet the diverse needs of park visitors.
Organization: Newcap, Inc.
Map key: 24
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Jessica DeGrave
Email: Jessicadegrave@newcap.org
Project Description: None
Organization: Newcap, Inc.
Map key: 24
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Jessica DeGrave
Email: Jessicadegrave@newcap.org
Project Description: None
Organization: Greendale Public Health Department
Map key: 11
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: Continue existing
Primary contact: Megan Mermal
Email: mmermal@greendale.org
Project Description: Improve Daffodil Park and the Children's Garden area to become a central gathering place while increasing accessibility for everyone. Some of the components of the project include increasing accessibility to supplies, equipment, water, and garden areas, creating a messaging and information station, and fostering gatherings with picnic tables and a pergola.
Organization: Milwaukee County AAA
Map key: 19
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Daniel Idzikowski and Kaisa Kerrigan
Email: daniel.idzikowski@milwaukeecountywi.gov and kaisa.kerrigan@milwaukeecountywi.gov
Project Description: Replicate and manage a social isolation and loneliness pharmacy project based on a best practice model from the St. Clair County AAA in Michigan.
Organization: Mother of Perpetual Help Congregation, West Allis
Map key: 20
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: Continue existing
Primary contact: Fr. Matthew Perumpil
Email: frmatthew@mphwa.org
Project Description: Increase social connection and a sense of belonging through visitation, connecting participants to social opportunities through the parish, finding ways to help these adults participate in church services, coordination of rides to activities of interest at the church including Mass, delivery of special holiday-themed gifts and treats, and intergenerational programming.
Organization: Southwest Suburban Health Department | City of West Allis location
Map key: 28
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: Continue existing
Primary contact: Becca Marszalkowski
Email: rmarszalkowski@westalliswi.gov
Project Description: Pilot an innovative program based on the Social Isolation and Loneliness Pharmacy project in Michigan, led by iMPROve Health. Targeting and training people in the community who are the few social contacts of socially isolated and lonely individuals, such as grocery clerks, clergy, front desk workers at respite services, transportation workers, gig delivery workers, funerary workers, and barbershop and salon workers.
Organization: Wauwatosa Health Department
Map key: 31
Type: Livable Communities and Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: Continue existing
Primary contact: Carmen Pangilinan
Email: cpangilinan@wauwatosa.net
Project Description:
Livable Communities—Create and share an awareness campaign to highlight the connections between health and housing, and that dispels the myths that often accompany the topic of affordable housing.
Social Isolation and Loneliness—Digitally connected, to stay socially connected, by giving selected Senior Planet students a computer for personal use in their homes. The city has desktop computers to share and will use the funding to purchase monitors, keyboards, cameras, and staff time to prepare the computers for public use. Set parameters will be provided for qualification for the program, including attending six Senor Planet courses, one of which must be internet safety.
Organization: Newcap, Inc.
Map key: 24
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Jessica DeGrave
Email: Jessicadegrave@newcap.org
Project Description: None
Organization: Midstate Independent Living Choices, Inc.
Map key: 18
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: Continued / Existing
Primary contact: Don Wigington
Email: dwigington@milc-inc.org
Project Description: Tangible improvements in accessibility across 40 parks. Enhance awareness among park officials and interested parties regarding the importance of accessibility. Initiation of new projects that prioritize accessibility and directly impact 5-10 parks by providing funding to acquired adaptive recreational equipment or features. This may involve the procurement of outdoor wheelchairs, kayak launches, kayaks, or other adaptive equipment tailored to meet the diverse needs of park visitors.
Organization: Newcap, Inc.
Map key: 24
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Jessica DeGrave
Email: Jessicadegrave@newcap.org
Project Description: None
Organization: Oneida County Health Department
Map key: 25
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Cami Buchmann
Email: cbuchmann@oneidacountywi.gov
Project Description: A digital platform tailored to the needs of older adults and individuals living with disabilities in our community. This platform will serve as a virtual hub offering various services, activities, and resources to foster social connections and combat isolation and loneliness.
Organization: Pointters Community Initiatives
Map key: 27
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Oladimeji Tomori and Gabrielle Thomas
Email: tomori@pointters.org and gabrielle.thomas@pointters.org
Precandt Description: Develop a volunteer program that matches volunteers with older adults and individuals with disabilities to provide companionship, assistance with daily activities, and emotional support. Establish community hubs where individuals can access resources, participate in social activities, and connect with peers in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Organization: Long Chen Senior Center LLC
Map key: 16
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness and Livable Communities
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Maiyoua and Chungyia Thao
Email: chungyia@gmail.com and info@longchengsc.com
Project Description: Purchase a wheelchair-accessible van and employ a dedicated driver to allow greater access to our adult day care center and other social outings.
Organization: Pointters Community Initiatives
Map key: 27
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Oladimeji Tomori and Gabrielle Thomas
Email: tomori@pointters.org and gabrielle.thomas@pointters.org
Project Description: Develop a volunteer program that matches volunteers with older adults and individuals with disabilities to provide companionship, assistance with daily activities, and emotional support. Establish community hubs where individuals can access resources, participate in social activities, and connect with peers in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Organization: ADRC of Pierce County
Map key: 4
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: Expand existing
Primary contact: Morgan Tamminga
Email: morgan.tamminga@co.pierce.wi.us
Project Description:
- Kick-off event
- Community dinners—provide three monthly dinners in four rural communities
- Wine, Women, and Dementia Documentary
- Volunteer drivers
- Social respite
- Health and wellness
- Library events
- Historical events
Organization: ADRC of Portage County Senior Center
Map key: 5
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: Expand existing
Primary contact: Kathleen Giblin
Email: giblink@co.portage.wi.gov
Project Description: Plan, coordinate, market, promote, and participate in events in local areas like Rosholt, Amherst, Almond, and Junction City to highlight the resources and groups in each community with a community event. The goal is to foster authentic connections in communities where older adults and adults with disabilities live, and increase volunteer recruitment.
Organization: Opportunity Development Centers, Inc.
Map key: 26
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Kate Norby
Email: knorby@odcinc.com
Project Description: Expand Community Connectors to include adaptive recreation, expand Better Together (matches PWD to mentor volunteers), and Community Friends, a monthly social group. Launch a men's shed.
Organization: indiGo
Map key: 13
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Emma Duchrow
Email: emma@indigowi.org
Project Description: Twenty free community-based accessibility assessments, plan, and completed outreach and resource fairs based on accessibility in every county and tribal community in the service area. Community members will feel empowered to voice accessibility needs and participate in needs assessments.
Organization: indiGo
Map key: 13
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Emma Duchrow
Email: emma@indigowi.org
Project Description: Twenty free community-based accessibility assessments, plan, and completed outreach and resource fairs based on accessibility in every county and tribal community in the service area. Community members will feel empowered to voice accessibility needs and participate in needs assessments.
Organization: Midstate Independent Living Choices, Inc.
Map key: 18
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: Continued / Existing
Primary contact: Don Wigington
Email: dwigington@milc-inc.org
Project Description: Tangible improvements in accessibility across 40 parks. Enhance awareness among park officials and interested parties regarding the importance of accessibility. Initiation of new projects that prioritize accessibility and directly impact 5-10 parks by providing funding to acquired adaptive recreational equipment or features. This may involve the procurement of outdoor wheelchairs, kayak launches, kayaks, or other adaptive equipment tailored to meet the diverse needs of park visitors.
Organization: Newcap, Inc.
Map key: 24
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Jessica DeGrave
Email: Jessicadegrave@newcap.org
Project Description: None
Organization: Midstate Independent Living Choices, Inc.
Map key: 18
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: Continued / Existing
Primary contact: Don Wigington
Email: dwigington@milc-inc.org
Project Description: Tangible improvements in accessibility across 40 parks. Enhance awareness among park officials and interested parties regarding the importance of accessibility. Initiation of new projects that prioritize accessibility and directly impact 5-10 parks by providing funding to acquired adaptive recreational equipment or features. This may involve the procurement of outdoor wheelchairs, kayak launches, kayaks, or other adaptive equipment tailored to meet the diverse needs of park visitors.
Organization: Taylor County Health Department
Map key: 29
Type: Livable Communities and Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: Continue existing
Primary contact: Melissa Moore
Email: melissa.moore@co.taylor.wi.us
Project Description:
Livable Communities—ADA compliance for websites, readability of resource guides, walkability assessment, SWOT assessment of transportation and services, improve design of meal site, and improve emergency response capabilities.
Social Isolation and Loneliness—Assess needs and interests, host "getting to know your community" events, increase access to reliable internet, volunteer recruitment, and awareness raising.
Organization: Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
Map key: 32
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: Expand existing
Primary contact: Kristin Walukas
Email: kristin.walukas@wdeoc.org
Project Description: Establish a free, accessible community fitness center within the Whitehall School District building to promote opportunities for intergenerational interactions, which have been shown to reduce loneliness in older adults and children. Foster a livable community by making activities for residents throughout the year. Technology will be incorporated to stream classes to the home-bound, and the school district's Technology Center will be an invaluable resource.
Organization: Midstate Independent Living Choices, Inc.
Map key: 18
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: Continued / Existing
Primary contact: Don Wigington
Email: dwigington@milc-inc.org
Project Description: Tangible improvements in accessibility across 40 parks. Enhance awareness among park officials and interested parties regarding the importance of accessibility. Initiation of new projects that prioritize accessibility and directly impact 5-10 parks by providing funding to acquired adaptive recreational equipment or features. This may involve the procurement of outdoor wheelchairs, kayak launches, kayaks, or other adaptive equipment tailored to meet the diverse needs of park visitors.
Organization: Newcap, Inc.
Map key: 24
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Jessica DeGrave
Email: Jessicadegrave@newcap.org
Project Description: None
Organization: indiGo
Map key: 13
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Emma Duchrow
Email: emma@indigowi.org
Project Description: Twenty free community-based accessibility assessments, plan, and completed outreach and resource fairs based on accessibility in every county and tribal community in the service area. Community members will feel empowered to voice accessibility needs and participate in needs assessments.
Organization: ADRC of Waukesha County
Map key: 6
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Lisa Bittman
Email: lbittman@waukeshacounty.gov
Project Description: Public-facing, web-based repository of social connection opportunities.
Organization: Journey21, Inc.
Map key: 14
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: Expand existing
Primary contact: Heidi Hamilton
Email: heidihamilton@journey21.org
Project Description: Programs and outings, Journey21 Academies: Life Academy bridges the gap between high school and post-secondary options by teaching personal finance, employment and vocational skills, social skills and relationship building, health, and wellness. Summer Academy is less curriculum-based and focuses on learning and practicing skills needed to live independently such as basic cooking, the importance of exercise, and making lasting friendships. 18-21 Transition Academy is our young adult participants ages 18-21 to prepare them for life beyond high school.
Organization: Long Chen Senior Center LLC
Map key: 16
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness and Livable Communities
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Maiyoua and Chungyia Thao
Email: chungyia@gmail.com and info@longchengsc.com
Project Description: Purchase a wheelchair-accessible van and employ a dedicated driver to allow greater access to our adult day care center and other social outings.
Organization: Pointters Community Initiatives
Map key: 27
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Oladimeji Tomori and Gabrielle Thomas
Email: tomori@pointters.org and gabrielle.thomas@pointters.org
Project Description: Develop a volunteer program that matches volunteers with older adults and individuals with disabilities to provide companionship, assistance with daily activities, and emotional support. Establish community hubs where individuals can access resources, participate in social activities, and connect with peers in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Organization: Marshfield Area United Way
Map key: 17
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Sarah Chy and Ashlet Winch
Email: sarah@marshfieldareaunitedway.org and ashley@marshfieldareaunitedway.org
Project Description: Intergenerational community garden project.
Organization: Midstate Independent Living Choices, Inc.
Map key: 18
Type: Livable Communities
Coalition: Continued / Existing
Primary contact: Don Wigington
Email: dwigington@milc-inc.org
Project Description: Tangible improvements in accessibility across 40 parks. Enhance awareness among park officials and interested parties regarding the importance of accessibility. Initiation of new projects that prioritize accessibility and directly impact 5-10 parks by providing funding to acquired adaptive recreational equipment or features. This may involve the procurement of outdoor wheelchairs, kayak launches, kayaks, or other adaptive equipment tailored to meet the diverse needs of park visitors.
Organization: Opportunity Development Centers, Inc.
Map key: 26
Type: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Coalition: New
Primary contact: Kate Norby
Email: knorby@odcinc.com
Project Description: Expand Community Connectors to include adaptive recreation, expand Better Together (matches PWD to mentor volunteers), and Community Friends, a monthly social group. Launch a men's shed.
Frequently asked questions
The public notice for grant applications was posted on March 18, 2024.
Social Isolation and Loneliness grant: View the public notice
Livable Communities grant: View the public notice
The deadline for submission was April 15, 2024. Eighty-nine (89) applications were received. Thirty-seven (37) total awards were made on May 10, 2024, with amounts ranging from $10,413 to $100,000.
Awardees are reimbursed for their costs. Awardees submit expenses into the GEARS system by the 15th of the month following the month in which costs were incurred.