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

Five smiling older adults with their arms up outdoors

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:

WI Coalition for Social Connection logo

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

Person helps a person with walker outside

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:

Grant awards by county

The numbers on the map correspond with the organizations listed below.

ARPA Social Connection Grant Awards County Map

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

Helen Sampson, Community Grants Coordinator

helen.sampson@dhs.wisconsin.gov 

262-317-4941

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.

Glossary

 
Last revised June 25, 2024