Nurturing Community – Aging & Disability Resource Center of Northwest Wisconsin (ADRC)
As published in the Intercounty Leader on January 17, 2024
The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Northwest Wisconsin (ADRC) offers services and information to all of us as we age into our senior years. Serving Polk and Burnett counties and the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, ADRC focuses on older adults and individuals living with physical or intellectual/developmental disabilities, or with mental health/substance abuse issues (starting at 17-1/2 years old). Support is also provided to caregivers, family members, and anyone who cares about or is assisting an elderly or disabled individual. The ADRC serves all people, regardless of income.
The goal of ADRC is to empower individuals to make informed choices using accurate information and tools. Their Balsam Lake and Siren offices are staffed with experienced and caring workers and volunteers ready to provide unbiased knowledge on issues affecting older people and people with disabilities. ADRC also serves as the single access point for publicly-funded long-term care, including Family Care and IRIS, and collaborates with community partners as well as the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging to provide health and wellness programs.
ADRC staff and volunteers were busy in 2023 and gathered impressive statistics. Senior Nutrition programs provided 61,787 meals; and Information and Assistance Specialists (I&As) had 5,235 calls with almost 2,000 individuals, answering questions and assisting them with their needs. The number of customers served, including I&As and benefits specialists, totaled 10,896. ADRC hosted three different community health promotion programs and five different community education events as well as a multitude of general information booths.
Most ADRC services are provided free of charge. People who use the transportation services provided by the ADRC are assessed a co-payment for rides. Meal services, such as congregate dining and home-delivered meals, do not charge a fee but a donation to the program is appreciated if the recipient is 60+ years of age. Others are asked to pay $10 per meal.
The ADRC has 20 employees in its Burnett and Polk offices as well as a wonderful meal site staff and volunteers. ADRC relies upon its amazing volunteers for programs to exist, and more help is always needed. Programs and services commonly in need of volunteers include transportation drivers; Meals on Wheels drivers; the ADRC board; Aging Advisory committees (options in Polk or Burnett Counties); Nutrition Council members; newsletter delivery; health workshop facilitators; and the Dementia Coalition. For additional details or to submit a volunteer request form, please see the website https://adrcnwwi.org/ or call 877-485-2372.
ADRC also accept donations of some types of gently used personal equipment*, supplies for events such as fairs and conferences, space to host programs, fresh produce (seasonally), as well as monetary donations. If you are interested in making a donation, please contact the ADRC. (*Please call to confirm if we are able to accept your equipment donation. Limitations apply.)
It is never too early to start asking questions. ADRC encourages you to call and begin planning for your future needs. Of course, staff can also assist you with questions or challenges you may be facing now. To learn all about the events and services, pick up the free ADRC newsletter, “The Voice,” at stores and locations in the community, or check out the website at https://adrcnwwi.org/ or call 877-485-2372.
The Northwest Alliance Community Foundation is an affiliate of the St. Croix Valley Foundation. We support our area nonprofits with educational opportunities and grants. Please consider joining us by making a donation. See our website nacommunityfoundation.org for more information or email nacf.hq@gmail.com.