Aging and Disability Resource Center of Brown County

Adrc assistance and advocacy:information and assistance specialist (i&a) provide adults with disabilities, older adults, and their caregivers with current, unbiased and comprehensive information that help persons live as independently as possible. Each person's situation is assessed considering personal preferences, values, needs, strengths, weaknesses and resources. This ensures selection of individualized information about service options and costs to help them make cost effective, informed decisions about their care. For those who are eligible the adrc serves as the entry way into the publicly funded long-term care system. Benefits specialists educate and advocate for older adults and adults with disabilities. They help consumers explore their benefit options and provide information, assistance and advocacy regarding private and/or government benefits.

Activity centers and grounded cafe:three activity centers provide programming as places to go to learn, grow, share talents, and enjoy the company of others. Offerings includes exploring mindfulness, essential oils, painting, sketching, dance, cooking, exercise, american history, downsizing your household, computer instruction, and more. Grounded cafe is not only a great place to meet friends for coffee, breakfast, and/or lunch it's a training program for persons with disabilities preparing them for employment. Grounded cafe is breaking down stereotypes and helping people see abilities instead of just disabilities. Since opening in 2017, nine trainees have realized their dream of a job in the community.

Nutrition program:the adrc nutrition program serves nutritious meals to over 1,800 Brown County residents aged 60 and older each year. At congregate sites and pop-up dining events, meals are served dine-in in the community. These locations also offer carryout meals for those who prefer to take their meal to-go. For residents that are homebound and/or unable to safely prepare meals for themselves, meals are delivered to their door. An initial assessment is completed with new customers to determine eligibility and connect them to the best service. In 2022, we served 19,754 congregate and 136,506 home delivered and carryout meals. Meals are provided on a donation basis for eligible customers with our current suggested donation at $4.00 per meal. The value of the nutrition program extends beyond the meal. All customers receive regular nutrition education, as well as opportunities for social connection and wellness checks. As result, one in five customers report the meals offer 'something to look forward to', and 50% say they offer 'a sense of safety & security.

Prevention programs:the adrc offers programs for people of all ages and abilities helping them to stay healthy and active. This not only impacts their quality of life but reduces and/or eliminates the need for costly long-term care services. Programing includes evidence based classes addressing falls prevention and chronic disease management and one-time screenings, educational events and classes. It explores many dimensions of wellness with a wide variety of asked for offerings. Some examples are skin cancer and memory screens, brain health programs, advance directives, allergies, body mechanics, even harmonica classes.