The LEO Program Fall Sessions

The LEO Program explores how the human brain works and why our brain is not prepared for the challenges of today's world. Youth ages 14-20 are eligible to participate if they reside in Wood County or attend a school in Wood County and are not diagnosed with a substance use disorder.

This program is FREE!!

See the flyers for WI Rapids and Marshfield dates and times.

The Youth Mentor Program made its official launch in June 2019. The program was created to fill a need for youth support in the Wood County area, and is now accepting in-house referrals for at-risk youth. This program itself is an intensive, youth-centered, support, and strengths-based program with a goal to provide a caring adult relationship and connection to youth. The program heavily promotes inclusivity, autonomy, safety, values, growth, and empowerment for youth participants. Providing a caring and supportive adult connection for at-risk youth has many benefits including, but not limited to, increased high school graduation rates, increased self-esteem and confidence, reduced out-of-home placement, and improved relationships and decision-making.

The program works with five to seven youth at a time between the ages of 12-18. Youth mentees participate for a minimum of 12 months, meeting with the Youth Mentor Case Manager at least once a week (with a goal of even more contact than this), and can transition out of the program at that time or extend their time in the program if the youth so desires.

Wood County is thrilled to have the opportunity to provide a space for support, transformation, and connection where it may not have been available before.

For more information contact Karriann at 715-421-8598.

Not Enough Apologies

• A Wisconsin Public Television documentary that explores how adverse childhood experiences can result in changes to the brain, leading to behavioral and mental health problems.
• Discover how Wisconsin is working to be responsive to trauma.
• Panelists will answer your questions regarding the documentary after the showing.

Join us August 21st

5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

McMillan Memorial Library, WI Rapids, WI

See flyer for more details.

County residents on FoodShare benefits that have experienced food loss because of the storm and loss of power are encouraged to call Northern Income Maintenance Consortium at 1-888-794-5722, or stop in at the local agency located at River Block in Wisconsin Rapids or City Hall Plaza in Marshfield.

DCF Graduation Event

The Department of Children and Families held its 7th Annual Youth Graduation Celebration on June 28th at the Governor's Executive Residence in Madison. This event recognizes former foster youth who have recently graduated from high school or other educational achievements. The nine-county NorthCentral Independent Living Program, operated by Wood County Human Services in partnership with CW Solutions, had six youth attend this special celebration. Overall, 14 foster youth from our regioin graduated high school this June, congrats to these graduates!