WISCONSIN HAPPENIN'S  - September 2010

DISCLAIMER

JUST A SHORT NOTE TO STATE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS PUBLICATION IS TO PASS
PRECIOUS INFORMATION ON TO THOSE OF NEED.  OCCASIONALLY, THERE WILL BE
ARTICLES BY OTHER WRITERS.  I MAY NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THEIR
VIEWPOINTS, HOWEVER,  I DO RESPECT THEM.  THANK YOU

************************************************

Provides life-enriching assistance to Wisconsin children with physical disabilities through several programs including Kids on the
Go!, which pays for durable medical equipment for those with the greatest financial need and Future Kids Dream Experience Series,
which provides educational and play experiences for children with physical disabilities.

For more information visit this link:  http://www.disability.gov/state/wisconsin/community_life

***************************************************

Chippewa Falls
Oktoberfest
A weekend of German Fun
September 17 - 19, 2010

Enjoy 3 full days of Oktoberfest tradition while indulging in our delicious authentic German foods and beverages. Bring your family
and your dancing shoes to the festive entertainment on our 4 stages. Frolic & Fun awaits you!





Monroe
Green County Cheese Days
Oldest Food Fest
in the Midwest
September 17 - 19, 2010

Yodel, polka, eat cheese - Swiss entertainment, Cow Milking Contest, Dairy Farm Tours, Old Time Cheesemaking, Kid's Imagination
Station, Craft Fair, Blues Stage, Street Dances, Vintage Tractor Show, Parades, Cheese/Beer Tasting.

*************************************************

The Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute offers online and in-person training for professionals who work with individuals with
disabilities and for individuals with disabilities and their families. Topics include psychiatric disabilities, physical disabilities,
disability benefits and job accommodations.

For more information visit this link:

http://www.disability.gov/state/wisconsin/employment.

********************************************

Program Description
The Special Milk Program (SMP) provides milk to children in schools and childcare institutions who do not participate in other
Federal meal service programs. The program reimburses schools for the milk they serve.
Schools in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs may also participate in SMP to provide milk to children in half-
day pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs where children do not have access to the school meal programs.

General Program Requirements
Any child in a school or institution that participates in the Special Milk Program can get milk. Schools may elect to offer free milk to
low-income children. In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Wisconsin, your household's
annual income before taxes must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the household; $26,955 if two people live in the
household; $33,874 if three people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the
household; $54,631 if six people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $68,469 if eight people live
in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for the Special Milk Program, directly contact your child’s school, camp, or child care institution to find out if it participates
in the Special Milk Program.

The Federal agency Child Nutrition Programs manages this program and provides state contact information here:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Contacts/StateDirectory.htm

Additionally, your state education agency can also provide you with more information about the program.
http://dpi.wi.gov/fns/specmlk1.html

Program Contact Information
To visit Wisconsin Special Milk Program (SMP) on the web, please visit:
http://dpi.wi.gov/fns/specmlk1.html

If you have questions regarding the SMP, please contact Rich Mortensen at:
608-267-9121

You can also contact your local school district to learn more about Wisconsin SMP.


Managing Agency
Wisconsin
http://www.wisconsin.gov

**************************************************

Program Description
The purpose of the Food Stamp (FS) Program is to end hunger and improve nutrition and health. It helps low-income Wisconsin
households buy the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet. In Wisconsin, local welfare offices operate the program, and
the Federal Government oversees the State operation of the program.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Wisconsin and fall into one of two groups: (1)
those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance
(savings and checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a
person with a disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself). For either group, you must also have an annual household
income of less than $13,284 if one person lives in the household; $17,808 if two people live in the household; $22,332 if three people
live in the household; $26,856 if four people live in the household; $31,380 if five people live in the household; $35,904 if six people
live in the household; $40,428 if seven people live in the household; or $44,952 if more than seven people live in the household.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information
For more information on the Wisconsin Food Stamp program and instructions on how to apply, please visit:
http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare/index.htm

You can also identify and contact your local county Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS) office by checking:
http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/em/imagencies/index.htm

Please call the DHFS to speak with a client service representative:
608-266-1865


TYY calls can be made to:
608-267-7371



Managing Agency
Wisconsin
http://www.wisconsin.gov

*******************************************

Program Description
The School Breakfast and Lunch Programs make nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free meals available to school children each
school day. Over 92,000 schools offer lunches at school, and nearly 70,000 schools offer breakfast at school. School breakfasts
and lunches must meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and Federal nutrition standards. Some schools offer afterschool
snacks to children in the school's afterschool care programs.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Wisconsin and a parent or primary caregiver
responsible for a child(ren) who attends school (high school or under). Those who qualify must also have an annual household
income before taxes that must not exceed $26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three people live in the household;
$40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in the household,
$61,550 if seven people live in the household;$68,469 if eight people live in the household; and $75,388 if more than eight people live
in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for free or reduced price meals, contact your child's school. A listing of your state's schools can be found here:
http://dpi.wi.gov/schldist.html

Program Contact Information
For additional information on the Wisconsin School Breakfast program, please visit the Wisconsin Community & School Nutrition
Programs office at:
http://dpi.wi.gov/fns/sbp1.html

And School Lunch:
http://dpi.wi.gov/fns/nslp1.html

If you have questions regarding the programs please call the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction toll-free at:
800-441-4563


Managing Agency
Wisconsin
http://www.wisconsin.gov

*********************************************

Program Description
The Energy Assistance Bureau oversees Wisconsin's Home Energy Assistance Program. This includes the Federally funded Low
Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Public Benefits Energy Assistance Program. The Bureau also oversees the
Low Income Weatherization Program and Lead Abatement Program. LIHEAP and its related services help over 130,000 Wisconsin
households annually. In addition to regular heating and electric assistance, specialized services include: emergency fuel
assistance, counseling for energy conservation and energy budgets, pro-active co-payment plans, targeted outreach services, and
emergency furnace repair and replacement. WHEAP Heating Assistance is a one-time benefit payment for each heating season
(October 1 through May 15). It is intended to help you pay a portion of your heating costs. It is not intended to cover the entire annual
cost of your home heating bills. The amount of the heating assistance benefit depends on your household size, income level, and
household heating costs. For most families, your geating assistance benefit will be sent directly to your fuel supplier. You will
receive a notification from the Division of Energy informing you of your benefit amount. Your vendor will credit the amount to your
account. The Public Benefits Program has made it possible for the Energy Program to assist with non-heating electric costs. You
may be eligible to receive a benefit for your non-heating electric energy costs. Services are provided locally through: county social
services offices, tribal governments, private non-profit or other government agencies.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Wisconsin, you must need financial assistance for
home energy costs and your household's annual income before taxes must not exceed $16,245 if one person lives in the
household; $21,855 if two people live in the household; $27,465 if three people live in the household; $33,075 if four people live in the
household; $38,685 if five people live in the household; $44,295 if six people live in the household; $49,905 if seven people live in the
household; $55,515 if eight people live in the household; and $61,125 if more than eight people live in the household. For larger
households, add $5,610 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for this program, please contact the local administering agency near you:
http://homeenergyplus.wi.gov/section.asp?linkid=119&locid=25

Program Contact Information
You can obtain information on eligibility, program services and where to apply by calling:
866-HEA-TWIS

You may also visit our WHEAP Web site at:
http://heat.doa.state.wi.us/

If you have a question or comment you would like to send to the Division of Energy, please e-mail us at:
heat@doa.state.wi.us



Managing Agency
Wisconsin
http://www.wisconsin.gov

****************************************************

Program Description
BadgerCare is a health insurance program for low-income working families with children. It provides coverage for families with
incomes too high for Medicaid who are without access to health insurance. The program seeks to eliminate barriers to successful
employment by providing a transition for families from welfare to private insurance. BadgerCare is based on the premise that
health care is essential for working families with children.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Wisconsin, under 19 years of age or be a primary care giver
with a child under the age of 19, not covered by health insurance (including Medicaid), a US national, citizen, legal alien, or
permanent resident, and you must have an annual household income before taxes of less than $28,000 if two people live in the
household; $35,200 if three people live in the household; $42,400 if four people live in the household; $49,600 if five people live in the
household; $56,800 if six people live in the household; $64,000 if seven people live in the household; $71,200 if eight people live in
the household; and $78,400 if more than eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $7,200 for each additional
person in the home. Depending on your income level, you may have to pay a premium for coverage. Please see this state's program
information for details.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
If you think you might be eligible, please call the following number to get your eligibility process started: (800) 362-3002 (TTY and
translation services available). You may also send an e-mail to: webmaildhcf@dhfs.state.wi.us.

Online applications are available at the following location:
https://access.wisconsin.gov//

Program Contact Information
To learn more about WisconsinBadgerCare, please visit:
http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/badgercareplus/


Managing Agency
Wisconsin
http://www.wisconsin.gov

********************************************

Program Description
The purpose of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is to promote and maintain the
health and well-being of nutritionally at-risk pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children. The Wisconsin
WIC program provides supplemental nutritious foods, nutrition and breastfeeding information, and referral to other health and
nutrition services. WIC promotes and supports breastfeeding. The Wisconsin WIC program is administered by the Department of
Health and Family Services.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Wisconsin, pregnant, breastfeeding and
postpartum woman, infant or child up to 5 years of age and: (1) are individually determined by a health professional to be at nutrition
risk; and, (2) meet an income standard, or are determined automatically income eligible. A person who participates or has family
members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the Food Stamp Program, Medicaid or Temporary Assistance
for Needy Families, automatically meets the income eligibility requirement.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply, set up an appointment at the WIC clinic closest to you:
http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/wic/localproject/cliniclocations.htm

Program Contact Information
Please see the following Web Site for the income standard or maximum income limit for WIC eligibility:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/incomeguidelines.htm

For more information on Wisconsin WIC, visit their website at:
http://www.dhfs.state.wi.us/wic/index.htm

To find out more about WIC and other programs for which you may be eligible, call toll-free:
800-722-2295


Managing Agency
Wisconsin
http://www.wisconsin.gov

************************************************

Program Description
The Head Start program (for children ages 3-5) and Early Head Start program (for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers) promote
school readiness for children in low-income families by providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and social
services. Parents play a large role in the programs, both as primary educators of their children and as participants in administering
the programs locally. Both programs provide pre-literacy and literacy experiences in a multi-cultural environment. Parents are also
provided social services, including assistance with childcare. Services are also available to migrant and seasonal farm worker
families.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Wisconsin, you must be a parent or primary
caregiver responsible for a child who is too young for public school and your household's annual income before taxes must not
exceed $10,830 if one person lives in the household; $14,570 if two people live in the household; $18,310 if three people live in the
household; $22,050 if four people live in the household; $25,790 if five people live in the household; $29,530 if six people live in the
household; $33,270 if seven people live in the household; $37,010 if eight people live in the household; and $40,750 if more than
eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $3,740 for each additional person in the home.

If you do not meet these criteria, you may still qualify if you are a U.S. national, citizen or permanent resident whose financial status
is low income or very low income, who is under-employed, unemployed or about to become unemployed, facing pregnancy, less
than 19 years of age yourself, or the parent or primary caregiver for children under the age of 19 years. Other qualifications may
apply.


Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
The Head Start Locator provides a searchable database of Head Start programs. To apply for this program please visit the
following website, which will direct you to the Head Start office nearest to you:
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices

Program Contact Information
For more information on Wisconsin Head Start, please visit the Department of Public Instruction at:
http://dpi.wi.gov/ec/echdstrt.html

Or the Wisconsin Head Start Association at:
http://www.whsaonline.org/

If you would like to speak with a State representative regarding the program, you can also call the Wisconsin Head Start State
Collaboration Office at:
608 261-4596



Managing Agency
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
http://www.wisconsin.gov

*********************************************************************

The Wisconsin Weatherization Assistance Program provides energy conservation services in homes occupied by low-income
families to help defray high home energy costs. Services provided often include attic, wall and floor insulation, repair or
replacement of inefficient furnaces, and water heater insulation. Program operators also deal with some health and safety issues
by installing smoke detectors, checking carbon monoxide levels, testing for lead paint, asbestos, and moisture problems.

Families and individuals whose household income is at or below 150% of the Federal poverty level are eligible for weatherization
assistance. Both homeowners and renters can be eligible for no-cost services. However, a contribution is required in rental
property where the property owner pays the heating cost for the unit. Priority is given to homes occupied by elderly or disabled
persons, households with children under six years old, and homes that have high energy costs.

General Program Requirements


In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Wisconsin, your household's annual income
before taxes must not exceed $15,600 if one person lives in the household; $21,000 if two people live in the household; $26,400 if
three people live in the household; $31,800 if four people live in the household; $37,200 if five people live in the household; $42,600 if
six people live in the household; $48,000 if seven people live in the household; and $53,400 if eight people live in the household. For
larger households, add $5,400 for each additional person in the home.


Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for this program, please contact your local administering agency at the following location:
http://homeenergyplus.wi.gov/section.asp?linkid=119&locid=25

Program Contact Information
For more information on the Wisconsin WAP and the local agencies that administrate it, please visit:
http://homeenergyplus.wi.gov/category.asp?linkcatid=819&linkid=118&locid=25...


Managing Agency
Wisconsin
http://www.wisconsin.gov

*********************************************

Program Description
Wisconsin Works (W-2) program seeks to provide the necessary training, supportive services and financial incentives for low-
income parents to obtain permanent and stable employment with access to further training that will lead to career advancement.
Wisconsin's residents are its most valuable resource. Some residents are unemployed due to poor education, poor job skills and
other barriers to employment. These problems not only limit individual achievement, but they hold back the state's economic
growth.
The goal of W-2 is to provide necessary and appropriate services to prepare individuals to work and to obtain and maintain viable,
self-sustaining employment, which will promote economic growth. W-2 is one of several work-based programs designed to ensure
that everyone in Wisconsin shares in our economic opportunities. W-2 accomplishes this goal by providing needed services in a
comprehensive fashion, including such services as job readiness motivation, job retention and advancement skill training as well
as childcare. W-2 employment and training services are available to any eligible Wisconsin residents.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Wisconsin, either pregnant or responsible for a child under 19
years of age, a US national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, have low or very low income, and be either under-employed
(working for very low wages), unemployed or about to become unemployed.

Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.


Program Contact Information
To read more about the Wisconsin Works (W-2) program, please visit:


http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/w2/

To ask the Department of Workforce Development-Workforce Solutions (DWD-DWS) division about the W-2 program please call:
608-266-0327

Or send and e-mail to DWD-DWS at:
dwddws@dwd.state.wi.us



Managing Agency
Wisconsin
http://www.wisconsin.gov

************************************************************

Wisconsin Medicaid
Subscribe to Wisconsin Medicaid e-mail updates
Program Description
Wisconsin Medicaid is a joint Federal/state program established to pay for medical services for people with disabilities, people 65
years and older, children and their caretakers, and pregnant women who meet the program's financial requirements. The purpose
of the program is to provide reimbursement for and assure the availability of appropriate medical care to persons who meet the
criteria for Medicaid.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Wisconsin, a US national, citizen, permanent
resident, or legal alien, in need of health care/insurance assistance, whose financial situation would be characterized as low
income or very low income. You must also be either pregnant, a parent or relative caretaker of a dependent child(ren) under age 19,
blind, have a disability or a family member in your household with a disability, or be 65 years of age or older.

Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.


Program Contact Information
Please visit the Wisconsin Medicaid web site for more information on the program:


http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/MEDICAID/

The Medicaid Recipient Services Hotline number is for recipients, recipient advocates and people interested in applying for
Medicaid benefits. You can call it toll-free by dialing:
800-362-3002

You may also contact your local Bureau for Children and Families county office to learn more about Medicaid and how to apply:


http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/em/imagencies/index.htm


Managing Agency
Wisconsin
http://www.wisconsin.gov

***************************************************************

REMEMBER NO MATTER WHAT TOWN, CITY, COUNTY OR STATE SEND
US YOUR UPCOMING EVENT INFORMATION TO BE APPLIED TO YOUR
STATE'S PAGE!

BECOME ACTIVE IN YOUR COMMUNITY!

IF YOUR GROUP, ORGANIZATION, OR HOUSE OF WORSHIP HAS ANY ACTIVITIES UPCOMING SUCH AS:

MEALS FOR THE NEEDY, FOOD PANTRIES & BASKET GIVEAWAYS, CLOTHING CLOSETS, BAZAARS,
FLEA MARKETS, CAR WASHES, FREE CLASSES/SEMINARS, FILM FESTIVALS,
FIRST TIME HOME PURCHASER SEMINARS, STATE FAIRS....EVEYTHING!!!!

PLEASE CONTACT ME BY EMAIL: homelesstoindependence@yahoo.com