New State Program to Protect our Water Accepting Applications Now!
CLICK for Grants for Homeowners, Renters, & Small Businesses to Address Contamination in Private Wells (applications accepted on a rolling basis)
2026 Community Resource Directory
https://www.co.portage.wi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6752/FINAL-Community-Resource-Directory-2026
UNITED WAY’s 211
United Way’s 2-1-1 is an information and referral service that families and individuals can call to obtain free and confidential information on health and human services resources within their community.
The United Way’s 2-1-1 a valuable resource for individuals who have never been put in a position to seek out help with food, shelter, energy assistance, housing, parenting resources, health care, employment, substance abuse treatment, and much more.
The 2-1-1 line operates 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and language interpreter services are available. To speak to an information specialist through United Way’s 2-1-1, simply dial 211 (800-922-5590). This service is free of charge.
Transportation Services
General Information
Portage County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) transportation services have merged with Stevens Point transportation services. The consolidated program offers a variety of transportation services for residents in Portage County.
Phone: 715-341-4490
Nutrition Program – Offers FREE rides to senior dining sites.
Lincoln Center in Stevens Point
Park Lodge in Junction City
Jensen Community Center in Amherst
Municipal Building in Plover
Legion Hall in Rosholt
Rural Bus Service
Offers DISCOUNTED bus rides for qualified individuals anywhere within Portage County Monday – Friday.
Offers FREE rides for grocery shopping within Portage County Monday – Friday.
Point Plus Paratransit Service
Offers rides for qualified individuals to Stevens Point, Whiting, and Crossroads Commons shopping center Monday - Friday.
Fixed Route Bus Service
Offers DISCOUNTED rides to Stevens Point, Whiting, and Crossroads Commons shopping center Monday – Friday.
Volunteer Driver Program
Offers FREE rides to medical, nutritional, and other essential business appointments outside of Portage County throughout the week.
Taxi Service
Offers DISCOUNTED rides through local taxi service if the ride starts or ends in Stevens Point or Plover throughout the week.
For more information visit the website at stevenspoint.com/transit or call Monday through Friday between 7:00 am and 4:00 pm.
715-341-4490
Notification to the Public of Rights under Title VI
There are select transportation services in Portage County available if you are over 60 and/or have a disability. Click here for information.
Help Pollinators By Collecting Common Wild Milkweed Seedpods
Wild Parsnip and Teasels Flowering on Roadsides Near You
What is it and why should we be concerned about it? Click to learn more. Avoid skin blistering and help stop the spread of wild parsnip. Read about the management of invasive species in Wisconsin.
Learn more about Teasels.
Home Delivered Meals - Aging and Disability Resource Center
Home-delivered meals are available to the homebound elderly throughout Portage County. These meals are provided by either Meals on Wheels of Stevens Point for those living in the city, or the ADRC Nutrition Program for residents of Plover and rural Portage County. Home-delivered meals are available short-term and long-term to help individuals stay independent and in their own homes. Meals are delivered right to your door by caring and dedicated volunteers. The home-delivered meals program also provides a daily check on individuals. If there is a concern when delivering meals, a designated person is contacted for follow-up.
There are different ways to get more information on home-delivered meals:
Call (715) 346-1401 or stop by Reception the next time you're at Lincoln Center and ask to speak to someone in Nutrition Program.
Eligible individuals are 60 or older and essentially are homebound by reason of illness, disability, or isolation. A spouse or domestic partner of an eligible person previously described and an adult with a disability who resides with an eligible older adult are also eligible for home-delivered meals.
Stockbox Program - Aging and Disability Resource Center
The Aging & Disability Resource Center of Portage County, Hunger Task Force of Wisconsin, and Stevens Point Housing Authority have teamed up to bring Stockbox to Portage County. Stockbox is part of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.
Once a month Portage County seniors who qualify can pick up a Stockbox for FREE between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. at the ADRC at Lincoln Center, 1519 Water Street, Stevens Point in the south parking lot.
Stockboxes include 15+ nutritious items including rice, cereal, and vegetables.
To be eligible you must be 60 years old or older, meet the current income eligibility requirements and be a resident of Portage County. A photo ID is required for proof of service area when you register. Once registered a monthly signature confirms that you picked up your box.
You can also assign a proxy to pick up your box.
Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program - Aging and Disability Resource Center
This federally funded program offers eligible households vouchers to buy locally grown fresh produce each year during the summer growing season.
Senior Dining - Aging and Disability Resource Center
More than just a meal...Senior Dining not only offers a tasty hot meal at lunchtime, but it also gives older adults an opportunity to socialize with others, make new friends, change of scenery, and if desired, volunteer. Dining with others can improve appetite and overall nutritional health. Meals are available on various days during the week. All adults aged 60 and over are welcome to eat on a donation basis (ask at the Senior Dining Site for the suggested donation). Locations and serving days are listed below; please call to reserve a meal 24 hours in advance.
Registration REQUIRED for ALL LUNCHES by calling the Dining Site Manager 1-2 days in advance.
Adult Day Center - Aging and Disability Resource Center
Looking for a safe place to have your loved one spend a few hours with professional care while you run errands? Look no further than the Adult Day Center (ADC) at Lincoln Center.
The ADC is state certified and offers professional care in a stimulating environment to those who need extra care to remain living as independently as possible.
Socialization, personal care, support with daily living activities and preventative care assures a positive experience for participants and peace of mind for families and caregivers who need respite.
Financial assistance may be available to those who qualify.
The Adult Day Center is open 8:00AM - 4:00PM Monday - Friday.
No waiting list - openings for full time, part time, and drop in care. Prior enrollment is required for this program.
To schedule a tour, register, or for more information call 715-346-1422
Dementia Services - Aging and Disability Resource Center
The Dementia Care Specialist - provides education, enables individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias to remain active and in their homes longer and acts as a catalyst to create a dementia friendly community.
Memory Screens - If you are experiencing any memory loss symptoms, memory screening is available free of charge.
Virtual Dementia Tour - The Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT) is an individual experience through simulated dementia. VDT was created for families, organizations, and companies seeking to better understand the physical and mental challenges of those with dementia.
Safe & Sound (wanderers program similar to Silver Alert) - A Portage County program to ensure the safety of adult community members who require supervision due to cognitive disabilities or progressive illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This program is a partnership with local law enforcement. There is no fee for this service.
Memory Café - monthly social gathering for those experiencing early stage dementia, mild memory loss, or cognitive impairment – accompanied by their care partners, family, or friends.
Support Groups - Caring for a family member or friend can be very rewarding, but sometimes can also be physically, emotionally or mentally draining, especially when you have other obligations. Caregiver support groups provide education, support, assistance, and linkages to help caregivers avoid burnout and feel like they are not alone.
Disability Benefit Specialists - Aging and Disability Resource Center
With so many public and private assistance programs available, it can get confusing for people to understand programs such as Medicare, Medical Assistance, Social Security retirement, and disability benefits, Medicare supplement insurance, FoodShare, and other legal, housing, and financial assistance programs.
Aging and Disability Resource Center's Disability Benefit Specialists and Elder Benefit Specialists can help take the confusion out of these programs and help cut through the "red tape." They will help determine which programs you may be entitled to, help with the application process, and address any denials that you may have received. These services are free of charge. Elder Benefit Specialists work with people 60 and older; Disability Benefit Specialists work with people ages 18 through 59.
Some programs that Benefit Specialists can assist with include:
- Medicare (including Medicare Part D)
- Medicaid (Medical Assistance)
- Social Security Retirement and Disability Income (SSDI)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Medicare supplement insurance
- Low-income subsidy
- SeniorCare
- FoodShare
- Prescription drug assistance
- Housing and utility issues
Please Call Ahead for Benefits Specialist Appointments
To continue to provide efficient and prompt service to as many clients as possible, we encourage people to call the ADRC at 715-346-1401 or 866-920-2525 to make an appointment before coming to the office to see the Elder or Disability Benefit Specialists. This will prevent anyone from having to wait if staff are unavailable, and will help us assist people in a more confidential and timely manner.
BenefitsCheckUp is a powerful, easy-to-use online tool. It can help seniors learn about and enroll in programs that dramatically reduce the cost of prescription drugs, including the new Medicare prescription drug coverage. It can also help them find and enroll in other important government and private company programs. Provided by The National Council on the Aging and developed with the support of the U.S. Administration on Aging and the Department of Health and Human Services, the service has already helped thousands of seniors find the prescription savings programs they need.
Loan Closet - Aging and Disability Resource Center
Who Can Use the Loan Closet?
The Aging and Disability Resource Center Loan Closet serves Portage County residents. Items are loaned at no charge; cash donations are welcome to fund equipment maintenance and cleaning.
Individuals may need an item for the following reasons:
- Try out a piece of equipment before purchasing the equipment for themselves
- Short term use of the equipment
- Item is not covered by Medicare, Medical Assistance, or private insurance and the individual cannot afford to purchase the equipment
What Types of Equipment Are Available?
- Wheelchairs
- Walkers
- Canes
- Shower chairs
- Bath transfer benches
- Raised toilet seats
- Commodes
- Over the tub grab bars
- Crutches
- Sock-aides
On occasion, items that do not appear on this list may be available.
Donations of Equipment
Donations of equipment are accepted; items must be clean and in good repair. Please call us at 715-346-1401 or 866-920-2525 to find out if the item you wish to donate is needed. The Loan Closet is open by appointment Monday through Friday, 1 pm to 3 pm.
Safety & Security - Aging and Disability Resource Center
Project Lifesaver
A program that provides peace of mind to caregivers, aiding in the successful recovery of vulnerable adults and children with disabilities who wander off.
Project Lifesaver utilizes a comprehensive, rapid-response search and rescue system that involves the use of proven and reliable locator equipment and trained search teams. Individuals enrolled in the program wear a wristband that emits an individually assigned FM radio frequency. If the wearer wanders off and is reported missing, local law enforcement agents will respond to the area the individual was last known to be in and begin the search using the mobile locator tracking system. In many cases, search time has been reduced from hours and days to minutes.
Project Lifesaver of Portage County is open to any Portage County resident with a long-term cognitive impairment (e.g. irreversible dementia, autism, Down syndrome), who is at high risk for wandering. To participate, applicants must meet eligibility requirements. Participants in the program pay a small monthly fee to cover program and equipment costs. Financial assistance may be available, if needed, to assist with the monthly cost.
Safe & Sound
Safe and Sound is a Portage County program to ensure the safety of adult community members who require supervision due to cognitive disabilities or progressive illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.
Due to impaired judgment and cognitive abilities, these individuals have the potential to become disoriented and to place themselves in danger by wandering away from their homes or those responsible for their care.
In the event of an emergency involving one's caregiver, Safe, and Sound helps to ensure the safety of the care receiver. Caregiver identification is provided to alert emergency responders that the injured person is responsible for the care of another. Law enforcement can then follow up with emergency contacts provided during program registration.
How to Register
Call the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Portage County to tell the staff you are interested.
Meet with a Safe and Sound program volunteer. This person will help you complete a registration form, take a digital photograph of the person who is registering for Safe and Sound, and answer any questions you have about the program.
Safe and Sound is offered as a public service. There is no fee to register. Pending the availability of funds, participants and families may be asked to contribute toward the cost of identifying jewelry or clothing labels.
Safe and Sound is a collaborative effort on the part of these organizations:
- Aging and Disability Resource Center of Portage County
- Inclusa
- Portage County Sheriff's Department
- Stevens Point Police Department
- Village of Plover Police Department
Vital Information Program
The Vital Information Program (VIP) brings to the attention of emergency personnel all of an individual's important medical information-medical conditions, allergies, medications and advance directives-and personal information such as adaptive aids used, dependent care, pet care, etc. The packet is kept on the refrigerator door so it can be easily found.
For more information about these programs or to apply, Email Aging and Disability Resource Center of Portage County or call at 715-346-1401 or 866-920-2525, or in person at Lincoln Center, 1519 Water Street, Stevens Point.
FOCUS Family Backpacks
A free weekend food program for school-aged children and their families.
How it works: Every Friday, a plain backpack containing a meal, plus a breakfast item, is placed in your child's locker. The backpack contains a recipe and all the non-perishable ingredients needed to create the meal. Your child returns the empty backpack to the office on Mondays.
**In addition to our usual rotation of meals, families also have the option to recieve traditional Asian food as an alternative.
To sign up, you can:
- Fill out the enrollment form and have your child return it to school.
- Contact your school's FOCUS Family Backpacks Representative:
- Grant-Audrey Naeyaert, School Social Worker at 715-424-6766
- Stop in the office at school
You will be contacted regarding whether or not you will be participating in the program, and you will be asked periodically as to whether or not you wish to continue using the program.
Adult Mental Health Services - Portage County Health & Human Services
In this section, you will find information on programs, for adults living with mental illness, resources that can assist you in a mental health crisis, and access to initial intake forms if you are a new client to our Mental Health Clinic.
CCS - Comprehensive Community Services
Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) is a program designed for individuals with mental health and substance abuse needs, who are living in the community. CCS programs will provide psycho-social rehabilitation services to consumers who have needs for ongoing, high or low-intensity services resulting from mental health or substance use disorders. CCS focuses on creating an individualized plan that is consumer-driven, recovery-oriented, and strength and outcome-based, to maximize consumers' independence.
For more information, click here.
CSP - Community Support Program
This program helps to keep county residents in their homes and in the community, even when experiencing severe symptoms of their mental illness. The focus of these services is to help consumers become more independent in managing the effects of their illness and to become empowered in leading their own recovery. Consumers of these services tend to be overwhelmed by the symptoms of their mental illness and unable to function independently in the community
Services in this program may include:
- Psychiatric care
- Intensive Medication Management
- Rehabilitation Services
- Support with Daily living activities
- Case Management Services
Mental Health Clinic
Within this section of Portage County Health and Human Services, we offer outpatient counseling and psychiatric care. We also offer intensive in-home therapy for high-risk children and families by social worker referral only. All services are based on a sliding fee scale.
There are forms required to be completed for your first visit. Complete the Personal History Questionnaire (PDF) and bring it with you to your first appointment.
Crisis Services
If you are experiencing an acute mental health crisis, please call the toll-free number at 866-317-9362 for assistance. This number is available 24/7. You may also call 715-345-5350 option 4 which will also connect you to the toll-free number.
Helpful Links
- NAMI
- Local NAMI
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services
- Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association
For information on ROCC Point, our mental health drop-in center, please call Midstate Independent Living Center at 715-344-4210.
Adult Protective Services - Portage County Health & Human Services
Click the links below for additional information regarding elder abuse awareness.
- NCEA - Why should I care about Elder Abuse (PDF)
- NCEA - Red Flags of Abuse (PDF)
- Elder Abuse Facts (PDF)
You’ll find information on Elder/Adult-at-risk Abuse and how to report cases of abuse or neglect on this page.
Important Things to Know About Report
Given the sensitive nature of abuse situations and the impact a report has on families and individuals, the Adult Protective Services worker attempts to establish communication in the least intrusive manner possible.
The reporter of elder/adult-at-risk abuse/neglect can request to remain anonymous and Wisconsin law, Chapter 46.90, protects their identity.
The person who is the subject of the abuse/neglect report may refuse the investigation or services. If the person is competent and refuses the investigation, the investigation ceases. (Competence refers to an individual's capacity to make informed decisions and does not refer to the quality of the decisions being made.)
A commitment to protecting the elder/adult-at-risk person's right to self-determination is the guiding principle during the investigation process.
Portage House - Portage County Health & Human Services
Portage House
- Established: August 1973
- Occupancy: Twelve adult males, on supervision with the Department of Corrections
- Primary funding: The Wisconsin Department of Corrections
- Staff: Director, Program Assistant, two Counselors, and two Night Security staff. We also employ Relief staff and interns.
- Types of clients: On adult supervision. Most residents have committed crimes such as burglary, theft, drug offenses, forgery, and bad checks; other typical crimes are OMVWOC, battery, domestic abuse, and sex offenses.
Program Information
The Community and Residential Program (CRP) provides group and individual services intended to address problems with substance abuse, anger management, interpersonal communication, childhood trauma, living skills, and other areas that may contribute to ongoing involvement with the legal system. Program participants are also assigned a mentor, who will support them in setting realistic goals and in their efforts to achieve them. A typical length of stay is 90 to 120 days.
Program Services
CRP programs are developed through Portage County with the assistance of the Department of Corrections. The Community Corrections Agent who is assigned your case may direct you toward certain areas of programming. Your areas of highest risk (for re-offending), your areas of need, the rules established for your community supervision, and your personal decisions will all have some effect on the types of programs you are referred to, and what benefit you get out of them.
Service Provision
Most program services are provided at Portage House or in the area near the Courthouse and Law Enforcement Center. A case manager from Portage House will refer you to programs, review your program schedule and attendance, and address any problems that come up during the course of program involvement. The case manager will also maintain regular contact with your Community Corrections Agent, your mentor, and program providers.
Services Provided
- Room and board
- 24-hour supervision
- Assistance with job and school placements
- Training in independent living
- Health assessments
- Individual and group counseling
- Recreation and community activities
- Information and referral
Independent living skills are taught on an ongoing basis at Portage House. Areas covered include budgeting skills, meal preparation, personal hygiene, assertiveness, communication skills, and problem-solving. Staff provides information and referral regarding mental and physical health issues, parenting skills, and recreation. Residents participate in regular groups focusing on anger management, AODA, and cognitive-behavioral programming.
What is Expected of Clients
- Put forth effort into program activities
- Be honest with yourself and others
- Commitment to sobriety
- No violence or threats of violence
Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)
What is PREA?
The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) of 2003 is a federal law established to address the problem of sexual abuse of persons in the custody of U.S. correctional agencies. PREA applies to all correctional facilities, public and private, including prisons, jails, juvenile facilities, military and Indian country facilities, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities.
PREA incidents involve these types of conduct:
- Resident-on-resident sexual abuse
- Resident-on-resident abusive sexual contact
- Staff sexual misconduct
- Staff sexual harassment of a resident
Portage House has a zero-tolerance policy against sexual abuse and sexual harassment of our halfway houses residents.
- PREA Policy (PDF)
- View the PREA Annual Reports
Comprehensive Community Services - Portage County Health & Human Services
Comprehensive Community Services (CCS)
Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) is a program designed for individuals of any age with mental health and substance abuse needs, who are living in the community. CCS programs will provide psycho-social rehabilitation services to consumers who have needs for ongoing, high or low-intensity services resulting from mental health or substance use disorders. CCS focuses on creating an individualized plan that is consumer-driven, recovery-oriented, and strength and outcome-based, to maximize consumers' independence.
Eligibility
This program is available to individuals of any age who are functionally eligible as determined by the state-wide, web-based functional screen. To enroll in this program, a person must be on Medical Assistance.
Benefits of Receiving Services
A Service Facilitator supports participants' access to resources to meet their needs. We work to develop participant-driven teams within the community that encourage and support the recovery process and independence.
Cost of Services
There is no cost for services provided through CCS. All CCS services are funded through the Medicaid program.
Referral Process
Children
Parents or guardians may call our agency on behalf of their children for services. Upon receipt of a referral, staff, with family input, will determine the applicant's eligibility for services. To make a referral, call 715-345-5350 option 5 (Children with Special Needs).
Adult
Mental health providers and prescribers may call our agency to refer an adult client. Upon receipt of referral, staff, with consumer input, will determine the applicant's eligibility for services. To make a referral, call 715-345-5350 option 2 (Adult Mental Health/Adult Protective Services)
More information regarding Comprehensive Community Services can be found on the WI Department of Health Services Website.
Programs for Children with Special Needs - Portage County Health & Human Services
Programs for Children with Special Needs
Case management and Service Coordination services are provided to children with developmental, physical, and emotional disabilities. These services are designed to support children’s long-term needs while supporting families’ efforts to maintain care of their children in their homes.
To receive more information regarding special needs programs or to make a referral, call 715-345-5350 option 5.
Economic Support - Portage County Health & Human Services
Economic Support
The Economic Support section provides access to and eligibility for public assistance programs.
Public Assistance Programs administered at Portage County Health and Human Services include:
- BadgerCare Plus
- Medicaid - Elderly, Blind, and Disabled
- Family Care
- Family Planning Services
- FoodShare
- FoodShare Employment and Training Program
- Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy
- Caretaker Supplement
Where and how do I apply?
Submit an application in one of the following ways:
-
- Paper application by mail.
- In person at Portage County Health and Human Services, 817 Whiting Ave, Stevens Point, WI, 54481.
- Complete an ACCESS application online.
- Complete an application over the phone by calling the IM Central Consortium at 888-445-1621.
To have an application mailed, or for any other questions regarding the application process, contact the IM Central Consortium call center at 888-445-1621. You may also call 715-345-5350 and choose option 7 which will also connect you with the IM Central Consortium call center.
Link to IM Central Consortium: https://www.imcentralconsortium.org/