Community partners in Barron, Buffalo, Dunn, Chippewa, Eau Claire, Pierce, St. Croix and Trempealeau counties are invited to apply for the Hometown Health grant. Previously funded programs and initiatives include:

2021:

Recipients recently named to receive grant money are:

• Barron County and Eau Claire County Restorative Justice Programs: Cognitive Behavior Intervention and Substance Abuse Intervention programs, $10,000
  Substance abuse, anti-social cognition and anti-social behavior are the most common criminogenic needs in rural communities. These restorative justice programs provide early intervention and prevention to keep communities safe and healthy.
• Center for Independent Living Western Wisconsin: New Freedom Volunteer Driver Program, $15,000
  This program provides transportation to the elderly and people with disabilities in rural Wisconsin. This program will expand to meet the needs of rural riders.
• Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District Cardinal Community Learning Center: Strengthening Families Program, $9,000
  Through cooperative learning of parents and children together, families taking part in this evidenced-base program practice skills to reduce anger and stress, increase communication, address behaviors, and make healthy choices.
• The Community Table: Neighbors Feeding Neighbors: Daily Meal Service, $10,000
  By encouraging diverse volunteers to take part in service and creating partnerships with local businesses and organizations, this program is able to serve balanced, nutritious meals in a safe, welcoming environment to those in need every day in Eau Claire County.
• Family Support Center: River Source Family Center Program, $15,000
  The River Source Family Center program includes individual parenting services and group connections services. Staff provide individual support and education to parents with children ages newborn to 5 years through home visits with the Parents as Teachers curriculum.
• Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Inc.: Gaining Ground Program, $20,000
  This comprehensive service-based program focuses on increased mental wellness; improving individual goal attainment; and addressing issues related to crisis, housing insecurity and self-sufficiency.
• Menomonie Police Department: Project Hope, $20,000
  This evidence-based program uses four strategic pillars to deflect or divert people from the criminal justice system and reduce addiction in the community. Also, this program provides mentoring, counseling and rehabilitative services to at-risk youth.
• Osseo-Fairchild Elementary School: After-School Intervention and Enrichment Exploration Program, $25,000
  This after-school program aims to provide a safe place for students after school, while also offering homework support, academic enrichment, outdoor physical activities and a nutritious snack.
• Pablo Center at the Confluence: Pablo STE(A)M Maker Program, $8,000
  The Pablo STEAM Maker Program offers a free and safe way for students to step away from the computer, and put their hands and minds to work while creating projects they design, build, learn from and can be proud of.
• Ruby's Pantry ― Cameron, Wisconsin: Healthy Meal Initiative, $10,000
  This initiative will allow the pantry to purchase additional pallets of protein, giving guests healthier and more sustainable food options.
• The Salvation Army Barron County: The Family House Transitional Living Facility and Homeless Shelter, $25,000
  This shelter will expand services and family units for homeless people and families in Barron County. Services at the facility will include alcohol and other drug abuse counseling; mental health assessments that address transportation, housing and employment needs; and case management.
• Stepping Stones of Dunn County: Farmers Feed Program, $10,000
  Lack of access to healthy, affordable foods contributes to obesity and chronic disease. This program will partner with local growers to distribute quality fresh fruits and vegetables to those who are food insecure throughout Menomonie and rural Dunn County.
• The Village Project Inc.: The Village Marketplace, $25,000
  This nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing every child in the U.S. with high-quality education after school, on the weekends and during school breaks. This program will provide an easy-to-use online marketplace that brings a community's out-of-school educational opportunities into one website that is accessible anytime, anywhere and in nearly any language.