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GREATER WATERTOWN COMMUNITY HEALTH FOUNDATION EXPANDING

The Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation Board of Directors has announced an expansion of the Foundation's leadership team to bolster commitment to three strategic priorities that will drive impact for children and families.

STATE LEADERS, FAMILIES RALLY FOR INCREASED CHILDCARE FUNDING

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - State leaders and childcare advocacy organizations spent Saturday outside the State Capitol rallying for more funding for Wisconsin childcare services. Katy Dicks, a mother of two kids, was among several people who spoke. The Sun Prairie mom feels it’s been an ongoing struggle to afford childcare for her two children.

WATERTOWN REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER SHARES ITS 2023 COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT

“In the process of providing high-quality, compassionate, and even award-winning care, Watertown continued to make an impact on our surrounding communities that is felt even beyond our hospital walls,” said Richard Keddington, CEO of WRMC. Among the report’s highlights: Watertown provided more than $10.5 million in uncompensated or charitable health services, demonstrating its continued commitment to ensuring everyone has access to care, regardless of their ability to pay.

CONGRESSWOMAN GWEN MOORE AND SENATOR TAMMY BALDWIN AMONG FIVE LAWMAKERS TO INTRODUCE MENTAL HEALTH AND MAMA ACT!

MAY 17, 2024 BY MKE COMMUNITY JOURNAL

U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI), U.S. SenatorsTammy Baldwin (D-WI) were two of five Congress women to introduce the Mental Health and Making Access More Affordable (MAMA) Act recently, which would require commercial and governmental health insurance plans that offer services related to mental health and substance use disorders to offer these, with no co-pay from the onset of regular pregnancy care through one-year postpartum. Read More

SUPPORTING KIDS’ MENTAL HEALTH IS WITHIN OUR GRASP AN EDITORIAL BY STATE SUPERINTENDENT DR. JILL UNDERLY DURING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

05.20.2024 - NEWS RELEASE, DPI

When people ask me what a major barrier is facing individual Wisconsin students today, I don’t have to think hard to come up with an answer: Support for their mental health. Read More

5 KEY INITIATIVES IN WISCONSIN LEGISLATURE: TAX CUTS, MEDICAID EXPANSION AND MORE FIVE LEGISLATIVE BILLS UNDER DISCUSSION IN WISCONSIN THIS WEEK

05.16.2024 - DENISE LOCKWOOD, RACINE COUNTY EYE

The Wisconsin State Legislature is actively debating several significant bills this week, each poised to impact residents across the state. These initiatives reflect a broad spectrum of policy issues, from tax relief and Medicaid expansion to child care support and election integrity. Below, we outline five key legislative measures, highlighting their objectives, the arguments from supporters and critics, potential taxpayer impacts, and upcoming votes. Read More

PARENTS AND PROVIDERS SHARE CONCERNS ABOUT RISING COSTS, HOST ROUNDTABLE ON NATIONAL DAY WITHOUT CHILD CARE

05.13.2024 - RYAN JENKINS, WTMJ-MILWAUKEE

MILWAUKEE — From coast to coast, thousands of parents and childcare providers across the U.S. are calling out of work or closing their doors for National Day Without Childcare, pressing lawmakers for affordable childcare and better pay for educators. Read More

THE SURPRISING BENEFITS OF EARLY READING EARLY READING FOR PLEASURE IS LINKED TO ENHANCED THINKING, FEELING, AND ACTING.

05.09.2024 - Jennifer Fraser, Ph.D, Psychology Today

Reading rather than screen time is connected to better cognitive, mental health, and behavioural outcomes. Reading offers children a proven way to reduce anxiety and depression. Read More

PODCAST GIVES TEENS A PLATFORM TO TALK ABOUT THEIR MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES

05.07.2024 - BY WENDY STRONG WISCONSIN SPECTRUM ONE

Breiny Lipskier is a teen who started a podcast earlier this year called “Wish You Knew,” through her internship at Friendship Circle of Wisconsin. The podcast is a platform for teens to talk to teens about mental health challenges they’re experiencing. Read More

‘STROLLING THUNDER’ COMES TO DC, URGING LAWMAKERS TO PRIORITIZE EARLY CHILDHOOD NEEDS

05.01.2024 - BY KIRSTIN GARRISS, CMG WASHINGTON NEWS BUREAU

These constituents are still learning their ABC’s, but they’re already taking a big stand on Capitol Hill. Tuesday, dozens of babies and their parents visited DC as part of the ‘Strolling Thunder.’ It’s a national movement of families through the nonprofit, ZERO TO THREE, urging lawmakers to prioritize the needs of young children. This includes expanding early Head Start, better maternal healthcare and creating a national paid family leave program. Read More

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT; KOHL'S DONATES $200K, YOUTH PROGRAMMING, TRAINING

05.01.2024 - FOX6

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. - Kohl’s announced on Wednesday, May 1 a $200,000 commitment to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Southeast Wisconsin over two years in support of reducing stigmas around mental health and providing more resources for youth and BIPOC communities in the Milwaukee area. Read More

OLDER AMERICANS MONTH THEME, "POWERED BY CONNECTION," RAISES AWARENESS OF THE IMPACTS OF SOCIAL ISOLATION

05.01.2024 - PR NEWSWIRE

OAK PARK, Ill., May 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As the aging network across America celebrate Older Americans Month in May, AgeOptions, the principal source of information about older adult services in suburban Cook County, wants to make sure that older adults and unpaid caregivers are aware and taking advantage of the various programs and services available through its network of more than 100 partner agencies. Read More

MUNICIPAL HOUSING SOLUTIONS

05.01.2024 - WHITE PAPER BY REALTORS, MUNICIPALITIES, BUILDERS

Laying the foundation for making informed local housing policy decisions Read More

YMCA’S NEW FREE WEIGHT CENTER WILL HONOR LONG-STANDING COMMUNITY

04.26.2024 - WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES

WATERTOWN — The rich heritage of Watertown continues to be reflected in the Y’s plans for a future facility near The Collective on Fairview Drive with the announcement of the new free weight area as the “John David Free Weight Center,” in honor John David’s enduring legacy. Read More

THE MARKET CAN’T SOLVE HOUSING BY ITSELF

APR 25, 2024 - BY JARON EHLERS, NEWS FROM THE STATES

From the White House to almost every city, the housing crisis has come to the forefront of political discussions. It is a clear fact that we simply lack enough housing for our entire population. And, as with many issues in our society, the lack of housing disproportionately affects the poor and minorities. With that in mind, many different political factions have offered their proposed solutions. Yet, the building of dedicated affordable housing remains a necessity to solving the crisis. Read More

MILWAUKEE AREA IS ONE OF THE MOST COMPETITIVE RENTAL MARKETS IN THE NATION, FORBES SAYS

04.24.2024 - CLAIRE REID, MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL

With steep mortgage rates and home prices continuing to rise throughout Wisconsin and across the country, many people are electing to rent instead. In fact, a new Forbes Advisor study of current American renters found that the primary reason people choose to rent is because they're unable to afford buying a home. Read More

WE KNOW SOCIAL MEDIA USE STIRS UP ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION FOR MANY WHY DOESN’T SOCIAL MEDIA TANK EVERYONE'S MENTAL HEALTH?

04.25.2024 - PSYCHOLOGY TODAY

In the two decades since social media has taken off, mental health and suicide rates have increased, especially among young people (Twenge et al., 2019). Is this a direct result of social media and its emphasis on sharing only that which will show others only what people desire to be seen as? Read More

THE HIGH COST OF CHILDCARE CAN FORCE MOTHERS OUT OF THE WORKFORCE

04.24.2024 - KAREN D’SOUZA, EDSOURCE

The dilemma is common in a country where high-quality child care programs are often so costly they seem like a luxury item, government assistance is limited, and slots are often hard to find. In 2022, more than 1 in 10 young children had a parent quit, turn down or cut back a job because of child care problems. That burden falls most often on mothers, who face more child-rearing responsibilities. Read More

HOUSING EXPERTS SAY THERE JUST AREN’T ENOUGH HOMES IN THE U.S.

04.24.2024 - BY MARY LOUISE KELLY, MIA VENKAT, KATHRYN FINK, AND WILLIAM TROOP, WISCONSIN PUBLIC RADIO

Finding an affordable place to live in the U.S. can feel pretty impossible whether you’re a renter or a buyer. Read More

DEPT. OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, GOV. EVERS: CELEBRATE NINE AWARDEES FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND SERVICE TO FAMILIES TINA CRAVE AND FOUNDATION AMONG HONOREES

04.23.2024 - WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, WISPOLITICS

Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation President and CEO Tina Crave was among nine individuals honored by Governor Tony Evers and Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Emilie Amundson at the inaugural 2024 Secretary’s Putting Families First Awards. The awards were presented during a celebration at the State Capitol as part of Wisconsin’s proclaimed month-long recognition of Family Strengthening Month. Kim Melcher accepted the award on Tina's behalf. Pictured (l-r) are DCF Secretary Emilie Amundson, Director of Jefferson County Human Services Brent Ruehlow, Board Chair Richard Jones, and Governor Tony Evers. Read More

MILWAUKEE AND WISCONSIN SAW SOME OF THE FASTEST-RISING RENT PRICES IN THE U.S. THIS YEAR GANNETT

04.23.2024 - CLAIRE REID, MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL

Rent prices continue to rise throughout the country, alongside inflation. Between March 2023 and March 2024, the annual U.S. inflation rate was 3.5%, compared to the previous rate of 3.2% for the 12 months ending February 2024. This is far from the peak 9.1% inflation rate in June 2022, but rent prices still increased in every U.S. region but the West over the past year, according to data from Rent.com. In the Midwest, the region with the most modest rent prices in the country, median prices rose 5.3% ― from $1,383 in March 2023 to $1,456 in March 2024. During this time, the median price nationwide went from $1,972 to $1,987. Midwestern states have seen the sharpest increases in rent prices this year. The region accounted for seven of the 10 states that saw the highest percentage gains in median rent price between March 2023 and March 2024. Read More

MOST WISCONSIN DENTISTS DON’T TAKE MEDICAID. THAT LEAVES LIMITED OPTIONS FOR PATIENTS WHO NEED CARE. INDUSTRY LEADERS SAY LOW REIMBURSEMENT RATES FROM STATE PROGRAM, SHORTAGE OF PROVIDERS KEEP DENTISTS FROM SEEING MORE MEDICAID PATIENTS

04.23.2024 - BY HOPE KIRWAN, WISCONSIN PUBLIC RADIO

The great majority of dentists in Wisconsin don’t take BadgerCare patients. In a 2018 survey by the state Department of Health Services, or DHS, only 29 percent of licensed dentists said they served patients with public insurance. Read More

NEW RESEARCH LINKS POSTPARTUM MEDICAID COVERAGE TO INCREASED MENTAL HEALTH CARE

04.18.2024 - ANNE DWYER, GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY MCCOURT SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY, CENTER FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

A new study in this month’s issue of Health Affairs offers additional insights into the impact of postpartum Medicaid coverage on access to care. In short: continuous postpartum Medicaid coverage increased stability, access, and affordability to outpatient mental health and prescription medication treatments for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders compared with those who transitioned to commercial coverage. Read More

SHOULD WISCONSIN FUND CHILD CARE LIKE IT DOES ROADS? HERE ARE SOME SOLUTIONS TO THE CHILD CARE CRISIS INDUSTRY EXPERTS AND CHILD CARE PROVIDERS SAY EFFECTIVELY ADDRESSING NEEDS WILL REQUIRE THE EFFORTS OF GOVERNMENT, EMPLOYERS AND FAMILIES.

04.17.2024 - BY JEFF BOLLIER / GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE AND MADISON LAMMERT / APPLETON POST CRESCENT

Wisconsin’s child care crisis affects you, even if you don’t know it. Perhaps the only expense greater than the cost to sustainably fund our child care system, however, would be the price we’d pay if we don’t. The Council for a Strong America estimates the child care crisis already costs Wisconsin families, businesses and governments a combined $1.9 billion every year. Read More

WHITEWATER COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS GRANT TO ROCK RIVER CLINIC; SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR SPRING GRANT

04.16.2024 - WHITEWATER BANNER

The Whitewater Community Foundation (WCF) has announced that the Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) was the recipient of the WCF Action Grant from last fall, and has received $3,500 for website design and development improvements with more accessible materials and clear, simple navigation in both Spanish and English. The grant will also aid in completing the poster project and finishing the Community Resource Wall in the Dental Office. Read More

SHEBOYGAN COUNTY ADDRESSING HOUSING SHORTAGE; BUILDING NEW HOME

4.11.2024 - BY ABRIL PRECIADO AND FOX6 NEWS MILWAUKEE

SHEBOYGAN COUNTY, Wis. - Sheboygan County is trying to attract more people to move and work there, and they're building affordable new homes as an incentive. Read More

WATERTOWN AREA YMCA ANNOUNCES THE COMMITMENT OF THE EARL AND EUGENIA QUIRK FOUNDATION TO THE FUTURE YMCA

04.01.2024 - WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES

WATERTOWN — In December 2022, the Earl and Eugenia Quirk Foundation stepped up as the first foundation to make a major contribution in support of the Watertown Area YMCA’s Capital Campaign to build a new Y in Watertown. In recognition of their gift, the Y has announced that the wellness area will be named in honor of the Foundation. Read More

LOW-INTEREST LOAN PROGRAMS PROMOTE HOME CONSTRUCTION WHEDA LAUNCHES LOAN PROGRAMS AIMED AT HELPING ADDRESS HOUSING SHORTAGE

04.01.2024 - BY JOE SCHULZ, WISCONSIN PUBLIC RADIO

The state is launching new low interest loans to promote workforce housing development, with more than $400 million available across three programs. The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority is offering $275 million in loans to pay for infrastructure serving new housing, as well as a pair of $100 million loan programs to incentivize housing in downtowns and the conversion of commercial spaces. Read More

RISING CHILD CARE COSTS OUTPACING INFLATION

04.02.2024 - BY CORY SMITH, FOX 11

Child care costs are outpacing overall inflation, squeezing family budgets. Meanwhile, child care centers are struggling to meet demand while their workers are often paid low wages with few benefits, one expert said. Read More

STATE SENATOR DAN FEYEN ISSUES STATEMENT AFTER TWO BILLS PASS AFTER THE SENATE’S FINAL FLOOR PERIOD OF THE SESSION

03.13.2024 | KFIZ-AM FOND DU LAC

“I’ve often said that Wisconsin needs to bring more people into our state to fill all of the high-paying jobs we have available. But, we are unable to do this without somewhere to live or a dependable child care facility or daycare to send their children to. In addition to refocusing the Business Development Tax Credit on capital expenditures, AB 627 adds a 15% credit on a businesses’ investment into workforce housing or a childcare facility. This will help to get the business community involved in solving both our housing and childcare issues.” Read More

STATE STRATEGIES TO MITIGATE THE IMPACT OF HOUSING INSTABILITY ON CHILD WELFARE INVOLVEMENT

03.08.2024 | NATIONAL GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION

Family housing instability can both lead to, and prolong, involvement with the child welfare system, a process that can be both expensive to the state and traumatic for the child. Governors have addressed this intersection by developing solutions exclusively to meet the needs of these families. Read More

CHILD CARE A FOCUS FOR GOVERNORS AT THE 2024 NGA WINTER MEETING

03.08.2024 | NATIONAL GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION

Child Care is a policy issue that often cuts across many areas of public interest, including workforce participation, economic mobility, public health, and even energy and infrastructure. At the 2024 NGA Winter Meeting, child care was a hot topic, generating discussion in several sessions, pointing to this being a top policy priority for Governors in 2024. Read More

'WE'RE NOT JUST MACHINES': MOTHERS, ADVOCATES PUSH FOR POSTPARTUM MEDICAID EXPANSION IN WI

03.07.2024 | ARMAN RAHMAN, FOX 47 NEWS

MADISON, Wis. -- The push to expand access to postpartum Medicaid coverage in Wisconsin, and decrease the amount of pregnancy-related deaths in the state, is being renewed after a bipartisan-supported bill halted in the State Assembly. Read More

CHAMBER CELEBRATES ANNUAL AWARDS

3.05.2024 - DAILY TIMES STAFF, WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES

The Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce presented several awards during its Annual Chamber Celebration that was recently held at Turner Hall. The venue was completely transformed with the theme of Flannel Fling Before Spring. Award nominations were received from business and community members. This was a great way to recognize and celebrate the exceptional people and businesses that make the Watertown area great. Read More

NEW PARTNERSHIP OFFERS FREE CONSULTS FOR ENTREPRENEURS, SMALL BUSINESS PEOPLE AT WATERTOWN’S COLLECTIVE

03.04.2024

A new partnership with the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Whitewater will bring consultant Ron Chisholm to the Collective at 672 Johnson Street in Watertown. Chisholm is available to schedule consultations the first Tuesday of each month, by appointment only. Read More

GOV. EVERS SIGNS BILL REDUCING ANNUAL CHILD CARE COSTS FOR WORKING FAMILIES ACCORDING TO THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE, MORE THAN 110,000 TAXPAYERS WILL SEE AN AVERAGE YEARLY BENEFIT OF $656 PER FILER.

03.04.2024 - BY: KAYLEE STARAL, WTMJ4

MILWAUKEE — Governor Evers signed a bill Monday that will reduce annual childcare costs for working families. The new law increases the child tax credit available to filers with children and dependents. According to the governor’s office, more than 110,000 taxpayers will see an average yearly benefit of $656 per filer. Read More

WATERTOWN PULLS TOGETHER FOR A DOWNTOWN MAKEOVER 2023 PLACEMAKING AWARD RECOGNIZES REVITALIZATION SUCCESS

03.2024 | WISCONSIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Watertown’s Main Street, once laden with historical charm dating to the 19th century, had declined by the early 2000s. Age had faded its architectural beauty, vacancies had drained the downtown of its vibrancy, and it lacked a central gathering spot. Read More

WISCONSIN KIDS ARE STRESSED ABOUT POLITICAL DIVISIVENESS. HERE'S HOW ADULTS CAN HELP.

3.06.2024 | CLEO KREJCIUSA TODAY NETWORK | WISCONSIN PRINTED IN THE MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL

A 2023 REPORT BY THE WISCONSIN OFFICE OF CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH NAMED "POLITICAL DIVISIVENESS" AS A MAIN STRESSOR FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE STATE. At 18, Ella Schumacher is looking forward to what's next: college, volleyball, exploring a potential career in cancer research. And voting for the first time. Thinking about the election, it's not necessarily the political topics she sees as stressful, but the way discussions about those topics can play out at home or at school. People tend to default to a mindset of, "This is right, this is wrong," rather than being more open-minded, she said. Read More

WISCONSIN’S MEDICAID POSTPARTUM PROTECTION LAGS MOST OF THE COUNTRY

02.27.2024 - BY RACHEL HALE | WISCONSIN WATCH - WISCONSIN PUBLIC RADIO

Wisconsin doctors say the state could help save lives by extending postpartum Medicaid coverage to a full year, as many states offer. But the Legislature again blocked an extension. Read More

STEVE BATTENBERG AND ORLANDO DOMINGUEZ JOIN GREATER WATERTOWN COMMUNITY HEALTH FOUNDATION BOARD

02.26.2024 | WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES

The Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation has announced Steve Battenberg and Orlando Dominguez as new Foundation Board of Directors members. Read More

Foundation Welcomes Two New Board Members

02.26.24

The Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation is pleased to announce Steve Battenberg and Orlando Dominguez as new Foundation Board of Directors members. Read More

JEFFERSON COUNTY OPENS YOUTH CRISIS STABILIZATION FACILITY

1.16.2024 | Ava Buttacavoli, DAILY JEFFERSON COUNTY UNION

WATERTOWN — Jefferson County officials celebrated the grand opening of a new Youth Crisis Stabilization Facility last Tuesday, hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony with some of the project’s key contributors. Read More