Announcements

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Jackson County Behavioral Health Receives $600,000 Grant for All-Abilities Playground, Plan Grows 

Jackson County, WI – The Behavioral Health Division with the Jackson County Department of  Health and Human Services is home to the Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS) program, along with a Crisis program, the Comprehensive and Community Services (CCS) program, Coordinated  Services Team, and an Outpatient Clinic. While all of these programs serve those with mental health concerns and/or addiction, the CLTS program also serves children with physical and developmental disabilities. The program helps to provide support and services to these children and their families that normally would not be covered by insurance.  

Jessica Stinson, Manager of the Jackson County Behavioral Health Division, said, “We learned of an  opportunity for our department and CLTS program to apply for funds in August that would benefit  the population we serve in CLTS and thought the All-Abilities Playground matched perfectly with  the goals of the grant.” The American Rescue Plan Act  (ARPA) made the grant funds available, which provided qualifying states with federal funding for Medicaid Home and CommunityBased Services (HCBS) activities. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) invested some of these funds to implement statewide HCBS grants. The goal with offering these grants was to enhance, expand, and strengthen HCBS. Funds will be distributed across the state in both urban and  rural areas and support diverse organizations and populations. In September, DHS received over 717  applications requesting over $200 million in funding. They awarded grants to 69 projects, totaling over $17 million. Jackson County Behavioral Health was notified at the end of November that their application was approved and they would be awarded the $600,00 grant, but announcement of the award could not be made until after DHS made their official news release on December 20th. Jackson  County was in the top 10 for the largest grant amount awarded. More information on the grants awarded can be found here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/arpa/hcbs-grantsopportunities.htm. 

Ms. Stinson reached out the All-Abilities Playground group to obtain more information and plans for  the all-inclusive park. After reviewing the materials and reviewing the criteria for the grant, a grant application was submitted, asking for full-funding for the project. Dana Johnson, a Social Worker  with the Behavioral Health Division who works with children served by the CLTS program, joined  the planning committee as well to assist with collaboration on the grant and to provide input on the  needs of those the park would greatly benefit.  

Ms. Stinson shared in the grant that an all-inclusive park would not only directly benefit the children  with physical, developmental, or sensory challenges that the CLTS program serves, it would allow  the adults with the same challenges to play on a playground with their children or grandchildren who  might not have those challenges. In addition, having an all-inclusive park would allow those with  disabilities to make social connections with other children, something this population often finds  challenging. It would assist with improving physical health and strength, improve mental health, and  allow children without disabilities to interact and become comfortable with those that do. In addition,  it helps the individuals caring for these children as well. It allows caregivers to take the children they  are caring for with special needs to a safe space, one where they won’t have to worry as much about  them getting hurt, not being able to play with their peers, etc. It also gives those caregivers an  opportunity to get outside and maybe even connect with others.  Ms. Johnson shared, “We often see challenges with our providers finding space to work with the  children in our program, especially if home is not an option for various reasons. Having a space like  this for our providers to take our children to so that they can work on their social skills, strength,  range of motion, and so on is extremely beneficial.” 

Ms. Johnson also shared,” With my experience  working in the CLTS program, children and families want to be included and participate in everyday  recreational activities like everyone else and this park will provide that opportunity in our very own  community. I'm looking forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our community.” “We are excited that the timing was just right for the grant offering and planning for the park and we  were so happy to hear that we were awarded the $600,000 grant to fully-fund the All-Abilities  Playground. It was an all or nothing grant, so we wouldn’t have received just a portion of our request.  I am excited for our team to continue to work the with the All-Abilities Playground Committee and  even more excited to see how much a benefit this will be to the Jackson County community and the  children we serve,” said Ms. Stinson.  

According to the All-Abilities Playground Committee Co-Chairs, Anneliese Eddy, Nicole Thompson,  and Ashley Segelhurst, “The Playground Planning Committee is so grateful for receiving this  $600,000 grant which now allows the committee to include additional elements that were not  budgeted for during our first phase of construction. The funds exceeding the original budget will  allow us to explore safety features that would be of benefit to our community, such as shade  structures, fencing, and security cameras, while still including a maintenance fund to allow for future  needs and repairs. The playground committee is honored to know the all-abilities playground project  was selected to receive the full funding out of the 700 applicants! Providing an all-inclusive space for  families and individuals to enjoy and thrive in will positively impact mobility, support an active  lifestyle, encourage friendships, improve mental health outcomes, and build confidence for years to come.” The Planning Committee invites those interested in following the progress or learning more  about the playground project to “like” and “follow” the “All-Abilities Playground Project at Lunda  Park” on Facebook. You can also visit the City of Black River Falls, WI website for more details.  Inquiries about this this project can be directed to the Playground Planning Committee by emailing  Lundaplayground@gmail.com.  

Caption for Photo: (L to R) Dana Johnson, Jackson County Behavioral Health Social Worker III,  Jessica Stinson, Jackson County Behavioral Health Manager, Christine Hovell, Jackson Cty. DHHS  Director, Ron Carney, Jackson County Board Supervisor District 12 and DHHS Committee  Chairman, Chad Duerkop, Black River Falls Parks & Recreation Director, Anneliese Eddy, Ashley  Segelhurst, and Nicole Thompson, All-Abilities Playground Committee Co-Chairs