Families are matched with an Early Learning Specialist who supports parents and caregivers in their roles as their child’s first and most important teacher. Families enrolled in ParentChild+ can expect visits with an Early Learning Specialist twice per week. Visits are 30 minutes each, take place in the home, and are scheduled at a time that is convenient for the family. Families receive free high quality educational books and toys that they keep to help support learning. Children must be at least 18 months but not yet 3 years old at time of enrollment. Families must live in Dane County. Family income restrictions may apply. Participation is not dependent on citizenship status or languages spoken. If you want to sign up for ParentChild+ or make a referral, please complete the Early Childhood Referral Form. 

The Well Badger Resource Center is Wisconsin’s health information and referral service. We connect you to the social, health, and government programs available in your community.Do you have questions about WIC, FoodShare, healthcare, or mental health resources for you or your family? We’ll help you find the answers you need!
Well Badger offers help in two ways.
1. You can talk one-on-one with one of our certified Information & Referral (I&R) Specialists. They will listen to what you need, suggest programs that may help, and follow up with you.
2. You can use our Online Directory to search for more than 7,000 services, programs, and resources in all 72 Wisconsin counties.

United Way of Dane County mobilizes the caring power of our community so all can thrive. True to our founding spirit, whenever lives are impacted and well-being is at stake in our community, United Way is there.  As part of a global network while being local and autonomous, we are a nonpartisan organization that collaborates with leaders from all political backgrounds to strengthen communities and expand opportunities for all. We serve as a cornerstone in our community, bringing together people and resources to create lasting change.  

Our ability to transcend political and social divisions and unite individuals for the common good is not only our mandate, but also our superpower. 

This group is to build a sense of community and help one another out through Random Acts of Kindness. Networking to save one another money. We all have a responsibility to this community in which we live and helping people out is just a bonus.

Founded in 2019, GMRCMadison.org is dedicated to connecting individuals and families with the vital resources they need — and just as importantly, providing hope and compassionate support during life’s most challenging moments.  Offering resources and referrals for food, housing, healthcare, employment and more.   

we are groinded in compassion, empathy, and dignity.  We believe every person deserves to be seen, heard, and supported especailly during times of hardship.  We stirve to meet people where they are, walking beside them with care and without judgement.   We are here to connect you with the right people, organizations, and services to help you move forward.

Survivors' lives may be characterized by sexual assault, childhood sexual assault/abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, poverty and incarceration. Survivor needs may also include: medical care; victim advocacy; legal assistance; mental health care; transportation assistance; crisis response; life skills training; education; case management; peer support group; job skills, training, and placement; information about crime victims' rights and services; employment; counseling; dental care; substance abuse treatment.

DAIS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We receive funding from a variety of sources, including private contributions, The Dane County Department of Human Services, City of Madison Community Services, City of Madison CDBG, Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, and VOCA.

Use the website online form to email.

Madison Homeless Resource Guide This Madison Homeless Resource Guide was compiled and done in cooperation with many Homeless Service Consortium Agencies and Advocates.  It is intended to help any and all first responders find the information they may need to assist a homeless individual or family immediately from a smartphone or computer. Dane County Homeless

Use the website online form to email.

Every day, individuals find sanctuary, sustenance, and support within our walls—unique stories of resilience, journeys toward renewed hope, affirmations that every person deserves dignity and care.

Started as Your All Resident Association (YARA) in 1978, residents of the Kennedy Heights neighborhood came together with the hope of fostering a greater sense of community and creating more activities for neighborhood children. By 1986, the neighborhood association had secured funding, built a community center and incorporated as a non-profit agency. The community center began operating various programs that improved the quality of life of the community residents. Now, second and third additions have been added to the building to meet expanding program needs.  The center offers an expanding list of programs and services to the Madison community.

No matter what age you are, Vera Court Neighborhood Center has something for you. Participate in our garden, stock up at our food pantry, or receive services from our legal clinic. Send your kids to a safe and caring environment after school. Our services are always free.

A typical day at the pool will incorporate numerous open swim times as well as organized programs that include swim and dive lessons, swim and dive teams, water ballet, water aerobics, and master’s swimming. We strive to support all activities at the pool from simply relaxing in the water on a hot summer day, to competitive swimming, and everything else in-between. We look forward to seeing you on deck!

Sometimes that means helping a parent attain a family-supporting job, or tutoring a child to earn straight A’s in school. Other times that means connecting a community member with a volunteer opportunity that brightens the lives of others. Regardless of what brings you to BLW, everyone is welcome.

Theresa Terrace Neighborhood Center is happy to offer meeting space for groups in the community. Resources include free computer usage, faxing, and telephone.

Elver Park Neighborhood Center works together with families and the greater community to provide programs and resources that strengthen its southwest Madison neighborhood. Please ring the doorbell at the entry way to the building and a staff member will greet you at the door.

Use the website online form to email.

The Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center is a community-directed, non-profit organization based in the Williamson-Marquette neighborhood concentrating on:

• Enhancing the quality of life by fostering community building and partnerships;
• Supporting life-enriching programs; and
• Providing opportunities and services.

MSCR operates Meadowood Neighborhood Center in collaboration with the City of Madison on Madison’s southwest side, in the Meadowood Shopping Center. The purpose of the Meadowood Neighborhood Center is to provide a safe, supervised place for youth during afterschool and evening hours, for neighbors to socialize, and space for MSCR programs such as arts, fitness and much more. Meadowood offers a variety of programs for all ages – afterschool programs, storytelling, computer lab, fitness, art and more.

Use the website online form to email.

Situated on the northwest edge of UW-Madison’s campus, Eagle Heights is a community of apartment buildings surrounded by woods and just minutes from Lake Mendota. It boasts numerous picnic and playground areas, a central community center and one of the oldest community gardens in the United States. Eagle Heights serves students with families, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, academic staff, University staff, and UW-Madison faculty.

The focus of the Madinah Community Center has evolved far beyond being simply a place of prayer for Muslims and is now a central hub of activities and services filling the needs of the Muslim community in Madison. Besides regular religious services, current programs include educational classes and lectures for both adults and children, youth group programs, food and monetary support programs for the needy, and more.

Not many things last 100 years.  Especially things that are alive.  And Neighborhood House is alive.  This is the story of Neighborhood House from its very earliest days up to its 100th year.  It is a story of perseverance, not just of the people who founded Neighborhood House 100 years ago but also of the communities that have surrounded it, whether the community has come from the surrounding blocks or the surrounding city.

At EMCC you’ll see friendly faces, children playing and learning, families connecting, volunteers making a difference. Discover a safe, welcoming space where our diverse community connects and cares for one another.

The teen years have always been filled with stressors — changing bodies, social drama, academic pressures — and as if that isn’t enough, now kids have to deal with brutal social media. Thankfully, many local (and lucky, in my opinion) teens have Goodman Community Center staff to help them navigate all those new experiences, opportunities and challenges. Starting high school is one of those challenges. We know it’s a super vulnerable time for them — both socially and academically. Research shows the beginning of high school is a critical turning point. If students fall behind then, they’re at greater risk of dropping out. That’s why our staff are really dedicated to helping Goodman students move from middle to high school with confidence and then help them stay on track for graduation.

Our Mission: Providing human services to instill hope and promote wellness in our community.

Referral Specialists assist parents with their search for early care and education for their children by providing a no-cost customized, child care referral based on each family’s specific needs. This referral is completed by utilizing an accurate and detailed database system to locate and access available child care slots.

The YMCA strives to be Here for All, regardless of ability to pay. Each year, donations to our Annual Campaign support Y Financial Assistance, enabling need-based subsidies for memberships and programs. Apply for financial assistance at any Dane County Y facility.

Finding affordable, quality child care is a challenge that many Wisconsin families face. But it's not a challenge families have to face alone. The Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy program invests in eligible working families to help make quality child care more accessible and affordable. How? By covering a portion of their monthly child care costs. Why? Because when families get a little help — more is possible! Knowing their child is safe and well cared for, parents and caregivers can take advantage of opportunities that create strength, growth, and success.

Drop-ins are always welcome, but appointments are encouraged. Family child care programs offer child care in their own home, and may have more flexibility, availability, and lower fees than traditional child care centers. UW-Madison contracts with the Satellite Family Child Care program to provide accreditation and oversight of high quality family child care homes. This partnership is designed to expand infant/toddler care options for faculty, staff, and students. There are currently over 60 licensed Family Child Care programs able to provide care for the UW parenting community.

CDD provides Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) services. Promoting the social and emotional development of young children ourcommunity collaborates to coach, train, and provide resources to educators and families.

CDD provides Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) services. Promoting the social and emotional development of young children ourcommunity collaborates to coach, train, and provide resources to educators and families.

RISE Wisconsin is a leading agency in supporting children’s well-being, children and youth mental health, and family stability. RISE provides this through three pillars of support to the Dane County community: through early childhood education and development and early literacy programs, children and youth mental health programs and wraparound care, and crisis respite services. For over 45 years, RISE Wisconsin has provided a trauma-informed and holistic approach to empower children, individuals, and families so they can overcome barriers and thrive in their communities. RISE continues to provide services in our surrounding communities and serve more than 2,400 individuals, children, and families annually.

Neighborhood Connection’s programs and services are available to anyone living in the Waunakee Community School District or households that have students attending any Waunakee school. Individuals or families may either come to us directly or be referred to us by church groups, social workers, or other community organizations.

FOOD PANTRY HOURS:
12PM–3:00PM – M/W/F
5PM– 7PM – TU/TH
9AM–11AM – SAT

Community members facing hardship can access legal assistance through the Sunshine Legal Clinic, find out about important community resources in the Sunshine Resource Lobby, and attend free classes in ESL and other topics from our volunteers and community partners. Additional services can be found through our onsite partners, who assist with a variety of essential needs.

For email, use the online form on the website.

We offer the Off the Square Club to serve the community as a daytime resource center in Madison, Wisconsin. The center welcomes anyone living with a mental illness – whether you’re homeless or have a residence. Off the Square Club provides a safe and supportive place where you are empowered to take charge of your own recovery, develop positive social connections and become an active member of the community. You’ll discover that members turn to Off the Square Club for many reasons and with diverse situations and backgrounds. As a member, you may choose your level of support, whether you come in daily, weekly or once a year. Some people find basics like a warm place to rest in the winter, while others seek more intense support including crisis intervention and peer support.

For email, use the online form on the website.

We offer the Off the Square Club to serve the community as a daytime resource center in Madison, Wisconsin. The center welcomes anyone living with a mental illness – whether you’re homeless or have a residence. Off the Square Club provides a safe and supportive place where you are empowered to take charge of your own recovery, develop positive social connections and become an active member of the community. You’ll discover that members turn to Off the Square Club for many reasons and with diverse situations and backgrounds. As a member, you may choose your level of support, whether you come in daily, weekly or once a year. Some people find basics like a warm place to rest in the winter, while others seek more intense support including crisis intervention and peer support.

As part of the Wisconsin Independent Living Network, WCILC staff, in conjunction with centers and the SILC direct and lead staff based advocacy groups focused on 3 main priority areas.  These are determined through surveys conducted with community members over the 3 years of SPIL implementation.  The results of these surveys determine advocacy priorities for the following three year period.  Currently WILN is focused on Transportation, Long Term Care, and Mental Health and Substance Use.  WCILC coordinates representation on statewide committees as well as shapes the legislative priorities for the IL Network.

For email, use the online form on the website.

DANN disperses funds received according to the guidelines of adopted policies and procedures. It cooperates with all city, state, or federal agencies to coordinate goods and services for the temporary relief of people in the areas of safety, health, and daily tasks.

For email, use the online form on the website.

We put the heart in CART! Cambridge Area Resource Team is in the business of changing and shaping lives. The work we do is aimed at providing a holistic approach to solving some of our village’s biggest challenges. Your investment in our services is priceless, and goes directly to individuals and families.

For email, use the online form on the website.

ATTIC is an acronym for: Alternatives To Traditional Incarceration of Citizens. This Agency was founded on the belief that comprehensive, evidence-based interventions serve as the foundation for long-term successful reintegration of our clients.

Our Impact
We push for innovation in pursuit of our mission, with up-to-date research and data-analysis influencing all organizational decisions. Our treatment model emphasizes a comprehensive, culturally competent, cognitive-based, trauma-informed approach. We value collaboration with our stakeholders and partners in the community, and recognize the importance of addressing all needs pertaining to successful reintegration.

Vision Statement

The Arc-Dane County will work to create opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities to reach their full potential by creating acceptance, respect and participation in the community through advocacy, education and information. We accomplish this by encouraging active participation of membership, gaining support of communities and collaborating with appropriate local, state, and national groups.

t Urban Triage, we stand with vulnerable families facing crisis and systemic barriers. Our work delivers what’s long been denied—fresh food, education, stability, and support that restores dignity, power, and possibility. Together, we’re not just providing services—we’re breaking cycles and building stronger futures.

For email, use the online form on the website.

Empowerment Center
2040 South Park Street
Madison, WI 53713
(608) 257-1436 Ext.3

To truly dismantle racism and build a liberated world, our collective approach must be multifaceted, nuanced, and rooted in solidarity as all systems of oppression are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. In all areas of our work, we are committed to addressing the ways racism intersects with other systems of oppression while also working across movements to advance justice for all.

For email, use the online form on the website.

Other Numbers:

• VA health connect: 833-933-1107VA health connect
• Mental health care: 608-280-7084Mental health care

For email contact use the website online form.

The Veterans Assistance Foundation, Inc. is here to provide help to those who qualify and are in need of our services.  However, for those who don't necessarily need our direct assistance, there are many resources available to veterans.

Need Shelter or Immediate Assistance?

If you are experiencing a housing crisis or are in need of immediate help, please call The Salvation Army at 608-250-2298 to speak to their team about their shelter services. Please know that The Road Home does not operate a shelter. You can also dial or text 211 for immediate assistance 24/7 from our partners at United Way Dane County.

We recognize that a lack of housing is a huge burden to overcome when faced with an unexpected pregnancy. We believe every woman deserves a safe environment to carry out her pregnancy and bring her baby home to. Our commitment to women and children goes beyond their graduation from The Elizabeth House. We provide three years of post-graduate support and have developed the Eagle Harbor Apartments, a Section 42 housing project designed to offer affordable housing options for women transitioning out of our community living hom