HearthStone of WI

HearthStone of WI HearthStone is a self-help and advocacy organization for people with disabilities and their families.

More information on becoming a member can be found here: https://hearthstonewi.org/free-hearthstone-membership-request/ In October of 1995, a small group of family members and friends in the Sheboygan area were drawn together for a common concern they shared about how we as a society were caring for disabled individuals in our community. The initial focus of this group was directed mostly to the

residential care facilities we had in the county. The concern and grassroots efforts by this group lead to the creation of “HearthStone of Wisconsin”, which filed Articles of Incorporation with the State of Wisconsin as a non-stock, non-profit organization in December of 1996. Our mission is to make our communities a welcoming place for people with disabilities and to support and encourage positive life experiences. Our members are people with developmental and/or physical disabilities, their families, friends and people within our communities who care about them. We offer assistance, guidance, advocacy and support in transition to and in perpetuation of community-based living. We believe in working together to help dreams come true; Dreams of Independence, Dreams of Respect, Dreams of Achievement, and Dreams of Laughter. In the past, HearthStone has helped provide and obtain funding which enabled individuals and families with a disabled member to have their own home. We have helped families obtain funding for specialized equipment and or respite care. We continue to hold quarterly community educational meetings and seminars for the disabled and their family members. In addition we regularly provide social opportunities for our young people including an annual summer outing, bowling party, Christmas party, and spring dance. We continue to be a strong advocacy voice for the disabled in our community and throughout the state attempting to influence legislative policies that improve services and promote greater independence for individuals with disabilities.

Are you committed to disability rights advocacy?From the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities:Appl...
06/19/2026

Are you committed to disability rights advocacy?

From the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities:
Applications are now open for the WI Disability Policy Fellowship! The Fellowship Program is open to individuals with developmental disabilities and family members of people with developmental disabilities who are committed to disability rights advocacy. Individuals with experience with state or local advocacy, strong communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. The Fellowship will last one year starting in September 2026 until August 2027. Fellows will work full-time, 40 hours a week and will receive an annual stipend of $63,000. Each Fellow will be placed at either a state agency, legislative office, or advocacy organization.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18ZWtqzMei/

Applications are now open for the WI Disability Policy Fellowship! The Fellowship Program is open to individuals with developmental disabilities and family members of people with developmental disabilities who are committed to disability rights advocacy. Individuals with experience with state or local advocacy, strong communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. The Fellowship will last one year starting in September 2026 until August 2027. Fellows will work full-time, 40 hours a week and will receive an annual stipend of $63,000. Each Fellow will be placed at either a state agency, legislative office, or advocacy organization.

Apply here: https://wi-bpdd.org/index.php/wi-disability-policy-leadership-program/

Application due June 24th, 2026 at 5pm

You can learn more about the Fellowship program by joining our listening session on June 8th from 12:00pm-1:00 pm. You can register for the information session here: https://www3.thedatabank.com/dpg/579/personal2.asp?formid=PolicyFellowWeb&c=20260603164033234707&ctz=America%2FChicago&ctzabv=6%2F3%2F2026&tzoffset=-300

https://thecil.org/press-release/the-doj-just-gave-states-permission-to-lock-up-disabled-americans-again-we-will-not-go-...
06/19/2026

https://thecil.org/press-release/the-doj-just-gave-states-permission-to-lock-up-disabled-americans-again-we-will-not-go-back/?fbclid=IwRlRTSASiHyhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeBg5Hl7cuwFimWrS_rWPQAoFZkd16YZIuwDE9fvx659rUUipbUfy-IdM1zAo_aem_yfaRxRFs1k-aa62_XJhNiA

A Statement by Dr. Victor Santiago Pineda, Executive Director, Center for Independent Living. On June 18, 2026 — the eve of America's 250th birthday — the Department of Justice released a legal opinion that guts 27 years of disability civil rights protection. It rewrites the 1999 Olmstead Suprem...

06/17/2026

The Supreme Court has already decided that living in the community is a legal right.

More than 25 years ago, the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision affirmed that people with disabilities have the right to live in their communities and not be forced into institutions.

That ruling changed millions of lives. But a right on paper only works when people can get the support they need. That’s what Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) make possible.

Congress made the biggest cuts to Medicaid in history last year. Now, many states are considering options that could reduce access to HCBS.

Help keep the promise of Olmstead alive. Tell Congress to protect Medicaid HCBS and the right of people with disabilities to live in their communities. https://bit.ly/4fAVl54

06/16/2026
Free Zoom information session regarding the program at Lakeland University - WI for college age students with I/DD.
06/15/2026

Free Zoom information session regarding the program at Lakeland University - WI for college age students with I/DD.

🎓 Thinking about college options for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities?

Join DSAW and Think Ability Wisconsin for this week's Lunch and Learn featuring Lakeland University's Life and Career Studies (LCS) Program!

📅 Tuesday, June 16, 2026
🕛 12:00–12:30 PM

Learn how this innovative post-secondary program supports students in achieving academic success, developing career skills, building independence, and experiencing campus life in an inclusive college environment.

Whether you're a student, family member, educator, or professional, this is a great opportunity to explore what's possible after high school!

💙 Register today and discover a pathway to lifelong learning, personal growth, and meaningful employment.
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/8u4y436a

Do you have questions about the new work requirement for Medical Assistance? Check this out.
06/15/2026

Do you have questions about the new work requirement for Medical Assistance? Check this out.

Many people are concerned about the new federal work requirements for Medicaid. The WI Department of Health Services (DHS) has launched a new website and screening tool for Wisconsinites to learn about these new work requirements. You can find more info and try out the screening tool using this link: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/medicaid/work.htm

DHS will also be hosting a Medicaid Work Requirement Webinar on June 18, 2026. You can submit your questions by June 12th to [email protected] if you want them to answer your questions specifically on the webinar.

Use this link to register for the June 18 Webinar: https://dhswi.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_SGnVElbEQyqVaLT_oi7F9g #/registration

We will continue covering the work requirements and any state updates during our Federal Funding webinar series each Friday from 9-10:30am. Register here for tomorrow's webinar: https://bit.ly/FedFund612

06/12/2026

Many people are concerned about the new federal work requirements for Medicaid. The WI Department of Health Services (DHS) has launched a new website and screening tool for Wisconsinites to learn about these new work requirements. You can find more info and try out the screening tool using this link: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/medicaid/work.htm

DHS will also be hosting a Medicaid Work Requirement Webinar on June 18, 2026. You can submit your questions by June 12th to [email protected] if you want them to answer your questions specifically on the webinar.

Use this link to register for the June 18 Webinar: https://dhswi.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_SGnVElbEQyqVaLT_oi7F9g #/registration

We will continue covering the work requirements and any state updates during our Federal Funding webinar series each Friday from 9-10:30am. Register here for tomorrow's webinar: https://bit.ly/FedFund612

Address

P. O. Box 1444
Sheboygan, WI
53082

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