Independence First - The Resource for People with Disabilities

11/19/2025

All trimmed and ready to shine! Independence First's holiday tree for Illuminate Ozaukee didn’t just appear in the Nonprofit Forest this morning. It took some creativity and a little teamwork.

Last week our staff and consumers added the final touches, hanging handmade ornaments that celebrate community, independence, and the joy of the season.

Once the tree was fully decorated, it was artfully loaded onto a cart (holiday spirit requires logistics!) and rolled out into the crisp morning air for its trip to Zeunert Park.

By sunrise, our tree was in place and ready to shine as part of this year’s drive-through “enchanted winter wonderland.”

We’re thrilled to once again join local nonprofits and community partners in bringing light, color, and connection to Cedarburg this December thanks to the Ozaukee Nonprofit Center.

🎄 Come see our tree all lit up at night!

DATES AND HOURS: December 4 – 6, December 11 – 13, December 18 – 22 5:00pm – 8:00pm.

LOCATION: Herman A Zeunert Park, Cedarburg, WI 53012

11/18/2025

🎥 A look at November's Food Distribution for Seniors!

Together with Hunger Task Force, Inc. , we welcomed 69 seniors to pick up food boxes and essential items. As the holidays approach, the need grows and so does the importance of partnerships like this.

A heartfelt thank you to the volunteers from Capital First Trust Company who joined us. Their teamwork and energy helped make the process smooth, accessible, and welcoming for everyone who drove through.

Thank you to everyone who helps support older adults in our community. 💙🥫

11/15/2025

Today at Independence First, we hosted our monthly Food Distribution for Seniors in partnership with Hunger Task Force and it was a busy one!

We served 69 seniors, an increase as we move into the holiday season when the need is often greater.

A huge thank you to Hunger Task Force, Inc. for their continued partnership in ensuring older adults and especially people with disabilities in our community have access to healthy, reliable food.

We’re also grateful for the amazing volunteers from Capital First Trust Company who rolled up their sleeves this morning! Their help bringing food boxes and essential items directly to each senior’s car made the process smooth, welcoming, and accessible for everyone who came through.

11/14/2025

🎉 Celebrating Our Growing Independence First Family! 👶💙💗

Today we gathered to celebrate two of our fantastic team members who are getting ready to welcome their first babies!

Jennette Courtney from Accounting is expecting a baby girl in December.
Lorna Barthel from Marketing is expecting a baby boy in January.

Our staff came together for a fun baby shower filled with games, jokes, and plenty of cake and ice cream. We’re so excited for Jennette and Lorna as they begin this new chapter, and we can’t wait to meet the newest members of the Independence First family!

Please join us in wishing them all the best! 💕🍼💙

11/14/2025

November is National Care at Home Month.

At Independence First, we believe people should have the choice to live where they feel most at home. That means surrounded by their community, routines, and the people they love.

This month, we’re celebrating family caregivers supporting loved ones day in and day out. Our many fantastic personal care workers and home care professionals who make independent living possible, and consumers who choose care at home as a path to dignity, safety, and self-determination.

If you or someone you know needs support to live independently at home, we’re here to help.

See our comment for a link to learn more.

Thank you to everyone providing care at home. You make independence possible.

11/12/2025

🌟 A big thank-you to our friend Michael Schlesinger, meteorologist and reporter with CBS 58 News, for stopping by Independence First today to drop off donations! We appreciate your kindness and continued support of our mission to empower people with disabilities to live independently.

📸 It’s always great to see familiar faces from the community lending a helping hand ... and with a smile, too!

11/11/2025

Today we honor the courage and service of all U.S. military veterans.

At Independence First, we especially recognize veterans with disabilities whose strength and advocacy continue to motivate our mission of independence and inclusion.

Thank you for your service. 💙

11/10/2025

Have you ever felt left behind because of a disability?

You’re not alone — and you shouldn’t have to be.

Tell us about a time accessibility made a difference… or when it was missing.

11/07/2025

👗 Adaptive Fashion Meets Inclusive Design!

This week, students from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) presented their adaptive clothing designs created in partnership with Independence First!

Two student teams took on the challenge of designing stylish, functional outfits tailored to the individual needs of board member Brad Holz and staff member Andrea Gonzalez. Both are wheelchair users who shared their personal experiences to help guide the design process.

This collaboration helps future designers understand the importance of accessibility, comfort, and creativity in fashion. A huge thank-you to FOX6 News Milwaukee for coming out to cover the showcase and helping share this story of inclusion and innovation!

👏 Great work to all the MIAD students for their thoughtfulness and talent, and to Brad and Andrea for their advocacy and expertise.

11/06/2025

Is the federal shutdown beginning to worry you?

WISN 12 NEWS stopped by Independence First today to learn how the ongoing federal government shutdown is impacting people with disabilities who rely on SNAP benefits.

Our staff spoke about how disruptions to food assistance programs create real challenges for individuals and families in our community who are already navigating barriers to independence.

Thank you to WISN Channel 12 for covering this important story for our consumers.

Watch the full story here:

The pause in federal food aid is affecting millions, including adults with disabilities, as Independence First in Walker's Point reports increased distress among SNAP recipients.

11/06/2025

So much is happening at Independence First for Family Caregiver Month! Today we connected with caregivers in Waukesha County.

Our team attended the Feeding Your Soul: Caregiver Event at WCTC - Waukesha County Technical College, a day filled with learning and smiles.

The event was organized by our friends at the Aging and Disability Resource Center - ADRC of Waukesha County.

We met with more than two dozen seniors, caregivers, and community members to share how Independence First supports people with disabilities and their families through independent living services, resources, and advocacy.

Thank you to WCTC and all the event organizers for creating such a meaningful space to recharge, learn, and connect!

📸 Check out a few photos from the day.