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.

It appears that some people need a reminder.🚫
11/30/2025

It appears that some people need a reminder.🚫

"Not Acceptable" is a powerful and compelling 30 second public service announcement which gives voice to a variety of diverse communities each of whom expres...

11/26/2025
11/20/2025

In a major shift, HUD’s plan would direct most of the $3.9 billion in homelessness funds away from Housing First to programs that prioritize work and drug treatment.

40 Big Ideas that helped shape inclusive communities.
11/20/2025

40 Big Ideas that helped shape inclusive communities.

40 Big Ideas 40 Big IdeasShare this pageShare this page on Facebook.Share this page on LinkedIn.Share this page on Pinterest.Share this page via email.Print this page.Share this pageShare this page on Facebook.Share this page on LinkedIn.Share this page on Pinterest.Share this page via email.Print t...

Special Education news
11/18/2025

Special Education news

Many Sheboygan County residents who live with disabilities need to use local food banks.  If you are able to contribute,...
11/18/2025

Many Sheboygan County residents who live with disabilities need to use local food banks. If you are able to contribute, here's an opportunity to do so.
Sheboygan County Food Bank
Sheboygan County Sheriff's Office

Our Sheboygan County Emergency Communications Center is back at it! They have organized a department-wide food drive to help the members of our community.

With this initiative underway and knowing that we have such a supportive community, they asked if we could set up a donation collection point in the lobby for anyone who wanted to contribute.

The response: "Absolutely, thank you for giving back to our community!"

If you are willing, able, and interested, please donate any non-perishable food items between now and November 21, at which point they will deliver to the Sheboygan County Food Bank.

11/18/2025
Hearthstone members are invited to a Christmas party! Not a member yet? Membership is FREE to Sheboygan County residents...
11/13/2025

Hearthstone members are invited to a Christmas party! Not a member yet? Membership is FREE to Sheboygan County residents who are living with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities.
🎄 🎅 🎄 🎅🎄 🎅

11/13/2025
11/11/2025

They say it is easy. They say it is low skilled. Right. Because:

It takes no skill at all to de-escalate fear with calm.
No skill to understand someone without words.
No skill to turn a bad day into safety and laughter.

Funny how the hardest skills are the ones that don’t fit neatly on a resume.

Support work is invisible until it’s not done, until someone isn’t listened to, isn’t understood, isn’t safe. Then the world notices.

Direct support professionals do the quiet work that holds everything together.

And that’s not “easy.” That’s essential.
..

ID: Image shows support worker with two other people. Words read: Disability support work is easy.

11/11/2025

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development’s Division of Vocation Rehabilitation (DVR) will hold a virtual public hearing on Thursday, November 13 at 2:00 p.m. to gather public input about their proposed plan for dealing with a severe funding shortage that includes putting in place waiting lists to receive services.

Here are 4 questions to ask at the hearing or to submit online by November 13th.
- Why is DVR putting a wait list on all new applications instead of prioritizing those with the most significant disabilities.
- Can DVR get more money from the state so people don't have to wait for services?
- If DVR doesn't get more money, what will happen in the future?
- Will the funding shortage mean services and plans are changed?

You can use the link below to get more information about the hearing and to join virtually: https://publicmeetings.wi.gov/view/b9ea2763-4d6a-4a0e-9bd7-c9bbb13ff20e

If you are unable to attend the hearing, you can also submit comments via email at dvrpolicyanalysts@dwd.wisconsin.gov; by fax to 608-266-1133; or by calling 800-442-3477. Comments must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 13, at 4:30 p.m.

Address

P. O. Box 1444
Sheboygan, WI
53082

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