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Welcome to the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Barron and Rusk Counties

Notice of Public Hearing

The Specialized Transportation Assistance Grant Application for 2026 is scheduled for a public hearing: Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at the Barron County Government Center Veterans Memorial Auditorium – 335 E. Monroe Avenue, Barron, WI.

The public hearing will be held for the purpose of receiving comment for Barron County’s proposed plan for spending the allocation of $148,211 authorized under §.85.21 of the Wisconsin Statutes to implement a senior and disabled transportation program.

Written comments will be accepted for the record until November 6, 2025. Mail to Jennifer Jako, Director, ADRC, 335 E Monroe Ave – Room 112, Barron, WI 54812-1478.

The application will be available for public inspection prior to the hearing at the ADRC. Persons requiring transportation or special accommodations to attend the hearing should call 715-537-6333 prior to November 4, 2025. The location of the hearing is accessible to persons with disabilities. If you need materials provided at the meeting to be in an accessible format in advance, please contact our office at 715-537-6225 prior to the meeting so that arrangements can be made to accommodate your request.

Calling All Barron County Centenarians

Residents Born in 1925 or Earlier -

The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Barron and Rusk Counties is proud to honor community members born in 1925 or earlier at our Annual Centenarian Celebration.

This special event will be held on Wednesday, October 29, at Lehman’s Supper Club in Rice Lake for a noon lunch.

If you are a centenarian—or know a friend or family member who is celebrating 100 years or more this year—we invite you to join us.

Please contact ADRC Director Jennifer Jako at 715-537-6209 or jennifer.jako@co.barron.wi.us. RSVPs are kindly requested by Friday, October 17, so that all honorees can be included.

The ADRC is dedicated to helping people live independently and make the most of their resources. Free, confidential consultations provide unbiased information about local resources for individuals 60+, adults with disabilities, and caregivers.

Openings in Barron County's Daybreak Adult Day Services for Individuals Living with Dementia

Daybreak provides services to individuals three days per week in two different locations, Barron and Rice Lake. Hours are 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in Barron on Mondays and Thursdays and Rice Lake on Tuesdays. Guests enrolled in the program can choose to attend from one to three times per week based on need interest. They receive five hours of fun, engaging activities which include social time, person-centered educational activities, music, arts and crafts, games, physical activity and more. Our trained staff and volunteers have developed a safe space where individuals living with memory and cognitive concerns feel welcome and at home with others who understand their challenges. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone thrives and no one feels alone. Individuals who are a good fit for the program are in the early stages of their disease and are physically independent.

Daybreak has openings now for new guests at both locations! If you are caring for or know someone living with a dementia diagnosis (Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body, Vascular, Frontotemporal, etc.), contact the ADRC Caregiver Specialist at 715-537-6225 or alisa.lammers@co.barron.wi.us to learn more. Don’t delay, spaces are limited and fill up fast. Contact us today!

Volunteer with the ADRC!

It's good for you and your community! Read about our volunteer opportunities, contact us or call toll-free at 1-888-538-3031.

Find Support from Listings in our Resource Guide

Our resource directory contains information on many topics, products, and programs to help you find services and support you need to help you live independently.

Local Information, Personal Choice

Resources for Independent Living

Review our comprehensive resources directories or set up a personal consultation to help find out what makes sense for you. Choose what you need to stay as independent as possible, as long as possible, while stretching your dollars as far as possible. Learn about options including:

Healthy living
Getting rides
Benefit eligibility

Looking for programs or services outside Barron or Rusk County? Find your local ADRC.

ADRC Program Information on Rice Lake Media

We are partnering with Rice Lake Community Media to get the word out about ADRC programs and events. Here are the most recent segments with ADRC staff and program host James Wyngaard:

August 2025

Darby Smith, Nutrition and Transportation Program Director, met on location to share the story behind the ADRC’s new kitchen. The space has been more than just a kitchen—it’s been the heart of our efforts to provide nutritious meals and meaningful support to older adults and adults with disabilities in our community.

From meal prep to delivery, the Barron kitchen helps ensure that no neighbor goes without a warm, healthy meal.

Watch the interview and take a look inside the kitchen that makes it all possible. View the interview here!

April 2025

Alisa Lammers, Caregiver Specialist & Health Promotions Coordinator, discusses upcoming programs available to seniors this spring. View the program here!

Find more interviews about other programs and services.

You're Welcome Here

We welcome everyone to the ADRC, regardless of race, age, color, national origin, ethnic background, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, socioeconomic, marital or military status. We respect the diversity of our customers, employees, and communities. You can find the ADRC policy here.

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