Ameri9c
Help for Hard Times
United Way’s 2-1-1 has compiled this guide to help people in Marathon County who are
unemployed or struggling financially.
Table of Contents
EMPLOYMENT .................................................. 2
Medical Equipment Loan ............................... 8
Unemployment Compensation ....................... 2
Thrift Shops.................................................... 9
Employment Training, Placement & Search .. 2
HEALTH SERVICES ......................................... 9
Starting Your Own Business .......................... 3
Medical & Dental Care ................................... 9
EDUCATION ...................................................... 3
Physician Referrals ........................................ 9
Continuing Education ..................................... 3
Health Screenings........................................ 10
FINANCIAL COUNSELING/BUDGETING ........ 4
Prescription Drug Assistance ....................... 10
ECONOMIC SUPPORT/ .................................... 4
Fitness & Well-Being.................................... 10
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE...................................... 4
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ....................... 10
PUBLIC INTERNET ACCESS ........................... 4
Telephone Counseling & Crisis Intervention 10
CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE ............................. 5
Individual, Family & Marriage Counseling ... 10
Referrals to Child Care................................... 5
Support Groups............................................ 11
Financial Assistance for Child Care ............... 5
HELP FOR ADDICTION .................................. 11
HOUSING........................................................... 5
Alcohol & Other Drugs ................................. 11
Emergency Shelter ......................................... 5
Smoking & Tobacco Use ............................. 11
Rent & Mortgage Assistance.......................... 5
Gambling ...................................................... 11
Foreclosure Assistance .................................. 6
LEGAL SERVICES.......................................... 11
UTILITY & ENERGY ASSISTANCE ................. 6
Free Legal Aid.............................................. 11
Utility Assistance ............................................ 6
Lawyer Referral............................................ 11
FOOD ................................................................. 6
Labor Laws & Standards ............................. 12
Food Assistance Programs ............................ 6
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES .................... 12
Food Pantries ................................................. 6
SPECIAL POPULATIONS .............................. 12
Community Meals In Wausau ........................ 7
Veterans ....................................................... 12
MATERIAL RESOURCES ................................. 8
Military Families ........................................... 12
Personal Needs & Household Goods ............ 8
Recently Released Inmates ......................... 13
Infant Needs ................................................... 8
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Can an individual get services or funds
from United Way?
United Way refers people in need to organizations in
the community that have the expertise to best meet
those needs. These organizations determine
eligibility and the amount of aid given, usually based
on government guidelines or established policies.
These guidelines exist to prevent people from taking
advantage of the system and still serve as many
people as possible. United Way works to bring
people and resources together to improve lives in
Marathon County. We are committed to helping to
establish a safety net to meet the needs of our
community.
715-261-8736
Funds job-related training for qualifying students
who are training or re-training for employment.
May also help pay for tuition, fees, books and
supplies for eligible participants.
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Wisconsin Division of Vocational
Rehabilitation (DVR)
715-261-8700
Provides a variety of services designed to help
people with disabilities by providing individualized
services that include vocational guidance and
counseling, and assistive technology.
Unemployment Compensation
Unemployment Insurance
608-232-0678 (Initial Claims)
608-261-9990 (Weekly Claims)
608-232-0824 (Inquiries)
Or file online at:
https://my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov
Provides payments based on previous work in
Wisconsin to eligible workers who are temporarily
unemployed.
College Prep Center
715-803-1152
www.ntc.edu
The College Prep Center at Northcentral Technical
College provides instruction to help adult students
prepare for employment or employment exams, and
achieve their personal and vocational goals.
Employment Program
Employment Training, Placement &
Search
Services available at the Wausau Job
Center:
 Dislocated Worker Office
715-842-8390
Employability assistance including résumé writing,
interview assistance, and job readiness training is
provided in Hmong, Lao and English, through the
Hmong American Center.
FoodShare Employment and Training
(FSET)
715-261-8700
AFL-CIO/LETC personnel help counsel workers
affected by closing and/or permanent layoffs.
888-445-1621 (Intake/Referral)
715-203-0834 (Case Manager)
FoodShare participants may receive job search
assistance through the FoodShare Employment &
Training Program, which is a voluntary employment
program attached to the FoodShare Program.
Services may include résumé development, and
unpaid work experience. Gas money or bus fare for
work search related activities may also be available,
as well as help with work related expenses.
Job Service
715-261-8700
Or find jobs on-line at:
https://JobCenterofWisconsin.com
Help job seekers find employment, identify and
market their vocational skills, abilities and
interests, and access appropriate educational
and training programs as necessary. Offers
computer access to allow job seekers to use the
Internet in their job search, and printers to do
résumés, cover letters, etc.
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Veterans Services
715-261-8726
Job placement assistance and case management
for at-risk veterans.
EMPLOYMENT
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Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act
(WIOA)
Job Corps
715-359-7040
www.jobcorps.gov
Vocational training and career placement for
qualifying 16-24 year olds.
Wisconsin Works (W-2) Program
715-803-6679
W-2 is Wisconsin’s Temporary Aid for Needy
Families (TANF) program, which provides
employment services and training to help eligible
residents get and keep employment. Work
experience positions provide a monthly income
based on participation.
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reading, writing and math skills, at The Salvation
Army.
Marathon County Public Library
715-261-7230
www.mcpl.us
Offers public-use computers for word processing and
internet searching that can help people find and apply
for jobs, at each branch location (Athens, Edgar,
Hatley, Marathon, Mosinee, Rothschild, Spencer,
Stratford and Wausau). Wausau branch also has a
Career Connection Area with resources such as
dedicated job computers, free computer classes, and
job-related reference assistance.
Central Wisconsin Literacy Council
855-483-7229
www.centralwisconsinliteracycouncil.org
Tutors are trained and matched with adult students
based on their needs. Tutoring can be done one-onone or in a group to help with reading, math, and
writing, as well as GED assistance.
Continuing Education
Office of Continuing Education
NTC/Salvation Army Basic Skills Program
715-845-4272
Free career assessment and exploration, job hunting
and interviewing skills, and job search and application
assistance, at The Salvation Army.
715-261-6294
www.uwmc.uwc.edu/continuing_education/
U. W.-Marathon County offers continuing education
courses including computer classes, business and
professional development, and online classes.
Please call or log on for complete course information.
Northern Valley Industries
715-845-7316
www.norvalinc.com
A work center and job placement service provider that
helps people with disabilities reach their best level of
work achievement, from supported employment to
competitive employment.
North Central Technical College
715-675-3331
www.ntc.edu
NTC offers continuing education classes in several
fields, including early childhood, human services,
dental, agriculture, and computing.
Starting Your Own Business
Entrepreneurial and Education Center
Colleges & Universities
Globe University
715-848-2016
www.growingyourbusinesswausau.com
Business start-up assistance and rental space for
applicable start-ups.
715-301-1300
www.globeuniversity.edu
Northcentral Technical College
U.W.-Stevens Point Small Business
Development Center
715-675-3331
888-682-7144 (toll free)
www.ntc.edu
715-346-3838
Offers management education and counseling for
anyone interested in learning to start or operate a
small business.
Rasmussen College
715-841-8000
www.rasmussen.edu
Small Business Administration
U.W. - Marathon County
800-827-5722
www.sba.gov/wi
Provides counseling and assistance with small
business start-up, marketing, and management. Also
guarantees small business loans through certain
creditors.
715-261-6235
www.uwmc.uwc.edu
Upper Iowa University
715-675-2775
www.uiu.edu/wausau
EDUCATION
U.W.-Oshkosh BSN at Home Program
920-420-6690
UW-Oshkosh offers a RN to BSN Program in
collaboration with Northcentral Technical College.
High School Equivalency
College Prep Center
715-803-1152
www.ntc.edu
Serves adults who need help with basic academic
skills, GED/HSED preparation, computer basics and
job skills, at Northcentral Technical College.
NTC/Salvation Army Basic Skills Program
715-845-4272
Free GED/HSED preparation assistance,
keyboarding/typing skills training, and brush-up in
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Marathon County Economic Support
Program
FINANCIAL
COUNSELING/BUDGETING
888-445-1621 (Income Maintenance Call Center)
715-261-7500 (Marathon County Social Services)
Screening and Application also online at:
https://access.wisconsin.gov/
Public assistance programs include BadgerCare
Plus, Medicaid, and FoodShare (formerly Food
Stamps) for eligible low-income families.
Family Living Education
715-261-1242
http://marathon.uwex.edu/family-living
Family Living Educator provides consumer
information about family financial management and
consumer resource management, through U.W.Extension.
Marathon County Emergency Assistance
800-771-8420 (to make an appointment)
715-803-6679 (case worker)
Emergency Assistance may be available when
families with minor children in the household
experience financial crisis beyond the caregiver’s
control, and an emergency of homelessness,
impending homelessness, energy crisis, fire, flood or
natural disaster.
Financial Counseling Program
715-261-1230
Trained financial volunteers help individuals
understand budgeting and create a money
management plan, through U.W.-Extension in
cooperation with the Get $mart Wausau Coalition.
GreenPath Financial Counseling
PUBLIC INTERNET ACCESS
800-550-1961
www.greenpath.org
No fee telephone counseling services include
financial counseling, budget counseling, and credit
report reviews.
Marathon County Public Library
www.mcpl.us
Offers public computers for word processing, internet
access, and electronic searching. Find out more from
your local branch:
Project Step Up
715-849-3311 x1727
www.projectstepup.org
Family mentoring, case management and financial
literacy for families seeking greater financial stability
and self-sufficiency, through Catholic Charities.
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Saint Lawrence Community Services –
Financial Counseling
715-849-3311
866-849-3311 (toll free)
www.cclse.org
Families and individuals may receive an evaluation of
their financial situation, develop a plan, and
participate in financial and bankruptcy counseling as
well as budgeting classes, through Catholic Charities.
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715-261-7200
715-693-2144
715-257-7292
715-352-3155
715-446-3537
715-443-2775
715-359-6208
715-659-3996
715-687-4420
The Job Center
715-261-8700
Provides computers for job-seekers to work on
résumés and cover letters, and to research job
openings on the internet.
Local schools and colleges sometimes offer
consumer finance courses. Call for current
schedules and fees:
 Northcentral Technical College
Other local programs that provide access to
internet resources to help with skills
development or employment include:
 Community Learning Center
715-675-3331
www.ntc.edu
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Wausau
Mosinee
Athens
Edgar
Hatley
Marathon City
Rothschild
Spencer
Stratford
U.W.-Marathon County
(at The Neighbor’s Place)
715-845-1966
715-261-6100
www.uwmc.uwc.edu/community/continuing-ed
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ECONOMIC SUPPORT/
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
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Employment Program
(at the Hmong American Center)
715-842-8390
NTC/Salvation Army Basic Skills
Program
(at The Salvation Army)
715-803-1479
Wisconsin Works (W-2) Program
715-803-6679
Employment services and training to help eligible
residents get and keep employment while earning
monthly payments based on program participation.
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American Legion Post 10
CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE
715-581-5210
www.wausauamericanlegion.com
Limited financial assistance including help with rent
may be available to area veterans.
Referrals to Child Care
ChildCaring
715-301-1800
800-628-8534 (toll free)
www.childcaring.org
Provides a list of regulated child care programs based
on criteria selected by client.
Catholic Charities – Saint Lawrence
Community Services
715-849-3311 or 866-849-3311
www.cclse.org
Program participants receive case management
services that may lead to rent payment assistance.
Financial Assistance for Child Care
Marathon County Department of Social
Services
Emergency Assistance Program
715-803-6679
Needy families with a child, who have a current
emergency of homelessness, impending
homelessness, energy crisis, fire, flood or natural
disaster, may apply to receive rent help through
Emergency Assistance to help keep their home.
888-445-1621 (Income Maintenance Call Center)
Screening and Application also online at:
https://access.wisconsin.gov/
Child care assistance for income eligible families that
are in work or work-related activities.
Emergency Housing Assistance Funds
(EHAF)
Good Start Grants
715-301-1800
Provides financial assistance for income eligible
families to help pay for child care, through
ChildCaring.
Emergency rent funds are administered locally by a
collaboration of human service agencies for area
residents who would otherwise be homeless.
The general public may contact ONE of these
agencies for an appointment:
* North Central Community Action Program
(NCCAP): 715-842-0681 (Wausau Area)
* Catholic Charities - Saint Lawrence Community
Services: 715-849-3311
* The Salvation Army: 715-845-4272
* The Women's Community: 715-842-5663 (Victims
of abuse only)
HOUSING
Emergency Shelter
Salvation Army Transitional Living Center
715-845-6583
113 S. 2nd Avenue, Wausau
Community shelter and supportive services for
individuals and families who are homeless. NOTE:
The Salvation Army will determine whether alternate
sheltering options are available for those who are
unable to stay at the Transitional Living Center--either
because it is full, or the client is otherwise ineligible.
Hmong American Center
715-842-8390
www.wausauhmong.org
Can provide housing assistance to the Hmong
community and all refugees.
Community Warming Center
Marathon County Veterans Service Office
www.cclse.org/wausauwarmingcenter.php
540 South 3rd Ave., Wausau
Open 7pm-8am daily, intake from 7-8:30pm only.
Overnight warming center operated by Catholic
Charities provides a warm place for adults to spend
the night during winter months (usually Nov. 1Apr. 30).
715-261-1141
Emergency temporary assistance for lodging may be
available for veterans depending on individual
circumstances.
North Central Community Action Program
(NCCAP)
Women's Community Safe Shelter
715-842-0681
Administers emergency rent for eligible residents who
would otherwise be homeless, when funds are
available.
715-842-7323
www.womenscommunity.org
Shelter and support for victims of domestic abuse and
their children.
Rural Housing
Rent & Mortgage Assistance
AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin
(ARCW)
888-400-5974
www.wisonsinruralhousing.org
When local funds are no longer available, Rural
Housing may be able to provide assistance with rent,
security deposit, or mortgage payments.
715-355-6867 or 800-551-3311
www.arcw.org
Provides rent and other emergency financial
assistance for people with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
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etc.) for energy conservation (NOT for emergency
work) through North Central Community Action
Program. Income guidelines apply.
Foreclosure Assistance
Catholic Charities Mortgage Delinquency
and Foreclosure Prevention
Home Repair Loan and Grant Program
715-849-3311 x1722
Provides in-person or telephone counseling to
homeowners who are at risk of losing their home to
foreclosure.
715-345-7620 (Stevens Point)
Rural Development offers low-interest home
improvement loans and grants for very low income
individuals who live in rural Wisconsin to upgrade
roofs, furnaces, or other weatherization systems.
Foreclosure Mediation Program
715-261-1000
Provides a mediator to assist homeowners and
lenders in determining whether foreclosure can be
avoided by exploring all options that may exist.
Focus on Energy
800-762-7077
www.focusonenergy.com
Residents who don’t qualify for Northcentral
Community Action Program’s Energy Conservation
assistance may be eligible for help through this
program, which offers incentives for the purchase and
installation of qualifying home heating equipment.
Homeowner's HOPE™ Hotline
888-995-4673
www.995hope.org
Provides free telephone credit counseling to help
homeowners facing foreclosure.
For information about weatherization
assistance through Community Development
Block Grants, call United Way’s 2-1-1:
 2-1-1 (or 715-848-2255)
 Long-distance callers may also dial:
800-922-5590
Making Home Affordable Website
www.makinghomeaffordable.gov
Information about the federal programs to help avoid
foreclosure.
UTILITY & ENERGY
ASSISTANCE
FOOD
Utility Assistance
Energy Assistance Program
Food Assistance Programs
FoodShare (formerly Food Stamps)
715-842-3111
Financial assistance for heating and electric bills for
income-eligible Marathon County residents, through
Energy Services, Inc.
888-445-1621 (Income Maintenance Call Center)
Screening and Application also online at:
https://access.wisconsin.gov/
Provides a debit card for eligible applicants to use in
most grocery stores to purchase food.
AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin
(ARCW)
WIC (Women, Infants & Children
Nutrition Program)
715-355-6867 or 800-551-3311
www.arcw.org
Provides utility and other emergency financial
assistance for people with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
800-246-5743
Provides mothers and their young children with
financial assistance to purchase food, through Family
Planning Health Services.
Catholic Charities - Saint
Lawrence Community Services
Food Pantries
Athens Circle of Joy Food Pantry
715-849-3311 or 866-849-3311
www.cclse.org
Program participants receive case management
services that may lead to help with utility assistance.
715-257-7659
Food and food vouchers for residents of the Athens
School District. Distributes the 1st Wednesday of the
month 9-11am, and the third Wednesday 3-5pm at St.
Anthony’s Catholic Church.
Marathon County Veterans Service Office
715-261-1141
Emergency temporary utility assistance may be
available for veterans, depending on individual
circumstances.
Community Action Partnership
715-241-7335
8100 Alderson St., Schofield (Ministry of Christ
Community Church)
Fresh and non-perishable food distributed every other
Friday, 2-4pm.
Weatherization
Energy Conservation/Home Weatherization
Program
715-842-0681
May provide a variety of home improvement
measures (insulation, furnace and air/duct sealing,
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Community Center of Hope
Spencer Kings Pantry
715-693-7145
607 13th St., Mosinee
Food pantry for southern Marathon County residents
in need, Monday, 9am-Noon; Tuesday, 3-6pm.;
Friday, Noon-2pm.
715-659-5181
107 Wendell St., Spencer (Christ the King Church)
Helps Spencer residents who are in emergency need
of food; Mondays, 10am-2pm.
Community United Pantry
715-223-2166
301 N. 2nd St., Colby (Zion Lutheran Church)
Emergency food for Colby, Curtiss, Abbotsford and
Dorchester residents; Tuesdays, 9-11am.
715-687-3568 or 715-687-3126
(Pantry opened as necessary; please call ahead
during reasonable hours.) Community pantry for
people in the Stratford area with emergency food
needs.
Covenant Food Pantry
The Neighbors’ Place
715-359-6467
1806 Weston Ave., Schofield (Covenant Presbyterian
Church)
Food and paper products for families in need in the
Wausau/Everest area; 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the
month, 3-5pm.
715-845-1966
745 Scott St., Wausau
Distributes donated and government commodity foods
(TEFAP) 5 days a week: Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday, and Friday 10am-1:45pm; Wednesday 24:45pm.
Edgar Circle of Joy Food Pantry
The Salvation Army
715-352-2532 (Edgar)
715-443-6168 (Marathon)
224 S. 3rd Ave., Edgar (Edgar Village Hall)
Emergency food or food vouchers for residents in the
Edgar/Marathon City area on the 1st Wednesday of
the month, 9-11am, and 3rd Wednesday, 2-4pm;
please call in advance to arrange other times.
715-845-4272
202 Callon St., Wausau
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Bread and produce distribution each
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10am.
 Food pantry for short-term emergencies
distributes Tuesday and Wednesday, 911:15am and 12:30-3:30pm; Friday 911:00am.
Stratford Area Pantry
First Presbyterian Church
715-842-2116 (Leave a message)
406 Grant St., Wausau
Church volunteers distribute food to Wausau area
residents in need the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the
month, 1-2pm, as long as supplies last. Lunch served
from Noon-1 before pantry opens.
Wesley Church Food Pantry
Mosinee Circle of Joy
715-842-3768
1101 Elm St., Wausau (Wesley United Methodist
Church)
Offers food and Church information for those in need,
by pre-arrangement; please call ahead and speak
with a staff member.
715-693-2811 or 715-693-1591
Food assistance provided to Mosinee area residents
in need, by appointment only.
Community Meals In Wausau
Jubilee House
715-842-4582
225 S 28th Ave
Free hot meal served every Thursday 4:30-6pm at St.
Matthew’s Parish School/Faith Christian Academy.
Saint Agnes Food Pantry
715-359-5675
6101 Zinser St., Weston (Saint Agnes Catholic
Parish)
Community pantry for Weston area residents in
emergency need of food; 1st and 3rd Wednesday of
the month, 3-5pm.
Meals and More
715-842-0769
501 Stewart Ave.
Free hot meal served the 4th Wednesday of the
month, 4:30-6pm, at Trinity Lutheran Church.
Saint Florian’s Food Pantry
715-446-3085
500 Church St., Hatley (Saint Florian’s Parish Center)
Food pantry for anyone in an emergency; 3rd
Tuesday and following Saturday of the month, 9amNoon.
Saint Paul's Neighborhood Meal
715-842-3733
426 Washington St.
Free hot meal served each Tuesday of the month,
4:30-6pm, at St. Paul's United Church of Christ.
Saint Paul’s Food Distribution
715-842-3733
426 Washington St., Wausau (St. Paul’s UCC)
Church members donate and distribute bags of
groceries to people in need the 1st and 3rd Tuesday
of the month, 9am-Noon.
Salvation Army Lunch Program
715-845-4272
202 Callon St.
Free hot meal served Monday-Saturday, 11:30am12:15pm, except holidays, at The Salvation Army.
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Saturday Downtown Lunches
Personal Needs Closet
715-845-6947
330 McClellan St.
Free hot meal served at 11:00am the last Saturday of
the month, at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church.
715-842-2201
Provides personal hygiene items and household
supplies based on household size, as funding
permits, at First United Methodist Church in Wausau
the 2nd Tuesday of the month, 1-3pm and 4th
Saturday of the month, 9-11am.
Sunday Community Supper
715-842-2116
406 Grant St.
Free hot meal served every Sunday, 4-5:10pm, at
First Presbyterian Church.
The Neighbors’ Place
715-845-1966
Donated appliances, furniture, household items, and
other items are available for free of charge to area
residents with a Referral from a partnering agency.
Donated clothing is available without a referral.
In Spencer
Spencer C.O.M.E.
715-659-5158
B-3750 State Hwy. 13
Free Community Outreach Meal for everyone on the
4th Tuesday of the month, 5-6pm, at St. John’s
Lutheran church.
Wheels to Work
715-803-6693
Helps qualified applicants overcome the barrier of
unreliable transportation to and from work, by
providing a donated car, or 0% interest loan on lowcost repairs for their own car.
To learn if there are other FOOD
RESOURCES in your area, call United Way’s
2-1-1:
 2-1-1 (or 715-848-2255)
 Long-distance callers may also dial:
800-922-5590
Infant Needs
Bundles of Joy
United Way purchases and distributes formula and
diapers for low-income Marathon County families in
an emergency through a collaboration of human
service agencies.
MATERIAL RESOURCES
Rebecca’s Closet
Personal Needs & Household Goods
Bare Necessities & Back to Basics
Distributes donated infant and children's items to
social service agencies that serve families in need of
clothing, shoes, bedding, furnishings, safety items,
and other necessities.
[email protected]
United Way’s Workplace Volunteer Council members
distribute personal hygiene items, new
undergarments and socks to agencies with clients in
need. Individuals can request agencies they are
working with to initiate a request on their behalf via
email.
For more information about Bundles of Joy
or Rebecca’s Closet, call United Way’s 2-1-1
 2-1-1 (or 715-848-2255)
 Long-distance callers may also dial:
800-922-5590
Career Closet
Tiny Tots Closet
715-298-5707
705 S 24th Ave, Suite 440
United Way’s Emerging Leaders distribute donated
career clothing, “business casual” clothing,
accessories, and steel toed boots for people who
need attire for a job or job interview, at the
Community Closet in Wausau, on Tuesday 3-5pm,
Wednesday 11:00am-1pm, and Thursday Noon-2pm.
715-842-3733
426 Washington St.
Provides diapers to those in need each Tuesday,
10am-Noon at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ.
WIC (Women, Infants, & Children Nutrition
Program)
800-246-5743
Provides financial assistance to purchase infant
formula as well as other nutritional items for infants
and mothers.
Community Action Partnership
715-241-7335
Provides personal hygiene items and unlimited
clothing every other Friday, 2-4pm at Ministry of
Christ Community Church in Schofield.
Medical Equipment Loan
Aging & Disability Loan Closet
Freecycle Network Website
www.freecycle.org
Offers free membership to a local, moderated e-mail
group that allows members to both donate and
acquire items such as furniture, kitchen supplies or
electronics.
715-261-6070
Temporary loan of medical equipment for seniors or
people with disabilities (for example, canes, walkers,
wheelchairs, portable commodes) for Marathon
County residents, at the Aging & Disability Resource
Center.
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Athens Area Loan Closet
HEALTH SERVICES
715-257-7658
Short-term loans of medical equipment and supplies
like toilet adaptations, crutches, canes, electric
hospital beds, walkers and wheelchairs, for Athens
area residents.
Medical & Dental Care
BadgerCare Plus
888-445-1621 (Income Maintenance Call Center)
Screening and Application also online at:
https://access.wisconsin.gov/
Provides public health care coverage for eligible
Wisconsin residents.
HELP-Health Equipment Lending Program
715-843-5985
The Good News Project provides temporary loan of
medical equipment to area residents and accepts
donated medical equipment. Please call to find out
what is available.
Health Insurance Marketplace
800-318-2596
www.healthcare.gov
Provides information about health insurance options
for individuals & families, as well as small businesses.
Insurance plans available at a reduced cost for those
who are income-eligible.
Thrift Shops
Bethesda Thrift Shop
715-845-1878
329 N. 1st Ave., Wausau
Bridge Community Health Clinic/Dental
Clinic
Dime and Dollar Thrift Store
715-849-4168
211 Alexander St., Wausau
Goodwill Industries Retail & Training
Centers
715-848-4884
Provides primary health care and dental services by
appointment at reduced cost for income-eligible
patients.

Family Planning Health Services

2713 Schofield Ave., Weston
715-355-6086
1100 Morning Glory Ln., Rib Mountain
715-355-9452
800-246-5743
www.fphs.org
Provides reproductive health care and education on a
sliding fee scale.
Hope’s Closet Thrift Store
715-693-7145
607 13th St., Mosinee
Marathon County Health Department
715-261-1900
Provides public health nursing including
immunizations and HIV/STD clinics.
Randlin’s One More Time Home
Furnishings
Medicaid/M.A.
715-298-9203
1006 6th St., Wausau
888-445-1621 (Income Maintenance Call Center)
Screening and Application also online at:
https://access.wisconsin.gov/
Provides health coverage for eligible residents who
are elderly, blind, or disabled, through the Department
of Social Services.
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store
715-298-3028
131 W. Thomas St., Wausau
Consignment Stores also sell pre-owned
items. They are listed in the Yellow Pages
under CONSIGNMENT & RESALE SHOPS
or CONSIGNMENT SHOPS & SVCES.
Physician Referrals
Aspirus, Inc.
715-847-2380
www.aspirus.org
To learn if there are other MATERIAL
RESOURCES in your area, call United Way’s
2-1-1:
 2-1-1 (or 715-848-2255)
 Long-distance callers may also dial:
800-922-5590
Marshfield Clinic
www.marshfieldclinic.org/doctors
Ministry Medical Group
715-393-3900
www.ministryhealth.org/findadoctor
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715-841-1850
Woodson YMCA (Wausau)
715-845-2177
www.woodsonymca.com
Offers discounts for income-eligible families, free 30day passes for local recently-dislocated workers, and
temporary assistance for current members who are
struggling to continue their memberships.
Health Screenings
Free Blood Pressure Screening

715-848-2927
Volunteer nurses provide free blood pressure
screening monthly at sites throughout Marathon
County, through United Way RSVP of Marathon
County.
Free Blood Pressure Checks
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
715-355-6763
Free blood pressure checks offered by S.A.F.E.R.
(South Area Fire and Emergency Response) MondayFriday, 9am-5pm, at the Rib Mountain Public Safety
Building and at the Weston Public Safety Building.
Telephone Counseling & Crisis
Intervention
Crisis Line
Free Mammography and Breast Cancer
Screening
(24 hours/day, 7 days/week)
715-845-4326
800-799-0122 (toll free)
Crisis and suicide counseling and intervention through
North Central Health Care.
715-847-2380
Provides funding for free breast cancer
screenings for men or women who meet clinical
screening guidelines but otherwise couldn’t afford it,
through Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
The Women’s Community
(24 hours/day, 7 days/week)
715-842-7323
888-665-1234 (toll free)
Emergency shelter and crisis intervention for victims
of abuse and their children.
Prescription Drug Assistance
FamilyWize Prescription Drug Discount
Card
866-810-3784
www.familywize.org
These cards are used to get immediate savings on
prescription drugs at participating pharmacies for
people who have no health insurance, during
deductible periods, and for prescription medicine not
covered by health insurance, Medicare, and other
benefit plans.
Individual, Family & Marriage Counseling
(sliding fee available)
Achieve Center
715-845-4900
Bridge Community Behavioral Health Clinic
715-848-4884
NACo Prescription Discount Card Program
877-321-2652
www.nacorx.org
Marathon County’s discount card program helps
residents regardless of age, income, or existing health
coverage, with prescription drug costs that aren’t
covered by insurance.
Charis Counseling
NeedyMeds Website
715-849-3344
www.needymeds.com
NeedyMeds is a non-profit service that connects
people with low incomes to patient assistance
programs, help with paperwork, discount drug cards,
and government programs.
Outpatient Mental Health (North Central
Health Care)
Partnership for Prescription Assistance
715-675-3458
715-848-0525
Child and Family Counseling
715-848-1457
Lutheran Social Services
715-848-4356
Peaceful Solutions Counseling
888-477-2669
www.PPARx.org
Helps patients lacking prescription coverage get
access to nearly all existing pharmaceutical patient
assistance programs through a central navigation
system.
If you are in a mental health emergency,
or need to talk to a counselor right away,
call the Crisis Center at 715-845-4326, 24
hours a day. Long-distance callers may
call toll-free: 1-800-799-0122.
Fitness & Well-Being
YMCA

Aspirus YMCA (Weston)
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Support Groups
For information, call United Way’s 2-1-1:
 2-1-1 (or 715-848-2255)
 Long-distance callers may also dial:
800-922-5590
Smoking & Tobacco Use
Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line
800-784-8669
www.ctri.wisc.edu/quitline.html
Free telephone counseling and other information
about quitting methods, medications, quit plans and
tips.
HELP FOR ADDICTION
Gambling
Gamblers Treatment
Alcohol & Other Drugs
Alcoholics Anonymous
715-848-4600
North Central Health Care’s outpatient program for
compulsive gambling.
715-297-8897
www.area74.org
Provides 12-step Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
Log on for current information about local 12-step
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
Gamblers Anonymous
715-297-5317
www.gamblersanonymous.org/
Gamblers Anonymous (GA) meets to provide selfhelp and support for people to overcome gambling.
Al-Anon/Alateen
888-425-2666
www.area61afg.org
12-step group meetings for relatives and friends to
help them work through the effects of living with a
relative’s or friend’s problem drinking.
Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling
800-426-2535
www.wi-problemgamblers.org
Information and referral for compulsive gamblers and
their loved ones.
Narcotics Anonymous 12-Step
866-590-2651
www.ncwana.org
Offers recovery from the effects of addiction through
working a 12-step program. Call or log on for current
information about local meeting times and places.
LEGAL SERVICES
Free Legal Aid
Wisconsin Judicare
Alcohol and Drug Counseling
715-842-1681
www.judicare.org
Legal aid office for low-income residents.
715-675-3458
Provides treatment & counseling for adults and teens
abusing or addicted to drugs or alcohol. Also offers
relapse prevention, alcohol and drug education, and
family support services at Peaceful Solutions
Counseling.
Lawyer Referral
Lawyer Referral & Information
800-362-9082
www.wisbar.org
Legal hotline offers general legal information and
lawyer referral through the State Bar of Wisconsin.
Courage to Change Recovery
715-223-0480
Adult, adolescent, and family AODA treatment
program.
Modest Means Referral Program
Lakeside Recovery MMT
888-529-7599
www.wisbar.org
For individuals whose income is too high to qualify for
free legal aid but too low to pay an attorney’s regular
fees, to be referred to an attorney who has agreed to
offer reduced fees.
715-845-4326
6-bed, 21-day medically monitored treatment program
for adults dealing with substance and abuse and
addiction.
Outpatient AODA Services
715-848-4356
Outpatient treatment for chemical dependence, at
North Central Health Care.
Substance Abuse Treatment Facility
Locator Website
www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov
Searchable directory of drug and alcohol treatment
programs shows the location of facilities around the
state and country that treat alcoholism, alcohol abuse
and drug abuse problems.
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Labor Laws & Standards
Wisconsin Department of Workforce
Development - Equal Rights Division
SPECIAL POPULATIONS
Veterans
American Legion Post 10
608-266-6860 (Madison)
www.dwd.wisconsin.gov
Administers Wisconsin’s Fair Employment Law, which
prohibits discrimination against any person on the
basis of ancestry, color, creed, national origin, race,
sex, disability, arrest or conviction record, age, marital
status, sexual orientation, use of lawful products or
membership in the military reserve. Also administers
Wisconsin's Family and Medical Leave Act, as well as
wage disputes.
715-581-5210
Volunteer group provides physical (moving
assistance, minor home projects) and moral support
to local veterans. Limited financial assistance may be
available as well.
Marathon County Veterans Service Office
715-261-1141
Provides help preparing claims/applications
for benefits, information on VA health benefits, VA
insurance, VA education benefits, burial and death
benefits, and State veterans' benefits.
U. S. Department of Labor - Wage/Hour
Division
866-487-9243 (National Helpline)
www.dol.gov/whd
Administers and enforces Federal labor laws,
including minimum wage, overtime, Family and
Medical Leave Act, and Migrant and Seasonal
Agricultural Worker Protection Act.
Veterans’ Services
715-261-8726
Job placement assistance and case management for
at-risk veterans, at The Job Center.
Wausau V. A. Clinic
608-372-3971 (Intake)
715-842-2834 (Clinic)
Primary medical care and mental health counseling
for veterans. Pre-enrollment is required.
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
Medical Transportation Management (MTM)
866-907-1493
Schedules non-emergency transportation to medical
appointments for ForwardHealth members that have
no other means of getting to their appointments.
Mileage reimbursement may be requested before the
appointment for those that are able to drive
themselves.
Wausau Vet Center
715-842-1724
Readjustment counseling and AODA assessment for
veterans who served in any combat zone. Services
are available to family members and significant others
for military related issues.
Metro Ride Bus Service
Military Families
Armed Forces Emergency Services
715-842-9287 (Office)
www.ci.wausau.wi.us/Departments/metroride.aspx
Public bus service in Wausau.
877-272-7337
The American Red Cross works with military aid
societies to help meet emergency financial needs
when an urgent personal or family crisis arises.
Metro Ride Paratransit
715-842-9287
www.ci.wausau.wi.us/Departments/metroride.aspx
Provides non-emergency, specialized curb to-curb
transportation for people who are physically or
cognitively unable to use a standard transit bus,
anywhere in the Metro Ride service area.
Army Community Service
877-864-4969
www.mccoymwr.com
Services at Fort McCoy for Army families include
unit/soldier support, family advocacy, and information
about deployment/mobilization, relocation,
employment, and financial readiness.
Wheels to Work
715-803-6693
Helps families and individuals overcome the barrier of
unreliable transportation to and from work or school.
Qualified applicants may receive a donated vehicle
loan, or get a 0% interest vehicle repair loan.
Family Assistance Center
800-292-9464 (Hotline)
http://wisconsinmilitary.org
Family Assistance Centers provide family members
information on entitlements and benefits they may
utilize before, during, and after deployment.
To learn about other TRANSPORTATION
SERVICES in your area, call United Way’s 21-1:
 2-1-1 (or 715-848-2255)
 Long-distance callers may also dial:
800-922-5590
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Military OneSource
800-342-9647
www.militaryonesource.com
Provides counseling services by phone and online for
active military members and their families to address
short-term non-medical concerns.
Operation Homefront
877-264-3968
www.operationhomefront.net
Provides emergency assistance to our troops, their
families, and wounded warriors when they return
home, including help with: auto repair, disaster relief,
home & appliance repair, food assistance, vision care,
financial assistance, furniture and household items,
moving assistance.
Wausau Vet Center
715-842-1724
Individual, group, family, marital, and bereavement
counseling for veterans and their families.
YMCA

Aspirus YMCA (Weston)
715-841-1850

Woodson YMCA (Wausau)
715-845-2177
www.woodsonymca.com
The YMCA offers reduced price 6-month
memberships to eligible military families and
personnel.
Recently Released Inmates
The Open Door
715-848-4044
Services for inmates upon release from jail or prison
include clothing, footwear, toiletries, beverages, and
life skills training, 5-10am daily at St. Paul’s
Community Center, 319 4th St. in Wausau (across
from the Marathon County Jail).
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We’re here any time you don’t know
where to turn for help.
Get Help
When you need information about community services, or are
looking for help with a personal or family matter, United Way's
2-1-1 will answer your questions about what’s available, who
to contact for the details you want, and how to take the next
step toward solving your problems or meeting your needs.
Need Help?
Dial 2-1-1
Email [email protected]
Search online at: http://www.unitedwaymc.org/get-help/
Give Help
Want to volunteer to serve a meal, support grieving families, or
help out during a disaster? Want to donate items to a program
that helps abused children or homeless families? Want to
Give Help?
Dial 2-1-1
Formally Updated September 9, 2016
Last Modified April 5, 2017
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Help for Hard
Times Guide