Submitted by Emily Keeler, Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services

ELLSWORTH, WI – Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services’ broadband entity, SwiftCurrent Connect, is proud to announce its sponsorship of several mobile Wi-Fi hotspots for the Spring Valley Public Library (SVPL), expanding access to reliable high-speed internet for residents across the community. These hotspots will be available for checkout at no cost, helping bridge the digital divide for families, students, jobseekers, and anyone needing a dependable connection.

The partnership supports a growing need for flexible internet solutions. With increasing demands for remote work, online learning, telehealth appointments, and digital resources, the library’s hotspot program ensures that all community members, regardless of location or income, can stay connected.

“We are incredibly grateful for SwiftCurrent Connect’s support,” said Becky Manley, Spring Valley Public Library Director. “These hotspots make a real difference for our patrons, especially those who may not have reliable internet at home. This partnership allows us to offer more equitable access to technology throughout Spring Valley.”

SwiftCurrent Connect continues to invest in rural broadband expansion across western Wisconsin, delivering future-proof fiber-optic connectivity to homes and businesses. Sponsoring the Spring Valley Library’s hotspot program is one of many ways the cooperative-based provider supports digital access and community well-being.

For more information about SwiftCurrent Connect and its mission to bring high-quality internet to rural communities, visit swiftcurrent.coop.

Submitted by Ryma Lindquist, Western Wisconsin Health, with Kristie Smith, SCV Habitat

BALDWIN, WI – Western Wisconsin Health (WWH) and St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity (SCV Habitat) are proud to announce a meaningful partnership aimed at improving community health by expanding access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. WWH has donated a parcel of land near the original Baldwin hospital site to SCV Habitat, supporting the construction of future Habitat homes for local families in need.

The organizations are currently working closely with the Village of Baldwin to finalize property access and development details, with plans to begin building in spring 2026.

Access to stable housing plays a critical role in overall well-being. According to studies highlighted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), safe and affordable housing are directly linked to improved health outcomes, reduced health disparities, and greater health equity.

Additionally, CDC-cited research shows that when households with low incomes move into more stable and affordable housing, they experience 18% fewer emergency department visits and 20% more primary care visits, a shift that supports preventive care and reduces medical crises. Conversely, frequent or involuntary moves are associated with higher stress, declining mental health, and an increased likelihood of delaying necessary care due to cost.

“Western Wisconsin Health is deeply committed to supporting the health of our community, and that commitment extends far beyond the walls of our hospital,” said Eilidh Pederson, CEO of Western Wisconsin Health. “Stable and affordable housing is foundational to good health. By partnering with St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity, we are investing in the long-term well-being of local families and helping to build a stronger, healthier community.”

This partnership reflects a growing trend among health systems to collaborate with housing organizations to create healthier communities. Safe, affordable housing supports generational wealth, strengthens mental well-being, promotes children’s educational success, and enhances long-term community connection and trust.

“We are honored to receive this land donation from Western Wisconsin Health,” said Kristie Smith, Executive Director of St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity. “This gift will allow us to continue our mission of building safe, healthy, and affordable homes for local families. When families have a stable place to call home, everything changes, health improves, opportunities grow, and communities become more resilient. This partnership demonstrates what is possible when organizations come together with a shared vision for community well-being.”

As part of this collaboration, WWH and SCV Habitat are also excited to announce that details will soon be shared about providing this future home to a qualified healthcare worker, further strengthening the connection between workforce stability, housing access, and community health.

Today, the median age of a first-time homebuyer in the U.S. has risen to 40, reflecting the significant challenges families face in accessing affordable housing. Many are forced to choose between paying for housing, healthcare, nutritious food, or educational opportunities. Partnerships like this help remove those barriers and create pathways to healthier, more stable futures.

WWH and SCV Habitat share a commitment to building a healthier, more connected community; one home, one family, and one partnership at a time.

Submitted by Amber Bettinger-Lytle, Director of Marketing & Development, Adoray Home Health & Hospice

BALDWIN, WI – November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding, compassion, and support for those living with dementia and their caregivers. In recognition of this important month, Adoray Home Health & Hospice is proud to share its continued commitment to advancing dementia care across Western Wisconsin.

At the beginning of November 2025 Adoray completed another round of specialized dementia training for its staff and volunteers, rooted in the nationally recognized Positive Approach to Care (PAC) philosophy developed by dementia care expert Teepa Snow. This program equips care providers with the knowledge, empathy, and skills needed to meet the unique and evolving needs of those living with dementia and to support their caregivers throughout the journey.

In a special collaboration, Western Wisconsin Health (WWH) staff also joined this round of Adoray’s Dementia Training Program. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that individuals in our communities, whether in the hospital or at home, receive compassionate, dementia-informed care every step of the way.

“Providing dementia-specific training is a key goal for our unit, as this has been identified as a growing need among staff,” said Alicia Meyers, Med-Surg RN Manager at WWH. “My aim is to have at least 80% of our Med/Surg team complete training related to the care of patients with dementia. When I learned about Adoray’s Dementia Training Program, I knew this was something that would fit that goal and help us reach it.”

As dementia continues to affect more people across Western Wisconsin, Adoray’s Dementia Care Program is evolving and innovating to meet the growing need.

“Dementia is no longer something that affects just a few, it touches more families, neighbors, and caregivers every year,” shared Amber Bettinger-Lytle, Adoray’s Director of Marketing & Development. “At Adoray, we’re committed to bringing national, evidence-based best practices in dementia care right here to our rural communities. Through education, compassion, and collaboration, we’re building a community that not only understands dementia but embraces those living with it and the caregivers who walk beside them. This ongoing program is a true testament to what’s possible when we come together to create a more compassionate and informed tomorrow.”

Adoray’s comprehensive Dementia Care Program includes:

• Specialized Dementia Training for staff and volunteers using Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care® model.
• Robotic companion pets for hospice patients living with dementia, offering comfort and connection.
• A free, downloadable Dementia Resource Guide available on Adoray’s website, created in partnership with the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI).
• An Annual Dementia Caregiver Conference, open to the public at no cost, featuring speakers certified in the Positive Approach to Care® philosophy.

Looking ahead, Adoray is excited to announce that its 3rd Annual Dementia Caregivers Conference will take place in May 2026 at the Center for Independent Living in Menomonie, WI. This free event will once again feature certified presenters in Teepa Snow’s PAC approach, providing essential tools and resources for caregivers. Stay tuned for the official date and registration details, which will be released before the end of the year.

By investing in evidence-based dementia education and community partnerships, Adoray and Western Wisconsin Health are helping ensure that Western Wisconsin remains a place where individuals with dementia are seen, understood, and supported, and where caregivers are never alone.

These ongoing efforts ensure that Adoray and its community partners continue to serve as a guiding light for those navigating life with dementia, empowering caregivers, healthcare professionals, and families with knowledge, compassion, and support. For more information about Adoray’s Dementia Care program, please contact: Amber Bettinger-Lytle, Adoray Home Health & Hospice, Director of Marketing & Development at a.bettinger@adoray.org or 715.928.9761.

Submitted by Laura Tallman, Communications Coordinator, SCEC 

HAMMOND, WI – Nearly half of all families experience diaper need, a challenge that can create stress and health risks for infants and toddlers. To help address this need, St. Croix Electric Cooperative (SCEC) is partnering with United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys, The National Diaper Bank Network and Operation Help to host it’s first-ever Diaper Drive from December 1 through December 19, 2025.

“Many families are struggling to financially provide for all their family’s basic needs.  Diapers are one thing that parents may be forced to ration.” Explained Betsy Byker, United St. Croix Valley Diaper Bank Manager. “Every parent wants their child to thrive and be healthy, but without clean diapers children are exposed to potential health risks including infections and severe, painful diaper rash.”

“At SCEC, we believe in supporting the communities we serve beyond providing electricity,” said Rob Dooley, President and CEO of St. Croix Electric Cooperative. “This diaper drive is a way for all of us to come together and help families meet an essential need. Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference.”

By hosting local diaper drives, we’re coming together to meet an important need right here at home. You can make a difference by donating new, unopened packages of diapers (sizes newborn through six) and baby wipes. The most needed sizes right now are newborn and size five.

Drop-off locations include:

• SCEC Headquarters – 1925 Ridgeway Street, Hammond
• Hudson Public Library, 700 1st St.
• Glenwood City Public Library, 217 W Oak St.
• Spring Valley Public Library, E121 S 2nd St.
• Somerset Public Library, 208 Willow St.

All donations will help provide a steady supply of diapers and wipes to families living in the St. Croix Valley. Due to safety guidelines, all donations must be in their unopened, original packaging.

Go to scecnet.net for more information. Monetary donations can also be made by going to uwvalleys.org. Select Diaper Drive under the Donate tab and designate your gift to the SCEC Diaper Drive.

Together, we can ease the burden on parents and ensure every child has the care they deserve.