NorthCentral Transition Resource Agency – Independent Living (TRAIL)
CW Solutions has partnered with Wood County Human Services Department to operate the NorthCentral Transition Resource Agency – Independent Living (TRAIL) program since it became a regional program in January 2017. Our nine-county region serves the following counties: Adams, Wood, Portage, Marathon, Lincoln, Langlade, Oneida, Forest, & Vilas. Youth aged 18-21 can receive these services if one of the following applies:
- They have turned 18 years old while in a court-ordered, out-of-home care placement (foster care, group home, residential care center, etc.).
- They have been adopted or went into a court-ordered guardianship after the age of 16.
Services include case management, basic living skills (financial management, healthy relationships, health and well-being, permanent connections), housing, healthcare, employment and education services, and connection to community resources. Services are provided based upon youth’s self-identified goals to ensure they are the leading voice in shaping their future.
“As an individual whose been in foster care since I was 11, things haven’t always been easy. As a young adult now, I'm pleased to say I look forward to my future. My senior year of high school is going well and with the help of my IL Coordinator, I've got everything planned out for the path to college. My IL Coordinator has been a huge help in getting me ready for my college dorm, I couldn’t have asked for better support. Things won’t always be smooth flowing in the future, but I know if problems arise, my IL Coordinator will be there to help in any way they can. Thanks for everything in Independent Living team has done for me and others in similar situations. With your help, things have become a lot less stressful and a lot more exciting.” - IL youth
Brighter Star
Youth eligible for regional Independent Living services are also eligible to receive Brighter Star, Wisconsin’s Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program when enrolled in (or accepted to) an accredited or per-accredited post-high school program. Youth are eligible to receive this $5,000 scholarship every academic year until they turn 23 years old.
Youth Advisory Council
Youth eligible for regional Independent Living services are able to participate in our regional Youth Advisory Council (YAC). Our YAC’s mission is to amplify youth voices who have lived experience in the child welfare and youth justice systems through awareness and advocacy. Youth are able to build their leadership skills and professionalism while making a difference and creating change in our region.
"I love to be active in my local community with the other YAC members. One of my best experiences has been joining and becoming a part of this amazing group. The other members can relate to my own stories. I want to teach more people about how amazing we are and how we can be successful and thrive!" - YAC member
“YAC helps young leaders get involved while helping strengthen leadership skills. Since joining YAC, I have grown as a leader and person. I have learned the importance of using my voice and story.” - YAC member
TRAIL Program Contacts
IL Coordinator: Brooklynn Elliott (Wood County)
Counties: Adams, Portage & Wood
111 West Jackson Street Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495
Phone: 715-540-0283
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
IL Coordinator: Katie Badeau (CW Solutions)
Counties: Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida & Vilas
401 North 5th Street Suite 406 Wausau, WI 54403
Phone: 715-409-3894
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Program Manager: Lacey Piekarski (Wood County)
111 West Jackson Street Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495
Phone: 715-421-8927
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For other regional Independent Living contact information, please visit DCF Independent Living - Transition Resource Agency Contact Information.