American Rescue Plan Act: Medicaid HCBS Grants Success Stories

The following awardees have shown early success in their projects. We’re pleased to share key milestones and outcomes that awardees have achieved so far.

This blog post is partially reposted from the original article/website. To see the story in its entirety, as well as the other recipients, click HERE: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/arpa/hcbs-grant-success.htm

Opportunity Development Centers | $166,350 | Wood County

Founded in 1965, Opportunity Development Centers, Inc. (ODC) provides services to promote independent living and community inclusion for more than 1,000 people with disabilities in central and northeastern Wisconsin. These include employment services, day services, school transition, daily living skills, children’s long-term support, and mental health services.

Using funds from their Medicaid HCBS grant, ODC expanded their job services to support self-employment, giving participants the tools to start their own businesses. Before this, people in this service area had no options for this training.

ODC has hired full-time staff to deliver a curriculum based on college courses, and works with Mid-State Technical College to provide additional education opportunities.

So far, 15 participants joined the pilot program to develop their business ideas. After conducting feasibility studies and creating business plans, some have already successfully started their own small businesses!

Kelsey is working with ODC and her local DVR on her business plan. She paints landscapes of places she has lived or visited, and sometimes creates landscapes based on her imagination. Kelsey plans to paint 6-8 pieces a year, sell at 1-2 conferences a year, and make a majority of her income through sales with third-party shops and websites and licensing her artwork for commercial use.

Katie is working with ODC to start her own small business offering hand-crafted necklaces, bracelets, and earrings for adults and children of all ages. She’s always had a passion for creating her own jewelry.

This grant has allowed ODC to implement our vision, to empower people with disabilities to achieve their work and life goals, in a new and truly creative way.