Dunn County Receives SCIP Grant for Mobile Peer Support Program Expansion

In the heart of Dunn County, a pivotal meeting unfolded as members of the Criminal Justice Collaborating Council (CJCC) gathered to discuss significant advancements in community support systems. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as Andrew Garr, the program director for the Wisconsin Milkweed Alliance (WEMA), took the floor to announce a groundbreaking grant awarded to enhance mobile peer support services across the county.

The meeting, held on August 21, 2025, began with a roll call that included key figures such as CJCC Chair Judge Meyer, County Manager Dan Dunbar, and District Attorney Andrea Noidolph. After approving the minutes from the previous meeting, the council shifted its focus to Garr's presentation, which promised to reshape crisis intervention in Dunn County.

Garr expressed gratitude for the CJCC's commitment to improving local crisis response systems and highlighted the recent funding from the state crisis intervention program (SCIP) grant. This grant, amounting to $1.68 million statewide, allows counties to receive up to $75,000 without a local match requirement. The funding period is set to begin on September 1, 2025, and will run through September 30, 2026.

The SCIP grant aims to bolster community-based approaches to crisis response, emphasizing mental health and substance use support. Garr explained that the mobile outreach peer support program would serve as a voluntary resource, working alongside law enforcement and emergency services to provide compassionate, peer-led assistance. This initiative is designed to alleviate the burden on emergency systems while ensuring individuals receive ongoing support beyond immediate crises.

Garr clarified that this new program would not replace existing services, such as those offered by Northwest Connections, which operates a 24/7 crisis helpline. Instead, it would fill a critical gap by providing face-to-face support in community settings, allowing individuals to seek help before reaching a crisis point.

The council members listened intently as Garr outlined the program's goals: expanding access to voluntary crisis support, fostering collaboration among local agencies, and building public trust in the system. He emphasized the importance of a trauma-informed approach, aiming to reduce repeat crises and improve overall community well-being.

As the presentation concluded, Garr welcomed questions from the council, demonstrating his commitment to transparency and collaboration. The discussion highlighted the Monarch House, a peer-run respite center in Menominee, which offers emergency services for individuals facing mental health or substance use challenges.

The meeting underscored a collective commitment to enhancing Dunn County's crisis response capabilities. With the SCIP grant, the CJCC is poised to implement innovative solutions that prioritize compassion and community engagement, paving the way for a more supportive environment for those in need. As the program prepares to launch this fall, the council's efforts signal a hopeful step forward in addressing the complexities of mental health and crisis intervention in the region.