Dodge County human services staff told the Human Services and Health Committee they opened two family assistance centers after the May 15, 2025, tornado and served about 40 people between the sites.

In a report to the committee, Ed, a county staff member, said the department set up family assistance centers in Juneau and Mayville after receiving notification through emergency management. “We served approximately 40 people between the 2 facilities,” Ed said. He said the American Red Cross took over the Juneau center at about 10:30 p.m. the night of the storm and took over in Mayville at about midnight.

The department reported continuing outreach the next day and afterwards to people who used shelters or were identified as affected. The county provided temporary housing assistance, gas cards and crisis-intervention and mental-health services, and supplied a resource guide that included information about Saint Vincent’s accepting requests for donated items and financial help.

Ed told the committee the department organized staffing for the response under a FAST team — a cross-unit rapid-response group that, by design, includes at least one representative from each unit (for example, child protective services or adult protective services) so the department can meet a variety of needs during an emergency. “There were a total of 8 individuals that we all responded to,” Ed said, describing the department’s initial staffing for centers and outreach.

The county also reported equipment damage from the tornado, including a public-health response trailer purchased about six months earlier. Ed said he is working with Dawn and Cameron on insurance and replacement issues.

Committee members praised the department’s implementation of its crisis plan and discussed ways to recognize staff and responders. One supervisor proposed a board-level thank-you card or an accommodation; the committee asked staff to consult with the county chair and corporate counsel about an appropriate recognition. The committee also discussed asking a Human Services and Health representative to brief the full county board at its next meeting; the committee chair said she would coordinate and confirm who could attend.

The county’s response actions remain primarily operational and outreach-focused; the department said outreach and follow-up remain ongoing.