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ADRC reports referral surge, seeks another specialist as meal donations fall; Men’s Shed pilot draws 36 attendees
Summary
St. Croix County’s Aging & Disability Resource Center told the HHS board it is seeing referrals jump from about 34 to an estimated 45 per month and is seeking a fifth ADRC specialist; administrators also reported lower meal contributions and described a successful Men’s Shed pilot that drew 36 men and a $3,000 foundation grant.
The St. Croix County Aging & Disability Resource Center reported a marked increase in demand and asked the Health & Human Services Board on June 10 for an additional ADRC specialist to keep up with state‑mandated long‑term‑care screening timelines.
ADRC Administrator Kristen Newton told the board that referrals for options‑counseling screens have risen from an average of about 34 referrals per month in 2024 to a projected 45 per month in 2026 — an annualized projection of roughly 542 referrals. That workload is currently managed by four ADRC specialists; Newton said the department requested a fifth specialist to preserve timely service and compliance with screening deadlines.
"We're estimating more than a hundred referrals this year than we received last year," Newton said, describing why the additional position is needed. She explained the county would support most of the position with levy funding while claiming Medicaid reimbursement for the portion of time devoted to long‑term‑care screens.
The ADRC also reported a decline of about $11,000 in donations that offset home‑delivered meals. Newton said contributions are suggested (a $7.50 suggestion for home‑delivered meals and $6 for congregate dining) but not required, and that volunteers and local caterers have been critical to sustaining service.
"We still provide the meal to that person and we recommend a contribution if they can," Newton said when describing how the program treats clients who cannot afford to donate.
Newton summarized program scope and outcomes for 2025: ADRC staff answered 3,325 information calls, generated an estimated $5.5 million in client financial benefits, delivered over 47,000 meals, coordinated more than 44,000 rides, and managed 203 active volunteers who contributed about 14,000 hours of in‑kind support.
The board also heard an update on the ADRC’s Men’s Shed pilot. Aging Team Supervisor Amy Romeill reported the May 6 kickoff at the highway department drew 36 men, exceeding RSVPs; participants toured the highway facility, heard speakers and completed a survey indicating interest in recurring events and topics such as scam awareness and emergency preparedness.
"This was so much better than I expected — next time I'm bringing my neighbor," one survey response captured by staff said, Romeill told the board. The ADRC has registered the Men’s Shed with the U.S. association and secured a one‑year, $3,000 grant from the St. Croix Valley Foundation to support program costs this year.
Board members praised the pilot and asked staff to circulate flyers and continue outreach. Newton and Romeill said the program will rely on volunteers and small local grants while the ADRC explores sustainable staffing and funding arrangements.
Next steps: the ADRC’s position request will be considered through the county’s budget and administration processes; staff agreed to provide further budget detail and follow‑up on the contribution shortfall for home‑delivered meals.
