WRPS School Social Worker works closely with students and families to reduce barriers to education and ensure that students are ready to learn. These barriers can include (but are not limited to) homelessness, poverty, attendance, and social/emotional/behavioral functioning and are reduced through preventative programs, connection to community resources, and individualized student and family services. If you feel your student or family could benefit from any of these services or to opt your student or family out of school social work services, please contact the School Social Worker.
School Supplies
Stuff the Desk
Provides backpacks filled with school supplies based on needed school supply lists to all families in Wood County who are in financial need.
Throughout the year, if school supplies are needed, please let your school social worker or school counselor know.
Clothing & Hygiene supplies
Caring closet
Clothing (including new socks and underwear) for students in need. Sizes 4T through adult sizes
Personal hygiene items and household supplies based on family size and availability.
Laundry assistance
Cleansing Waters Program
Volunteer run laundry assistance program sponsored by Wisconsin Rapids Moravian Church. Volunteers meet families at the laundromat and provide quarters for machine operations and laundry supplies.
Food Resources
FOCUS Food Pantry
Receive a 7-day food supply based on family size - once every 30 days. Limited hygiene products are also available.
FOCUS Backpacks
FOCUS Family Backpacks (formerly Rapids Family Backpacks) is a free weekend food program for school-aged children and their families.
FOCUS Neighborhood Meals
A community meal program for those in need of a free meal and/or the companionship of others while sharing a meal. Meals are served every Thursday from 4:30 to 6:00 PM in the FOCUS building, 2321 W Grand Ave, Wisconsin Rapids.
Ruby’s Pantry
Once every 3rd Saturday per month mobile food distribution hosted by Immanuel Lutheran Church. Ask your school social worker for vouchers.
Costs: $25 per share to offset costs
Location: Pitsch Early Learning Center- 501 17th Street
WHSS provides services and transition support to assist individuals to locate safe and affordable housing.
Housing consultations and support plans
Financial assistance to move from temporary living spaces into permanent housing. This may include: security deposits, utility connection fees and arrears, or household furnishings primarily focused on children.
Emergency assistance may be available to families experiencing financial crises beyond the family’s control such as homelessness, impending homelessness, energy crisis, fire, flood, or natural disaster.
Call the local office immediately if you are experiencing a NO HEAT situation. If you are experiencing an after-hours emergency, call 715-421-2345 and follow the directions on the message.
