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Dane County, WI Resources


ABC for Health – Advocacy and Benefits Counseling for Health

  • 608.261.6939 (Spanish speaker, use ext. 220)
  • ABC for Health is a nonprofit public interest law firm offering legal consultation and representation when informal advocacy and health benefits counseling fails to resolve a problem.

Area Agency on Aging of Dane County

  • 608.261.9930
  • Affiliated with Wisconsin’s Family Caregiver Support Programs, AAADC offers programming in Caregiving, Caring for the Caregiver, Healthy Living and Nutrition.  They also provide Farmer’s Market vouchers on a first come, first served basis.

ADRC – Aging and Disability Resource Center of Dane Co.

  • 608.240.7474
  • Local aging and disability resource center offers info on all aspects of life related to aging or living with a disability.

Agrace Hospice, Palliative Care and Grief Support

  • 608.276.4660
  • Provides hospice and palliative care in private homes, care facilities and other community residential communities across south WI and northern IL.

Agrace Grief Support Center

  • 608.327.7110
  • Offers grief support groups. Grief support groups are also hosted in Agrace offices in Janesville, Baraboo and Rockford.

American Cancer Society Wisconsin

  • 608.833.4555
  • Supports research, provides printed materials, and conducts educational programs.

CAC/Community Action Coalition of South Central WI

  • 608.246.4730
  • Strives to reduce poverty by providing hope, support and opportunities in meeting needs of housing, food and clothing for community members within Dane, Jefferson, and Waukesha counties.

Foundation for Rural Housing 

  • 608.238.3448
  • Rent assistance and other programs.

Homeowners Hope Hotline (Homeownership Preservation Foundation)

  • 888.995.4673
  • Mortgage assistance – contact first for info, then refer to proper resources

Honoring Choices Wisconsin WI – WI Medical Society

  • 866.442.3800
  • An initiative of the WI Medical Society, Honoring Choices offers educational activities surrounding Advanced Care Planning for primary care and specialty physicians, nurses, social workers and professional healthcare staff.

KOKOBAL Mastectomy Pillow

Use code KOKOBALGCMA to purchase and receive 10% off the full price and Gilda’s Club Madison will also receive a donation.

Lawyer Referral Service – State Bar of Wisconsin

  • 800-362-9082
  • If you have a legal problem and you’re looking for an attorney or other legal assistance in Wisconsin, the State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) is here to help you figure out if you need to hire a lawyer, and how to proceed if you do. Learn more here.

Just Dane

  • 608-236-0906
  • Just Dane supports issues such as poverty, racial injustice and homelessness.

Madison Women’s Health

  • 608.729.6300
  • Provide a full spectrum of care for women’s bodies including Well Woman Care and screenings, and expanded care for chronic health problems.

OutReach LGBT Community Center

  • 608.255.8582
  • A community center offering social support services to the LGBTQ+ communities in Dane County and south central Wisconsin. The center offers many programs including resource identification and referral, publications, a cybercenter, lending library, speaker’s bureau, social and support groups, events, health programs, and fiscal sponsorship to six smaller nonprofit projects.

Social Security Benefit Information

  • Access benefit verification, payment history, and earning for Social Security.

SAIL – Support for Active Independent Living

  • 608.230.4321
  • SAIL is an active non-profit membership organization of people 55+ living in the greater Madison area, providing services and resources, and educational and social opportunities.

Salvation Army – Dane Co.

  • 608.256.2321
  • General switchboard – call to request support and resources.

SSDRC – Social Security and Disability Resource Center

  • This is an informational website that provides answers to questions about how to apply for disability, how to appeal a claim in the event of a denial, how to navigate the federal system, and how to avoid certain mistakes that are commonly made when applying for benefits.

Tenant Resource Center

  • Dedicated to promoting positive relationships between rental housing consumers (tenants) and providers (landlords) throughout WI, empowering the community to obtain and maintain quality affordable housing.

United Way Safe Comprehensive Medication Reviews

  • 608.246.4350
  • In-home assessments provided by qualified pharmacists performed by trained volunteers.

United Way Dane County

  • 2-1-1 is a United Way information and referral service that connects people to a variety of resources such as: help paying bills, housing search assistance, supports groups, food pantries, community clinics,  HealthConnect is a United Way program that could help you pay your monthly health insurance premium

UW Carbone Clinic Care Wear

  • Offers products for women who have has mastectomy, lumpectomy or breast reconstruction surgery.  Breast prosthesis and mastectomy bras may be partially/fully covered by insurance and Medicare supplement policies.

VA Home Care Program

  • Veterans interested in this program should contact their VA primary care team to discuss eligibility and benefits, or Social Work and Chaplain services at 608.280.7085.

Waisman Center

  • Information and resources, parent connections for children and others with special needs.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services – Physical Disability Programs & Information

Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation

  • WWHF services and research initiatives are rooted in evidence-based prevention of the diseases and conditions that most impact WI women’s wellness.  Programs are free and accessible to anyone who needs assistance.

Wisconsin/Regional Resources


Do you live in Wisconsin but outside of Dane County? Gilda’s Club Madison may offer in-person programming in your area or virtual programs that you can join via video conference or phone. Check the counties listed below for support in your area, and find the latest schedule information on our Program Calendar.

Would you like to participate in support at one of these locations? Call or email Kirsten Norslien at 608-828-8880 or kirsten@gildasclubmadison.org.

Agrace Hospice, Palliative Care and Grief Support

  • 608.276.4660
  • Provides hospice and palliative care in private homes, care facilities and other community residential communities across south WI and northern IL.

CAC/Community Action Coalition of South Central WI

  • 608.246.4730
  • Strives to reduce poverty by providing hope, support and opportunities in meeting needs of housing, food and clothing for community members within Dane, Jefferson, and Waukesha counties.

Energy Assistance (Wisconsin)

  • The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) administers the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Public Benefits Energy Assistance Program. WHEAP and its related services are aimed to assist Wisconsin households in reducing their energy burden. In addition to regular heating and electric assistance, specialized services include:
    • Emergency fuel assistance,
    • Counseling for energy conservation and energy budgets,
    • Pro-active co payment plans,
    • Targeted outreach services,
    • Emergency furnace repair and replacement.
  • Services are provided locally through:
    • County social services offices,
    • Tribal governments,
    • Private non-profit or other government agencies.

Jefferson County Human Services

Foundation for Rural Housing 

  • 608.238.3448
  • Rent assistance and other programs.

SSM Health at Home and Hospice Care

  • Offers home medical equipment and supplies to assist patients and families with treatment and care, to increase mobility, safety, independence and comfort.  Home care services include skilled nursing care, therapy and rehabilitation services, nutritional counseling, palliative care, hospice care, chronic disease and symptom management. Community programs include dental clinics, food pantries and Meals on Wheels.

HealthNet of Rock County

  • HealthNet offers a variety of free medical and dental services to local uninsured residents at medical and dental clinics in Janesville, and at a monthly off-site clinic in Beloit.  They also offer prescription drug services.

Susan G Komen WI

  • Susan G Komen WI saves lives by meeting critical needs in our community and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.  Susan G Komen WI is a statewide resource for women who need breast cancer screening, diagnostic and support services.

UW Law School – Pro Bono Programs

  • Under the direct supervision of clinical professors or supervising attorneys, law students meet with clients, perform factual investigations, research legal issues, prepare client letters, draft legal documents, and write briefs. Pro bono clinics include the Center for Patient Partnerships (patient advocacy and help navigating the health care system), Consumer Law Clinic, and many more.

Wisconsin Well Woman Program – DHS

  • Provides free or reduced cost breast and cervical cancer screenings and pap smears for women aged 45-64 with limited income and little or no health insurance: mammograms, Pap tests, cervical cancer screens, multiple sclerosis testing for high risk women and certain other screens.  Available in 72 counties throughout WI.

National Resources


ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis

  • Free 1-1 mentoring for breast cancer patients

American Cancer Society

  • Supports research, provides printed materials, and conducts educational programs. 

Angel on My Shoulder

  • Free camps for kids, teens and families affected by cancer.

Breast Cancer Recovery

  • Offers retreats to women of all stages of breast cancer so that they can begin to heal emotionally.

Cancer Care

  • Offers free support, information, financial assistance and practical help to people with cancer and their loved ones in person, over the phone, and through the agency’s website.  Their website and some publications are available in Spanish, and staff can respond to calls and emails in Spanish.

Cancer and Careers

  • Empowers and educates people with cancer to thrive in their workplace by providing expert advice, interactive told and educational events.

Cancer Connect

  • Online support and education for patients and caregivers.

Camp Kessem

  • Free sleepover camp for kids who have a parent with cancer.

Cancer Legal Resource Center

  • Cancer Legal Resource Center (CLRC) is a program of the Disability Rights Legal Center (DRLC), a 501C-3 non-profit, public interest advocacy organization that champions the civil rights of people with disabilities as well as those affected by cancer and other serious illness.  DRLC’s Cancer Legal Resource Center provides information through its national telephone assistance line, outreach programs and community activities to educate and to support cancer patients, their families, healthcare professionals and advocates on matters like maintaining employment through treatment, accessing healthcare and government benefits, taking medical leave and estate planning. 

Cancer Net

  • Offers oncologist-approved patient information website of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), designed to help patients and families make informed healthcare decisions.

Cancer Really Sucks

  • A monitored, online resource designed for teens, by teens, who have a loved one facing cancer.

Cancer Support Community

  • Find a Location—Find a Gilda’s Club or Cancer Support Community affiliate near you!
  • Cancer Support Helpline
    • Available via phone (1-888-793-9355) and via web-chat.
    • The Cancer Support Community’s Cancer Support Helpline is staffed by Helpline Navigators and Resource Specialists who are trained to provide cancer education, resources and emotional support to anyone impacted by cancer. This team of experts provides personalized support at no cost to you.
    • Contact the Helpline if you have worries or concerns about:
      • Adjusting to a cancer diagnosis
      • Understanding or making a cancer treatment decision
      • Scanxiety or fear of recurrence
      • Talking to family or children about the diagnosis
      • Caregiver stress
      • Changes in employment or finances
      • Finding lodging or transportation
      • Finding support
      • Insurance or cost of cancer care
      • Clinical trials
  • Cancer Experience Registry—The Cancer Experience Registry is a unique online community that allows people facing cancer to share their experience, identify the issues that impact their lives, take surveys, access resources and learn from each other. It is free, confidential and open to anyone who had been diagnosed with cancer or provides care to a cancer patient.
  • My Life Line – Cancer support, personal cancer patient websites and blogs, information about cancer treatment, and being a patient caregiver.
  • Resource Lists, Educational Materials & Much more!

CaringBridge

  • CaringBridge website is a personal health journal, rallying friends and family during any type of health journey. It allows you to create a free site to help organize communication, meals, calendars and support.

First Descents

  • First Descents provides life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults (ages 18-39) impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions.

Good Days

  • Good Days exists to pay costly insurance co-pays of life-extending and life-saving treatments for people otherwise unable to afford those treatments and support for each specific disease state (not just cancer).

Healthwell

  • Helps the underinsured afford medical treatments for chronic or life-altering diseases, filling the gap by assisting with copays, premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.

Imerman Angels

  • Imerman Angels provides FREE personalized one-on-one cancer support for cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers.

KOKOBAL Mastectomy Pillow

  • Use code KOKOBALGCMA to purchase and receive 10% off the full price and Gilda’s Club Madison will also receive a donation.

LIVESTRONG

  • Provides resources and support services to people diagnosed with cancer and their families.

Leukemia Lymphoma Society

  • The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is a global leader in the fight against cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.

Lotsa Helping Hands

  • Allows users to create customized websites to assist with coordinating meals and help for friends & family.

Medicine Assistance Tool

  • The Medicine Assistance Tool matches patients with resources and cost-sharing programs that may help lower your out-of-pocket costs, whether or not you have insurance.

National Cancer Institute

  • Provides extensive and reliable information about cancer, as well as a list of national organizations that provide support to cancer patients and their families in the areas of research, grants and training.

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition

  • Educates communities and increases awareness about symptoms of ovarian cancer.  Provides information to newly diagnosed patients, hope to survivors and support to caregivers.  Also committed to the advancement of ovarian cancer research.

NeedyMeds

  • NeedyMeds is a 501(c)(3) national non-profit that connects people to programs that will help them afford their medications and other healthcare costs. Easy to use search tool to find coupons, discounts, and assistance programs for medications.

PAN Foundation

  • The PAN Foundation is an independent, national 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to helping federally and commercially insured people living with life-threatening, chronic and rare diseases with the out-of-pocket costs for their prescribed medications. 

Patient Advocate Foundation

  • A national 501 (c)(3) non-profit charity that provides direct services to patients with chronic, life threatening and debilitating diseases to help access care and treatment recommended by their doctor.

Reclaiming Intimacy

  • Therapeutic aids, products and education designed to restore whole body health and sexual function cause by illness.

Save My Fertility

  • Resource for adult cancer patients and the parents of children with cancer who want to learn more about preserving their fertility before and during cancer treatment. Also provides information and guidance to oncologists, endocrinologists, and other health care providers concerned with the reproductive health of cancer patients and survivors.

Share the Care

  • Provides a road map on how to create a caregiver team (comprised of friends, relatives, neighbors, coworkers, etc) to provide individuals and families with help to meet the daily challenges of illness

Stupid Cancer

  • Each year, 77,000 young adults (ages 15-39) are diagnosed with cancer in the United States alone. That’s one every eight minutes. This neglected group faces age-specific challenges – such as, infertility, loss of identity and independence, lack or loss of insurance, increased isolation, and stalled career development – with limited resources. Stupid Cancer’s mission is to empower young adults affected by cancer by ending isolation and building community.

The SAM Fund

  • The SAM Fund supports young adult cancer survivors in the United States as they recover from the financial impact of cancer treatments.

Triage Cancer

  • A national, nonprofit organization that provides education on the practical and legal issues that may impact individuals diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers, through events, quick guides, and cancer resources.

True North Treks

  • A national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower young adults and caregivers affected by cancer to reclaim the lives that cancer took through “finding direction through connection.” Programming includes immersive excursions in wilderness settings, residential retreat experiences, training in mindfulness meditation, yoga and other contemplative and reflective practices, and the provision of resources, training, outreach, advocacy, and support in both outdoor and indoor settings. 

Ulman Foundation

  • The Ulman Foundation offers a community of support for young adults, and their loved ones, as they fight cancer and embrace survivorship through direct support programs and resources.

Us TOO

  • The mission of Us TOO is to raise awareness and provide educational resources and support services to those affected by prostate cancer to help them learn to fight this disease. The power of Us TOO is in helping men and those who love them by transforming resignation into determination and fear into Hope.

Walgreens – Feel More Like You

  • Walgreens now features pharmacists and beauty consultants who are specially trained to help people better manage internal and visible side effects from cancer treatment. This new service is now available at select stores and it’s free—no appointment needed.

Worth the Wait

  • They ease the burden for young adult cancer survivors pursuing parenthood by providing financial support for fertility treatments, adoption, and surrogacy. Young adult cancer survivors seeking financial assistance can apply for grants to preserve fertility, adopt a child, hire a surrogate, or undergo fertility treatments. Grants are based on financial need and awarded on a rolling basis.

Young Survivor Coalition

  • Young Survival Coalition (YSC) strengthens the community, addresses the unique needs, amplifies the voice and improves the quality of life of young adults affected by breast cancer, locally, nationally and internationally.

Zero Cancer

  • A prostate cancer organization offering information, support and a resource library for those newly diagnosed, current patients. Loved ones and caregivers, and survivors.

Financial Assistance Resources

Cancer Care Financial Assistance Programs:

Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition:

  • Coalition of organizations that help cancer patients manage financial challenges by educating patients about existing resources 

Dollar For

  • A national nonprofit that crushes medical bills by making charity care known, easy, and fair. They eliminate medical debt by empowering patients and advocating on their behalf. They do this by helping patients check if they are eligible for financial assistance at their hospital, prepare and submit applications, and eliminate medical bills. All services are completely free – no strings attached.

Headstrong Foundation Financial Assistance Program:

  • Financial aid to patients and families experiencing financial hardship because of a cancer diagnosis