At NASW, our hearts are with the communities in eastern Wisconsin that were impacted by devastating tornadoes. People have lost their homes, memories have been uprooted, and towns have been destroyed. 

The National Association of Social Workers - Wisconsin Chapter extends its deepest condolences to the affected communities and families. Now we must gather to support the people whose lives have been affected and to begin the process of healing. 

We are sending our thoughts and prayers to the families affected by the tornadoes and the long journey ahead that they will face. This adversity and tragedy should bring us together to support these families and communities in need. 

As social workers, we can be a resource in the midst of this tragedy. Be aware of available resources and the trauma these individuals have been through, and advocate for their needs. We need to call to action and help our communities in need. Some things you can do include volunteering your time to assist those in need through crisis counseling, disaster relief agencies, and food banks, and advocating for equitable access to resources. 

NASW-WI's Hearts are with the Fox Valley.

Helpful resources for those in need: 

Wisconsin Resources: 

• ReadyWisconsin (https://readywisconsin.wi.gov/) 

• 211 Wisconsin (https://211wisconsin.communityos.org/mentalhealthguidedsearch)

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:

      Operates 24/7, available in English and Spanish

• Catholic Charities (Across all Regions of Wisconsin): 

Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Services, varies by location

• National Alliance on Mental Illness-Wisconsin (NAMI-Wisconsin)

• Rawhide Youth Services (https://rawhide.org/) 

• Wisconsin Department of Health Services Provider Directory

       https://www.forwardhealth.wi.gov/WIPortal/subsystem/public/DQAProviderSearch.aspx 

Resources in Eastern Wisconsin:

• Catalpa Health (https://catalpahealth.org/our-services/) | Appleton & Oshkosh

      Mental health services, psychological testing, psychiatry, intensive outpatient programming, group therapy

• Northwest: Counseling and Community Services (https://nwcgc.com/programs/) | Amery, Appleton, Black River Falls, Eagle River, Green Bay, Hayward, Menomonie, Prescott, Siren, Superior, Wausau, Wisconsin Rapids

       Comprehensive, community-based treatment, preventative services, and therapeutic support for  children, adolescents, and families in transition.