Capital Consortium

Columbia County Health & Human Services

111 E. Mullett Street | Portage, WI 53901
Phone: (608) 742-9711Fax: (608) 742-9700

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Management Contact: Carol Sjoblom - Division Administrator Economic Support 
Email: Carol.Sjoblom@columbiacountywi.gov  | Phone: (608) 742-9220

(All paper applications and verification items should be mailed to CDPU, PO Box 5234, Janesville, WI 53547-5234, faxed to (855) 293-1822, or scanned and submitted through www.access.wi.gov)

 

Drug Testing:

Ask customer if they have had a drug test within the last 30 days. If yes, ask customer to provide documentation of results. For any Columbia County Residents needing a drug screen. Please have the client stop in the office at 111 East Mullett Street, Portage WI 53901 between the hours of 8:30-4:00, or have the client call 608-742-9711.  

Vault Card:

All clients are REQUIRED to call Columbia County intake line (608-742-9711) prior to coming to the agency to pick up a card. If, when calling they receive voicemail, please have them leave their name, telephone number, and SSN. The Coordinator will call them back. 

Primary QUEST Vault Card Coordinator: Janet Neuman

Secondary QUEST Vault Card Coordinator: Jeanette Gessner

Vault Card Pickup Address:  Columbia County Health & Human Services, 111 E. Mullett Street, Portage, WI 53901

Vault Card Pickup Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

 

Homeless Mail Pickup Sites:

  • Homeless Mail Pick Up Site: Columbia County Health & Human Services, 111 E. Mullett Street, Portage, WI 53901.
  • Homeless Mail Mailing Address: Columbia County Health & Human Services, PO Box 136, Portage, WI 53901.
    • Open 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Call (608) 742-9711 for more information.

Walk-ins:

To report a change, customers are directed to use the lobby phone to call CCA or the computers in the lobby to report via Access.
To apply for benefits, computers, paper applications and phones are available in the lobby from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
If there are requests to see an Economic Support Specialist, appointments are available to see them Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

EBD Broker List:

Workers can release case information without a release of information form or authorized representative form to the following contracted agencies:

  • Partnership: Care Wisconsin
  • Family Care: Care Wisconsin and Inclusa
  • IRIS: Advocates 4U, Connections, First Person Care Consultants and TMG

Fraud:

All Fraud/Overpayment referrals are now done through B.R.I.T.S.

Overpayment Inquiries:

When callers have a question about an overpayment or tax intercept, refer caller to Primary-Becky Wegner Fraud Investigator at (608) 742-9225 or Becky.Wegner@columbiacountywi.gov, or secondary- Carol Sjoblom (608) 742-9220 Carol.Sjoblom@columbiacountywi.gov

Columbia County Property Records Website Link:

Click here to look up property information in Columbia County

Good Cause Claim Coordinator:

Carol Sjoblom: Phone: (608) 742-9220Email: Carol.Sjoblom@columbiacountywi.gov
  • Process: Client submits the claim form, and agencies have 45 days to process. Clients may receive a request for more information, or verification. Clients will receive a written decision by the end of that 45 days.

Safe at Home Coordinator:

Jeanette Gessner: Jeanette.Gessner@columbiacountywi.gov 

Columbia County Nursing Homes:

Click here for a list of nursing homes in Columbia County

Aging & Disability Resource Center

Child Care Certification

Child Protective Services:

Any concerned individual can report suspected abuse or neglect directly to a local child protective service agency or law enforcement agency. Certain individuals whose employment brings them into contact with children are required by law to report any suspected abuse or neglect or threatened abuse or neglect to a child seen in the course of their professional duties.

  • Phone: (608) 742-9713
  • Address: 111 East Mullett Street, Portage, WI 53901

Child Support Agency:

  • Phone: (608) 742-9610
  • Address: Carl Frederick Administration Building, 400 DeWitt Street, Portage, WI 53901
  • Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Clothing/Thrift Stores:

  • Goodwill Industries
    • Address: 2902 American Legion Dr., Portage, WI 53901
    • Phone: (608) 745-0616
  • Reach Out Lodi: Provides FREE assistance to families and individuals in crisis to meet their basic living needs. Products inclue food, personal essentials, household cleaning supplies, school supplies and clothing for men, women and children in the Lodi, Dane, Harmony Grove, Okee and Poynette/Arlington townships.   
    • Address: 601 Clark Street, Lodi, WI 53555
    • Phone: (608) 592-4592
    • Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 8:30-3:30, Friday 8:30-3:00, Saturday 8:00-11:00
  • ReStore (Habitat for Humanity): 1450 E. Wisconsin St., Portage / 615 South Blvd., Baraboo 
    • Hours of Operation: Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    • Phone: (608) 356-0332
  • St. Vincent de Paul Store (clothing & furniture)
    • Baraboo Location: 100 South Blvd., Baraboo, WI 53913 | Phone: (608) 356-4649 
    • Columbus Location: 110 Meister Dr., Columbus, WI 53925 | Phone: (920) 623-2004 
    • Portage Location: 1311 W. Wisconsin St., Portage, WI 53901 | Phone: (608) 742-5513
    • Wisconsin Dells Location: W15210 Hwy 16, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 | Phone: (608) 254-4011 
  • The Neighborly: The Community Free Clothing Store
    • Address: 615 Broadway, Baraboo, WI 53913 (First United Methodist Church of Baraboo)
    • Hours: Monday's 2:00-4:00 (or by appointment)
    • Phone: (608) 356-3991 

Crisis Services:

  • 24-Hour Emergency Crisis Hotline: Immediate help and crisis services for people dealing with a Mental Health or AODA Crisis, or having thoughts of suicide.
  • American Red Cross: Responds to disasters such as fire, flood, and tornado, providing relief to individuals and families, and recruits volunteers.
  • National Hope Line Network: National network hotline for people in crisis and having thoughts of suicide
  • Drug and Alcohol Treatment:
    • Rosecrance offers inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment. 
    • Phone: (866) 330-8729
  • Drug Referral Line - Medication Assisted Treatment Program (MAT)
  • Alcohol and Drug Referral Line
  • Child Abuse & Neglect National Hotline
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline
  • Hope House: Provides shelter and advocacy (e.g. counseling, safety planning, legal assistance, support groups) to people affected by domestic violence and sexual assault and provides education to community members on these issues in Columbia, Sauk, Marquette, Adams, and Juneau counties.
  • Runaway and Youth Services: Briarpatch Youth Services: Working to reunite youth with their families when possible and provide them with several services in support of the goal including: individual and family counseling, temporary shelter, case management, a 24-hour help-line and support groups for youth.
    • 24 Hour Help Line: (608) 251-1126 | (800) 798-1126 (Toll Free) | (608) 285-2776 (Text)
    • Address: 2720 Rimrock Road, Madison, WI 53713-3337
  • Medication Assistance Recovery and Coordination (MARC): MARC is a collaborative program developed to provide an innovative approach to treating heroin and opioid prescription drug addiction.
    • Phone: (888) 552-6642 - Application & Support
    • Location: 111 East Mullett Street, Portage, WI 53901
  • Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:  988

Elder Abuse Prevention:

Energy Assistance:

  • Energy Services of Wisconsin (WHEAP) provides financial assistance for paying fuel or electric costs, and emergency furnace repair or replacement once per year per family. Specific income guidelines apply, but you can be any age, with or without children, and own or rent your home.
  • Heat for Heroes
    • Phone: 800-891-9276 | Fax: (608) 333-0813; 1225 S. Park St., Madison, WI 53715 

Emergency Assistance:

 

  • Forward Service Corporation
  • Phone: (800) 771-8420
  • Address: 2425 New Pinery Road, Suite 201, Portage, WI 53901
  • Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Essential Community Services: 211

 

Food Assistance:

Click here for a List of Columbia County Food Pantries

DHS listed Nutrition and Food Assistance Programs

Food Share Employment and Training (FSET):

This program assists people who get FoodShare to find a job through work activities and education and training.

Foster Care:

Housing Programs:

  • Housing:
    • Central Wisconsin Community Action Council
    • Renewal Unlimited
      • Phone: (608) 742-5329
      • Address: 2900 Red Fox Run, Portage, WI 53901
    • Integrated Community Solutions (Section 8)
      • Phone: (920) 498-3737 - Main Number
      • Phone: (920) 496-1944 - Waiting List 
      • Address: 2605 S. Oneida St. Suite 106, Green Bay, WI  54304
    • Shelters:
      • River Haven Family Homeless Shelter
        • Phone: (608) 742-7687
        • Address: 108 E. Pleasant St., Portage, WI 53901
      • River Haven Men's Shelter
        • Phone: (608) 742-7687
        • Address: 108 E. Pleasant St., Portage, WI 53901

Internet : Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

  •   This program, created by Congress, is an investment in broadband affordability that will help ensure households can afford the internet connections they need for work, school, health care, and more. This program replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, February 28, 2022.
  • For more information or to apply: https://www.fcc.gov/acp
  • For application questions, email ACPSupport@usac.org or call 877-384-2575     

        

Kinship Care:

  • Kinship Care Coordinator: Ashley Pikalek

Email:  access@columbiacountywi.gov

  • Phone: (608) 742-9713 | Fax: (608) 742-9700
  • Address: 111 East Mullett Street, Portage, WI 53901

Pregnant Women Resources:

  • Pregnancy Resource Center
    • Website: http://portagewiprc.com
    • Address: 306 W. Cook Street, Portage, WI 53901
    • Phone: (800) 705-5607
    • Offers free pregnancy testing, adoption information and referrals, baby clothing, supplies, counseling and pregnancy education. Promotes life and adoption.
  • Prenatal Care Coordination
    • Website: www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/mch/pncc.htm
    • Phone: (608) 742-9227Fax: 608.742.9700
    • First-time moms who are less than 29 weeks pregnant, meet income requirements, and live in a service area are eligible for free help from a personal nurse who will come to your home to offer advice, support, and a good laugh when you need it most through your pregnancy and until your baby is 2 years old.

Salvation Army:

  • Contact: Angela Swinehart - Field Representative
  • Phone: (920) 980-7938
  • Address: PO Box 766, Mukwonago, WI 53149

Social Security Administration:

  • Phone: 1-888-875-1681
  • Address: Suite 100, 2875 Village Road, Portage, WI 53901

Suicide Prevention:

  • National Suicide Prevention Line: 988 
    • People of all ages who need help for themselves or a loved one can access the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by:
      Calling 988 (multiple languages).
      Sending a text message to 988 (English only).
      Using the chat feature at 988lifeline.org (English only).

      More information is available on the DHS website here:
      https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/crisis/988.htm

  • Northwest Connections 24 Hour Mental Health & AODA Crisis Line: 1-888-552-6642

Veterans Services:

  • Columbia County Wisconsin Veterans Service Office
    • Veterans Service Officer: Rebekka Cary
    • Phone: (608) 742-9618Fax: (608) 742-9634
    • Address:112 E. Edgewater Street, Portage, WI 53901
  • VA Hotline for Women: A hotline to receive and respond to questions from veterans, their families, and their caregivers about the many VA services and resources available to women veterans.
  • Center for Veterans Issues (CVI):  CVI provides housing and supportive services to help improve the quality of life for ALL Veterans, their families, and the communities in which they live and serve.
    • Phone: (414) 345-4249 ext. 1504

Wisconsin Works (W-2):

Forward Services Corporation: W-2 provides employment preparation services, case management, and cash assistance to eligible families.

  • Address: 2425 New Pinery Road, Suite 201, Portage, WI 53901
  • Wisconsin Works (W-2) Eligibility: 1-855-733-1311
  •  State web site

WIC:

  • Phone: (608) 742-9254
  • Address: Columbia County Health & Human Services | 111 E. Mullett Street, Portage, WI 53901
  • Website

Worksmart Network

  • Phone: (608) 355-4808
  • Address: Sauk County Job Center | 505 Broadway St., Suite 232, Baraboo, WI  53913
  • Contact: Recruitment & Outreach Specialist-Tracy Carbonara/ tcarbonara@worksmartnetwork.org