Aging and Disability Resource Center of Brown County
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Brown County opens in new window is a Wisconsin nonprofit empowering older adults and individuals with disabilities and their caregivers to live their best lives. Part of a statewide network of ADRCs, the Brown County organization serves a population of more than 270,000 people, including those living in the city of Green Bay.
The services offered by ADRC of Brown County include nutrition programming, support groups, future planning, caregiver workshops, job training and more. In lives busy with doctor’s visits, financial decisions, home maintenance and so much more, ADRC helps community members navigate these challenges large and small.
Empowering and enriching lives
ADRC of Brown County runs a healthy eating program, which includes at-home meal deliveries and community cafés. Last year, it served about 27,000 carryout meals and delivered over 116,000 more to homes.
About eight years ago, it launched Grounded Café, a downtown accessible coffee shop that provides older adults and individuals with disabilities opportunities to uncover and develop abilities. It’s been such a success that the organization decided to open up a food truck in 2023.
“Grounded on the Go was created to get our mission on the road within our community,” said Kimberly Bergemann, grant and fund development specialist. “We can do on-the-go meals, which are the same meals from our home-delivered meals program and also provide our café food. It’s reaching the different audiences within the community.”
Besides more food access and training opportunities, Grounded on the Go is fully accessible. It has an electronic lift for employees and volunteers who use a wheelchair or mobility aid, accessible kitchen items and other features.
“Grounded Café and Grounded on the Go were born to break down stereotypes and ageism by shining a light on the strengths and abilities of seniors and people with disabilities,” Bergemann said. “We work to include everyone who wants to work.”
Food truck signage helps spread the word
A one by one grant provided sidewalk signs opens in new window to increase visibility when the food truck is out and serving. Bergemann said the goal is for Grounded on the Go to be out in the community at least three times a week during the warmer months. Outings include weekly farmers markets, concert series, night markets, and stops at religious and community centers.
While the ADRC receives some federal and state funding, it is an independent nonprofit that relies on fundraising to carry out its mission. “We have a job training program, and any money we get in donations or from a great sales day goes toward the job training program,” Bergemann said. “We’ve never marketed, so this grant was huge to help us get signage and attract people from a vast neighborhood.”
A note from Cheryl
ADRC of Brown County does important work to help older adults and people with disabilities and their caregivers in its community. Grounded on the Go is a wonderfully creative idea, and we were thrilled to provide food truck signage to help improve visibility. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.com opens in new window.
For more information about Aging and Disability Resource Center of Brown County, please visit https://adrcofbrowncounty.org/ opens in new window