July 24, 2025 Posted by AHW Endowment
Behind nearly every health journey is a caregiver—a parent, sibling, partner, or friend who provides support. Caregivers help manage appointments, administer medications, offer emotional support, and so much more. But caregiving can also present challenges, especially when people don’t have the tools, resources, or support they need.
At AHW, we’re proud to fund projects across Wisconsin that are focused on caregivers’ health and well-being. From helping youth caregivers feel seen, to creating culturally responsive training for adults caring for older loved ones, these efforts recognize caregivers as essential partners in health—and work to support them in return.
Here’s a look at recent AHW-supported projects that are helping caregivers thrive:
Shining a Light on Youth Caregivers
Many children in Wisconsin take care of siblings with disabilities or health challenges, but their role often goes unrecognized. WisconSibs is working to change that. Partnering with Medical College of Wisconsin’s (MCW) Jessica Foley, PhD (Pediatrics), the organization used its AHW funding to expand its programs to reach more youth caregivers in northeast Wisconsin, offering them the connection and support they deserve.
The project worked with schools and community organizations to help identify youth who are caregivers and bring them into a safe space where they could meet others who understand what they’re going through. Through leadership opportunities, fun events, and supportive adults, the program is helping youth caregivers feel seen, valued, and empowered.
Creating a Path to Support for Family Caregivers
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) affect more than 120,000 people in Wisconsin, placing a heavy burden on the 191,000 caregivers who provide over 210 million hours of unpaid care. There is a clear need for supportive resources that foster connection, reduce isolation, and promote well-being for both caregivers and those living with ADRD. Memory cafés—safe, welcoming spaces that offer creative and engaging programming—have emerged as an important solution, especially in Wisconsin, which leads the nation with 139 cafés.
With AHW funding, this project aimed to strengthen and expand the impact of memory cafés by developing a referral implementation plan for Milwaukee County. Through a collaboration between AHW community partner TimeSlips and MCW’s Leslie Ruffalo, PhD, MS (Family Medicine), the project is connecting healthcare providers and community-based organizations to memory cafés and TimeSlips’ evidence-based creative communication techniques. This effort is making it easier for caregivers and individuals with ADRD to access these underutilized resources, helping reduce loneliness and stress while enhancing quality of life.
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Supporting Youth Mental Health by Empowering Caregivers
Mental health challenges among Wisconsin youth are rising. In Milwaukee County—where mental health is ranked the top health issue—less than 25% of young people feel comfortable talking to a family member about their mental health. Recognizing the critical role caregivers play in youth wellness, this project aims to strengthen those connections.
Herzing University, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee (BGCGM) and MCW’s Christopher Simenz, PhD (Institute for Health and Humanity), is providing mental health education and resources to caregivers of BGCGM youth. Made possible with AHW funding and support, this initiative is designed to build caregiver confidence, strengthen adult-youth relationships, and support healthier outcomes for children. Herzing’s Master of Social Work students are also participating in the project, gaining real-world experience while helping to meet a pressing community need.
Pairing Students with Families Facing Dementia
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be overwhelming—especially for those navigating the healthcare system without professional training or support. Caregivers often struggle to find the resources they need, while patients face delays in accessing vital services that could improve their quality of life.
With funding support from AHW, Marquette University and MCW’s Kathryn Denson, MD (Medicine), are partnering to address this growing need by establishing a student-led workforce model that helps dementia patients and caregivers access critical support services. Working with Advocate Aurora Health and the Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter, the project connects trained student “champions” with families to guide them to resources and reduce the burden on caregivers. This approach aims to improve quality of life for both patients and caregivers, while also preparing a new generation of healthcare professionals with experience in dementia care.
Helping Youth Caregivers Build Skills, Confidence, and Community
Across the U.S., more than 1.4 million children and teens provide care to family members—often without the training or support they need. For youth caring for loved ones with ALS, the demands can be especially intense, involving daily living support and the use of complex medical equipment. In Wisconsin, where more than 500 individuals are living with ALS, nearly one-third of families rely on young caregivers.
With funding support from AHW, the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM) and MCW’s Courtney Barry, DO, PsyD, MS (Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine), are developing and piloting YCare, a two-phase program designed for youth caregivers ages 10-18. Led by UWM’s Melinda S. Kavanaugh, PhD, LCSW, the program includes a day-long, hands-on training led by healthcare professionals, followed by continued support to reduce isolation and assess long-term impact. This project aims to improve caregiver confidence and well-being while enhancing quality of care—paving the way for broader adoption of the model to support young caregivers across a range of health conditions statewide and beyond.
Putting Caregivers First
Caregivers give so much of themselves to others, and these AHW-funded projects show what’s possible when we give something back. By investing in the people who support others, we’re helping to build stronger families, healthier communities, and a more connected Wisconsin.
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