About the ADRC

Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) provide objective and reliable information about various programs and services available to older adults and individuals with disabilities. We are at the forefront of efforts to adapt to the emerging needs of our communities, and our staff possess a robust knowledge of local agencies and resources available to their customers.

ADRCs play a crucial role in providing comprehensive support and assistance to community members. Specialists serve as invaluable resources for:

• Adults aged 60 and older
• Adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities
• Adults with physical disabilities
• Non-professional caregivers
• Anyone seeking information or aid on behalf of someone in these groups

ADRC services are available to people regardless of their income, race, ethnicity, or other demographic factors.

• Buffalo and Pepin Counties have been working together since 2009 with the creation of the multicounty Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). In 2009, the creation of the ADRC involved Buffalo, Clark, and Pepin Counties.
• In 2015, exploration began with neighboring counties to seek additional partners for a regional, integrated ADRC model. A task force was created to explore organizational designs that would integrate Aging Services into the ADRC. Several counties considered the idea of a partnership for a regional, integrated model; however, none were interested, for various reasons.
• On December 31, 2016, the ADRC of Buffalo, Clark, and Pepin Counties dissolved, and on January 1, 2017, the ADRC of Buffalo and Pepin Counties was created. The new ADRC was not only regional but also integrated. This means that both Buffalo and Pepin Counties Aging Services were now part of the ADRC, and all required ADRC and Aging services are provided through the ADRC.
• As of January 1, 2020, all volunteers and employees were hired by Pepin County, which provides consistency of operations for ADRC staff and volunteers. As of January 1, 2022, Pepin County is the fiscal lead for the ADRC.
• A regional and integrated ADRC/Aging model provides streamlined access to services, allows agencies to effectively utilize available resources, improve customer service, and increase the breadth of knowledge of all staff to serve older adults and adults with disabilities in our communities.
• Being a regional, integrated ADRC also allows Buffalo and Pepin Counties to maximize funding. It would be very challenging for smaller counties, like Buffalo and Pepin, to meet the contractual requirements with the allocated funding. 
• Finally, regionalization and integration allow for more efficient service delivery to consumers and improved customer service. As a result, there are less silos and more blending of programs and services.
• For more information about the history of Wisconsin's ADRCs, click here.

• The ADRC Governing Board is made up of 8 members (4 from each county) with 2 of those members being County Board Supervisors. The other 6 members are citizen members that represent older persons, individuals with physical disabilities, and individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities.

• ADRC board members are ambassadors of the ADRC. Board members help to “spread the word” about the ADRC and about the services the ADRC provides. Board members are active people in their community. They may receive questions from neighbors or family members about the ADRC. They can help raise awareness about the ADRC by promoting the work of the ADRC in the community.

• The Governing Board shall be accountable for the oversight of the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Buffalo and Pepin Counties. The ADRC Contract with the State requires one of the counties to be the lead county for the contract. The Governing Board shall provide the lead county with review, advice and recommendations concerning the administration of ADRC services. The Governing Board shall provide reports and recommendations to their home Committees, which are the Pepin County Department of Human Services Board and the Buffalo County Health & Human Services Board. 

• Meetings occur at a minimum of quarterly, and the meeting location rotates between Durand and Alma. There is also a virtual option for attending meetings. 

• Interested in becoming a member of the ADRC Governing Board? Please fill out the application and send to adrc-bp@co.pepin.wi.us 

2025 ADRC Governing Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes

05/13/2025 Agenda 

03/13/2025 Agenda 

The Aging & Disability Resource Center of Buffalo and Pepin Counties, otherwise known as the ADRC, is committed to helping individuals aged 60+ and adults with disabilities, along with their caregivers/family members, to live independently and with dignity; providing them unbiased information, programs, & services.

The ADRC is responsible for creating an Aging Plan and this plan provides us with an opportunity to set local goals based on the current and future needs of our communities. Please take a few minutes to review our plan and if you have any questions or comments, please contact us. 

2025-2027 Buffalo and Pepin Counties' Aging Plan

• "This is all so confusing, but then I talk to you again, and I feel like there is light at the end of the tunnel."

• "I was so pleased with the ADRC. I could not have helped my nephew without the great support. Thank you."

• "The Information and Assistance Specialist was wonderful, knowledgeable, and went out of her way to help our family. Thank you!!" 

• "The ADRC staff member was highly professional when working with me and had significant knowledge in the area of her responsibility."

• "I am very impressed with the services provided by the ADRC and the skill of your staff in explaining them. I believe you have A+ employees, well done!"

• "I don’t know what I would have done without your Information and Assistance Specialist. I was sometimes in tears. I never felt like a number, and there was compassion."

• "Your Disability Specialist was wonderful, patient, kind. She was good in putting all the paperwork together before deadlines and great at appeals. She really knows her job inside and out and seems to enjoy it as well. She is a fantastic employee and should be treasured."