Milkweed Connections

05/21/2026

Welcome back, Andrew, a returning Milkweed provider! Andrew has a unique ability to connect with both adults and youth, creating trust quickly and fostering relationships that feel safe, real, and empowering. His work is rooted in the belief that healing and growth happen through connection—and that everyone deserves someone in their corner who truly understands.

To learn more about Andrew, visit: https://www.milkweedconnections.com/andrew-garr

05/12/2026

Most local, affordable mental health trainings are geared toward psychiatrists, social workers, or service facilitators - not peer supporters. So this year, Milkweed decided to organize our own!

The first annual Peer Up! conference featured topics from ethics and boundaries to trauma to cultural humility, all presented by long-tenured CPS providers. In addition to almost the entire Milkweed team, we were thrilled to be joined by our friends from WIMA, as well. Attendees have said they enjoyed getting professional development that was directly applicable to their work.

We're excited to organize more peer-specific training again next year!

01/27/2026

Welcome Emily, our newest provider! She provides mentoring with a focus on with honesty, hope, and the belief that healing is possible. A Jill of all trades, Emily has done everything from working 17 years with the United States Antarctic Program to the more everyday pursuits of art, gardening, and cooking.

To learn more about Emily, visit: https://www.milkweedconnections.com/emily-keifer

10/29/2025

Congratulations to Rachel Hayden for graduating from Wisconsin’s Emerging Leaders program! For her capstone project, she worked with another peer specialist to create the Friends of Friends program.
The idea behind the program is simple - humans need connection but do not always have all the natural supports they need. What if friends of our friends can help build our networks and lead to personal and community resilience?
To learn more, visit their website: https://www.wearefriendsoffriends.net/ or visit the Kaleidoscope Center on the first Thursday of each month at 6pm.

10/09/2025

Our friends at WIMA have a new Mobile Outreach Peer Support (MOPS) program for adults in Dunn County. Their trained peer supporters—people with lived experience—meet folks where they are to offer connection, harm-reduction supplies and education, peer support, resource navigation, and links to community services. To learn more, see the attached flyer, or call 715-619-8628 to see if you are eligible for this free, confidential support program.

08/28/2025

Because we travel for our jobs, we don't see each other often. To help build more team connections, Milkweed members held several social events this summer. Pictured here from left are Zachary, Daniel, Leah, and Terra at a disc golf get-together.

07/23/2025

Welcome Sam, our newest team member! He provides Peer Support and mentoring to people aged 14+. Sam is a musician, avid science fiction reader, and coffee drinker.
To learn more about Sam, visit: https://www.milkweedconnections.com/sam-weaver

06/26/2025

Thank you to Ben and Jen's Recreational Rentals for partnering with Milkweed to help more of our participants enjoy the great outdoors this summer!
Check them out here: https://www.facebook.com/p/Ben-and-Jens-Recreational-Rentals-100057305565384/

We currently rent kayaks for trips on the lower Chippewa River running from the Porterville landing on the southwest side of Eau Claire to Durand. We can accommodate up to a group of 12. We have 8 single and 2 tandem kayaks.

06/24/2025

Milkweed team members Byron and Rachel presented about the benefits of Dungeons & Dragons at a training event last week. They gave a brief talk and then ran some games so participants could get a feel for how the game works. Both are pictured here running their respective groups.

06/04/2025

Last week, Milkweed's Kate Laird led a dialogue about peer support, the needs of individuals with psychosis, and more as part of a training for the Dunn County Behavioral Health Unit. The aim of the training was to reduce stigma and promote wellness in the community. Attendees wore green to show support for Mental Health Awareness Month.

photo credit: Dunn County Staff

05/20/2025

Congratulations to Hope Remus, Marie Reynolds, and Dan Strehlau, Milkweed’s newest Certified Parent Peer Specialists (CPPS). These three providers are long-time Milkweed team members who have worked extensively with parents and families and now add a CPPS credential to expand their offerings in this area.

Milkweed now has five people certified as CPPS with a sixth currently in training!

To learn more about Dan, Hope, and Marie, visit https://www.milkweedconnections.com/psp-providers