More information on becoming a member can be found here: https://hearthstonewi.org/free-hearthstone-membership-request/ In October of 1995, a small group of family members and friends in the Sheboygan area were drawn together for a common concern they shared about how we as a society were caring for disabled individuals in our community. The initial focus of this group was directed mostly to the residential care facilities we had in the county. The concern and grassroots efforts by this group lead to the creation of “HearthStone of Wisconsin”, which filed Articles of Incorporation with the State of Wisconsin as a non-stock, non-profit organization in December of 1996. Our mission is to make our communities a welcoming place for people with disabilities and to support and encourage positive life experiences. Our members are people with developmental and/or physical disabilities, their families, friends and people within our communities who care about them. We offer assistance, guidance, advocacy and support in transition to and in perpetuation of community-based living. We believe in working together to help dreams come true; Dreams of Independence, Dreams of Respect, Dreams of Achievement, and Dreams of Laughter. In the past, HearthStone has helped provide and obtain funding which enabled individuals and families with a disabled member to have their own home. We have helped families obtain funding for specialized equipment and or respite care. We continue to hold quarterly community educational meetings and seminars for the disabled and their family members. In addition we regularly provide social opportunities for our young people including an annual summer outing, bowling party, Christmas party, and spring dance. We continue to be a strong advocacy voice for the disabled in our community and throughout the state attempting to influence legislative policies that improve services and promote greater independence for individuals with disabilities.
