County Services for Children and Families Return to Sun Prairie
August 22, 2013
County Board Supervisor Nick Zweifel, 608.318.1309
County Board Supervisor Bill Clausius, 608.698.1683
County Board
The Dane County Department of Human Services will open an “express office” in Sun Prairie by the end of the month, allowing consumers easier access to County services provided by the Division of Children, Youth and Families and Division of Economic Assistance and Work Services.
“This is huge for Sun Prairie,” said Supervisor Nick Zweifel, who represents portions of the city on the County Board. “Many people who need County services have a hard time getting to downtown Madison, so we really need to bring services to them. I’m thrilled that we’ll be able to do that.”
“Human services are one of the primary functions of County government, and we have to make those services efficient and accessible,” said Bill Clausius, who also represents portions of Sun Prairie on the County Board. “I’m grateful that we’re able to bring these services back to this part of the county.”
“Providing one-on-one human services in neighborhoods across Dane County – right where people live – is key, and something the county does well,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. “This new office in Sun Prairie will further enhance the robust, quality resources we provide county residents - services that protect children, support and strengthen families in need, and help our most vulnerable populations live fulfilling lives.”
No County staff will be housed permanently in the new express office. Rather, it will be used to conduct meetings and visitations by appointment for people in the Sun Prairie area. Two workstations will also allow staff to conduct their office duties while conducting field work in the area without returning to their offices in Madison.
The office brings county Human Services back to Sun Prairie after budget cuts forced a permanent office to close in 2011. The Dane County budget allocates $12,000 per year to lease and operate the office.
“It is good to have a presence in Sun Prairie once again,” said Children, Youth and Families Division Director Bob Lee. “The office will benefit Department staff and consumers alike. It will provide a local space to meet area consumers, work between appointments, supervise parent-child visits, and more. The Department thanks the County Executive and Board for providing funding for the office.”
Social service nonprofit Sunshine Place owns the building where the new office is located. A county Early Childhood Initiative office also recently moved into an office in the same complex.
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