Clark County Press, Neillsville, WI

April 21, 2010, Page 2

Transcribed by Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon

Willow Ridge serving southern area of county

Willow Ridge Adult Day Care client Kristi (right) tosses dice while client Mary Ann (from left), Willow Ridge Assistant Joan Severson and clients Christ and Debbie watch during a game on Tuesday, April 13.  Willow Ridge opened last October and serves clients in the southern area of Clark County.  (Peter Spicer/Clark County Press)

By Peter Spicer

Willow Ridge Adult Day Care opened in Neillsville to cater to those who live in the southern part of Clark County. 

Willow Ridge opened last October at the former Thrivent Financial for Lutherans location at 1025 East Division Street off USH 10.  The facility is for adults with developmental or mental health needs and elderly adults with needs.

The Clark County Health Care Center operates Willow Ridge and has two other locations, both in Owen and located on healthcare center property.

The healthcare center wanted to expand its services to the southern part of the county for clients who had to travel to Owen or were not able to be at the facility due to the distance, said Will Ridge Coordinator Janice Komanec.

Willow Ridge is open five days per week and has one staff member at the facility daily, said Komanec.

A total of 14 clients spend time at Willow Ridge each week, although no more than 10 are at the facility in one day.  Those at Willow Ridge stay for six and one-half hours daily from 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., said Komanec.

At the facility, clients keep busy with many activities.  Each day, they exercise and enjoy recreational activities, such as card games or Bingo. The adults also go into the community daily to shop or tour places in Neillsville.

Once a month, the adults visit an area restaurant, visit a museum, view a movie or enjoy other activities. 

A limited number of job opportunities are available to Willow Ridge, said Komanec.

Willow Ridge has already received several referrals, said Komanec, who added she wants to let area residents know about the facility.

“Things are going well,” explained Komanec.

For information about Willow Ridge services, transportation or payment, call Komanec at her Owen Office at 715-229-2626.