This year marks a special milestone for Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) — 20 years of partnership and community connection through the Madison Public Schools Foundation’s Adopt-A-School program.

In 2005, GHC-SCW became the first organization to embrace the mission of supporting Madison’s public schools through the program. Founder and former GHC-SCW Chief Executive Officer Larry Zanoni participated in a Principal for a Day at Crestwood Elementary School. Zanoni’s experience inspired him to look for an opportunity for GHC-SCW to be a resource for schools with health and service needs.

Collaborative planning efforts with Leopold Elementary staff and the Madison Public Schools Foundation led to GHC-SCW establishing an Adopt-a-School partnership with Leopold. This marked the beginning of a lasting commitment to enhance education, enrich student experiences and help create brighter futures – one classroom at a time, as GHC-SCW expanded to forming additional Adopt-a-School partnerships.

Now, 20 years later, GHC-SCW is being honored at this year’s Adopt-A-School celebration, recognized for their longevity in the program and the meaningful relationships they’ve nurtured with five local schools. These schools include:

• Anana Elementary School
• Badger Rock Middle School
• Leopold Elementary School
• Lori Mann Carey Elementary School
• Sandburg Elementary School
• Thoreau Elementary School

A few ways that GHC-SCW staff have been involved in Adopt-A-School over the past 20 years include:

• Provided a medical home and access to free services to uninsured Leopold children.
• Participated in crock pot cooking classes with students and families.
• Donated medical supplies for nurse’s offices.
• Assembled winter break boxes, which consisted of food, games, household items, warm clothing and toys for the students.
• Provided language line access (ways for students and families to communicate with others when they don’t speak the same language) and provided Spanish interpreters or member liaisons for families.
• Donated healthy snacks and fitness devices for physical activities.

In 2010, the Adopt-A-School program expanded to include the Primary Access for Kids program. GHC-SCW worked with the Dane County Health Council to expand the program model to ensure that all children in the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) had access to quality health care. They began partnering with additional local healthcare partners and providers for all 50 MMSD schools, giving access to preventative and primary care for all uninsured children at no cost.

In 2017, GHC-SCW employees started an initiative to ease the burden on local families during the holidays. Employees bought gifts from the families’ wish lists and delivered them directly to the Adopt-a-School partner schools in time for school social workers to distribute to families before the holidays. This program continues today, bringing joy and relief to families in need during the holiday season and strengthening the cooperative spirit within the GHC-SCW community.

As we look back on 20 years with the Adopt-A-School program, this partnership has become something truly special. What started as a simple idea — to support local schools — has turned into two decades of connection, care, and community. Along the way, we’ve built lasting relationships with students, families and educators who continue to inspire us.

We’re incredibly proud of the work that’s been done — but more than anything, we’re excited about what’s still to come. Because when we support our schools, we’re supporting the future of our community. And after 20 years, we’re just getting started.

 

As part of our recognition and celebration of Autism Acceptance Month, Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) is excited to announce a special partnership with the Madison Children’s Museum to offer free Sensory-Friendly Nights open to the public, a series of events aimed at providing a welcoming and supportive environment for children with autism and their families.

A Shared Mission of Acceptance

With April being Autism Acceptance Month, these two local organizations are coming together to promote understanding, inclusion and acceptance of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autistic people often experience the world differently from neurotypical people. These differences include unique ways of thinking, learning and interacting with others. While these differences can pose challenges, they also offer perspectives that can be incredibly valuable to society.

What to Expect at Sensory-Friendly Nights

Sensory –Friendly Nights, designed specifically for individuals who experience sensory differences, will feature a range of calming and engaging activities in a fun environment. These events are part of the continued efforts by both organizations to foster inclusivity, acceptance and understanding of neurodiverse individuals within the Madison community. The first Sensory-Friendly Night kicks off on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 4:30–7:00 p.m. at the Madison Children’s Museum

Here’s what families can look forward to:

• Special programming and sensory-friendly activities tailored to accommodate various needs
• Quiet spaces for families to relax and recharge
• Take away items for kids to use and learn from at home enhancing their sensory development
• A fun environment for all attendees, with engaging activities that promote inclusivity and joy for children of all abilities

2025 Free Sensory-Friendly Night Schedule:

• Friday, April 25, 2025, 4:30-7:00 p.m.
• Friday, July 25, 2025, 4:30-7:00 p.m.
• Friday, October 24, 2025, 4:30-7:00 p.m.

Pre-registration for the event is recommended but not required. Register here. 

Supporting Families Beyond the Museum

GHC-SCW’s involvement in this partnership is rooted in its ongoing commitment to supporting families of children with autism — not just during Autism Acceptance Month, but all year long.

Through the GHC-SCW Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Program, families can access services that provide education, tools and personalized support. The GHC-SCW Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Program provides neuroaffirming and inclusive evidence-based services to children diagnosed with ASD aged 4-16 years and their parents/caregivers. Services are offered in a 1 to1 or group setting. The program provides opportunities for children and their parents/caregivers to learn about social skills and emotion regulation. Children work with a therapist to learn a new skill each week. Parents learn how to support their children’s development, coaching them to practice and generalize their skills.

To learn more about GHC-SCW’s Autism Spectrum Disorder Program and how it supports families in our community, visit: ghcscw.com/autism

What is Neurodiversity? 

Neurodiversity describes the variety of ways in which human brains can function and process information. It includes neurological and developmental conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and more[1]. Neurodiversity promotes the idea that neurological differences should be recognized and respected as a natural form of human diversity.

Neurodivergent people often experience the world differently from neurotypical people. These differences include unique ways of thinking, learning and interacting with others. Neurodivergence can present challenges, bringing strengths and perspectives that can be incredibly valuable to society.

 

Celebrating Neurodiversity

The neurodiversity movement advocates for the accepting and including neurodivergent people in all areas of society. It challenges the idea that neurodivergent traits are negative or need to be cured or fixed. Instead, it emphasizes the value of diverse ways of thinking and the importance of creating environments that accommodate different needs. GHC-SCW’s beliefs and values [3] align easily with the neurodiversity movement. We believe that embracing and valuing our differences will make everyone stronger.

 

The Group Health Cooperative Autism Spectrum Disorder Program

The Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) offers a specialized Autism Spectrum Disorder Program to support Autistic children and their families. This program is for children aged 4 to 16 who need support in social interactions and emotional regulation. Further, this program continuously expands, so look for additional services soon.

 

Program Overview

The Autism Spectrum Disorder Program at GHC-SCW is built on evidence-based techniques and focuses on providing support to Autistic children. This approach ensures that children can learn and practice new skills in a familiar and supportive environment.

Key Features of the Program:

• Weekly Appointments: The program includes appointments for several months, allowing for consistent support and progress tracking.
• Skill Development: Each session focuses on teaching children new strategies and providing opportunities for practice with the guidance of trained staff.
• Parental Involvement: Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in the program. They receive guidance on supporting their child’s development and are involved in coaching their children as they practice new strategies. 
• Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach: The GHC-SCW Autism Spectrum Treatment Program embraces neurodiversity. Input from neurodivergent staff and community members helps ensure the program represents neurodivergent individuals. The program strives to support individuals through their challenges, make accommodations for their needs and build on their strengths.

 

Getting Started

To join the Autism Spectrum Treatment Program, families must meet certain requirements:

• The child must have a medical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

• The child must be able to communicate in complete sentences (augmentative and alternative communication included).

• For in-home services, the family must reside in Dane County

• An active GHC-SCW or Quartz HMO insurance plan is required.

 

Parents/caregivers interested in enrolling their child in the program should speak with their child’s primary care provider to get a referral and make sure they meet the requirements to participate.

 

[1]: Understood [2]: Group Health Cooperative Autism Program [3]: About Us – Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin