Paul Rusk Resource Desk Opens

May 10, 2023
Elise Schaffer, PIO, (608) 284-6142

The Paul Rusk Resource Desk is officially open for business in the lobby of the Public Safety Building. Named for the former county board supervisor who passed away in October of 2020, the reentry resource desk is aimed at connecting clients that are in need of resources after being released from the Dane County Jail. Volunteers will staff the desk from 1:00 to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, or as volunteer hours allow. A variety of resources will be offered, such as hygiene products and clothing, along with information about:

• Local food pantries

• Homeless services

• Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

• BadgerCare/FoodShare

• Substance use treatment providers

• Transportation

• Medical and Mental Health resources

• Education and employment opportunities

“We’re excited to announce the opening of the Paul Rusk Resource Desk. This is one more example of how the Dane County Sheriff’s Office is bridging the gap for services to our community members. By ensuring people have access to some of the basic services they need, we will reduce the cycle of incarceration,” said Sheriff Kalvin Barrett.

The desk is also available to community members by entering the Public Safety Building lobby. Volunteers staffing the desk are coming from organizations like the University of Wisconsin, Edgewood College, JustDane, Operation Fresh Start and AmeriCorps. Anyone interested in donating clothing for the resource desk can reach out to the Madison Area Jail Ministries. Interested in volunteering? Contact the Sheriff’s Office Reentry Coordinator, Sarah Wampole-Maciejeski at wampole-maciejeski@danesheriff.com.