This week’s episode of “WisBusiness: the Podcast” is with Paul Leverenz, president and CEO of Easterseals Wisconsin.
The nonprofit group, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in the state in 2026, provides disability services throughout Wisconsin. That includes recreational therapy and employment help as well as business services.
Leverenz discusses the group’s camping, recreation and respite programs, which serve about 1,000 people at a 400-acre plot in the Wisconsin Dells area. He also highlights specialized programs focused on people with autism, asthma and other challenges, as well as programs aimed at Wisconsin farmers affected by disabilities.
“We like to think of ourselves as being a bit involved with rural communities in terms of economic development, and helping those organizations — meaning those farms — to stay actively involved in farming,” he said.
Related efforts include helping farmers who were hurt on the job, and most referrals come from those who’ve previously benefitted from programs like these, Leverenz said.
“I like to use the saying that the farm community is large but it’s very small, meaning if you’re in northern Wisconsin and you found something that was helpful and impactful for you, that you’re going to be willing to share that with somebody in southern Wisconsin who’s got those same challenges,” he said.
He also touches on the importance of self-employment for those with disabilities, noting “micro-enterprises” can help people trying to live on disability benefits bring in additional money to improve their lives.
“We worked with somebody who developed a tattoo business, and then we worked with somebody who developed a tattoo removal business,” he said. “And they were not necessarily related, so you know, it’s what are the skills and interests of that individual, what will the community support there.”
Listen to the podcast below, sponsored by UW-Madison:
