About

Wisconsin Coalition for Social Connection (WCSC)

What if we could build communities where everyone feels a sense of belonging? Where real connections between people create impactful relationships? Where we all live with meaning and purpose?

The Wisconsin Coalition for Social Connection (WCSC) (previously the Wisconsin Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness) brings community organizations and individuals together to make that happen. Established in 2020, WCSC functions on a collective impact model with the backbone organization being the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging (WIHA). The Coalition includes members actively working to address social isolation and loneliness and increase connection and a network of people receiving news and updates and utilizing resources to help address social isolation and loneliness in their communities. Though WCSC and the resources on this website are intended for older adults and people with disabilities, we look to collaborate with groups that serve people of all ages. For those looking for resources specific to youth (ages 0-26), we encourage you to contact the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health.

Mission: Building a diverse network of people and communities across Wisconsin to live healthier and more socially connected lives.

Vision: Thriving with purpose and belonging.

To learn more about WCSC, contact connectwi@wihealthyaging.org

Coalition Overview

WCSC Organizational Chart

Coalition Participation

Coalition

Organizations working together to actively fight isolation and loneliness and increase connection across Wisconsin.

Coalition Membership (Spring 2026)

  • Suzanne Morley, Coordinator, Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging (WIHA)

  • Jill Renken, Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging (WIHA)

  • Amber Miller, AARP

  • Angela Sullivan, Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources (GWAAR)

  • Carmen Pangilinan, Wauwatosa Health Department

  • Christie Harris, Gundersen

  • Dan Krohn, TMG Wisconsin

  • Dimeji Tomori, Pointters Community Initiatives

  • Gina Laack, ADRC of Eagle Country- Juneau County

  • Helen Sampson, Department of Health Services (DHS) BADR

  • Janet Zander, Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources (GWAAR)

  • Kaitlin McNamara, WI Board for People with Developmental Disabilities

  • Kathleen Pater, New Bridge

  • Megan Timm, SSM Health

  • Sally Flaschberger, WI Board for People with Developmental Disabilities

  • Sara Richie, University of Wisconsin Madison, Division of Extension

  • Tim Wellens, Department of Health Services (DHS) BADR

  • Steve Gil, New Bridge

  • Allison Laine, Fresh Meals on Wheels

  • Meghan Christian, Children’s Wisconsin – The Institute for Child and Family Well-Being

  • Paul Mross, TMG Wisconsin

  • Samantha Margelofsky, TMG Wisconsin

Committees

Committees vary and are sometimes project dependent. As of spring 2026, we have 2 committees that meet year-round.

  • Awareness Committee – A committee to plan awareness-raising efforts with special attention to Social Connection Awareness Week in November.

  • Policy Champions Committee – A committee to make timely decisions on supporting policy initiatives that increase social connections for older adults and people with disabilities in Wisconsin and nationwide. Learn more here.

If you’re interested in joining, please contact connectwi@wihealthyaging.org

Network

A wide array of individuals and organizations make up our network. The network stays up-to-date with resources and research and implements strategies in local communities to address isolation and loneliness.