We’re always touched by the caring nature of our community. Below we've shared information for families in need, along with ways to give if you'd like to donate and/or volunteer. You'll find more details by clicking on the links provided, contacting any of the organizations you're interested in directly, or reaching out to one of us with questions. We're happy to help.
Director of Pupil Services/School Psychologist: Andria Bena: abena@amherst.k12.wi.us or 715-824-5523 ext. 1428
Amherst High School Counselor: Shelley Swanson: sswanson@amherst.k12.wi.us or 715-824-5521 ext. 1218
Amherst Middle School Counselor: Jennifer Berdan: jberdan@amherst.k12.wi.us or 715-824-5524 ext. 1250
Amherst Elementary School Counselor: Kathleen Cibaric: kcibaric@amherst.k12.wi.us or 715-824-5523 ext. 1426
Tomorrow River Community Charter & Virtual School Social Worker/Counselor: Jena Henry: jhenry@trccs.org or 715-257-0269
United Way of Portage County Call 211 for various programs, events, resources and support
One Big Tent Helps connect families with community resources / 715-310-6790
CAP Services Programs and services to meet various needs / 715-343-7500
Operation Bootstrap Helps families with basic needs in crisis situations / 715-344-7438
Portage County Community Resources Directory Quick reference guide to resources in Portage County
Free and Reduced Price School Meals Contact the District Office at 715-824-5521 x 1 if you have questions
Project Backpack Students who qualify receive a bag of food each week during the school year. Please contact your child's school counselor to sign up. If you'd like to make a donation, checks payable to Project Backpack may be mailed to: Project Backpack, 153 County Road QQ, Waupaca, WI 54981 / If you're interested in volunteering, you may email projectbackpack@thelakeswaupaca.com or call 715-800-8401
T.R.A.C.K. (Tomorrow River Area Community Kitchen) Food Pantry for families in the TRSD area / 715-824-5615 / Located at Peace Lutheran Church, 293 S. Main Street in Amherst / Hours: Monday 8:00-10:00 a.m. & Thursday 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Hunger & Poverty Prevention Program Assists those with issues related with hunger and poverty / 715-600-1202
Interfaith Food Pantry of Portage County Hours: 4:45-7:45 p.m. on 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month / 715-347-2689
Place of Peace Free weekly community meal every Thursday (except Thanksgiving) at 2151 Stanley St, Stevens Point (lower level of Holy Spirit Parish-use south entrance). Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5:00 p.m. / 715-252-7860
Portage County Mobile Pantry Monthly supplemental supply of groceries / 715-600-1202
Falcon Fund Helps families in need offset costs of school activities, fees, etc. If you have a need, please contact your child's school counselor. If you'd like to make a donation, checks payable to Falcon Fund may be mailed to: TRSD Attn: Merry Dudley, 357 North Main St., Amherst, WI 54406.
Falcon Closet Provides essential school supplies, clothing, and personal hygiene items to students in need from 4K-12th grade. Please contact your child's school counselor with needs or interest in making a donation.
Kids Closet Free gently used clothing for children of all ages. Located at 2151 Stanley St, Stevens Point. Hours: Monday 9:00-11:00 a.m. and Thursday 2:00-4:00 p.m. Accepting donations of gently used clothing for children of all ages / 715-252-7860
Project Fresh Start School supplies are given to 4K-12th grade students who qualify. School supplies are typically collected throughout the summer and distributed to area students in August. / 715-341-6740
RentReady Housing Assistance If you're looking for housing or a landlord interested in participating, you may call 715-346-1321
Salvation Army Short-term emergency shelter, housing assistance, food, etc. / 715-341-2437
Delta Dental Smile Club Free dental care / Contact Noble Community Clinics 800-942-5330
Kids in Focus Provides complimentary eye exams and eyeglasses to children in need through the partnership of Shopko Optical and the local Lions Club. Please contact your child's school counselor.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace Beds for children in need / 844-432-2337 x 5612
Camp HOPE Free weekend camp for grieving children, teens and their families
Hope for Tomorrow School-Based Therapy Services are available for Tomorrow River School District students at school in the Hope Office. School-based therapy is provided by a licensed therapist and will be billed to your insurance. If the cost of therapy is a hardship or you have any questions, please contact your child's school counselor.
Mental Health Navigation Helps connect families with mental health and community resources / 715-343-7104
Family Crisis Center Youth and family services / 715-343-7125 / Amazon Wish List / Target Wish List
Prevent Suicide Portage County Mental health helplines, support, and resources / 715-346-5401
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 for free and confidential support
Holiday Basket Project Food and/or gifts for low-income families and individuals / 715-344-9950 / Sponsor a Family
Toys for Tots TRSD will be a collection site sponsored by the Amherst Elementary Student Council. To be a recipient, please contact Operation Bootstrap / 715-344-7438
4-H Hat/Glove/Mitten Donation Tree Collection of items typically begins in Mid-November at the International Bank of Amherst / 715-824-3325