Miller Dwan Foundation

Northland adaptive recreation:northland adaptive recreation (nar) is a newly acquired llc of the miller-dawn foundation. Nar is a regional initiative that expands access to outdoor and recreational activities for individuals with physical disabilities. Through this program, adaptive equipment and inclusive programmingsuch as kayaking, cross-country skiing, and bikingare made available to individuals of all abilities. The program promotes physical wellness, social inclusion, and community engagement for those who may otherwise be excluded from traditional recreation opportunities. Funding helped purchase adaptive gear, support instructor training, and increase community awareness. In 2024, nar served 139 participants, had 343 outings and provided 4,600 hours of service. In the long-term, nar is expected to grow beyond its current region and expand program offerings.

Problem management plus (pm+), hope x:the miller-dwan foundation initiated the implementation of problem management plus (pm+), a world health organization-developed, evidence-based mental health intervention. Pm+ is designed to be delivered by trained non-clinicians to individuals experiencing psychological distress, particularly in low-resource settings. In 2022-2023, the foundation funded the launch of pm+ in the region to increase access to early mental health support and reduce barriers to care. The program helps individuals manage stress, solve practical problems, and strengthen social support. Funding supported facilitator training, outreach, and initial delivery to community participants. Arcamind, a newly formed llc of the miller-dwan foundation, is the foundation's training entity providing pm+, psychological first aid and dialectical behavior skills building (dbt). In 2026, arcamind will launch ease, a program similar to pm+, but designed specifically for children and adolescents. The long-term goal is to promote system transformation by changing the way mental health care is provided in the united states. In 2024, 23 pm+ helpers were trained with 13 community organizations participating.

Solvay hospice house:solvay hospice house provides residential end-of-life care in a home-like environment. In 2024, the foundation supported 209 patients at the end of life. Services focus on comfort, dignity, and family support. The foundation's artcetera gala raised over $100,000 to support mental health and hospice services. In 2024, the miller-dwan foundation provided nearly $100,000 in compassionate care and more than $300,000 in building updates. Miller-dwan foundation's long-term goal is to continue to provide sustainable solvay hospice house care.

Amberwing center for youth & family well-being:amberwing, a mental health outpatient center which opened in 2012, provides short-term intensive treatment for children, adolescents, and families. The program served nearly 5,000 youth and families by its 10th anniversary in 2022. Services include group, individual, and family therapy, plus integrative supports like movement, music and art therapy. The program promotes emotional healing, family cohesion, and long-term well-being. In 2024, program improvements included a move from 3 to 4 weeks of programming per child with 400 youth served. 67% of those youth saw improvement in severe behavioral health impairment. 83% improved on one more outcome indicators (school, home, mood, self-harm and substance abuse. Long-term, the miller-dwan foundation will capitalize on the success of amberwing expanding programming to serve more youth and families along the continuum of care.

Polinsky medical rehabilitation center:miller-dwan foundation is the funding entity for polinsky medical rehabilitation center purchasing equipment and education for therapists to remain fully carf-certified and on the cutting-edge of care. For example, in 2024, 29 therapists were trained in chronic pain, function movement disorders, post concussive care and persistent postural perception deficits. 50 therapists were trained to provide pelvic floor therapy. More than $200,000 in physical medical rehabilitation funding was delivered to support outpatient rehabilitation in 2024.the foundation supports inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation at miller-dwan medical center. In 2024, the total hospital length for patients served was 1 day shorter than the national average, helping patients get back to the community soon. This can be attributed to the state-of-the-art equipment purchases and training provided by the miller-dwan foundation examples of this support include the introduction of virtual reality technology to enhance mobility, cognition, and balance therapies.

Animal-assisted therapy:expanded the animal-assisted therapy program by adding 4 new therapy dogs and reviving volunteer pet visits. Engaged patients through emotional and motivational therapeutic encounters with animals including miniature horses and a newfoundland therapy dog.community outreach:funded a pediatric therapy lending closet in northern wisconsin, benefiting approximately 250 children annually. Also supplied therapy equipment to rural clinics, improving access in solon springs, poplar, and iron river.abilities first & designated grants:funded equipment and services promoting independence for individuals with disabilities in northeastern minnesota and northwestern wisconsin. Also provided department-specific grants to support patient care, education, and environmental improvements.strategic mental health initiatives:in partnership with the university of wisconsinsuperior, supported the #bettertogether initiative in douglas county, wisconsin. Focused on suicide prevention, urgent mental health access, and provider workforce development.