GT IndependenceWhere We ServeWisconsinCommunity Supported Living

Community Supported Living

Get the Support You Need, Right in Your Home and Community 

With Community Supported Living (CSL), you or your loved one can live independently in your own home. And get the support that’s tailored to your unique needs.  

It’s simple to get started. You partner with GT Independence to create a support plan that fits your life. Then you set up goals, develop independent living skills, and choose the services and support providers you need.

Life happens. With CSL, you get the support that helps you live your best life.  

What Partnering With GT Independence Looks Like

Nothing about you should be done without you. This means that, unlike traditional services, you just tell us exactly what you need. Then together, we’ll build a support plan directly for your needs. We’ll also work with you to set goals, so you can keep increasing your independence.  

Also, you don’t have to worry about hiring, training, and scheduling your direct support providers (also called caregivers). We take care of everything for you. 

What You Can Do With Community Supported Living 

  • Get Support in Your Own Home

    You deserve to get support where you’re most comfortable. With CSL, you can stay in your own home and keep the daily life you love the most. We hire direct support providers to help you with housekeeping, chores, general supervision for safety, transportation, and more. All support providers are available 24/7.  

  • Stay Involved in Your Community

    From volunteering to group activities—there are many ways to enjoy your community. We help you choose what activities bring you joy. Then we’ll help you participate. This includes arranging transportation and even accompanying you, if requested.

  • Grow Your Independent Living Skills

    Our goal is to help you increase your independence. This means we help you develop your skills—from personal hygiene and interpersonal communication, to home maintenance and financial management.

  • Keep on Track With Health and Wellness

    In the CSL program, support goes far beyond just getting a support provider. We work to help you stay healthy. This means we help you schedule medical appointments, manage medications, and more. You can also learn about nutrition, physical activity, and how to recognize and treat illnesses.  

  • Partner with GT Independence

    People with disabilities own and lead GT, and we have focused on respecting your lifestyle since our start in 2004. We understand getting services set up in your own home can feel complicated. But we are here to walk you through the process—from start to support. 

“It’s just so wonderful to see how something like self-direction can keep a family together. It wouldn’t be possible without a company like GT Independence.

Care Manager
Wisconsin

3 Steps to Get Started With Community Supported Living

  1. Check the service map and find your region. (If we don’t serve your region, contact your local ADRC for more options.)

  2. Get in touch with your local GT contact.

  3. Meet with GT Independence to identify what services and supports you need.

Want to be a direct support provider for Community Supported Living?

Find Your Region

Silke has long dark hair, a big smile, and wears a gray shirt.

Driftless Region

La Crosse and Monroe Counties 

Silke Sambataro
CSL Manager

Phone: 608.472.9009
Email: ssambataro@gtsd.org

Paige has short curly blond hair and a bright smile. She wears a green floral shirt.

Chequamegon Bay Region 

Ashland and Bayfield Counties 

Paige Erickson
CSL Manager

Phone: 608.461.2611
Email: perickson@gtsd.org

Melissa has short brown hair with red highlights. She wears a light, floral shirt.

Wisconsin Rivers Region

Sauk County 

Melissa Verbanac
CSL Manager

Phone: 608.408.3155
Email: mverbanac@gtsd.org

Chrissy Shields wears a black, short-sleeved shirt. She has a large, brilliant smile and shoulder-length blond hair.

Wolf River Region

Brown, Calumet, Manitowoc, Outagamie,
Shawano, Waupaca, and Winnebago

Chrissy Shields
CSL Regional Manager

Phone: 920.840.2936
Email: cshields@gtsd.org

Trey Lesatz
CSL Manager

Phone: 920.840.2936
Email: tlesatz@gtsd.org

Melissa wears a black sweater and has wears her light brown hair loose and neatly styled over her shoulders. She has blue eyes and a small, gentle smile.

Chippewa River Region

Eau Claire, Chippewa, Menomonie, Pierce Counties

Melissa Uthe
CSL Manager

Phone: 269.221.3045 x837
Email: muthe@gtsd.org

Ready to grow CSL in your community?

For general questions and information on how to bring CSL to life in your community, contact Darcie.

Darcie Marks
CSL Director

Phone: 269.221.3045
Email: dmarks@gtsd.org

Visit your local ADRC to learn about options in your area.