Family Resource Library
This Family Resource Library is designed to support UW–Madison student parents, caregivers, and families by connecting you with a wide range of campus and community resources.
Whether you’re looking for help with housing, food, child care, academic support, or emergency assistance, this guide brings together trusted tools, programs, and services to help you navigate life and learning more confidently.
Browse by topic or use the subsections to find what’s most relevant to your needs. We’re here to help you thrive—at home, in the classroom, and beyond.
Housing & Utilities
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- Graduate & Family University Housing – Find housing on campus, including family housing
- Off-Campus Housing – Find housing off-campus
- Tenant Resource Center – Provides education, mediation, and legal resources to help tenants understand their rights and resolve housing issues
- Fair Housing Council – Offers assistance with housing discrimination complaints and promotes equal access to housing through education and advocacy
- The Elizabeth House – A maternity home for pregnant women or those who have just given birth, providing a safe and secure environment where new mothers can become emotionally healthy and self-sufficient
- ARC Community Services, Inc – Organization dedicated to helping and empowering women and improving their welfare, along with that of their children and families
- Madison Gas & Electric (MG&E) Payment Support – Helps customers manage their utility bills through payment plans, budget billing, and energy assistance programs
- Lifeline – Federal program providing discounted phone and internet service for low-income households
Food, Clothing, & Basic Needs
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- The Open Seat – A free campus food pantry for UW-Madison students facing food insecurity
- Badger Fare Program – Offers short-term meal assistance through donated dining dollars to students in need
- FoodShare Wisconsin (ACCESS) – A state program that helps eligible individuals and families purchase food through an EBT card
- The Keep Food Pantry – A local pantry providing free groceries and hygiene products to those in need near campus
- Find Food Pantries Near You – A searchable map of food pantries and meal programs available throughout Dane County
- Slow Food UW – A student-run organization offering affordable, locally sourced meals on campus
- Summer Food Program (MMSD) – Offers free, nutritious meals to children and teens 18 and under at various community sites during the summer months
- Campus & Community Food Resources – A roundup of food access points on and near campus, including The Open Seat and meal programs
- Double Dollars Program – Matches SNAP/EBT dollars spent at participating farmers’ markets to help families buy fresh produce
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – A federal nutrition program that provides healthy food, breastfeeding support, and health referrals to pregnant individuals, new parents, and young children
- St. Vincent de Paul Clothing Vouchers – Receive vouchers up to $50 in value to purchase clothing at St. Vincent de Paul
- Basic Needs Request (UW Students) – Fill out a form to receive basic needs materials such as hygiene products, clothing, or food
- UW Basic Needs Resources – A library of basic needs resources for the UW community
- TAA Diaper Program – (CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE – Check back in September 2026) Diaper bank that receives diapers through the Village Diaper Bank for members of the Teaching Assistants Association at UW-Madison
- Babies & Beyond Sharing Center – Offering free baby items including diapers, bottles, clothing, and more for children ages 0-4 to families in need
- UW-Madison Campus Alerts – Sign up for WiscAlerts, UW-Madison’s official emergency notification system, to receive texts and emails when there are campus emergencies
- BadgerSAFE – A safety app for students, staff, parents and community members that delivers safety info directly to your phone and provides resources such as Friend Walk, the “I’m OK” feature, safety alerts, and more campus safety resources
Transportation
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- UW-Madison Transportation Resources – Bikeshare, Campus Bus & Bus Passes, Carshare, Emergency Ride Home, Flex Parking Program, and more
- Student Parking Permits – Information on parking permits for UW-Madison students
- Zipcar – Discounted carshare membership for UW students, faculty, staff, and alumni
- Accessible Transportation Options – Options for accessible parking. Expectant or new parents experiencing mobility challenges may qualify for Temporary UW Accessible Parking Permit for up to two months with a doctor’s note.
- SAFEwalk – Free walking companionship service available to students, faculty, staff, and UW visitors
- Biking with Children – Safe riding information and tips for parents who bike with their children
- Safe Kids Madison Area Coalition – Provide safety education and devices to families in need
- UW Campus Map – Find public parking, Madison B-Cycle stations, bus stops, and more on the UW-Madison campus
- Metro Transit Bus Tracker – View Madison Metro (city) buses in real time and avoid missing your bus
- Campus Lactation Space Map –
Health & Wellness
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- Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) – Health insurance for domestic students, international students, and international scholars at UW-Madison
- University Health Services (UHS) Gynecology – Provides a spectrum of gynecology services
- BadgerCare Plus – State healthcare program that provides health coverage for low-income Wisconsin residents
- Covering Wisconsin – UW-Extension program helping connect Wisconsin residents with health insurance and other health support programs
- Immunizations – Dane County Public Health vaccination information and resources for adults, children and infants
- Wisconsin Immunization Registry – Statewide database where residents can find their or their child(ren)’s immunization/vaccine records
- Sexual Health – Dane County Public Health sexual health information and resources including birth control, pregnancy testing, and sexual health testing and treatment
- Wisconsin Well Woman Program – Dane County Public Health program for low-income women with limited or no health insurance, offering breast and cervical cancer screenings
- UW Recreation & Wellbeing (RecWell) – Recreational and wellbeing programs for students and the wider UW community
- Well Badger Resource Center – Resources for community, social, health, and government programs
- Drug Poisoning Prevention – Information for safe drug use and storage
- MedDrop – Prescription medication disposal program
- African American Breastfeeding Alliance (AABA) of Dane County – Provides support, individual consultation, and resources
- La Leche League of Madison – Provides breastfeeding support and education through parent-to-parent connection
- Roots4Change (Raíces para el Cambio) Co-op – Provides resources and information for pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding
- Madison Area Donor Milk Alliance – Donate milk and get free donor milk (milk donors have been tested)
Mental Health
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- UHS Mental Health Services – Including crisis support, psychiatric services, survivor services, individual counseling, group counseling, and help navigating off-campus care
- UHS Couple/Partner Counseling – Couples counseling for UW-Madison students (only one partner must be a student to use this service)
- Badger Recovery – Support and connections for students in recovery from alcohol use, cannabis use, gaming addaction, eating concerns, and other addictive behaviors
- Edgewood Family Center – Offers affordable mental health services to the community, including individual, family, relationship, and identity therapy, as well as alcohol and drug use counseling and support
- The Rainbow Project – Child and family counseling and community resource clinic
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Wisconsin – Mental health advocacy group offering resources for various mental health challenges
- Parent Stress Line – Confidential 24/7 hotline for parents needing support with the challenges of raising children
- Bereaved Parents of Madison Inc – Support for families after miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death
- RISE – Comprehensive community and parenting services and support, home visiting, and more
- Rehab Center – Learn about postpartum depression and anxiety
- PlayStrong: Parent’s Guide to Play Therapy – Learn about the benefits of play therapy for your child
Parent Education
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- OCCFR Parent Classes & Events – Free parenting classes, individual parent coaching, and family events for UW-affiliated families
- UW-Extension Parenting and Family Relationships – Classes, workshops, and conferences covering a wide variety of parenting topics
- Raising Wisconsin’s Children Conference 2026 – A free, virtual workshop focused on raising children during tough times
- Parents Place – Parent classes and community education
- Babies & Beyond Community Classes & Sessions – Learn about upcoming opportunities to learn about Dane County parent resources or baby basics and positive parenting
- Safe Sleep Program – A program by Babies & Beyond providing access to safe sleeping environments (cribs, bassinets, pack-n-plays) for families in need
- Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health (Wi-AIMH) Micro-Learning Videos – Series of short videos covering parenting topics
- SPARKS – Video series that walks parents through each routine recommended doctor’s visit for infants and children
- Books:
- How to Talk So Kids Will Listen – Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
- The Explosive Child – Ross W. Greene
- The Whole-Brain Child – Daniel J Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
- Good Inside – Becky Kennedy
Child Development & Special Needs
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- Birth to Three (Dane County) – An early intervention program for infants and toddlers (0-36 months) who present a delay in their development or have a disability or condition affecting their development
- Children’s Resource Center South – Resource center serving children and youth with special health care needs and their families
- Understood – Nonprofit organization providing education about and resources for people with thinking and learning disabilities
- Vroom – Infant development education, tips and tools to teach families how to support infant development in everyday interactions
- Parent to Parent of Wisconsin – Support service connecting parents of children with special needs to a wider community
- Dane County Disability Services – Programs and services for Dane County residents with disabilities
- MMSD Special Education – Information and contacts for the Madison Metropolitan School District Special Education programming
- Special Education Resources – Special education and disability resources from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
- Kindred Kids – Adaptive equipment lending library for children with disabilities
- Logan’s Heart and Smiles: A Wisconsin-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that constructs custom home accessibility and safety modifications—including wheelchair ramps, bathroom adaptations, and sensory installations—for children with disabilities ages 21 and under.
- Aging and Disability Resource Center – Organization providing information about resources and support for all aspects of life related to aging or living with a disability
- WI-DHS Aging Services – Programs and services provided through the Department of Health Services for older adults
Early Learning & Play
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- Process-Oriented Art Activities for Preschoolers – A free e-book by Cigdem Unal containing developmentally-appropriate art activities for children
- Sensory Activities for Babies and Young Toddlers – A free e-book by Cigdem Unal containing developmentally-appropriate sensory activities for babies and toddlers
- Play Dough Recipes for Young Children – A free e-book by Cigdem Unal containing a variety of play dough and silly putty recipes and ideas for sensory play
- RecWell At-Home Activities – List of fun, accessible activities for children to do at home. Created during COVID lockdown but still great for a rainy day!
- Play and Learn – A fun, interactive, free program for children 0-3 years and their caregivers who reside in the Madison Metropolitan School District
- Madison Public Library Storytime – Madison Public Libraries offer storytimes for babies and young children at all branches across Madison. Children can listen, talk, sing, read, write, and play with other kids their age through programming designed to support early literacy skill-building
- Madison Reading Project – Connects the Madison community with free books and literacy resources to inspire a love for reading in young readers
- Good Toys by Age – Descriptions and recommendations for age-appropriate toys for children, created by NAEYC
- Recommended Book List by Age – Lists of recommended books sorted by age, created by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center in the School of Education at UW-Madison
- PBS Kids – Activities and online educational games and videos for children
- ABCya – Educational online games by grade level
- ABC Mouse – Online educational program designed for children ages 2-8, offering a comprehensive curriculum for preschool through 2nd grade
- Adventure Academy – Online educational program by the creators of ABC Mouse, designed for children ages 8-13
- STEMIE – Resources and information about STEM learning for young children
Campus & Academic Support
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- UW-Madison Undergraduate Advising – Find an advisor and get academic resources and referrals
- UW Madison Tutoring and Learning Support – Find a free tutor or connect with one of the 15 learning centers on campus
- Graduate Student Resources – Find academic, diversity, professional development, accessibility, misconduct, health, and other resources for grad students at UW-Madison
- English as a Second Language Program – UW-Madison program supporting the University’s international students
- UW-Madison Libraries – Access books, databases, spaces, equipment or ask librarians for assistance
- McBurney Disability Resource Center – Resource for UW-Madison students in need of disability-related accommodations
- Teaching Assistants’ Association – The Graduate Worker Union of UW-Madison, representing and advocating for graduate student workers
- UW-Madison Career Services – Support and resources for students working toward a career after graduation
- UW-Madison Information Technology (DoIT) – Services, education, and help related to technology at UW-Madison
- Office of Student Assistance and Support – Helps students navigate personal, academic, or health issues
Community & Connection
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- Wisconsin Student Parents Organization (WiSPO) – Student organization aiming to strengthen campus support for students raising children
- University Special Student Services – Resources and information for nontraditional students, such as returning adult students
- International Student Services – Resources and support for international students at UW-Madison
- Multicultural Student Center – Provides support, advocacy, and co-curricular experiences that center, affirm and celebrate the varied and intersectional experiences of all UW-Madison students
- First-Generation Badgers – Program enhancing coordination and programmatic support among campus offices, offers opportunities for connection, and informs development of services for current and future first-generation students
- Gender and Sexuality Campus Center – Supports LGBTQ+ students and their communities at UW-Madison
- Transfer Transition Program – Support, information, and assistance for UW-Madison transfer students
- University Veteran Services – Provides support and resources to military-connected students by fostering personal transitions and pursuit of academic success
Reporting, Rights, & Legal Aid
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- OSAS Pregnancy & Parenting Students – Information on rights and accommodations for pregnant and parenting students
- Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) – Information about PWFA for pregnant employees (including TAs, RAs, and postdocs) at UW-Madison
- UW Office of Compliance – Information about the University of Wisconsin System policies and procedures related to discrimination, harassment and retaliation, and sexual harassment and violence
- OSAS – Report harassment, discrimination, or bias at UW-Madison
- OSAS – Report sexual misconduct at UW-Madison
- UHS Survivor Services – Provides free and confidential support services to UW-Madison student survivors of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, and/or stalking
- Restraining Order & Survivor Advocacy Clinic (ROSA) – UW law students provide direct legal services to survivors of intimate partner violence in Dane, Jefferson, Rock, Sauk, and other surrounding counties
- Wisconsin DCF – File a Child Care Complaint
- Family Court Clinic (FCC) – UW law students provide legal information, forms, and guidance to unrepresented litigants under the supervision of experienced clinical faculty
- International Student Services – Finding an Immigration Attorney
Emergency Support
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- UW Financial Aid Financial Emergency Support – A comprehensive list of many emergency financial support options for UW-Madison students
- Division of Continuing Studies Emergency Support Fund – Emergency grant assistance for Adult, Single Parent, and Nontraditional Students
- Office of Student Assistance and Support Crisis Loans & Grants – Short term crisis loans and grants for students experiencing financial hardship as a result of unexpected life events or circumstances
- International Student Services Emergency Assistance – Emergency financial assistance for students on F-1 or J-1 visas
- Student Parent Emergency Child Care Grant – Discretionary child care grant available to students experiencing emergencies or family related issues that leave them unable to pay for their regulated child care
- Mary Czynszak-Lyne University Staff Child Care Award – An emergency, one-time grant for employees with a University Staff appointment who need help covering their child care expenses in order to work
- The Respite Center – Provides emergency child care and respite for children ages 0-14, parent support, and crisis counseling
- City of Madison Emergency Assistance – Emergency assistance with energy, housing, child care, FoodShare, healthcare, counseling, and financial education
- Domestic Abuse Intervention Services – Comprehensive services for domestic abuse survivors
- UW Police Department – For emergencies, call 911. UWPD provides the services of a traditional police department (emergency response and community outreach) as well as safety education, campus community resource officers, a therapy dog program, lake rescue & safety, video and infrastructure security, investigative services, field services, and more