About Us

START offers assistance to Stoughton Area School District residents under 55 and families with children, providing services such as eviction prevention, housing stability support, and access to basic needs.

Services

START provides short-term financial assistance and case management to individuals and families at risk of eviction or struggling to meet basic needs. Case management is at the core of our work, offering personalized support to help families break the cycle of poverty, overcome barriers, and achieve long-term stability. For those facing crisis, even basic tasks can feel overwhelming. Our case managers provide the tools, strategies, and guidance needed to navigate these challenges and identify sustainable solutions.

START Core Values

Community-Centered: We believe in the power of community and collaboration to solve the challenges of poverty. Collaboration and partnerships strengthen safety nets for support.

Empathy and Respect: We treat every individual with dignity, understanding their unique needs and circumstances.

Empowerment: We provide our community members with tools and resources to regain stability and independence.

Equal Access to Services: All people, regardless of gender, class, ethnicity, age, disability and sexual orientation will have equal access to services.

Sustainability: We focus on long-term solutions that create lasting change, ensuring resources remain accessible for those in need.

History

START celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2021. In 2001, Pastor Sue D'Alessio, Stoughton United Methodist Church, pulled a group of church and community members together to ask, "How can we better support our neighbors in times of need?". Social Worker Kelly Janda was hired to work three hours a week on a $3,000 budget provided by local churches. Stoughton Area Resource Team (START) was incorporated on October 4, 2001. In 2012 Kris Gabert, worked 32 hours a week, in an office at the Stoughton Area Senior Center supported by a budget of $90,000. As of 2025, START's Executive Director, Laura Braund, works full-time alongside a second full-time Case Manager, Lauren Coyle, and part-time Executive Assistant, Amanda Johnson.

Significant in START's history is the role it played in 2005 and 2006 by providing support to tornado survivors. Three part-time case managers, assisted by the START Executive Director, provided case management support to the Stoughton community. Of the 165 tornado survivors who requested support, 161 received financial grants from donated funds for a total of $311,000.

In 2020 START responded to 142 new contacts from Stoughton area residents in crisis during the Covid-19 pandemic. The organization provided direct financial assistance to 179 households who have been personally impacted by Covid-19 through job/income loss, childcare and health related issues. 253 households were supported with case management services (multiple visits with START addressing multiple barriers). START responded to the Covid-19 pandemic by providing 480 virtual and socially distanced visits.

START Staff

Executive Director: Laura Braund

Hello. My name is Laura Braund. Prior to joining START as a Housing Case Manager in August 2020, my career was focused on grief and loss support, case management, and resources to families following the death of a loved one. Most recently I worked as a care coordinator and advocate to underserved and at-risk women during pregnancy and following the delivery of a child. I’ve developed and implemented organizational specific programs such as OSHA, Corporate Compliance, and Safety to include compliance with federal regulations and state statues, standard operating procedures, and organizational training and licensing.  

I was first introduced to START while preparing for a college paper on influential people and organizations in my community. Immediately I was in awe of START’s commitment to its mission of providing a safety net for those in crisis. I continue to feel proud of how START has grown through the years, remaining a vital resource for residents of Stoughton.

As a fellow Stoughton community member, I’m passionate about helping START expanding its impact on our neighbors. I’m honored to partner with our local service agencies, businesses, service groups, churches, property owners, foundations, community members and initiatives. I look forward to what the future may bring to START and the community of Stoughton.

Executive Assistant: Amanda Johnson

Greetings! I'm Amanda Johnson, thrilled to join START as the Executive Assistant. Stoughton has been my home for 15 years, and its vibrant community has become an integral part of who I am. When not assisting at START, you'll find me relishing moments with my husband and two kids—our shared love for camping and snowmobiling creating cherished family adventures. I’m excited for this new journey and the opportunities it holds!

Case Manager: Lauren Coyle

Hello. My name is Lauren Coyle. I have a degree in Social Work and over seven years experience supporting people of all ages and abilities in navigating the challenges of life. Through my experience working in crisis response call centers, government health care agency management, and consulting, I have an in-depth understanding of working with healthcare providers, brokering agencies, governmental benefits programs, and case management.

I spend my free time with my husband and children, enjoying their activities. I also love to travel when I have the opportunity. 

I have a passion for helping others and am excited to support, motivate, and inspire participants to make positive changes in their lives. My ultimate goal is to empower households to live their fullest lives.

Board of Directors

President: Dorann Bradford Vice President: Sam Eifert Secretary: Amy Hynek Treasurer: Michelle Abey Director: Martel Moreland Director: Matthew Roethe Director: Shannon Davis

Community Ambassadors

Abbey Welch, State Farm Insurance

Brenda Collins, West Koshkonong Lutheran Church

Donna Olson, Former Stoughton Mayor & Rotary Club Member

Heather North, Owner of Northern Compass Boutique 

Jenifer Huberd, Community Member & Peer

Jordan Tilleson, VFW State Legislative Chair & Stoughton VF Post #328 Junior Vice-Commander

Lisa Fernan, Edward Jones & Rotary Club Member

Meg Veek, St Ann’s Church

Peter Sveum, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group

Ruth Lawton, Stoughton United Methodist Food Pantry

Todd McVey, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church