Prairie Trust administers more special needs trusts (trusts for individuals with a disability) than any other trust company in Wisconsin. We have a relationship with a Milwaukee based charity, Life Navigators, which works with families who have children with developmental disabilities. For many years, Life Navigators has offered two community trusts: Trust I – Community Trust funded with third party money (usually a parent or grandparent) and Trust II – Pooled Trust funded entirely with the beneficiary’s assets.

Recently, Life Navigators launched a third trust designed for those age 65 and over with a disability determination letter and who have assets that may prevent or disqualify them from receiving public benefits. There is no restriction on the type of disability. Trust III is a first party trust funded with assets that are entirely those of the beneficiary.

There are two services that distinguish the Life Navigators trust program from other pooled special needs trusts. First, Life Navigators offers social service programs to persons they serve. Second, the trust program offers investment flexibility to its beneficiaries with multiple investment choices and the ability to accept and manage non-marketable assets.

We also administer standalone special needs trusts which are typically a viable planning tool when trust assets exceed $250,000.

We appreciate the business you introduce us to and enjoy working with you and your clients. If you know of someone who would like to learn more about our special needs trust services, please contact our special needs trust specialist, Nancy Schoenberg, at (262) 953-2438 or nschoenberg@waukeshabank.com or our Director of Fiduciary Sales, Terry Doyle, at (262) 953-2435 or tdoyle@waukeshabank.com.

Very truly yours,