SSM Health, Agnesian HealthCare Foundation reaffirm Holy Family Warming Shelter support with $30,000 gift

The Agnesian HealthCare Foundation continues its commitment to supporting those experiencing homelessness in the Fond du Lac area with a $30,000 contribution to the Holy Family Warming Shelter. The donation reinforces SSM Health’s mission to bring hope and healing to the most vulnerable members of the community.

The check was presented by Mason Gravelle, Philanthropy Development Manager, Wisconsin Region, Agnesian HealthCare Foundation, and Deb Winterhack, Director of Development, Agnesian HealthCare Foundation. Accepting the donation from the Holy Family Catholic Community were Erin Cobb, Director of Human Concerns; Valerie Collien, Human Concerns Associate; and Manuel Santos, Holy Family Warming Shelter Manager.

“The shelter serves as a vital refuge for individuals experiencing homelessness, especially during the harsh winter months,” says the Very Rev. Ryan Pruess of Holy Family Catholic Community. “Rooted in Catholic values of compassion, dignity, and care for the less fortunate, the shelter welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and beliefs, embracing inclusivity and solidarity.”

Rev. Pruess emphasized that the shelter’s impact goes beyond immediate needs. “By offering a supportive and compassionate environment, we aim to empower individuals to regain stability, rebuild their lives, and reintegrate into society.”

Gravelle notes the alignment between SSM Health’s mission and the shelter’s work. “Much like SSM Health and the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation, the Holy Family Catholic Community identified an unmet need and took swift action. As more individuals and families face financial hardship, it’s critical that we come together to meet their needs.”

Located at 73 E. First Street in downtown Fond du Lac, the Holy Family Warming Shelter is easily accessible by public transportation and close to other support services. The shelter provides up to 30 individuals with a warm, clean place to sleep and hot, nutritious meals each night from November through April.

While operated by the parish, the shelter thrives through community collaboration. Funding comes from a variety of sources, including government grants, private donations, and corporate sponsorships.

Those interested in supporting the shelter can contact Erin Cobb at the Holy Family Parish Office at 920-921-0580. More information is available at hffdl.org/warming-shelter.

“Each year, SSM Health reinvests in our communities through charity care and community health initiatives,” according to Winterhack. “We work alongside partners like Holy Family to provide a safety net, expand access to preventive care, and bring hope to those facing difficult times. The work being done at the Warming Shelter is a powerful example of that mission in action.”