Agnesian HealthCare Foundation gifts $50,000 to support Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac

The Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac has received a $50,000 gift from the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation to support and expand the organization’s social-emotional learning (SEL) and mental health programming for local youth.

The Agnesian HealthCare Foundation has been an active donor since 2015 and has supported its SEL programming since 2022. In total, the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation has contributed more than $250,000 to support the organization’s work.

“This gift is an investment in the emotional well-being and future of our community’s young people,” says Mason Gravelle, Agnesian HealthCare Foundation philanthropy director. “The Boys & Girls Club has demonstrated measurable, meaningful outcomes through its social-emotional learning programs, and we’re proud to continue supporting work that helps young people feel safe, connected and empowered to succeed.”

The Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac launched its SEL programming in spring 2021 in response to the growing youth mental health crisis and limited access to traditional behavioral health resources. The programs provide a bridge to therapeutic services that can take months to access, helping young people develop healthy coping skills and connecting families with additional resources when needed.

In 2022, the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation provided a $50,000 gift that enabled the Club to add a second full-time mental health coordinator. This latest gift will help sustain that position, ensuring continued access to critical support services for hundreds of local youth.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation for its continued belief in what this program makes possible for kids in our community,” says Dan Hebel, Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac CEO. “Their support has allowed us to grow quickly at a time when youth mental health needs continue to rise. This investment helps ensure young people have trusted adults, safe spaces and support when they need it most.”

The impact of the SEL programming continues to be reflected in both participation and youth outcomes. Since adding a second mental health coordinator in 2023, major program measures, including youth connections, Zen Den visits and family referrals to outside services, have remained consistently strong.

Recent youth survey results also show significant improvements compared with the years before formal SEL programming began. Between 2021 and 2026, 80% of members reported optimal emotional safety, compared with 37% before the program’s launch. Scores also increased in sense of belonging, adult connections, member recognition, and overall club experience.

In addition to individualized support, the Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac has expanded mental health resources through partnerships with organizations including Fondy Cares and SSM Health Behavioral Health and through initiatives, such as its Comfort Closet, providing new avenues of support for youth and families.

“These results show that our members feel more connected, supported and emotionally safe,” Hebel shares. “They’re telling us that they have trusted adults in their lives and a stronger sense of belonging. That’s exactly the kind of environment that helps young people thrive.”

The Agnesian HealthCare Foundation’s support reflects a shared commitment to improving community health and addressing youth mental health needs before they become crises. Research continues to underscore the importance of out-of-school programs as trusted environments where young people can build resilience, form positive relationships, and access social-emotional support.