SSM Health is investing in the recovery and well-being of women in the Fond du Lac community with a $50,000 community health grant to Beacon House/Friends of Women in Recovery Inc. to support a newly opened women’s sober living home, Willow Way.
Located adjacent to Beacon House, Willow Way expands access to safe, supportive housing for women transitioning from substance-use treatment – a critical gap in the local continuum of care. The home provides structure, accountability and connection, key elements that significantly improve long-term recovery outcomes.
Beacon House operates a residential addiction treatment program for women, many of whom face complex challenges including trauma, co-occurring mental health conditions and housing instability. Without access to sober living options after completing treatment, individuals face an increased risk of relapse and homelessness.
The Willow Way residence helps address this need by offering a seamless transition to stable housing, allowing residents to maintain access to recovery support services while building independence.
“Access to safe, stable housing is essential to recovery,” according to Tiffany Wiese, SSM Health Outpatient Behavioral Health Services director. “Our community health investments focus on addressing the root causes of poor health outcomes, and this partnership with Beacon House helps remove barriers for women working to rebuild their lives. We are proud to support a program that offers both compassion and structure at such a critical stage in recovery.”
Women in Wisconsin continue to face significant challenges related to substance use, including limited access to gender-specific recovery programs and additional barriers such as childcare responsibilities and stigma. Willow Way was designed specifically to meet these unique needs by providing a supportive, trauma-informed environment.
“This facility will be a lifeline for women in Fond du Lac,” according to Teresa Herrick, Willow Way program coordinator. “We’re not just offering housing – we’re creating community, purpose and healing.”
The overall project aligns with SSM Health’s community health needs assessment priorities, including substance use recovery, mental health and housing stability in the Fond du Lac area.
“By supporting Willow Way, SSM Health continues its commitment to improving community health through partnerships that address social drivers of health and expand access to whole-person care,” Wiese says.
Tammy Wiese (left), SSM Health Outpatient Behavioral Health director, and Laura Nakielski, SSM Health Greater Fond du Lac community health manager, present a $50,000 community health grant to Beacon House/Friends of Women in Recovery Inc. to support a newly opened women’s sober living home, Willow Way. Accepting the gift are Tracy Schmit (second from right), executive director, and Teresa Herrick, Willow Way program coordinator.
Date posted: July 16, 2026