SSM Health is providing a $10,000 community health gift to Sigma of Fond du Lac to help expand programs supporting unhoused students and families facing financial hardship throughout Fond du Lac County. The funding will help Sigma increase assistance from approximately 51 students served in 2025 to at least 75 students in 2026.

Founded in 1931, Sigma is a nonprofit women’s organization dedicated to supporting individuals, organizations and community needs throughout Fond du Lac County through volunteerism and fundraising. Through its annual Holiday House fundraiser, Sigma provides approximately $40,000 each year to community members experiencing hardship.

The gift will support Sigma’s Underserved Student Essentials & Families in Crisis Initiative, a year-round program serving unhoused students identified through the McKinney-Vento program as well as families experiencing crisis. The initiative provides holiday care packages, hygiene and food insecurity support, birthday recognition, school and graduation fee assistance, and emergency basic-needs support.

In 2025, Sigma adopted 51 unhoused students attending Fond du Lac High School, North Fond du Lac High School, and Campbellsport High School. School partners and student advocates report that personal hygiene products remain among the greatest unmet needs for students experiencing homelessness. To address these concerns, Sigma provides gift cards that allow students to independently purchase essentials, such as deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, and body wash.

Sigma is also launching a new “Weekend Fuel Pack” initiative to help address food insecurity. The packs will provide portable, shelf-stable food items, such as peanut butter, crackers and canned proteins to help students access meals during weekends and school breaks when school-provided food may not be available.

Sigma will continue providing birthday cards with restaurant gift cards to help students celebrate milestones and participate in social activities with their peers. Additional support through the Student Dignity Fund will help cover expenses such as graduation fees, cap and gown costs, laundry assistance, and other essential needs.

“We are dedicated to supporting a multitude of individuals, organizations and community needs throughout Fond du Lac County through our time, talents and fundraising efforts,” according to Julie LaBorde, Sigma of Fond du Lac president. “Our goal is to never turn away a request because of a lack of funding. This support from SSM Health will help us expand our reach and ensure more students and families receive the resources they need to thrive.”

“SSM Health is committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities by addressing the social factors that impact health,” says Elle Yeates, Regional Director Misson Integration, St. Agnes Hospital/Ripon Community Hospital/Waupun Memorial Hospital. “Sigma’s work helps remove barriers related to food insecurity, hygiene and financial hardship while supporting the dignity and well-being of vulnerable students and families. We are proud to partner with an organization making such a meaningful impact locally.”

Jodi Dietzel and Elle Yeates, SSM Health leaders, present a $10,000 community health grant to members of Sigma – Amy Lucas, Kathy Gravelle, Julie LaBorde, Diane Hinke – to support programs serving unhoused students and families in crisis throughout Fond du Lac County.

Date posted: September 2, 2026