SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital is giving $5,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area to help youth and families throughout rural communities by supporting programs focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, leadership development, food security, and unmet family needs.
The Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area serves children and families in Ripon, Berlin, Green Lake, Markesan, and surrounding communities with a mission to improve the lives of children and families and a vision of being a generation-changing leader in youth development and family support. The organization removes financial barriers so no child is turned away from after-school or summer programs and provides scholarships to ensure access for low-income families.
During 2025, overall membership increased by 16%, with 899 youth served through after-school and summer programming, teen outreach initiatives, meal programs, and other support services. The organization also serves families in rural communities including Redgranite, Princeton, and Brandon.
“As economic challenges continue to impact many families, support from community partners like SSM Health helps us meet immediate needs while creating opportunities for young people to thrive,” says Jason Presto, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area. “This investment allows us to continue expanding our reach and ensuring youth have access to nutritious food, educational resources and positive developmental experiences.”
Among the club’s most impactful services are its unmet needs programs, including Operation Backpack, Coats for Kids, Thanksgiving Meals, and Adopt-a-Family. In 2025, the organization provided backpacks and school supplies to 477 youth, winter clothing to 252 youth, Thanksgiving meals to 115 families and holiday assistance to a record 316 youth.
The club also works to address food insecurity throughout the region. During 2025, it distributed 41,809 meals and 26,666 snacks to youth, helping ensure children have consistent access to nutritious food while easing financial pressures on families.
“Healthy communities begin with healthy and supported children,” according to Nicole Gill, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital/SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital vice president – operation and clinical administrator. “The Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area provides a safe place where young people can learn, grow and build the skills they need for future success. We are proud to support an organization that not only addresses immediate needs such as food security and basic necessities but also invests in long-term well-being and resilience for youth and families throughout our communities.”
Jen Bunker and Ashley Kolberg, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital leaders, present a $5,000 gift to Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area participants, which will help youth and families throughout rural communities by supporting programs focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, leadership development, food security, and unmet family needs.
Date posted: October 2, 2026