SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital has donated $10,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area to help youth reach their full potential in life by providing programs and services emphasizing youth development and family outreach with a goal of breaking the cycle of poverty.

In 2024, the program experienced an eight percent increase in youth served after school at both Berlin and Green Lake sites. In the summer, an average of 251 youth was served each day between all three sites with an average daily attendance increase of more than 25 youth.

“Our program’s success allows us the opportunity to provide support and services to families throughout our rural communities,” according to Jason Presto, Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area CEO. “This financial support allows us the ability to address the ever growing and changing issues our youth face. We recognize how necessary it is to continue to find ways to expand our footprint and extend our arms of service into even more of our rural communities.”

The donation was presented to Bartol by DeAnn Thurmer, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital president, and Nicole Gill, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital vice president/clinical administrator.

“Supporting vulnerable youth is crucial because it promotes their well-being, fosters positive development, and ultimately benefits society,” according to Gill. “By providing support, these young people can develop self-esteem, confidence, and the motivation to succeed, leading to healthier and more fulfilling lives. This support can also lead to positive community outcomes.”

In 2024, SSM Health Greater Fond du Lac’s community benefit ministry totaled more than $568,000 across the communities it serves. This investment helps ensure access to health care for patients who are uninsured or underinsured, train the next generation of health professionals to care for those in need, and fund programs to address the most pressing health needs of our communities.

Ashley Bartol, Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area director of development (third from left), and Jason Presto, Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area CEO (far right), accept a $10,000 donation from Nicole Gill (left), hospital VP, clinical administrator, Dr. Brent Meier (back), SSM Health clinical VP and northern market physician leader, and DeAnn Thurmer (second from right), SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital president.