SSM Health has donated $10,000 to the Charis Pregnancy & Family Help Center to support its Charis-Vida Medical Clinic, which provides free, confidential, and compassionate medical care, parent support services, and material support, for men, women, and families.

Charis empowers women of Fond du Lac to choose life for their children and families through education, friendship, and practical support.

This program provides Earn While You Learn mentoring program, pregnancy mentoring, material assistance, pregnancy loss support, community assistance referrals, pre-natal classes, parental training, fatherhood program, and more.

“Thanks to generous community support, Charis can provide opportunities and resources at no cost to the patient or client,” according to Cindy Sweeney, Charis executive director. “We believe an ability to reach more in need of our services can help generate better self-care, resiliency, productivity, and healthier relationships throughout Fond du Lac County. It is also important to increase male participation to empower, educate, equip, and encourage fathers in the care and provision for their families.”

The donation was presented to Sweeney and Paige Kelley, Development Director, by Tami Schattschneider, SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital VP Patient Care Services/CNO, and Bryan Kress, SSM Health Wisconsin Northern Region Director Finance.

“Supporting pregnant women with limited resources fosters a positive environment for both the mother and the developing baby, leading to healthier pregnancies and families,” according to Schattschneider. “It’s not just about providing tangible assistance but also creating a sense of belonging and reducing the negative impact of stress.”

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.

Cindy Sweeney, Charis Pregnancy & Family Help Center executive director (left), and Paige Kelley, Development Director, accept a $10,000 donation from Tami Schattschneider (second from left), SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital VP Patient Care Services/CNO, and Bryan Kress, SSM Health Wisconsin Northern Region Director Finance (right).