SSM Health has donated $10,000 to Fond du Lac Literacy Services to help strengthen, expand, and enhance the free tutoring provided to approximately 200 adults in Fond du Lac County for reading, math, and learning English.

Fond du Lac Literacy Services’ mission is to develop local adults’ reading, writing, speaking and math skills. Dedicated and trained tutors work one-on-one with students using personalized lesson plans at a pace that is comfortable for the student. Tutoring is free.

“We have experienced a 60 percent increase in student enrollment over the last five years,” according to Juana Montes, Fond du Lac Literacy Services literacy coordinator. “This financial support will help support training volunteer tutors, administering assessments, enrolling learners/tutors, and providing community support and outreach. We have expanded our programming to include citizenship preparation classes, drop-in translating services, health and wellness, workplace, and digital literacy.”

The donation was presented to Montes and Louann Biddick, Fond du Lac Literacy Services Board of Directors VP, by Shane Smith, SSM Health Fond du Lac Market president, and Bill Boyd, SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital VP of operations.

“Supporting adult literacy is crucial because it empowers individuals, enhances economic stability, and strengthens communities,” according to Bill Boyd, SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital vice president of operations. “Literacy provides access to better job opportunities, improves health outcomes, and enables full participation in society. It also boosts family well-being and can lead to a more informed and engaged citizenry.”

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.

Louann Biddick (left), Fond du Lac Literacy Services Board of Directors VP, and Juana Montes, Fond du Lac Literacy Services literacy coordinator, accept a $10,000 donation from Shane Smith, SSM Health Fond du Lac Market president, and Bill Boyd, SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital VP of operations.