Photo caption: SSM Health leaders Jodi Dietzel and Bryan Kress present a $10,000 community health gift to Tanya Marcoe (center), ADVOCAP executive director.
SSM Health is giving a $10,000 community health gift to ADVOCAP in support of its Opportunity Center Behavioral Health Access Initiative, helping expand access to critical mental health services for individuals experiencing homelessness and housing instability in Fond du Lac County. ADVOCAP serves as the designated community action agency for Fond du Lac, Green Lake and Winnebago counties, working to reduce poverty and increase self-sufficiency through a wide range of services addressing basic needs, housing stability, workforce opportunities, childhood development, and support for older adults. The Opportunity Center, which opened in downtown Fond du Lac in 2024, provides a welcoming, low-barrier environment where individuals can access basic needs and connect with essential resources, including behavioral health care. “This investment reflects SSM Health’s deep commitment to improving access to behavioral health services and addressing the needs of some of our community’s most vulnerable neighbors,” according to Laura Nakielski, SSM Health community health manager. “Through partnerships with organizations like ADVOCAP, we’re able to remove barriers, connect individuals to care, and support healthier outcomes across our community.” The funded initiative aligns closely with the Community Health Improvement Plan’s mental health priority, focusing on increasing access to behavioral health services through navigation, outreach and direct connection to care. Through the program, ADVOCAP staff will use tools to help individuals identify appropriate mental health providers, assist with scheduling and referrals, and provide transportation support to ensure they can attend appointments. “This support from SSM Health makes a direct and meaningful impact on the individuals we serve,” according to Tanya Marcoe, ADVOCAP executive director. “Many of our participants face significant barriers to accessing care, including transportation challenges and difficulty navigating the system. This funding helps us break down those barriers and ensure more individuals can connect to the behavioral health services they need.” In 2025 alone, ADVOCAP served thousands of individuals and households across its service area, including more than 3,000 individuals in Fond du Lac County. By strengthening partnerships and investing in community-based solutions, SSM Health continues to support initiatives that improve access to care, promote mental wellness, and enhance quality of life for residents across the region.