Serving Our Community

Since the founding of the congregation more than a century ago, those in need have held a special place in the hearts of the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother. Today, that tradition of care and giving continues through the actions of Ministry Health Care, a leading network of hospitals, clinics, and other health-related organizations in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Initiated in 1988, the Ministry Health Care Fund provides monies for special projects within the communities we serve. All organizations sponsored or co-sponsored by Ministry Health Care set aside monies each year to assist with the needs of the community and the poor. As the Ministry Health Care Fund, these dollars are funneled back into our communities for a variety of programs and services through a community assets and needs assessment process. Each hospital evaluates the many worthy needs in its service area and selects one or more projects to fund.

To be considered for funding, a project must meet the following key criteria:

• Meet the mission of actively serving the poor in its communities
• Maintain the dignity of the people served
• Benefit an underserved population
• Focus on an unmet need in the community in an innovative and creative way
• Serve people where they are and address cultural and language barriers
• Empower people to make long-term changes to improve their health and well-being

Over the years, Ministry Health Care Fund projects have targeted a cross-section of community members and a host of health care issues. From diabetes management programs to blood pressure screenings to free clinics that provide care for the uninsured and underinsured, Ministry Health Care is reaching out to those in need. It is our hope that through these projects, as well as our other community service activities, we can help people to help themselves.