Samaritan

04/01/2026

For months, our team has been asking:
“Where did all the forks go?”

This morning, we got our answer.

Apparently… they’ve been growing on the patio.

(Yes. Someone planted 200 forks. Yes, we are still recovering.)

But in all seriousness, moments like this remind us of something important: a healthy workplace isn’t just about the work we do, it’s about how we show up for each other along the way.

It looks like laughter in the middle of a busy week.
It looks like inside jokes that everyone is in on.
It looks like people who feel comfortable enough to be creative, a little ridiculous, and fully themselves.

At Samaritan, we talk a lot about mental wellness in our community. And this is part of it, too. Because when people feel connected, seen, and supported…they thrive.

Even if their forks occasionally disappear. 😉

03/27/2026

Kids can make a difference in our community! That’s one of the lessons being learned in the newest exhibit at the Building for Kids. Samaritan is honored to be a part of this Generosity Journey!

03/26/2026

We are FIVE WEEKS AWAY from Radiate Hope, and we're celebrating a fun announcement! Samaritan is partnering with Venture Wisconsin to offer deeply discounted local adventure passports… and honestly, they kind of pay for themselves almost immediately.

Here’s what you can grab:

WI Fish Fry Guide – $18
Get $10 off your $40+ bill at 100+ spots (hello Friday Fish Fry!)

WI Ice Cream Shop Passport – $20
50% off two treats at 100+ shops (instant family favorite)

Appleton Downtown Passport – $20
Deals at 60+ local restaurants, shops, and entertainment spots

Why it matters: Every purchase supports Samaritan’s mission to connect mind, body, and spirit so our community can thrive. That means more access to counseling, school-based mental health support, and care for those who might otherwise go without.

How to get yours:

Coming to Radiate Hope? Add passports to your registration and pick them up at the event!

Can’t attend but still want to support? You can purchase passports and pick them up at our office.

It’s one of those rare win-wins: support local businesses, make some fun plans, and invest in mental health care in our community. Link to purchase is in the comments

03/24/2026

Last night, something special happened.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Samaritan’s very first Business Mixer. The room was filled with connection, conversation, and a shared belief that mental health care should be accessible to all, no matter someone’s circumstances.

We’re especially grateful to in downtown Neenah for opening their beautiful space to us. It was the perfect setting to bring people together around a meaningful cause.

Moments like this remind us that when a community comes together with compassion and purpose, real impact takes root.

We’re so thankful to be part of a community that cares so deeply! We’re just getting started on what we can accomplish together.

03/23/2026

It's National Puppy Day! We’re celebrating the joy, comfort, and unconditional love our furry friends bring, and we want to see your puppies!

Drop a photo of your pup in the comments, whether they're young or young-at-heart!

Did you know? Spending time with pets has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, ease loneliness, and boost overall mood. Sometimes, healing really does have four paws and a wagging tail.

03/18/2026

People gather almost every day in the Mary Beth Nienhaus Community Room at Samaritan for meetings both big and small. In fact, just today our whole staff gathered for our quarterly meeting, sharing soup and program updates. We are so very thankful for the example of generosity Mary Beth is in our community!

“I hope with my support of community initiatives, I can influence others to give as well. I tell all my friends to give now if you can while you are alive. It is fun to see your gifts in action.”

Mary Beth Nienhaus shares her story of generosity and “God Wink” moments that have inspired her impact on the Fox Valley Region.

Get in The Loop to learn more: ➡ https://cffoxvalley.org/loop/2026/03/17/mary-beth-nienhaus-how-a-life-long-passion-for-golf-and-god-wink-moments-benefit-our-community/

Mary Beth Nienhaus Activity Center | Samaritan | Fox Valley Habitat For Humanity

03/15/2026

Due to Winter Storm Evelyn, Samaritan offices will be closed on Monday to ensure the safety of our clients and staff.

Telehealth sessions will still be available. Our team will be reaching out to clients who have appointments scheduled to offer the option to switch to a virtual session or to reschedule.

Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe and warm.

03/09/2026

Last week, members of our Samaritan Wellness Screen team attended the We Heart You: Recovery in Our Community event.

We are grateful for opportunities like this to listen, learn, and stand alongside others working to reduce stigma and support recovery in our community. Together, we can replace shame with understanding and build a future where healing is possible for everyone.

03/05/2026

Our Wellness Wednesday subscribers heard the news first… and now we’re excited to share it with you.

We are honored to announce that Sandra Began will return to the Radiate Hope stage as our 2026 keynote speaker on April 30th.

Sandra first shared her story with the Samaritan community in 2017 after the loss of her husband to su***de. As a former Samaritan counseling client, she has courageously spoken about grief, healing, and the role therapy played in helping her rebuild her life. Now, after several more years of growth and reflection, Sandra will once again join us to share her story of resilience and hope.

As Sandra shared with us:

"When we remove the shame and instead add compassion and curiosity to conversations about mental health everything changes. Radiate Hope does that."

Join us for an evening of connection, courage, and hope.
Your presence helps ensure that compassionate mental health care remains accessible to individuals and families in our community.

Scan the QR code or visit our website to register www.samaritanfoxvalley.com/radiatehope

We’ll share a link to our latest Wellness Wednesday in the comments so you can read more of Sandra’s reflections on grief, healing, and hope.

02/06/2026

Please join us in congratulating Mara LaMascus, our Employee of the Month!

Mara is a Wellness Screen Clinician who brings extraordinary care, compassion, and dedication to every family she serves. In her work with students and families navigating complex and often painful circumstances, Mara consistently goes above and beyond to ensure they feel seen, respected, and supported. Her trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach helps build trust and creates space for healing, especially when it matters most.

As Tricia Plutz, Wellness Screen Coordinator, shared in her nomination: “Mara leads with empathy and a genuine sense of responsibility for the well-being of the families she serves. Her presence and dedication make a meaningful difference—not only for the families she supports, but for the entire team.”

We are so grateful for Mara’s thoughtful advocacy, her collaboration with colleagues, and the steady compassion she brings to Samaritan every day. Congratulations, Mara, and thank you for being a Samaritan!