Samaritan

01/08/2026

What if learning social skills felt like going on an adventure instead of going to therapy?

Wayfinders is a one-of-a-kind psychoeducational group where kids and teens learn social-emotional skills through imaginative storytelling and collaborative play. Guided by licensed therapist and certified Therapeutic Game Master Sergio Guerrero, LPC, participants become heroes in a shared story while practicing communication, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and teamwork.

After a successful pilot this fall, we’re excited to offer new Wayfinders groups beginning in February for:
Youth ages 8–14 (Mondays starting 02.02)
Teens ages 15–18 (Thursdays starting 02.05)

No prior gaming or roleplaying experience is needed. Everything is taught through play in a welcoming, supportive environment. Group supplies are generously donated by our friends at Slick Mimic's - Board & Card Game Shoppe in Appleton.

To register or learn more, contact our front desk staff at 920-886-9319. Spots are limited. We’d love to help your young person find their circle.

01/05/2026

Please join us in celebrating Ashley Van D**e, our well-deserved Employee of the Month!

Since joining Samaritan in 2022, Ashley has consistently embodied clinical excellence, compassion, and professionalism. Her work with individuals experiencing Eating Disorders and Substance Use Disorders reflects both deep expertise and genuine care, helping clients feel supported while moving toward meaningful change.

As Hannah Keesler, our Clinical Services Director, shared in her nomination: “Ashley has established herself as a trusted and compassionate therapist whose work reflects Samaritan’s values and high standards.”

Ashley, thank you for the care you provide, the leadership you show, and the positive impact you have on our clients and team. We are so grateful for you!

01/02/2026

Appetizers. Live music. Cocktails. Stunning desserts from Whisk & Arrow. The Seven Wonders of Wisconsin live auction. New games. Big impact.

Registration opens later this month, but today’s job is simple:
Save the date. Do your future self a favor and pencil this one into your brand-new 2026 calendar!

12/29/2025

We are deeply grateful.

Thanks to the generosity of our community, Samaritan is 76% of the way toward our $75,000 Annual Appeal goal. And this week, one of our generous donors has stepped forward with a $5,000 matching gift, offering a special opportunity to double your impact before year-end.

For those who are still planning a gift, we want to share one important mailing tip:

As of December 24, 2025, USPS postmarks will reflect the date of first automated processing, not always the day a letter is mailed. If an envelope isn’t processed until January 1 or later, the postmark may reflect the new tax year, even if it was mailed before December 31.

To ensure a mailed gift counts for 2025 you can request a hand-stamped postmark at the USPS counter, or purchase postage as a printed label at the counter, which includes the correct acceptance date

Thank you for being part of this moment. Your generosity helps plant seeds of hope and grow roots of resilience in 2026 and beyond!

12/19/2025

From festive glasses to big smiles, this is what hope in action looks like.

Our staff and board members took a moment to step out from behind the scenes and into the frame to wish you a very happy holiday season. We are so grateful for the incredible community that makes Samaritan’s work possible and for the people who show up every day to care for mind, body, and spirit.

From all of us at Samaritan, thank you for being part of our story. Wishing you a season filled with warmth, connection, and hope.

12/12/2025

As we approach the end of the year, we’re reminded that no one should have to navigate life’s challenges alone.

This year, Samaritan celebrates 55 years of providing compassionate, accessible mental health care to individuals, families, and students across our community. Through Samaritan’s Annual Appeal, we’re inviting our community to help ensure this care remains available to those who need it most.

Your generosity helps remove financial barriers, strengthen mental health supports, and meet people where they are, just as Samaritan has done for more than five decades.

If Samaritan’s mission resonates with you, we invite you to be part of this season of generosity and hope.

Give today by scanning the QR code below.

Together, we’re planting seeds of hope and growing roots of resilience.

12/09/2025

Today is your last chance to nominate Samaritan for Scheels Annual Giving Campaign. Thanks for helping us plant seeds of hope and grow roots of resilience in our community!

December 9th is the LAST DAY to nominate your favorite local non profit! Use the link: https://tinyurl.com/mkhtdy8y to nominate!

12/08/2025

We are celebrating a new Employee of the Month at Samaritan. Michaela Monteverde is being honored for the exceptional dedication, compassion, and professionalism she brings to Samaritan every day. Her work consistently reflects the heart of Samaritan’s mission: providing care, support, and understanding to those we serve.

Our Clinical Services Director, Hannah Keesler, shared these words of gratitude and admiration: “What sets Michaela apart is her remarkable ability to balance determination with grace. She approaches every goal with focus and follow-through, all while maintaining a deep sense of kindness and empathy for those around her.”

Michaela is also “the heartbeat of team morale at Samaritan,” going above and beyond to celebrate her colleagues and bring warmth, joy, and connection to our workplace.

Thanks for being a Samaritan, Michaela! We are all better because of you!

12/05/2025

Join us in welcoming the newest addition to the Samaritan Team: Screening Services Director Taylor Connell.

Taylor brings more than a decade of experience in child welfare, youth development, and volunteer leadership to her new role where she will oversee our Wellness Screen program, lead the expansion of our CANDID screening services for partner organizations, and guide the development of Samaritan’s new Adult Wellness Screen.

Before joining Samaritan, Taylor served in multiple leadership roles at CASA of Brown County, most recently as Associate Director of Youth & Mentoring. There, she supervised advocacy teams, expanded mentoring programs for youth ages 11–23, and strengthened community partnerships across the county.

Taylor holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from St. Norbert College and is pursuing her Master of Social Work at Walden University. She is trained in trauma-informed care, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and su***de prevention, and was recognized as an Insight Publications 40 Under 40 honoree for her impact in youth advocacy.

She is passionate about creating safe, supportive pathways for youth and adults and is excited to advance Samaritan’s comprehensive screening services.

Welcome, Taylor! Thanks for being a Samaritan!

12/03/2025

Your nomination of Samaritan helps us continue providing hope, healing, and accessible mental health care throughout our community.

Thank you for supporting Samaritan and helping us grow roots of resilience in the Fox Valley!

✨ NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL NON PROFIT HERE: https://tinyurl.com/26setmjn ✨

We are so proud to be in the Fox Cities, and we are excited to announce that we will be giving back in a big way this holiday season!

We will be donating a total of $30,000 to our community! We want YOUR help! Nominate your favorite local non profit so we can share our holiday spirit throughout the community!

✨✨ Nominations can be made through Tuesday, December 9th. ✨✨

12/02/2025

This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to support Samaritan in a simple, meaningful way: by purchasing an item from our Amazon Wishlist.

Our list includes the sensory tools, art supplies, and therapeutic resources our clinicians use during sessions with children, teens, and adults. Every item helps create a safe, supportive environment where healing can take root.

11/27/2025

Today, we pause with gratitude for the individuals, families, faith partners, donors, and community members who help us plant seeds of hope and grow roots of resilience throughout the Fox Valley. Your support makes compassionate, accessible mental health care possible every single day.

We hope your holiday is filled with connection, peace, and moments of rest.

Our offices are closed for the holiday weekend and will reopen on Monday.