St. Paul Elder Services

Kaukauna, Wisconsin

The Providence Fund at St. Paul Elder Services was established to assist current associates, volunteers, members (those who receive care), or family of members who are unable to obtain immediate funds or services in an emergency. Funds may also be used to serve the broader community beyond St. Paul Elder Services on a case-by-case basis.

Mother Alexia Fulmer, the mother superior of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity who began the health care ministry, said, “None of these people, whether they paid or not, are excluded from the best care and attention the hospital can afford.” She gives the reason for her concern in meeting those needs through her living with “indomitable courage and trust in Providence.” In this tradition, the Providence Fund is a testament to that belief.

The Providence Fund is maintained solely through donations. Available funds may be used to help those in need with food, clothing, gasoline, transportation, rent and utility payments, or other extraordinary or emergent needs. 

Upon application for assistance, SPES’ Director of Mission, Sister Delores Wisnicky, conducts a personal interview with the Providence Fund applicant and assists the applicant in exploring other sources of support as well, such as St. Vincent de Paul, food pantries, The Red Cross, financial counseling services and the Department of Social Services. The goal is to link the individual to resources that will help them achieve long-term financial stability. All Providence Fund requests and grants are handled with the strictest confidentiality out of respect for those who are struggling and to preserve their dignity as they help themselves through their situations. SPES prides itself on being a strong organization in the community we serve; therefore, we support groups in furthering their causes provided there are sufficient resources available and their scope is in line with our mission and values as well. We also assist when unusual community events happen, such as tornadoes and fires. We are blessed to have the resources available to us to be merciful to others.