Hirsbrunner, SPAPSD Superintendent, gather for a photo following the announcement that WEA Member Benefits Foundation and Delta Dental will each donate $50,000 over the next three years to support mental health initiatives in the Stevens Point Area Public School District. (Photo/Stevens Point Area Public School District)
Stevens Point, WI, October 28, 2024
In a collaborative effort to enhance mental health resources for students, the WEA Member Benefits Foundation and Delta Dental of Wisconsin have announced a joint donation of $100,000 to support mental health programming in the Stevens Point Area Public School District. This funding will be distributed over the next three years to help the district provide vital mental health services and resources to its students.
This combined investment will strengthen mental health services designed to improve student well-being. Funding will be used to support several key initiatives, including professional development for staff on mental and behavioral health services, providing direct mental health services to students, and the purchase of materials and equipment that help promote student self-regulation and overall wellness.
“We are thrilled to see this level of support for our students’ mental health needs,” said Jennie McMahon, Director of Student Services. “This funding will allow us to continue building a comprehensive approach to student well-being, ensuring that every student has access to the resources they need to thrive. We are grateful for the trust that the WEA Member Benefits Foundation and Delta Dental have placed in us to make a difference in the lives of our students.”
The WEA Member Benefits Foundation highlighted the importance of supporting local communities through this initiative. “Supporting mental health programming is essential for fostering an environment where students can reach their full potential,” said Steve Goldberg of the WEA Member Benefits Foundation. “We believe that by supporting the Stevens Point Area Public School District, we are contributing to long-term positive outcomes for students and their families.”
Shannon Semmerling, Director of Philanthropy & Public Benefit at Delta Dental of Wisconsin, also shared the organization’s commitment to the donation: “Delta Dental is dedicated to addressing the oral health needs of communities across the state, and supporting the communities where our current and future employees live and work. The Stevens Point Area Public School District has done a remarkable job of communicating the mental health needs of their students while presenting thoughtful solutions that positively impact young learners and their families.”
Superintendent Cory Hirsbrunner added, “These generous contributions from Delta Dental and the WEA Member Benefits Foundation are a testament to the importance of community engagement in supporting our students. While we celebrate this momentum, we also recognize the need for continued efforts to address the evolving mental health needs of our community. We hope this investment inspires others to join us in our mission to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.”
Stevens Point Area School District is the tenth district in the WEA Member Benefits Foundation’s statewide school mental health funding initiative, joining Appleton, D.C. Everest, Green Bay, Madison, Racine, Stevens Point, Sun Prairie, Watertown, and Wausau. The initiative has helped those districts raise over $1 million and reach more than 5,000 additional students with mental health services and support.
About the WEA Member Benefits Foundation, Inc.
The WEA Member Benefits Foundation, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity supporting public education through grants and charitable donations to public educators, public schools, and the communities they serve. More information can be found at weafoundation.org.
About Delta Dental of Wisconsin Foundation
For more than 60 years, Delta Dental of Wisconsin (DDWI) has been working to maintain healthy communities and healthy teeth. DDWI provides dental and vision benefits to businesses and individuals. Through its Foundation, DDWI is committed to advancing solutions for Wisconsin’s oral health by initiating, collaborating with, and supporting programs that extend access to dental care, ensure a strong dental workforce, and improve the oral health of underserved and vulnerable populations. Delta Dental of Wisconsin is headquartered in Stevens Point, with a sales office in Milwaukee. As part of the nationwide Delta Dental Plans Association, DDWI joins 38 other Delta Dental plans to serve more than 90 million Americans with dental insurance.