Services Manager Crystal invites you to unpack all that The Salvation Army is to Fond du Lac County now and opens the door to new hope. (Watch Captain Christina's powerful explanation of our vision for 2024 and beyond.)

Who is The Salvation Army of Fond du Lac now?

We’ve long been known for coats in fall, free summer lunches, Christmas gifts, and seven years as a winter shelter. But we are that - and more.

Since 1890, we’ve built a circle of care that continues to grow. In 2023, we launched the county’s first Housing Retention program, expanded addiction recovery support, and renewed Pathway of Hope. Combined with our pantry, thrift store, ministry, and seasonal services, this circle is now FDL County’s most complete response to need - meeting immediate challenges while driving long-term stability, recovery, and an end to homelessness.

Our Circle

Addiction Recovery

For those ready to reclaim their lives, we connect and transport participants to Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers - 180-day residential programs combining work therapy with spiritual, social, and emotional support. With two certified substance abuse counselors on staff, we guide people through the process and celebrate lasting recovery.

Housing Retention

Our Housing Retention Program prevents homelessness by helping households in temporary financial crisis caused by job loss, health challenges, domestic abuse, or trafficking. Adults who join commit to case management, goal planning, financial skills, employment readiness, and a circle of support - keeping families housed and moving forward.

Pathway of Hope

Pathway of Hope partners with families in crisis with a trained caseworker-mentor. Through regular meetings, encouragement, and hard work, families overcome obstacles, reach goals, and build the stability to “course correct” for the future.

Emotional & Spiritual Support

Beyond programs, we offer guidance, encouragement, and prayer for those who want it.

Tangible Essentials

Food, clothing, school supplies, hygiene items, household basics, bus passes, work boots, laundry access, and seasonal programs like Coats for Kids, Angel Tree Christmas gifts, and Brown Bag Lunches in the summer.

Why This Matters

COVID taught us how quickly life can unravel. Many who once donated now turn to us for help. After seven years hosting a warming shelter, we understand the “why” behind homelessness - and we know prevention is critical. With the housing shortage, keeping people in their homes is one of the most effective ways to stop more families from falling into homelessness.

A New Era of Service

We’re moving from band-aids to breakthroughs. Instead of helping many with just a little, we’re focusing deeply - on whole people, whole families, and whole circumstances. Our new circle of service blends compassion with accountability, hard work, and long-term change.

What Can You Expect From This Circle?

• Focus on prevention instead of reacting to the results of a household in crisis
• Address the root problems instead of just the crisis.
• Keep an episodic crisis from becoming chronic.
• Continued support, even past the exit of the program.Incredible staff, professional subject matter educators, compassionate volunteers, and an advisory board to create a culture to innovate and adapt

Four Phases to Creating a Robust Circle:

• Phase One – Shift our Model: Roll out Housing Retention Program & Addiction Recovery Options
• Phase Two – Shift ourselves: Training, Renovations, Dream Meetings, Invite those we serve to the table, Advisory Board Partners
• Phase Three – Build it Up: Peer to Peer Support (Hope Nights, Celebrate Recovery, Mentorship Program, Create a family of support)
• Phase Four – Keep adapting and growing as it evolves to continue meeting needs

Why Is This Important To Our Community, Our County?

The National Alliance to End Homelessness estimates that a person experiencing chronic homelessness costs the taxpayer an average of $35,000 a year (2016). 12 households of 4 served through housing retention means a $1.6 million savings.

It takes time to build something new. It is always a slow start. However, each year, we will be able to measure the growth and impact and be able to unfold the next goals for the next year. We believe that the longer-term effects will ripple – we will be able to share those successes as they come.

We hope that you can get behind us and support this new chapter in our history of service to our community. If you have questions, please contact us. To learn more, click here.

Local Leadership

Captain Christina and Lieutenant Daniel Champlin

How blessed are we to have all their experience and compassion helping us continue "Doing the Most Good" in Fond du Lac!

A Brief Look Into Our History

The way we help has changed over the course of our 130 years. We’ve adjusted our focus many times to respond to community need, for as long as needed, most notably:

• Opening and operating Kindercare in 1973-2008 to offer quality, affordable childcare
• Beginning FDL Operation Back to School in 1989 to offer free school supplies (now Back to School FDL)
• Creating the Brown Bag Lunch program in 1993 to offer free lunches in summer (the program distributed over 13,000 lunches in 2019)
• Partnering with St. Agnes Hospital to begin free healthcare through The Samaritan Free Health Clinic in 1993
• Opening The Salvation Army Warming Shelter in 2015 to offer free winter shelter for homeless adults

Get in Touch

The Salvation Army Fond du Lac
237 N. Macy St.
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
(920) 923-8220
FDLSAinfo@usc.salvationarmy.org