The January morning was cold, but hearts were warm as the Lee family celebrated the completion of their Habitat for Humanity home. Throughout many months, the family worked alongside volunteers to reach this milestone.
Yer Lee and her two adult sons had lived in an overcrowded home with several other family members. That led Yer, along with sons Joe and Somboon, to apply to the Habitat for Humanity program.
Yer was born in Laos and became disabled as a young girl. After fleeing her country during the Vietnam War, she spent 14 years in a refugee camp before immigrating to the United States. She came to the country as a single mother with four small children. Though times were often tough, Yer kept her family safe and fed. Those early struggles led to this joyous occasion.
The Lee family joined with officials from the Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity, along with volunteers, including many ThedaCare team members, to celebrate their new home.
Big Impact
Participation in the Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity home build was one part of ThedaCare’s “Inspired to Fight for Healthy Housing” efforts. ThedaCare team members stepped up as building crew members, site hosts, and meal providers.
In addition to the Fox Cities Habitat build, ThedaCare team members worked on other projects throughout northeast and central Wisconsin. They included:
- Outdoor improvements at Mission of Hope House in New London
- Indoor and outdoor work at a substance use disorder recovery home in Waupaca
- A Habitat for Humanity home build in Gresham
- Home updates for a Berlin area resident in need
Through these efforts, ThedaCare team members united to create a substantial impact in helping create safe, stable, affordable housing for those in need.
Creating a Healthier Future
Healthy housing efforts are part of ThedaCare’s lifeinspired™ movement. It’s dedicated to creating a healthier future for all. Through the movement, ThedaCare encourages people to take positive steps for their health and well-being.
ThedaCare also has dedicated itself as a leader in population health. As a system, that means we must play an active role in helping address factors that impact people’s health. These are often called social determinants of health. Examples include access to: safe housing, transportation, and neighborhoods; nutritious food and physical activity opportunities; and education, job opportunities, and income.
Inspiration in Action
Our lifeinspired events are one part of the way ThedaCare helps address social determinants of health. Each spring, team members come together for “Inspired to Fight Hunger” food box packing events. In 2024, team members joined across nine ThedaCare locations to pack 3,500 food boxes to distribute to people in need. In the fall, ThedaCare shifts its focus to healthy housing initiatives.
ThedaCare leaders and team members are honored to do their part to make a positive impact on the people we serve.
“Where we live is at the core of our daily lives,” says Jean Blaney McGinnis, Employee Volunteer Program Specialist for ThedaCare. “We know that having a safe place to call home has a significant impact on one’s health.”
