What We Do

The Wheaton Franciscan – St. Joseph Foundation is committed to bettering the lives of those in our community and of those who come to our facilities for treatment. Your generosity not only helps us improve the quality of care delivered to our patients, but also eliminates traditional barriers to affordable and accessible health care for some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

Whether we are providing bus tickets so low-income patients can make it to their appointments, easing the financial burden of a cancer patient by paying their rent or bills for a month, or giving away a car seat to a newborn’s family to ensure that our infants get home safely, we are dedicated to the health and dignity of all of our patients, regardless of their ability to pay.

The Foundation for St. Joseph's commitment to serving our patients encompasses a number of different and specific service lines – from Neurology Care to Orthopedic Services, you can be assured that 100% of your gift is making a direct and meaningful impact to a cause that is important to you.

Angel of Hope Clinic Fund – Provides primary health care services for low-income individuals through the support of community clinics. Supports the Angel of Hope Clinic, a collaborative effort serving Milwaukee’s south side communities for nearly 15 years. Special emphasis is placed making health care more accessible for Milwaukee’s Latino community.

Cancer Care Fund – Provides equipment and resources to patients to ease the burden of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Supports Su Salud, an innovative breast health community education program. Underwrites the cost of screenings and procedures for uninsured, underinsured, and undocumented patients who are unable to access other forms of government or community assistance.

Community Outreach Fund – Provides the building blocks to make our patients and neighbors healthier now and into the future. Makes a difference in the lives of others through health education and community-strengthening projects.

Emergency Department – Supports needed updates for the Emergency Department at St. Joseph Hospital and the expanding population it serves to enhance safety, efficiency, and rapid delivery in a dynamic environment.

Hope Fund – Supports direct financial assistance to patients who are forced to take work leave in order to meet the demands of their treatment schedules. Oncology case workers identify patients in need of medication assistance, or short-term financial relief with ongoing expenses such as rent, utility bills, or insurance payments.

Infant and Children Care Fund – Provides a continuum of health services for infants, children and young adults. Gives at-risk newborns a safe start in life by providing safe sleep systems and other equipment to low-income families. Underwrites health education projects for area children to help ensure that every child is living and learning in a safe and supportive environment.

Medical Education Fund – Supports the educational efforts of Wheaton Franciscan -North Market associates in the pursuit of health education and professional development goals. Scholarships have a positive impact on the lives of patients as associates grow their knowledge and experience base.

Mother Angela Safety Net Fund - Supports patients in crisis by providing food, prescription, medical supply, and transportation assistance to those in need. Eliminates barriers to life-saving medical care for those who are otherwise unable to access the health-care system.

Neurology Care Fund – Underwrites education programs for patients suffering from a wide range of neurological disorders, with special emphasis on patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Provides complementary and alternative therapeutic programs, including yoga and art therapy. Supports direct financial assistance to patients who are unable to meet the financial burdens often associated with treatment for neurological disorders.

Nutrition and Diabetes Fund – Underwrites programs to provide clinical experts and educators to facilitate group discussions and demonstrations on the importance of healthy eating and active lifestyles. Through collaborative partnerships, the program seeks to prevent diabetes within our youth and ensure sustainable health options through adulthood.

Orthopedic Education Fund – Supports the educational efforts of Wheaton Franciscan – North Market associates, individually or in groups, to further their knowledge of orthopedics.

Orthopedic Patient Assistance Fund – Supports direct financial assistance to patients who are unable to meet the financial burdens often associated with orthopedic surgery, including equipment and post-surgical therapies. Provides short-term financial relief for patients who are forced to take work leave in order to meet the demands of their treatment schedules and recovery period.

Special Care Nursery – Supports our most vulnerable patients – premature, special needs, and drug-withdrawal infants. Provides enhancements to the Special Care Nursery at St. Joseph Hospital to ensure that all our babies and their families receive care with the best technology, service, and comfort available.

Ensuring comprehensive, compassionate services are available to patients of the Wheaton Franciscan Cancer Care – David M. Sherman Center.

Investing in a healthy start to life for the over 700 infants who are served each year by the Pettit Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Training 6,000 school children annually in life-saving first aid skills.

Providing charitable care to our neighbors who are low-income, uninsured, or underinsured.

Our Funding Priorities