SSM Health supports Mahala’s Hope fitness program

June 17, 2024

FOND DU LAC – SSM Health is donating $8,500 to Mahala’s Hope – a women’s recovery residence in Eden – to support its wellness center and fitness program. 

Mahala’s Hope offers women in recovery a better chance of success by providing a recovery residence specifically designed to address substance abuse and trauma. 

The program takes a holistic and nature-based approach, with the addition of equine experiential learning, which helps clients learn responsibility, respect, leadership and self-confidence.

Alicia Mattingly, Mahala’s Hope executive director, said research shows regular fitness and yoga programs decrease depression and anxiety, enhance trauma coping skills and increase long-term recovery success.

“We have seen excellent results with our women, such as decreasing the likelihood of drug overdoses or relapse and reducing the potential needs for more emergency room services and crisis management,” she said.

SSM Health Mission Integration Regional Director Dawn Vandenberg said the healthcare organization is “delighted” to support Mahala’s Hope.

“Just like at SSM Health, we know it’s important to look at the whole person to approach treatment addressing all aspects of a person’s life – and yoga and physical activity is one component,” she said.

For more information on Mahala’s Hope, call 920-904-6445 or visit mahalashope.com.