Storm Lake St. Mary’s will soon see expanded access to mental and behavioral health care services, thanks to a three-year, $232,500 grant from the Wellmark Foundation.
The funding is part of a broader initiative benefiting three Catholic schools in the Diocese of Sioux City: St. Mary’s in Storm Lake, St. Rose of Lima in Denison, and St. Patrick’s in Sheldon.
The grant will allow St. Mary’s students to receive services from Catholic Charities therapists two full days each week—doubling the current availability.
St. Rose of Lima and St. Patrick’s will each receive one full day of services weekly. Diocesan officials say the increased access will help meet growing needs among students and families, especially in rural areas where mental health resources are limited.
Catholic Charities leaders say the grant will help children build resilience and emotional well-being, noting that nearly all of Iowa’s rural counties are designated as mental health professional shortage areas.
The Wellmark Foundation emphasized that school-centered care can be a game changer for youth, helping close gaps in access and supporting long-term health.
In other news from St. Mary’s, students in grades 7 through 12 will take the stage this weekend for their fall play, “Dr. Experimentor and the League of Evil.” Performances are 7 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Saturday in the St. Mary’s Gym. Admission is $5 for adults, free for all students and children.
