Tornado damage in Menasha, July 28, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Organizations in the Fox Valley are playing a role in helping the community heal in the aftermath of a destructive tornado.
Samaritan has partnered with Celebration Church in Menasha to offer free walk-in emotional support for individuals affected by the devastation.
Whether you are experiencing damage to your home or business, are currently supporting family and neighbors, or just need a safe place to process everything, licensed Samaritan counselors will be available at no cost. No appointment, registration, insurance or payment is required.
Free services are made possible through a $25,000 grant from The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region.
Executive director of The Samaritan Counseling Center of the Fox Valley, Rosangela Berbert, says emotional wellbeing is important.
“In the aftermath of a disaster, like this, when people are putting their attention on cleaning up and making sure that houses are safe and that people have safe places to shelter and that their kids are safe and all of that, mental health needs, they don’t bubble to the surface yet. It’s something that’s going to surface when people have time to think about, ‘now what?’ she said. “This is the time for people to at least consider, look for your own personal care, look at yourself and take care of yourself because this is going to be a long-term process for us and if we don’t care for our mental health, we’re going to see other problems potentially rising to the surface.”
Licensed Samaritan counselors will be available Wednesday evenings through Sept. 2 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Celebration Church Fox Valley located at 400 Third St. in Menasha.
NAMI Fox Cities will also host a free peer support group for those impacted by the tornado.
The group will meet at Elisha D. Smith Public Library in Menasha on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on the following dates:
- August 19
- August 26
- September 2
The NAMI program is available to adults 18 and older.
Anyone impacted by the storms on July 27 should contact 211 or check with their county on what resources are available to them at this time.
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