August 20, 2026
Fostering childhood development is an investment in the future of our community. That message was at the heart of ADVOCAP’s recent Community Leaders Luncheon, where nearly 60 business leaders, local government representatives, and community partners gathered at the Hotel Retlaw to learn more about ADVOCAP’s programs and the difference they make in Fond du Lac County, with a special focus on our Head Start preschool program.
The luncheon offered a closer look at Head Start and its role in supporting children and families in Fond du Lac County, while also giving attendees a broader picture of Community Action and the many ways ADVOCAP responds to local needs.
The Impact of Head Start
ADVOCAP Head Start helps children build the skills and confidence they need to enter kindergarten ready to learn, grow, and thrive. But preparing children for school is just one part of what the program provides.
Head Start takes a comprehensive approach to supporting the whole family, combining early childhood education with developmental and health screenings, nutritious meals, family engagement, and connections to resources. These supports help children build the skills they need for school while helping families build stability and access the resources they need to move forward.
During the luncheon, attendees heard personal stories that brought the importance of this work to life. April Mullins-Datko, ADVOCAP Head Start Director, shared her own connection to the program and reflected on the impact Head Start has had on her life and on the many children and families she has supported throughout her career.
As our Presenting Sponsor, LYNC Institute also brought a meaningful perspective to the conversation. Meredith Bieri, Co-Founder and Chief Community Officer, shared her personal story and connection to Head Start, while Vicki Bayer, CEO, reflected on her experience in education and with Head Start as a former district superintendent.
Together, their stories showed the many ways Head Start can positively shape a child’s early years — from building confidence and school readiness to providing support, resources, and relationships that can have an impact on the whole family long after preschool.
Celebrating 60 Years of Community Action
The luncheon also marked an important milestone for ADVOCAP: 60 years of local Community Action.
The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in partnership with Envision Greater Fond du Lac, celebrating six decades of ADVOCAP’s presence and contributions in Fond du Lac County. Head Start is an important part of that history, being part of ADVOCAP since 1967.
Since 1966, ADVOCAP has worked alongside individuals, families, and community partners to address local needs and create pathways toward greater stability and self-sufficiency. Today, that work includes fostering childhood development, meeting basic needs, supporting older adults, strengthening housing stability, and creating workforce opportunities.
Thank You to Our Partners
An event like this comes together through the generosity and involvement of many people and organizations.
We’re especially grateful to LYNC Institute, our Presenting Sponsor, and Alliant Energy Foundation, our Community Sponsor, for their generous support of the luncheon.
Thank you also to the Hotel Retlaw for providing the space, being such great hosts, and creating a comfortable setting for connection and conversation. We’re grateful for their hospitality and the wonderful meal they provided.
We also appreciate Catalyzt’s Events & Experience Stylist, Maggie Mae, for bringing the luncheon together and creating such a thoughtful event experience.
And thank you to Envision Greater Fond du Lac for helping us celebrate ADVOCAP’s 60 years of local Community Action with a special ribbon-cutting.
Most of all, thank you to everyone who joined us. We appreciated the chance to share more about ADVOCAP, highlight Head Start, and connect with those in our community who are supporting children and families alongside us.
Learn more about ADVOCAP Head Start and all of our programs on our Services page.
