Faith-Based Recovery in Milwaukee
Transforming Lives Since 1983
Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge is a Christian residential recovery program in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Since 1983, we have helped more than 1,000 men and women overcome drug addiction, alcohol addiction, and other life-controlling issues through long-term, faith-based recovery centered on Jesus Christ.
Founded in 1983, Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge has become a trusted Christian recovery program serving men and women throughout Milwaukee and the surrounding communities. Our long-term residential program combines biblical discipleship, personal responsibility, life skills, and a supportive faith-based community to help individuals build a foundation for lasting recovery.
Today, we serve more than 60 men and women each day through an affordable residential recovery program that includes:
- Occupational skills training
- Bible-based teaching and Christian discipleship
- One-on-one mentorship
- Structured daily routines
- A supportive, Christ-centered community
At Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge, we cultivate a culture of responsibility. We believe that by taking ownership of our actions, we come to realize our dependence on God’s grace. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, lives are transformed, relationships are restored, and men and women discover lasting hope and purpose.
What Is the Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge Christian Recovery Program?
Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge is more than a recovery program for individuals facing addiction and other life-controlling issues. Our mission is to help each person develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ while building the spiritual foundation, practical life skills, and daily habits needed for lasting freedom, restored identity, and a purpose-filled life.
Watch the short video below to learn how our faith-based recovery program helps men and women experience lasting transformation through Christian discipleship, personal growth, and long-term residential support.
About Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge
| General | |
| Program Name | Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge |
| Program Details | Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge is part of the Adult & Teen Challenge network, providing a long-term Christian residential recovery program in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for adult men and women ages 18 and older. The program helps individuals overcome drug addiction, alcohol addiction, and other life-controlling issues through biblical discipleship, structured residential living, life-skills development, vocational training, mentoring, and a supportive Christian community. |
| Founder | David Wilkerson |
| Founding Date | 1983 |
| Contact Information | |
| Location | Milwaukee, WI 53225 |
| Website | https://greatlakesatc.com/ |
| Telephone | 414-748-4357 |
| [email protected] | |
| Address | 9236 West Appleton Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53225 |
| Organization Information | |
| Licensed? | No. Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge is not a state-licensed addiction treatment facility. It is a faith-based, long-term Christian residential recovery program that helps adults overcome addiction and other life-controlling issues through biblical discipleship, structured residential living, life-skills development, vocational training, mentoring, and a supportive Christian community. As part of the Adult & Teen Challenge network, the program focuses on spiritual growth, personal responsibility, and lasting life transformation rather than licensed clinical addiction treatment. |
| Accreditations | None. Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge is a faith-based Christian residential recovery ministry and is not accredited as a licensed addiction treatment facility. The program operates as part of the Adult & Teen Challenge network and focuses on long-term biblical discipleship, personal growth, life-skills development, and lasting recovery. |
| Strengths | Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge provides long-term Christian residential recovery for adult men and women in separate facilities. The program combines biblical discipleship, structured residential living, one-on-one mentoring, life-skills development, vocational training, work therapy, and a supportive Christian community to promote lasting recovery and personal transformation. Since 1983, Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge has helped more than 1,000 men and women build healthy relationships, strengthen their faith, develop practical life and work skills, and prepare for successful independent living. |
| Religious Affiliation | Yes. Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge is a non-denominational Christian residential recovery ministry centered on biblical discipleship and the teachings of Jesus Christ. |
| Other Affiliations | Adult & Teen Challenge |
| Reference Checks | Applicants may be asked to provide personal, pastoral, employer, or family references during the admissions process. Reference checks help the admissions team better understand each applicant’s background, readiness for the program, and available support system. |
| Site Visits | Contact admissions for more information. |
| Length of Stay | Approximately one year. |
| Enrollment Period(s) | Year-round admissions. |
| Number of Students | Accommodates up to 60 men and 30 women in separate, dedicated facilities. |
| Target Population | |
| Ages | Adults ages 18 and older. |
| Gender(s) | Adult men and women ages 18 and older. Men and women participate in separate residential recovery programs with dedicated facilities, staff, and programming designed to support their individual recovery journeys. |
| Ideal For | Adults ages 18 and older who are seeking freedom from drug addiction, alcohol addiction, or other life-controlling issues and are willing to commit to a long-term, Christ-centered residential recovery program. Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge is ideal for men and women who desire lasting life change through biblical discipleship, structured community living, one-on-one mentoring, vocational training, life-skills development, and spiritual growth. |
| Program Structure | |
| Program Structure | Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge is an approximately 50-week Christian residential recovery program for adult men and women. The program is divided into four progressive phases that combine biblical discipleship, structured daily routines, one-on-one mentoring, life-skills development, vocational training, work therapy, spiritual growth, and transition planning. Each phase builds upon the previous one, helping participants develop healthy habits, personal responsibility, practical life skills, and a strong foundation for lasting recovery and independent living. |
| Program Design | Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge is designed to provide long-term, faith-based residential recovery through a holistic approach that addresses the spiritual, emotional, physical, and practical needs of each participant. Residents engage in biblical discipleship, structured daily routines, mentoring, vocational training, life-skills development, work therapy, and community living to build the character, skills, and support needed for lasting recovery and successful independent living. |
| Specialized Focus | Long-term Christian residential recovery for adult men and women overcoming drug addiction, alcohol addiction, and other life-controlling issues. Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge specializes in biblical discipleship, structured residential living, one-on-one mentoring, life-skills development, vocational training, work therapy, and spiritual growth to promote lasting recovery and personal transformation. |
| Trauma-Specific Tools | Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge provides a safe, structured, and Christ-centered residential environment where participants can begin healing from the effects of past trauma through biblical discipleship, one-on-one mentoring, healthy relationships, spiritual guidance, daily accountability, and supportive community living. While the program is not a licensed clinical trauma treatment provider, individuals who require specialized mental health or trauma therapy may be referred to qualified licensed professionals when appropriate. |
| Trauma-Informed Care? | Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge recognizes that many individuals entering the program have experienced trauma and strives to provide a safe, structured, and supportive Christian residential environment. Through biblical discipleship, one-on-one mentoring, healthy relationships, and compassionate care, the program seeks to promote healing and personal growth. Participants who require specialized clinical trauma treatment may be referred to qualified licensed professionals when appropriate. |
| Community Focus | Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge emphasizes the importance of a Christ-centered residential community where participants encourage one another through shared experiences, daily accountability, mentorship, worship, service, and healthy relationships. Living in a structured, supportive environment helps residents develop character, build meaningful connections, strengthen their faith, and prepare for lasting recovery and successful independent living. |
| Life Skills Training | Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge equips participants with practical life skills that support long-term recovery and independent living. Through structured daily routines, personal responsibility, financial stewardship, communication, time management, conflict resolution, healthy relationship-building, vocational development, and goal-setting, residents develop the confidence and skills needed for success after completing the program. |
| Trade Skills Training | Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge provides vocational and work-based training that helps participants develop a strong work ethic, practical job skills, teamwork, problem-solving abilities, communication, and professional responsibility. Through hands-on work experiences and daily responsibilities, residents gain valuable employment skills that prepare them for meaningful work, greater independence, and long-term success after graduation. |
| Cost | |
| Estimated Cost | Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge is committed to making long-term Christian residential recovery affordable. Program costs are significantly reduced through the generous support of donors, churches, businesses, and community partners. Financial assistance may be available for qualified applicants. Contact the admissions team for current program costs, payment options, and scholarship opportunities. |
| Financial Assistance | Program costs are intentionally kept low to make long-term Christian residential recovery accessible. Financial assistance may be available for qualifying applicants. Contact admissions for details. |
| Insurance | Applicants should provide a valid medical insurance card, if covered, for incidental medical needs during the program. |
