The History of Adult & Teen Challenge in Milwaukee
Founded in 1958 by Rev. David Wilkerson in Brooklyn, New York, Teen Challenge has been transforming lives for over six decades. What started as a mission to help young people break free from substance abuse and gang affiliation has grown into a global network of faith-based recovery centers.
Today, Adult & Teen Challenge operates over 110 centers in the United States and more than 1,400 centers across 135 countries—making it the largest faith-based recovery network in the world.
Milwaukee’s Roots in Recovery
In 1983, recognizing the urgent need for recovery services in Milwaukee, a dedicated group of business leaders and ministers came together to establish Adult & Teen Challenge. Guided by faith, they launched our first adult residential recovery program in 1989.
Key Milestones in Our Journey
- 1994: We purchased and transformed an old nursing home into the Men’s Center of Hope, laying the foundation for our low-cost residential recovery programs.
- 2002: We expanded our facilities by acquiring a neighboring used car lot, launching our Vehicle Donation Program. This initiative not only provides job training for our participants but also generates essential funding to sustain our mission.
Great Lakes Women’s Recovery Program
In 1999, we recognized the need for specialized programs for women battling substance abuse and repurposed the former New Life for Girls Home in Waukesha, WI. With a generous donation from The Fleck Foundation in 2001, we opened the Robby Dawson Home for Women, accommodating up to 30 women seeking recovery.
As we continue to grow, we remain committed to expanding our women’s ministry to provide even more faith-based residential treatment options in the Milwaukee area.
Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge Today
After celebrating our 20th anniversary in 2003, we partnered with ministry development experts BBS & Associates to enhance our recovery services. Through diligent efforts over the next decade, we improved all aspects of our Christian substance abuse programs.
Recent Achievements
- 2017: Launched the SuperThrift Store, providing valuable job training and skill development for participants while generating operational income.
- As we approach our 40th anniversary, we continue to receive tremendous support from the community, enabling us to reach more individuals in need of faith-based recovery in Milwaukee.
Looking Ahead with Faith
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”
– Jeremiah 29:12
Throughout the years, we’ve been blessed to assist countless men and women in overcoming life-controlling issues. However, our work is far from complete.
Please keep Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge in your prayers as we navigate the future, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide our programs.
Get Involved
If you’re searching for faith-based recovery center in Milwaukee or want to support our mission, here’s how you can help:
- Pray for those in our programs.
- Donate to support our life-changing work.
- Volunteer your time and skills.
- Share our mission with others in need.
