GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – An organization with more than 1,000 addiction recovery centers worldwide opened its new facility Monday on Green Bay’s west side.
Adult & Teen Challenge of Northeast Wisconsin offers counseling for “chemical addictions and other life-controlling problems by addressing their spiritual, physical, and emotional needs.”
The residential treatment facility serves men ages 18 and older. Along with 20 beds, the center also includes amenities such as a chapel, kitchen and exercise room.
“It’s no secret that addiction has really had an impact on the community of Green Bay, as well as Northeast Wisconsin at large,” said Executive Director Vaushawn Johnson. “When you look at the numbers, you see that there has to be more resources available to address that problem here. The goal, really, is just to help people. Ultimately, this ministry is about saving lives.”
Johnson said Adult & Teen Challenge’s one-year, four-level recovery program boasts a 70% success rate. He explained how launching a facility in Green Bay was spurred several years ago, much in part by Chaplain Karen Konrad of the Brown County Jail.
“She saw the revolving door of individuals, men and women, coming in due to addiction and crime. She knew this program was successful and got together with some locals to say, ‘Hey, how can we bring Adult & Teen Challenge to Green Bay?’ So, that really was the inception, just someone being boots on the ground. Seeing the problem, seeing the overdoses, seeing the deaths, seeing the revolving door in county jail. And that’s how we got here.”
According to Johnson, during the year-long program, residents engage in activities like maintenance, cooking/meal prepping, woodworking and small engine courses. Giving back to the local community is also an emphasis.
“We have a work therapy program where residents serve about 20 hours of curriculum a week, and the other 20 hours is going out in the community and serving in different capacities.”
Adult & Teen Challenge of Northeast Wisconsin has already welcomed its first resident. Johnson said he expects the facility to fill up quickly.
“In the past month or so, we’ve gotten over 30 calls. The need is so great for people looking for residential treatment and looking for our program to open, and that’s been going on for the past three years.”
Johnson said the generosity of private donors helps ATC offer their treatment program at little-to-no cost to residents.
“A huge part of our program is that we believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier for someone to change their life. So, that’s what makes us unique. We really go out and find private donors to help pay for people to go through this program at low or no cost to them for those who don’t have the means to be able to come to a one-year treatment program.”
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, visit the Adult & Teen Challenge of Northeast Wisconsin website to submit a resident application. You can also email admissions@atcnew.com or call (920) 930-2444.
Information on how to donate or volunteer is also available on the organization’s website.
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