The Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge History
Great Lakes Women’s Rehab is a part of Adult & Teen Challenge. Originally founded in Brooklyn, New York, by Rev. David Wilkerson in 1958, Adult & Teen Challenge has helped thousands of individuals struggling with life-controlling issues and substance abuse find hope in Christ and experience true recovery. Today, more than 110 recovery centers operate across the United States and over 1,200 in 122 countries – making it the largest faith-based residential treatment network in the world.
Adult & Teen Challenge’s Great Lakes Roots
Sensing a need in the Great Lakes community, the founders of our Milwaukee programs began meeting in 1983. Led by the Holy Spirit, a faithful group of business leaders and ministers opened our first adult residential treatment program in 1989. Within five years, we raised enough funds to purchase an old nursing home facility, which became our Men’s Center of Hope. This residential facility became a foundation for the continued growth of our Milwaukee ministries. In 2002, the Great Lakes programs acquired the car lot next door, launching our Vehicle Donation Program, which continues today as a way to provide vocational training and consistent operational support.
Great Lakes Women’s Rehab Program
Our Christ-centered residential treatment for women began in 1999 by repurposing the former New Life for Girls Home in Waukesha, WI. In 2001, a generous donation from The Fleck Foundation provided a new building to house up to 30 women, named the Robby Dawson Home for Women. With God’s guidance, we continue to expand our capacity to serve women seeking life wellness and lasting recovery.
Great Lakes Men’s and Women’s Programs Today
Shortly after celebrating our 20th anniversary in 2003, Great Lakes Men’s and Women’s programs partnered with ministry development experts, BBS & Associates, to strengthen our vision and long-term goals. Over the following decade, we expanded and improved our adult residential treatment programs with overwhelming community support through gifts, donations, and prayer. In 2017, we opened our Super Thrift Store, which continues to provide vocational training and skill development opportunities for participants.
Prayers for the Future
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” – Jeremiah 29:12.
Through the years, we’ve been blessed to serve men and women seeking freedom from substance abuse and other life-controlling issues. There is still much work to do, and many lives to reach. We ask that you keep Great Lakes Women’s Rehab and our Milwaukee residential treatment programs in your prayers as the Holy Spirit continues to direct our mission. Your support makes this work possible.
