Stories
Stories of Hope
Welcome to Stories of Hope—a place where transformation, redemption, and new beginnings come to life.
Each testimony shared here is more than just a story—it’s a powerful reminder of God’s grace and the life-changing impact of Adult & Teen Challenge Northeastern Wisconsin. From the depths of addiction and brokenness to the light of restoration and purpose, these journeys reflect the incredible healing that happens when faith meets action.
We invite you to read and be inspired. Whether you’re seeking hope for yourself, a loved one, or need a reminder that change is possible, these stories are for you.
EVERY JOURNEY TO FREEDOM HAS A FIRST STEP
What If This Is the Moment Everything Starts to Change?
Our program isn’t just a place to get clean—it’s a place where hearts are healed, hope is restored, and lasting recovery is found through the power of Christ.
By the time I was 17, I started drinking alcohol. But things took a darker turn when I was 25. My first love, who didn’t drink or use drugs, tragically committed suicide. That year, I was introduced to cocaine, and my spiral into addiction deepened. Less than a year after my first love’s suicide, I started dating my ex-wife. I was trying to get clean and sober on my own, but I kept struggling and failing.
I started smoking weed at 16, always telling myself it would be the only drug I used. But by 19, I had started drinking heavily, especially in the construction and concrete industry, where drinking was common. My drinking escalated to consuming alcohol from sunup to sundown. My alcoholism was far beyond the average drinker’s consumption. I then added the use of cocaine and meth to the mix. At first, I thought my life in addiction was normal. It was not until my health began deteriorating that I realized the extent of my problem.
At 14, I started smoking weed, hoping it would help me feel accepted. Unfortunately, it led me down a dark path. I got involved with the wrong crowd and spiraled from smoking weed to taking pills, and eventually became an IV drug user—mostly meth and heroin. What started as a need to belong turned into a full-blown addiction.
At first, my addiction seemed manageable. It was just partying, or so I thought. But eventually, it led to real consequences—an OUI, credit card fraud, and retail theft. My family and I grew distant. Communication became minimal. My addiction led me to cheat, lie, and destroy relationships.