The Inspiring History of Adult and Teen Challenge
In February 1958, a young preacher named David Wilkerson came across a Life Magazine article about seven teenage gang members on trial for murder in New York City. Moved by faith, he traveled to Manhattan, determined to share the Gospel with them. As the trial ended, Wilkerson rushed to the front of the courtroom with his Bible, pleading for an audience with the judge. Security swiftly removed him, but his act of faith made headlines across the country.
Seeing firsthand how drugs and violence were destroying young lives, Wilkerson founded the first Teen Challenge program in 1960 to reach gang members and addicts with the life-transforming power of Christ. His book, The Cross and the Switchblade, published in 1962, became a bestseller, selling over 16 million copies in more than 30 languages. The book’s impact led to a major motion picture in 1972, starring Pat Boone.
What started as a mission in Brooklyn has grown into a worldwide movement. Today, Adult & Teen Challenge operates more than 110 addiction treatment centers across the U.S. and over 1,200 centers in 122 countries, making it the largest faith-based rehabilitation network in the world.
Christ-Centered Healing at Great Lakes Men’s Rehab
As part of this transformative legacy, Great Lakes Men’s Rehab is committed to offering men a structured, faith-based path to recovery. Our long-term residential program combines counseling, mentoring, spiritual guidance, and vocational training, all within a safe, supportive, single-gender environment.
For over 60 years, Adult & Teen Challenge has been a trusted leader in addiction recovery, providing high-quality, affordable treatment programs. Our Milwaukee rehab centers are recognized as some of the premier Adult & Teen Challenge facilities in the country, offering men the opportunity for true and lasting freedom.
Rooted in Milwaukee
The Journey of Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge
In 1983, recognizing a pressing need within the Greater Milwaukee community, the founders of our Great Lakes Adult and Teen Challenge program began their mission. Led by the Holy Spirit, a dedicated group of business leaders and ministers launched our first adult residential program in 1989. Within five years, we successfully raised funds to purchase an old nursing home, transforming it into our Men’s Center of Hope. This facility has become a cornerstone for our Milwaukee programs, providing a safe haven for men seeking recovery.
In 2002, we expanded our efforts by acquiring a used car lot adjacent to our men’s addiction treatment center, which allowed us to initiate our Vehicle Donation Program. This program provides vital operational income and equips our participants with essential job skills, fostering their journey toward independence and self-sufficiency.
Great Lakes Men’s Rehab Program
The journey of our Great Lakes Men’s Rehab Program began in 1983 with our first residential program located on 27th Street. After a few years, the program relocated to 44th and North Avenue, where it thrived under the leadership of Reverend Gene Berres and Bob McDonald. Today, our Men’s Center of Hope is recognized as one of the nation’s premier Adult and Teen Challenge addiction treatment centers, dedicated to helping men reclaim their lives through comprehensive recovery programs.
Great Lakes Adult and Teen Challenge
After celebrating our 20th anniversary in 2003, we collaborated with ministry development experts, BBS & Associates, to refine our vision and enhance our programs. Over the next decade, we significantly improved our adult residential rehabilitation initiatives. As we approach our 40th anniversary, we have been blessed with generous financial support, donations, and, most importantly, prayer, enabling us to open our Super Thrift Store in 2017. This venture provides funding for work therapy training and skill development opportunities for our program participants.
A Vision of Hope – 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
We are profoundly grateful for the opportunity to work with men and women battling drug and alcohol addiction. While we celebrate our achievements, we recognize that there is still much work to be done and many lives to reach. We invite you to keep Great Lakes Adult and Teen Challenge in your prayers as we continue to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our programs and ministries. Your support is invaluable and makes a tremendous difference in the lives of those we serve.
