About Us
The Hope Council has been serving Kenosha County for more than 55 years, evolving alongside our community to meet changing needs, expand services, and strengthen impact.
What began in 1968 as a small counseling-focused organization has grown into a trusted, community-based resource providing prevention, education, intervention, treatment navigation, and recovery support for individuals and families impacted by substance use.
From the very beginning, our purpose has remained the same: to meet people where they are and connect them to the right support at the right time.
Our Evolution
In our early years, the agency focused primarily on counseling individuals struggling with alcohol use. As awareness of substance use expanded and community needs grew, so did we.
By the late 1970s, the organization had significantly increased its staffing, reach, and services—broadening its focus to include other drugs, prevention efforts, and referral services. This shift reflected a deeper understanding that substance use impacts individuals, families, and the entire community.
Over time, the Hope Council became a recognized leader in Wisconsin for assessment and referral services, particularly through its role in the Intoxicated Driver Program (IDP), ensuring individuals are connected to appropriate levels of care.
At the same time, the organization continued to innovate, developing programs that supported youth, families, and individuals navigating the impacts of substance use, including prevention education, diversion programming, and family-centered initiatives.
A Community-Based Approach
As the field of substance use prevention and recovery evolved, so did our approach. The Hope Council expanded beyond traditional models to focus on a full continuum of care, recognizing that prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery are all interconnected.
This includes:
- Prevention and education for youth and adults
- Assessment, referral, and diversion programming
- Family support and parenting services
- Peer support and recovery connections
- Risk reduction strategies that prioritize safety and dignity
We understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Our work is grounded in compassion, evidence-informed practices, and a commitment to reducing barriers to care.
Moving Forward
Today, the Hope Council continues to grow in both scope and impact. Recent initiatives reflect our commitment to innovation and accessibility, including:
- The implementation of Kenosha County’s first Public Health Vending Machine, providing 24/7 access to free, life-saving and health-related supplies
- Expansion of peer support and navigation services to better connect individuals to care
- Substance Use Disorder counseling services offered at reduced rates
We are actively building toward a more comprehensive, integrated model of care, ensuring individuals and families can access the support they need, when they need it.
Our Commitment
While our programs and services have evolved over the decades, our core belief has never changed: Hope changes everything.
We remain committed to reducing the impact of substance use in our community by providing education, prevention, intervention, treatment support, and referral services, always meeting people where they are, without judgment.
