About Us

We are working toward a society where people with a history of substance abuse problems, people in recovery from addiction, and people at risk for developing these problems are valued and treated with dignity.  The Addiction Resource Council works to create a community where the stigma of addiction and abuse, as well as the accompanying attitudes are eliminated. Our organization works to end discrimination and other barriers to recovery. We aim to create an environment where substance abuse and addiction are recognized as significant public health issues. Addictions are treatable illnesses for which all individuals deserve access to affordable, high-quality treatment and recovery support services.

Science has shown that having hope plays an integral role in individual recovery.  People who work with addicts in recovery know that hope is the most essential element in changing for the better.  Each of us can help restore hope for people with addiction by continuing to support a community that cares and a care system that responds to the needs of the community. 

We want you to know that there is hope.

The Addiction Resource Council is an affiliate of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, along with nearly 100 other Councils nationwide. Alcoholism and other addiction is not a disease concept...it is a disease. And, like many diseases addiction to alcohol or other drugs can be prevented and effectively treated.

If you or someone you know needs help, call us at (262) 524-7921.

Mission:
The Addiction Resource Council, Inc. is committed to serving the residents of Waukesha County by providing alcohol and other drug prevention education, intervention, assessment, referral services, and leadership; for collaboration among institutions, organizations and community-based agencies.

We believe that:

• All human beings are unique, valuable, worthwhile, and deserving of respect
• Alcohol and other drug abuse affects everyone.
• Alcohol and other drug abuse can be prevented and treated.
• Alcohol and other drug abuse services should be easily accessible and available to everyone
• It is essential that services be individualized to the person's identified needs.
• Alcohol and other drug information and education can assist people in making positive choices.
• There is hope.

HISTORY

1969 Initial organization of Council as a result of citizen involvement and Waukesha County Board resolution encouraging organization of citizen group to advocate for needs of the alcoholic.

1971 Alcoholism Council of Waukesha County is incorporated.

1973 Council opens its doors for services; Robert Pritchard named first Executive Director; name changed to Waukesha County Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Abuse, Inc.; Hotline established.

1974 First public open house hosted by Council to acquaint public with Council's role in the community; Council designated as Intoxicated Driver Program assessment facility for Waukesha County.

1975 Council offers 24-hour crisis intervention services including a volunteer transport system to control public intoxication and relieve law enforcement of the health problem associated with alcoholism.

1976 Dean Gard named second Executive Director.

1977 Council begins offering formal prevention education programs in local schools. 1980 Separate assessment and prevention departments are formed.

1981 Kay Twerion named as third Executive Director.

1982 The Home Supportive Care Program for the older Adult is officially initiated with public funding.

1988 Claudia Roska named fourth Executive Director.

1989 The hotline is renamed the Helpline as increasing amount of referrals are for assessment; the Alcohol Assessment Alternative Program (3A Program) for the under-aged drinker is initiated;

1989 Council annex is opened in memory of Kay Twerion as a walk-in referral center and safe haven; Street outreach program initiated to reach those at-risk on contracting HIV; Formal AODA prevention curriculum for schools developed along with teacher training.

1990 CHIP Cosmos curriculum developed and initiated for elementary school children providing an innovative method to interact and teach prevention.

1991 HIV outreach program expanded to include services to the growing Spanish-speaking population in Waukesha County.

1993 Victim impact Program (VIP) initiated for intoxicated drivers under the Council's facilitation.

1995 Information Technology strategy implemented to computerize assessment process and data compilation.

1996 Perinatal Case Management Program initiated to reach pregnant substance-abusing women; Oconomowoc office opened to provide assessment services in western Waukesha County.

1999 Street Outreach Program initiated to reach chronic, homeless, addicted population in Waukesha; Sharing Treatment and Recovery Program (STAR) for women initiated; Annual, state-wide, professional continuing education conference on Women and Special Topics in Addiction initiated;

1999 Council named as 1999 Outstanding Collaborative Effort for Perinatal Case Management Program with Up Connection by the Wisconsin Maternal Child Health Coalition.

2000 Council named as fiscal agent to administer the Waukesha County Tobacco Free Coalition's Master Settlement Agreement dollars; Council begins to offer drug testing to complement assessment and case management services.

2001 Council changes name to Addiction Resource Council, Inc. and moves to new location; Begins study of expanding Council's mission to include research.