Guiding Growth
Our trauma-informed and evidence-based practices cultivate healing and hope for more than 1,100 youth and their families each year.
Most youth who engage with services at Lad Lake have experienced multiple, interrelated traumas which have impacted their overall well-being. Because each child is unique, we take an individualized approach to help understand his or her journey including their strengths which helps build a customized, integrated plan utilizing our continuum of care and community partners.
We believe that all children should have the supports they need to succeed in school and life. But for some, family instability, addiction, inadequate resources and trauma challenge that support.
Lad Lake has helped thousands of young people move steadily toward lives of health, safety, opportunity and self-reliance despite challenging personal histories. See how we have been building brighter futures in our Impact Report.
Making a Difference
81% of the youth in our care become self-sufficient in maintaining and improving their physical and mental health.
91% of the youth in our care report they feel more hopeful about the future
95% of Lad Lake youth are living in a safe, stable and supportive environment after completing our programs
Focus Areas
In a trauma-sensitive environment, Lad Lake helps youth dealing with abuse, addiction, aging out of foster care and/or struggling with their mental health.
Services
For our youth, Lad Lake provides safety, individualized therapy, and skill-building for independence through education, residential services and more.
Donate
When you give to Lad Lake, you not only address the needs vulnerable youth and teens, you also invest in addressing some of our community’s most challenging problems today.
Support Lad Lake through Our Annual Events
Paint for Peace - Denim Day
Lad Lake
Real impact happens when we listen to youth and act on what they share. 💬 Through our partnership with Milwaukee Succeeds, Lad Lake is helping ensure young people don’t just have a seat at the table, they’re helping build it. From shaping programs to guiding policy, youth voices are driving meaningful change across our community. Because when young people are empowered to lead, they create solutions that truly reflect their needs and their future. We’re proud to be part of a movement advancing opportunity, equity, and success for every child. 🌟 #LadLake #YouthVoice #MilwaukeeSucceed #CommunityImpact #StrongerTogether
Lad Lake is attending an event at Arte Wine and Painting Studio.
🎨 There’s still time to be part of something meaningful! We’re honored to spotlight Dana Dorn, Vice President of Services - a passionate clinical leader and expert in child and youth systems as a featured speaker at our annual Denim Day event, Paint for Peace, on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 6–8 PM. Dana will share what many don’t often see, the journey youth take after they walk through Lad Lake’s doors. From the weight of trauma and uncertainty… to finding safety, trust, and a future they can believe in. There are still a few seats left for this special
Lad Lake
Last week, our Board of Directors, and the Executive Team at Lad Lake came together for a powerful strategy retreat grounded in purpose and focused on the future. We spent half a day reflecting, dreaming, and mapping out bold pathways to ensure the young people we serve have every opportunity to thrive. From strengthening programs to expanding our impact, the vision is clear: brighter futures, stronger communities, and unwavering support for those who need it most. The future of Lad Lake is full of possibility and we’re just getting started. #OneLadLake #LeadershipInAction #ChangeMakers #FutureisBright