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
Another Round of RCYCP Certified Staff at Lad Lake! 🙌 We’re proud to celebrate another group of dedicated team members who have completed the Residential Child & Youth Care Professional (RCYCP) certification—an industry-recognized credential that builds critical skills in trauma-informed youth care. Here’s the best part: At Lad Lake, we invest in YOU. All direct care staff receive this valuable training on the job—empowering you with tools to grow as a youth work professional and boost your marketability in the field. Through our partnership with Waukesha County Technical College, your new hire training also converts to college credit toward WCTC’s
Lad Lake
To our amazing sponsors, incredible participants, and dedicated volunteers—thank you from the bottom of our hearts. This year’s Kettle Classic was more than just our largest event ever—it was a powerful show of what community, compassion, and commitment can do. 🚴♂️ You rode. 🏃♀️ You walked. 🏃♀️ You ran 💙 You gave your time, your energy, and your hearts. Together, we raised over $23,000 in vital support for the more than 1,100 youth and families who turn to Lad Lake each year during some of life’s hardest moments. Your impact reaches far beyond a single day. It means mental health
Lad Lake
🎉 Looking for a FUN night out that also makes an impact? ⚾️ Join Lad Lake at the Milwaukee Milkmen Game on Sunday, July 20th at the beautiful Franklin Field! Not only will you enjoy a summer night of baseball, food, and community fun — but when you purchase tickets through our link, a portion of every ticket sold supports Lad Lake’s mission to empower youth and strengthen families. ❤️ 👉 Get your tickets here: www.gofevo.com/event/Ladlake2025 It’s that simple — have fun, support a cause, make a difference. #LadLake #MilwaukeeMilkmen #SupportYouth #CommunityStrong #FranklinField #NightOutForACause
7/20/25 @ 1:00 PM - Lad Lake