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
🌟 Happy Thursday! Check out a #caregiverspotlight on our Synergy School Principal, Phyllis Smith. If you'd like to join our team of all-stars, visit ladlake.org/about/careers
Lad Lake
Looking for your next career opportunity? Stop by the Lad Lake booth at the UMOS Summer Career Fair this Friday to learn about rewarding careers where you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of youth and families. 📅 Friday, July 24, 2026 🕘 9:00 AM 📍 2701 S. Chase Ave., Suite A, Milwaukee, WI 53207 Whether you're exploring a new career path or searching for your next opportunity, we'd love to meet you! Come chat with our team, learn about our open positions, and discover what it's like to build a career with purpose at Lad Lake. ✅
Lad Lake
Yesterday, our Bright Lights, Big Dreams Committee came together to continue planning an unforgettable evening on Thursday, October 8, at the Wisconsin Club an event that will celebrate hope, healing, and the incredible potential of the young people served by Lad Lake. We also took a special moment to celebrate our CEO, Donelle Hauser, on her acceptance into the Harvard Business School Social Enterprise Certificate Program! We are so proud of Donelle and the leadership, passion, and commitment she brings to Lad Lake every day. Congratulations, Donelle! We cannot wait to see how this experience strengthens your leadership and creates