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.
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Paint for Peace - Denim Day
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Lad Lake is proud to congratulate CEO Donelle Hauser on being selected as a recipient of the prestigious Harvard Business School Club of Wisconsin Nonprofit Leadership Scholarship!
Chosen through a competitive statewide process, Donelle will attend Harvard Business School's Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management executive education program this July. The knowledge, innovative strategies, and national network she gains through this experience will strengthen Lad Lake's ability to serve youth and families, enhance organizational leadership, and position the agency for continued growth, innovation, and long-term impact in our communities.
Full Story Here:
Harvard Business School Club of Wisconsin: Announces 2026 Nonprofit Leadership Scholarship Recipients July 14, 2026 MILWAUKEE, Wis. (July 14, 2026) – The Harvard Business School Club of Wisconsin today announced Donelle Hauser, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lad Lake, and Polina Makievsk...
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What a beautiful day for our annual Kettle Classic Bike Walk Run! To every rider, runner, walker, sponsor, volunteer, staff member, and friend who showed up for Lad Lake - thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Because of you, this event was more than miles on a route. It was community. It was encouragement. It was hope in motion for the youth and families we serve. Every pedal, every step, every helping hand, every sponsorship, and every smile helped create a day filled with connection, purpose, and support. Your kindness reminds us that when we come together, we
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JUNETEENTH! A day that honors freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equity and opportunity for all. At Lad Lake, we believe every young person deserves the support and resources they need to thrive. Yet, disparities persist. Black youth are more likely to experience barriers to mental health care and are disproportionately represented in systems that impact long-term outcomes. Through education, mentoring, therapy, crisis care, and residential services, we remain committed to helping youth heal, grow, and succeed. Let's celebrate progress and acknowledge the work that remains. ❤️💛💚 Happy Juneteenth. #Juneteenth #HopeEqualsHealing #LadLake #YouthMatter #EquityAndOpportunity