ANTIGO, Wis. (WJFW) – A local homeless service center based in Antigo has added a new program to help those with unhealthy addictions.
Williams House of Hope has helped more than 450 homeless or in-need people since opening last year. But Case manager Holly Micke saw an opportunity to meet people’s needs in another way close to her heart.
The Bridges of Hope Program in Antigo was started by Holly Micke after her late husband, Charles, was addicted to drugs and ended his own life. She calls the program a scientific approach to recovery for all addictions.
Micke said “I am not a counselor or therapist, I’m specifically a wife that has went through this, and I believe through our shared experiences and peer support that we can help each other as a community.”
Every Monday night at 6:00pm folks going through any kind of addiction recovery meet with Micke for a Self-Management and Recovery Training or SMART session.
William’s House of Hope director, Nicole Barron, says this program offers a beacon of hope and a comprehensive pathway out of addiction that focuses on empowerment and self management, rather than dependency.
“This is why we put ourselves out there for these people,” said Micke. Because they don’t have anyone else and they enjoy that we take the time. We recognize them as a person, not what they have going on.”
Micke believes her late husband Charles is looking down at her smiling at how she’s helping folks and she feels like she is doing what she’s supposed to be doing.
“He’s not alone, there are other people that have suffered. And by doing this we can help all those families, all those people who have been through this. And I like to think he’s happy.” said Micke
Micke says she’s already helped around 70 people since the program started last month. Starting January 5th sessions will be held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights at the Antigo Professional Building.
