ANTIGO, Wis. (WJFW) — A local homeless service center based in Antigo has added a new program to help those struggling with addiction.
William’s 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 and an issue close to her heart.
The Bridges of Hope Program in Antigo was started by Micke after her late husband, Charles, was addicted to drugs and ended his own life died by suicide. She calls the program a scientific approach to recovery for all addictions.
“I am not a counselor or therapist,” Micke said. “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 p.m. folks going through any kind of addiction recovery meet with Micke for a self-management and recovery training.
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,” Micke said. “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,” Micke said. “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.”
Micke says she’s already helped around 70 people since the program started last month. Starting January 5, sessions will be held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights at the Antigo Professional Building.
