When we began our lives together as husband and wife, we never imagined that founding a non-profit, benefiting individuals struggling with addiction, would be a part of our story. However, in 2007 we lost Andrew’s mother to her own battle with addiction and our lives were never the same. In an instant, we experienced firsthand the loss, pain and devastation that chemical dependency can bring to a family.
For a number of years our family searched for ways to specifically help women struggling with addiction, and in 2015 we were introduced to the global organization of Adult and Teen Challenge. Through a number of serendipitous encounters it was quite clear that God was calling us to begin this journey by opening a center for women in the La Crosse area.
"Through a number of serendipitous encounters, it was quite clear that God was calling us to open a center."
Since officially opening the doors to our women' s center in 2019, we have watched numerous ladies walk through our doors feeling hopeless, lost and broken often with only the clothes on their backs. Each one weighed down by the bonds of addiction and searching for a chance at a new life. What they are met with at ATCW is an incredible staff that shows them love and makes them feel a part of a family.
As only God can do, in January of 2026, He has helped us expand this mission to also provide help for men through our most recent addition of a men’s center in Wausau, Wisconsin. Our staff offers a safe and structured space for men to heal from past traumas, find or reconnect with their faith, and rebuild their lives.
We have had the honor of experiencing God move in mighty ways in our clients’ lives. We have seen the restoration of relationships between parents and their children, inmates given a new hope outside of prison walls, and old lives on a path to utter destruction and death now turned around and thriving.
Some may say that founding a center like Adult and Teen Challenge of Wisconsin is a calling. We believe it is simply giving of our “yes”.
As we celebrate these years of helping individuals find freedom, we are excited to look toward the future. We envision countless more stories of chains being broken, and addiction loosening its grip on mothers, fathers, daughters, brothers, and friends. When someone is set free, they have the ability to cause a ripple effect in the circles around them. Generational curses are broken, children live in more stable environments, friends and co-workers are inspired, and ultimately communities are changed.
Some may say that founding a center like Adult and Teen Challenge Wisconsin is a calling. We believe it is simply giving of our “yes”. At different times in all of our lives, God invites us to partner with Him to make a difference in our world. Frequently, the task feels out of our capacity and stretches us past our comfort zone. But God uses those opportunities to turn the biggest challenges into the biggest blessings.
We will always feel humbled and grateful for the parent’s hug and tearful comment, “Thank you for giving me my daughter, or son, back.” It is truly an honor to watch the beautiful things that God does through our staff behind the doors of Adult and Teen Challenge of Wisconsin.
We believe everyone deserves to live a life free from the bonds of addiction, and we’re grateful for a God that gives us that hope!
Andrew and Jamie Dahl