Healing Hearts, Healthy Starts
Residential Treatment for Women and
Their Children in Western Wisconsin
At Arbor Place, we believe a mother shouldn’t have to choose between getting treatment and being with her children. Our Women and Children’s Residential Treatment Unit was built on that belief. It’s a purpose-designed facility where women can focus on recovery while their children stay by their side.
This is the only program of its kind in western Wisconsin. The nearest comparable facility in Wisconsin is located in Madison, over 200 miles away. For mothers in our region, this unit changes what’s possible.
We have also co-developed this virtual toolkit aimed at informing about Pregnancy and the effect Substance Abuse will have. Please view it here: APHR Toolkit
Who We Serve
Is This Program Right for You?
Our Women and Children’s Unit is designed for:
Mothers with children
ages 0 to 5 years
(non-school-aged
children)
Pregnant women
at any stage
Primary substance use
disorder requiring
residential-level
treatment
Legal custody or
documented guardianship
of children entering
with you
You don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Our admission coordinator walks every woman through the process from the very first conversation.
What Makes This
Program Different
Recovery and Parenting, Together
Most residential treatment programs require mothers to leave their children behind. That's one of the biggest reasons women rush through treatment episodes, delay treatment, or avoid treatment altogether.
Family-centered treatment approach. Your children are part of your recovery, not separate from it. Our clinical team is trained in family systems therapy and trauma-informed care, addressing both addiction and the unique experiences women bring into treatment.
On-site child activity center. During treatment hours, your children are cared for in a dedicated activity center right in the building so you can focus on your sessions knowing your kids are safe and close by.
Family therapy when appropriate. Sessions are available as part of your individualized treatment plan, supporting the parent-child bond and healthier family dynamics.
Parenting skills built into recovery. We use the Circle of Security parent education program and the Nurturing Parenting for Families in Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery curriculum, an evidence-based program designed specifically for parents in recovery. Both of these programs help you strengthen your relationship with your children and build practical parenting skills while you heal.
Trauma-informed from the ground up. Many women entering treatment carry histories of abuse, intimate partner violence, or other trauma. Every aspect of this program, the physical space, the clinical approach, and the daily structure is designed with that reality in mind.
The Facility
A Space Designed for Healing
This isn't what most people picture when they think of a treatment facility. Every detail of the Women and Children's Unit was planned to feel like home because the environment where you heal matters.
First Level:
Warm lobby with fireplace. Family conference room. Large community room. Child activity and play center. Residential intake suite. Five staff offices. And coming soon ~ outdoor playground area!
Second Level:
Group therapy room. Exercise room. Telehealth office spaces. Four counseling offices. Living neighborhood with shared living room, dining room, and kitchen. Large outside deck area to catch the morning sunrise. Ten private bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. Shared family bathing room with bathtub and baby sink. Comfortable reading nook. Laundry room and pantry. Donation closet for clothing and personal items.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony in September 2025, community members, staff, and supporters described the space as "beautiful," "welcoming," and carrying "an extra layer of dignity." One past staff member said she was brought to tears seeing the vision become reality.
What visitors say
Listen to the special ribbon-cutting episode of our podcast, Arbor on the Air, recorded live during the grand opening.
Hear from the community
Why This Matters
The Need in Western Wisconsin
Women with substance use disorders often face barriers that men do not, such as limited childcare, fear of losing custody, stigma, financial dependency, and histories of trauma. These barriers keep too many women from ever seeking help.
Children are affected too. When a mother can't access treatment, the cycle of addiction continues, impacting the health, development, and stability of the entire family.
Our Women and Children's Unit directly addresses these realities:
Removes the childcare barrier by welcoming children ages 0-5 into the facility
Reduces the fear of family separation that prevents women from entering treatment
Provides gender-responsive care tailored to the physical, psychological, and social needs specific to women
Keeps families together during a critical period, promoting bonding and stability for children
Breaks the cycle by combining substance use treatment with parenting education and family support
Research consistently shows that family-centered treatment produces better outcomes for mothers and their children. Treating a mother alongside her support system is more effective than treating her in isolation.
How To Get Started
Referring a Client or Seeking Help
Getting started is straightforward, and our team is here to help every step of the way.
Three ways to connect:
Your point of contact: Erika Forester is the Admission Coordinator for all women's residential services. She'll guide you through eligibility, funding, and next steps.
Funding may be available. Arbor Place has received grant funding from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to serve as an opioid and methamphetamine treatment center. Funding will not be a barrier for you to get the help you need. Most women are served through a blend of Wisconsin Medicaid and county or grant funding sources.
Supported By Our Community
This program exists because of the investment and confidence of our community. We're grateful for the support that makes this work possible:
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
$4.91 million grant from Wisconsin Opiate Settlement funds for the facility construction
WI DHS Urban and Rural Women's Treatment Grant
One of only six recipients statewide, estimated at $360,000 annually for five years beginning in 2026
Mayo Clinic Hometown Health Grant Program
$30,000 for women's treatment programming
Royal Credit Union Foundation
$30,000 for capital expansion of treatment services
Arbor Place, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
You Don’t Have to Choose Between
Treatment and Your Children.
Recovery is possible, and your family can be part of it.
Reach out today — we’re here to help.
