Who We Are
WCS is a nonprofit human services organization that provides access to a continuum of services for individuals facing challenges with justice system involvement and behavioral health needs, as they bridge the gap between where they are today and where they would like to be.
Many of the individuals we partner with are disconnected from resources, services, and support systems; honoring the spirit in which we were founded in 1912, WCS strives to be a “Friend of the Friendless” in all things. We empower individuals to take ownership of their role in pursuing a positive future.
IN TURN, THIS HAS TRANSFORMATIVE POWER IN STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.
Our Mission
WCS advocates for justice and community safety, providing innovative opportunities for individuals to overcome adversity.
Our Mission
WCS advocates for justice and community safety, providing innovative opportunities for individuals to overcome adversity.
Our Goals
- To provide children, youth, adults, and families with quality services that are effective, welcoming, compassionate, and responsive.
- To promote services and approaches within WCS and in the broader community that provide hope and opportunity for people with substance use, mental health, or co-occurring needs.
- To promote a culture of accountability that empowers individuals to meet their own goals and contribute to a strong and healthy community.
- To focus services, partnerships, and advocacy on the underlying causes of involvement in the child welfare, justice, and behavioral health systems.
- To ensure that the development of WCS programs and services is based on quality data, evidence of effectiveness, research, and the voices of the people we serve.
Our Goals
- To provide children, youth, adults and families with quality services that are effective, welcoming, compassionate and responsive.
- To promote services and approaches within WCS and in the broader community that provide hope and opportunity for people with substance use, mental health or co-occurring needs.
- To promote a culture of accountability that empowers individuals to meet their own goals and contribute to a strong and healthy community.
- To focus services, partnerships and advocacy on the underlying causes of involvement in the child welfare, justice and behavioral health systems.
- To ensure that the development of WCS programs and services is based on quality data, evidence of effectiveness, research and the voices of the people we serve.
Why We Exist
We address the individual and systemic barriers that prevent members of our communities from leading productive and healthy lives.
Difficult life experiences, behavioral health needs, trauma and structural inequity are all factors that lead to justice system involvement. These factors also fuel the isolation and exclusion of historically underserved individuals and those with significant needs.
Historically, Wisconsin has had a high rate of disproportionate incarceration among communities of color. There has also been a high rate of incarceration and justice system involvement among individuals with behavioral health needs. We believe that greater equity contributes to stronger families and neighborhoods. It also creates better opportunities and improves quality of life.
Fueled by that belief, WCS provides access to a continuum of support services for individuals facing challenges with justice system involvement and behavioral health needs, guiding them as they bridge the gap between where they are today and where they would like to be.
WCS provides people the opportunity to
actualize their own potential for
A BETTER WAY FORWARD.
Our Values
Justice. Respect. Integrity. Pursuit of Excellence
We believe that all services should be person-centered, strength-based, trauma-informed and culturally competent.
WE BELIEVE THAT…
- Every person is valuable, has the right to dignity and deserves to realize their goals.
- Every individual we serve has life goals, and we are committed to empowering people to build their skills and access the resources to actualize their goals.
WE BELIEVE IN…
- Second chances, and in providing opportunities to learn, grow, achieve and find fulfillment.
- Promoting racial equity and inclusion.
- The value of a collaborative and community-based approach to problem solving and service provision.
Our Abilities
We have significant experience in behavioral health and criminal justice service provision.
We have extensive experience with and expertise in:
- Mental health and substance use case management, care coordination and treatment
- Services for individuals with mental health needs returning from mental health institutions or incarceration
- Treatment courts
- 24/7/365 residential services
- Workforce Development services
- Serving adults who are involved in the justice system
- Serving youth who are involved in the juvenile justice system
- Wraparound services to holistically meet the needs of individuals
- Peer Support