The Jackie Nitschke Center has been saving lives and restoring families from substance abuse for nearly 50 years. Our treatment follows scientifically-proven techniques with a focus on continuing care. The importance of continuing care can’t be understated since research has shown that clients who actively engage in continuing care are more likely to remain sober.
Our program completion rate is among the nation’s highest and focuses on family involvement. We believe that everyone affected by substance abuse, including families, should have a chance at recovery.

Over the years, the Jackie Nitschke Center has evolved into an intensive, continuous, and personal substance abuse treatment facility reaching out to the individuals and families affected by addiction.

Each year, we treat over 250 clients in our Residential and Intensive Outpatient programs, offering a scholarship program for those who struggle to afford care.

We offer traditional residential programs as well as Intensive Outpatient programs. Please visit treatment options for more details.

Our History

The Jackie Nitschke Center traces its roots to March of 1971 when a group of volunteers met to discuss starting a halfway house for alcoholics. In June of 1973, the Samaritan House was open. The facility was designed for males who had completed treatment and needed a structured living environment to remain sober.

In 1977, Belva House, the first female halfway house, was opened. The two combined in 1981 and moved to 630 Cherry Street, our current location.

When the Samaritan House contracted with Brown County to provide care in 1995, its mission transitioned from being a halfway house to providing residential treatment. This meant becoming the primary residential treatment center in Brown County.

In 1997, the facility name was changed to the Jackie Nitschke Center, Inc. in honor of Jackie Nitschke, the wife of Packers great Ray Nitschke. Jackie was a recovering alcoholic and an outspoken advocate in the recovery community. As she shared her journey with others, she taught that the disease of addiction crosses all income levels and families.

Also in 1997, the Jackie Nitschke Center started our Intensive Outpatient program to help provide a continuum of care for people leaving Residential treatment. Since that time, the program has expanded to include people who start treatment at the Intensive Outpatient level of care.