Jackie Nitschke Center

07/24/2025

International Self-Care Day: Small Steps, Big Impact

July 24 is International Self-Care Day, a global reminder of the importance of making our mental, emotional, and physical well-being a priority. The date 7/24 was chosen intentionally to reflect the idea that self-care should be practiced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s not just something to turn to in times of stress or crisis, but a consistent, everyday practice that supports resilience, balance, and long-term health.

At the Jackie Nitschke Center, we see firsthand how powerful self-care can be, especially for individuals recovering from substance use and mental health challenges. In treatment and beyond, self-care is the thread that weaves together all other aspects of healing. It helps clients rebuild structure, re-establish trust in their bodies and minds, and develop habits that promote ongoing recovery and emotional well-being.

Self-care looks different for everyone, and it doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. The most impactful practices are usually the most sustainable—small, intentional actions that help us stay grounded and connected.

Practical, Everyday Self-Care Ideas

🌳 Take time in nature
Go for a walk in the woods, sit by the water, or just step outside and feel the sun. Even 15 minutes outdoors can reduce stress and boost your mood.

🎨 Do something creative
Try a low-pressure art project, coloring book, or craft. Creativity is a powerful way to express emotions and find calm.

🍽️ Plan a simple night out
Meet a friend for coffee, go to a free community event, or explore a new part of town. Positive social time builds connection and joy.

📚 Unplug and unwind
Turn off your phone, light a candle, and enjoy a book, music, or quiet evening alone. Disconnecting helps recharge your mental energy.

🧺 Tidy your space
Clear a small area—your car, a drawer, or your nightstand. A clean, calm space can bring a sense of control and peace.

📝 Write it out
Jot down three things you're grateful for, or free-write whatever’s on your mind. Writing can be a powerful release and reflection tool.

06/24/2025

🎉 Big news from the Jackie Nitschke Center! 🎉

We are beyond honored to receive a Green Bay Packers Foundation Impact Grant to support our Women’s Residential Treatment program.

This grant allows us to expand trauma-informed care for women in recovery, helping more individuals heal, reunite with their families, and reclaim their lives.
We’re so grateful to the Green Bay Packers Foundation for believing in our mission and investing in real, lasting change in our community. 💚💛

Together, we’re building a future of hope, healing, and recovery.

06/19/2025

June Is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month

From a young age, many boys receive implicit messages that equate strength with control, emotional restraint, and toughness. Expressions of vulnerability—such as crying or asking for help—are often discouraged, subtly framed as signs of weakness or failure. Over time, these messages can manifest in harmful ways, contributing to strained relationships, unmanaged anger, substance use, and a profound sense of internal isolation.

The statistics are sobering. While men are significantly less likely than women to seek mental health support, they are approximately four times more likely to die by su***de. This disparity does not reflect a lack of emotional struggle—it reflects a long-standing cultural expectation that men should suppress those struggles rather than express them.

A growing body of research highlights the link between adherence to traditional masculine norms—such as self-reliance and dominance—and increased rates of depression, shame, and substance use. These findings underscore the need for a cultural shift in how we define strength and resilience.

Promoting mental health care as an act of courage, rather than weakness, is essential. Embracing vulnerability, emotional awareness, and the willingness to seek support are not signs of inadequacy—they are hallmarks of a healthier, more authentic masculinity. At the Jackie Nitschke Center, we help open the door to healing, connection, and lasting well-being

06/12/2025

This Saturday, at the De Pere Piggly Wiggly from 10:30 until 2:00, come and support the Jackie Nitschke Center Alumni as they cook up some tasty brats to support our life saving mission.

Hope to see you there! 🌭

05/21/2025

It was a privilege to be chosen as the Charity Partner for the Rotary Club of Green Bay's Free Enterprise Award Dinner. Congratulations to Randy Homel of the Foth Companies on receiving this esteemed award for being an exemplary leader of his organization and the community.

05/09/2025

Understanding Trauma: Its Lasting Impact on Mental Health

Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to explore how trauma, especially when left unaddressed, can have deep and lasting effects on mental health. At the Jackie Nitschke Center, we see firsthand how trauma can shape a person’s emotional, physical, and behavioral well-being. Trauma isn’t limited to a single event. It can result from ongoing situations like abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or growing up in a chaotic or unsafe environment. These prolonged or repeated experiences are often linked to Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), which includes symptoms like emotional dysregulation, negative self-image, and difficulty in relationships. Many individuals use drugs or alcohol to numb pain or cope with overwhelming emotions. That’s why the Jackie Nitschke Center uses a trauma-informed approach to care, creating a safe, respectful environment where clients can heal both mentally and physically.

Common Signs of Complex PTSD
• Persistent feelings of sadness, shame, or guilt
• Difficulty controlling emotions, including anger or fear
• Trouble maintaining relationships or trusting others
• Dissociation or feeling disconnected from oneself
• Distorted sense of self-worth or hopelessness
• Flashbacks or nightmares related to prolonged trauma
• Avoidance of triggers, people, or places associated with the trauma

Therapies and Coping Strategies That Can Help
• Trauma-focused therapy, such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
• Group therapy for connection and support
• Mindfulness and grounding techniques to manage distress
• Yoga, movement, or expressive arts therapies to reconnect with the body
• Medication management for anxiety, depression, or sleep issues
• Building a daily routine that includes self-care and stability
• Peer support groups for individuals with similar experiences

05/05/2025

We’re honored to be selected as the 2025 Charity Partner for the Rotary Club of Green Bay’s Free Enterprise Award banquet!

A heartfelt thank you to the Rotary Club of Green Bay and The Business News for choosing to spotlight recovery and mental health as part of this year’s celebration of business leadership.

For over 50 years, the Jackie Nitschke Center has provided life-saving treatment and support for individuals and families affected by addiction and mental health challenges. The funds raised through this event will help us continue to offer hope, healing, and a path forward for those who need it most.

Join us for an inspiring evening that celebrates both the power of business and the strength of community.

🗓️ May 19, 2025 | 5:30–8:30 p.m.
📍 The Oneida Hotel
🎟️ Learn more or register: greenbayrotary.org/fea

💙 We're proud to support local impact!

The Rotary Club of Green Bay and The Business News is excited to announce the Jackie Nitschke Center as the 2025 charity partner of the Free Enterprise Award banquet!

For over 50 years, the Jackie Nitschke Center has provided life-saving treatment, education, and support for adults and families affected by addiction and mental health challenges right here in our community. Funds raised from this year’s banquet will help further their mission of hope and healing.

🎉 Join us in celebrating business leadership and supporting meaningful change.

📅 May 19, 2025 | 5:30-8:30 pm
📍 The Oneida Hotel
🎟️ Learn more & register: greenbayrotary.org/fea

04/21/2025

The Brown County Coalition for Change has created a survey to better understand the community's needs related to Substance Use, Recovery, and Prevention. Please take a moment and follow the link to let your voice be heard.

HELP SET THE COURSE FOR CHANGE

The Brown County Coalition for Change mission is to empower the Brown County community to live healthier, safer lives by preventing substance misuse, promoting recovery, and fostering a culture of wellness and support. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, we aim to reduce the impact of drug and alcohol misuse, providing resources and guidance to individuals and families.

We need your input to better understand the community's needs. Please take a few moments to share your thoughts about substance use, recovery and prevention efforts in Brown County.

📝https://bit.ly/CFCCommunitySurvey

04/07/2025

Every April, communities across the nation observe Alcohol Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding of alcohol misuse and its profound impact on individuals and families. Established in 1987 by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), this month-long observance encourages people to learn more about the dangers of excessive drinking and how to support those in recovery.

At the Jackie Nitschke Center, we are committed to providing life-saving treatment and support to those affected by alcohol use disorder. This Alcohol Awareness Month, we encourage you to recognize the signs of alcohol misuse and offer compassionate support to those in need. Together, we can foster a healthier, more informed community. Click the link for additional information. https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/addiction/how-to-help-alcoholic

03/18/2025

Shout out to Leadership Green Bay Team 6! 🎉
Their team is fundraising to create a patio gathering area for the JNC Recovery Homes, providing a welcoming space for families to connect. A huge thank you to the Preble Optimist Club for their generous donation toward this project! 💙

Shout out to Team 6! 🎉

They recently presented a check to the Jackie Nitschke Center, on behalf of the Preble Optimists, to go toward their team project which will create an outdoor family space for their recovery homes!

03/17/2025

Our website is currently down due to server issues. It will be back up soon!

03/14/2025

Thank you to the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation () for supporting Jackie's Legacy Financial Assistance Program with a Funds for Greater Green Bay grant. This program helps inspire hope in individuals seeking treatment. Together, we're growing good! 🤝