Project RETURN – Changes Support Groups

About Project RETURN – Changes Support Groups

Project RETURN Changes Support Groups is a community-based substance use support program in Milwaukee, Wisconsin offering outpatient AODA counseling and peer support for clients impacted by incarceration. The approach is peer led and trauma informed with many staff members who are themselves formerly incarcerated which builds credibility and trust with clients.

Reentry-Focused Addiction Support Programs

Clients typically begin through self referral or a Department of Corrections referral followed by an intake meeting to connect with the right services. The continuum centers on outpatient AODA support and ongoing aftercare rather than residential treatment.

Participants can expect weekly AODA support groups facilitated by a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor along with Circles of Support that provide structured recurring peer networks. Specialized circles include women’s groups, brothers’ circles, alumni peer support, and groups for family members of incarcerated loved ones.

Quick Facts About Project RETURN Changes Support Groups

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with services across multiple community sites in southeastern Wisconsin.
Levels of care: Outpatient AODA support groups and aftercare style peer programming.
Who they serve: Adults returning from incarceration, those impacted by the justice system, and their family members.
Approach: Peer led, group based support with AODA counseling and Circles of Support.
Format options: Groups available in person, virtually, or hybrid.
Wraparound services: Housing support, employment assistance, advocacy, and community outreach.
Differentiator: Many staff members are formerly incarcerated, strengthening peer connection and trust.

Edited by: Kimberly Hawkins, MSc

Last Updated: June 11, 2026

Addiction Treatment Programs

Alcohol Rehab
If you’re struggling with your alcohol use, consider an alcohol rehab in Wisconsin. Whether you need detox, inpatient treatment, or outpatient care, an alcohol program will help you build a new lifestyle based on healthy coping mechanisms, better relationships, and a new way of thinking about life.
Dual Diagnosis
If you have both a mental health condition and substance use disorder, you need dual diagnosis treatment in Wisconsin to address both issues together. Whether you need detox, inpatient treatment, or outpatient care, a dual diagnosis program will offer specific support for your mental health needs alongside traditional substance use treatment.
Opioid Addiction
If your life has been negatively impacted by opioid addiction, a high-quality rehab in Wisconsin can help. During this program, you’ll work with professional counselors to deal with the psychological, emotional, and physical issues that opioid misuse can cause. Over time, you’ll learn how to live without substance use long-term.
Adult Program
An adult program in Wisconsin can help clients make healthier life choices and avoid common mistakes. Whether you need detox, inpatient treatment, or outpatient care, an adult program will offer specific support for your emotional, mental, and social needs.
Men's Rehab
When people join a men’s rehab in Wisconsin, they are able to tackle gender-specific issues while receiving treatment. Whether you need detox, inpatient treatment, or outpatient care, a men’s program will offer specific support for your emotional, mental, and social needs.
Women's Rehab
A women’s rehab in Wisconsin can provide every level of care while addressing the unique needs of women. Whether you need detox, inpatient treatment, or outpatient care, a women’s program will offer specific support for your emotional, mental, and social needs.
Changes Support Groups
Peer-led support groups at Project RETURN for individuals in recovery from alcohol and other drug abuse, offering encouragement and community connection for those working toward positive, lasting life changes.
Circles of Support
A community-based accountability model pairing a returning citizen with trained volunteers and a coordinator, helping people impacted by incarceration in Milwaukee sustain recovery and reintegrate successfully.
Women's Circle
A Circle of Support tailored specifically for women impacted by incarceration and reentry, offering peer connection and accountability within Project RETURN’s community-based recovery support network in Milwaukee.
Circles for Individuals Convicted of Sexual Offenses
Project RETURN provides a specialized Circle of Support designed to assist individuals convicted of sexual offenses with community reintegration, pairing them with trained volunteers for accountability and reentry support.
Family & Community Support
Circles of Support meetings welcome family members and community supporters alongside returning citizens, reflecting Project RETURN’s relationship-centered approach to sustaining recovery and stability after incarceration.

Levels of Care

1
Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient treatment in Wisconsin can provide a great way to practice and reinforce new habits formed in residential rehab programs. Building a new life for yourself takes time, and it’s important to have enough support throughout the process. Outpatient treatment allows you to have more intensive or less intensive help, depending on your needs.
2
Aftercare Support
Project RETURN offers ongoing recovery support through weekly Circles of Support and Changes Support Groups, providing reentry-focused, community-based aftercare for individuals recovering from alcohol and other drug abuse in Milwaukee.

Therapies

Family Therapy
Family therapy in Wisconsin can address conflicts in your family so your loved ones can help provide encouragement, support, and accountability as you work through substance use treatment. There are several goals in family therapy. Some sessions may be focused on specific past events, while others address current broken relationships or how good intentions have gone astray. Over time, family relationships can be restored, making recovery easier.
Group Therapy
Project RETURN facilitates peer-led group sessions through Changes Support Groups and Circles of Support, helping individuals in recovery from alcohol and drug abuse build connection and accountability in Milwaukee.