'HERE WHEN YOU NEED US.' On June 2, Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) unveiled its new 50-bed residential treatment center in Chippewa Falls, formerly home to the L.E. Phillips Libertas Treatment Center. Héctor Colón (right) the president and chief executive officer, speaks on behalf of the years-long effort at the June 2 grand opening event.

The month of July marks a celebration for the Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) L.E. Phillips Center, as the recovery center will surpass one month in operation at its new location – the former Libertas Treatment Facility in Chippewa Falls (2301 Cty. Hwy. I).

This reopening also marks another celebration, as the surpassing of LSS' $4.6 million ongoing fundraising campaign: "Love Big Campaign: Uniting Hearts to Inspire Recovery in Northwest Wisconsin."

In 2025, LSS acquired what is now the 50-bed, medically monitored and transitional residential treatment center for adult men experiencing substance abuse. That acquisition followed the complete exit of Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) and Prevea Health from the Chippewa Valley and western Wisconsin more broadly.

When the former L.E. Phillips Libertas Treatment Center closed, it was the Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) that stepped in. As Paul Peterson, the manager of donor relations at LSS noted, "we're not starting from scratch."

"We are really focusing on the treatment recovery but also the outpatient (transition) and the support after they leave," he continued. 

"We are proud to share that we have officially reached our $4.6 million campaign goal for the LSS L.E. Phillips Center. This incredible achievement would not have been possible without the generosity, belief and support of so many individuals."

paul peterson

manager of donor relations, Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS)

A grand opening ceremony on June 2, Peterson said, showcased both extensive renovations and collaboration among regional healthcare providers, stakeholders across the state and even former Libertas staff who remain "committed to expanding access to behavioral health services in Wisconsin."

The center is a single-floor facility – a decision made to enhance accessibility and safety for residents – and provides recovery education and relapse prevention services; life skills and reintegration programming; residential substance use disorder treatment; community-based recovery resources and more.

"The facility’s design allows staff to effectively monitor and support residents while fostering a welcoming and therapeutic atmosphere," Sonja Roper and Katie Sweeney, two program managers of residential services with the LSS L.E. Phillips Center, said.

"By increasing access to gender-specific treatment and recovery support, the facility is better positioned to address community needs and support long-term recovery outcomes," the duo said.

Through collaboration with local providers, referral sources and community partners, staffers like Roper and Sweeney are poised to meet the increasing need for recovery services in the Chippewa Valley.

New renovations within the LSS L.E. Phillips Center allow for greater accessibility between staff and residents, Roper and Sweeney shared. (Submitted photo)

One common space of the now LSS L.E. Phillips Center, pictured above. Residents can stay at maximum 120 days at the center, with options for outpatient care and continued recovery services. (Submitted photo)

Mental Health and Substance Use Services Gaps Analysis

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (WDHS) Division of Care and Treatment Services collaborated with the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute in 2025 to investigate gaps within the mental health and substance use services system across Wisconsin.

This assessment was designed to supplement existing quantitative data from state and federal data systems with qualitative data — insights and lived experience perspectives — from service providers and people being served.  

Results from interviews, focus groups and surveys determined four primary themes of gaps in the mental health and substance use services system:

• Gaps in access to care, including workforce issues, lack of services and inaccessible services
• Lack of integrated systems
• Lack of investment in prevention and early intervention
• Gaps as a result of bureaucracy and regulation of the systems

Peterson, on behalf of donor relations, said this the campaign's final financial contribution to the Love Big Campaign – the org was at approximately $4.5 million prior to the center's grand opening – was a wonderful surprise during the center's opening weekend. He noted, "we always want to be making sure we are providing the resources necessary to keep (this) program alive."

"This incredible achievement would not have been possible without the generosity, belief and support of so many individuals, businesses, foundations and community partners – including the L.E. Phillips Foundation – who joined us in bringing this vision to life," Peterson added.

In the years to come, Peterson said, the LSS L.E. Phillips Center hopes to act as a heartfelt call to action for its residents and families: a restoration of life, community strength communities and a future where no local facing mental health or substance use challenges is left behind.

To learn more about the LSS L.E. Phillips Center (2301 Cty. Hwy. I, Chippewa Falls) and its services for adult men in the Chippewa Valley – or make a gift toward future services at the center – visit the organization's webpage online.