Building Hope to Host Recovery Event at New Location

The community organization offers peer support, socialization, and resources for those seeking addiction recovery.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 2:52pm

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Building Hope, a community-based recovery center in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, is hosting an open house event at its new location on March 21st. The organization provides peer support, daily support groups, computer/internet access, and a safe, trigger-free environment for those in recovery. The event will feature collaborations with the local treatment court and other service providers to support individuals going through recovery programs.

Why it matters

Access to addiction recovery resources and community support can be limited in many areas, so the opening of Building Hope's new location represents an important expansion of services for those in Prairie du Chien and the surrounding region who are seeking help overcoming substance abuse issues. The event highlights Building Hope's role as a bridge between various recovery programs and the local community.

The details

Building Hope first opened in August 2025 and has since expanded its services to include a staffed drop-in center, support groups, and harm reduction resources like Narcan kits. The organization moved to its new location at 133 South Michigan Street, which is centrally located but not directly in the downtown bar district. The upcoming open house event on March 21st is a collaboration with the local treatment court, featuring a recovery luncheon and a speaker meeting on integrating peer support, treatment court, and other recovery initiatives.

  • Building Hope first opened in August 2025.
  • The organization's board voted to hire a staff advisor on December 29, 2025, which allowed the drop-in center and group sessions to expand.
  • The open house event is scheduled for Saturday, March 21, 2026.

The players

Building Hope

A community-based, peer-run recovery center in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin that offers support programs, resources, and a safe space for those seeking addiction recovery.

Quinn Echard

The recovery center's advisor at Building Hope.

Ian Gillitzer

The vice president of the Building Hope Board.

Crawford County Treatment Court

The local treatment court program that is collaborating with Building Hope on the open house event.

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What they’re saying

“Since we've opened, it's amazing the people who have come to the doors and wanted help. What we want to do here is build a recovery community and integrate into the [larger] community.”

— Quinn Echard, Recovery Center Advisor

“The community that we're trying to build is to make it okay to be sober and fit in. We want there to be a safe place in the community that doesn't revolve around those things.”

— Ian Gillitzer, Vice President, Building Hope Board

What’s next

The open house event on March 21st will serve as an outreach for local service organizations to connect with the community and support individuals going through the treatment court's recovery program.

The takeaway

Building Hope's new location and upcoming open house demonstrate the organization's commitment to expanding access to addiction recovery resources and fostering a supportive community for those seeking sobriety in Prairie du Chien. By bridging various recovery programs and services, Building Hope aims to make it easier for individuals to get the help they need and feel welcomed in the local community.