Milwaukee Bucks Legend Marques Johnson Joins Forces with Serenity Inns to Combat Opioid Epidemic in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (April __, 2024) — In a powerful move to address the ongoing opioid crisis gripping Milwaukee, Serenity Inns proudly announces the involvement of Milwaukee Bucks legend and former NBA All-Star Marques Johnson in its ambitious capital campaign. Johnson’s commitment to the cause marks a turning point in the organization’s relentless fight against substance use disorder and overdose deaths that have devastated the community.

Johnson will serve as an advocate and cabinet member for Serenity Inns’ $3 million capital campaign fundraising committee. Johnson’s decision to champion Serenity Inns’ cause brings an added dimension of personal conviction to the campaign. By continuing to successfully deal with his own struggles with substance use disorder one day at a time, Johnson deeply understands the role of support and community in the recovery journey.

“Serenity Inns’ mission resonates with me on a profound level,” Johnson expressed. “As someone who has walked the path of recovery, I know firsthand the transformative impact of having access to supportive resources and a compassionate community. It is a privilege to stand alongside Serenity Inns and help empower more individuals in our city to rebuild their
lives and break free from the chains of addiction.”

Serenity Inns recently broke ground on a transformative $3 million treatment facility in the heart of Milwaukee’s 53208 zip code. This expansion will add 14 much-needed beds to its existing residential treatment services, allowing the organization to serve an additional 56 men a year. The new facility reinforces Serenity Inns’ dedication to providing comprehensive support and a path to recovery for men, regardless of their resources.

“Seeing the concrete work begin on this project fills me with immense pride and anticipation,” shared Kenneth Ginlack, CEO of Serenity Inns. “We expect to complete construction by July or August, enabling us to extend our reach and impact more lives. Our current 12-bed facility will continue operating alongside the new building, while our sober living ‘alumni house’ accommodates 14 men who have successfully emerged from our treatment program.”

The need for expanded treatment options has never been more urgent. Serenity Inns receives an average of five calls per day from individuals seeking help, while the county recently reported an estimate of approximately 200 people in need of residential treatment services. This situation underscores the critical importance of Serenity Inns’ capital campaign and the necessity of increased support for those struggling with substance abuse, particularly in under-resourced areas like Milwaukee.

For 20 years, Serenity Inns has stood at the forefront of combating substance use disorder and the devastating opioid epidemic in Milwaukee. The organization’s efforts have provided a path to recovery for 690 men.

As Milwaukee is faced with an overwhelming demand for treatment services, the expansion of Serenity Inns’ facilities offers a glimmer of hope to those desperately seeking a path to recovery. With the support of community leaders like Marques Johnson and the progress of its capital campaign, Serenity Inns is poised to make an even greater impact in the fight against substance use disorder.

About Serenity Inns:
Serenity Inns has been at the forefront of providing recovery and treatment services since its establishment in 2004. A collaborative effort initiated by a group of Lutheran churches in the Milwaukee area, the organization emerged to address the pressing need for residential treatment for men struggling with alcohol and drug addictions. With its growth, Serenity Inns has remained steadfast in its commitment to providing structured vocational and rehabilitative services within an environment of support and accountability, enabling men to rebuild their lives. Over the years, Serenity Inns has successfully treated over 690 men through its holistic residential program, which spans three phases over seven months. This comprehensive program addresses its participants’ physical, social, emotional, financial, and spiritual health needs, empowering them to recover and become productive members of society. Serenity Inns prides itself on fostering an environment of support, accountability, and dignity, making it an ideal setting for men committed to lasting change.

For more information about Serenity Inns and its capital campaign, please visit our website at www.serenityinns.org, email Kenneth Ginlack, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at executivedirector@serenityinns.org, or contact Serenity Inns at (414) 873-5474.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.