Building a Future of Healing: Meta House’s Mission and Partnership with Catalyst Construction

The journey that brought me to Meta House wasn’t one I originally planned, yet it feels like fate. I first learned about Meta House through a colleague, and when I heard about its work—helping women heal from substance use disorders so they could be present for their children—I knew I had to get involved.

Meta House’s mission is deeply personal to me. Several members of my immediate and extended family have battled substance use disorders and mental health conditions, so I know first-hand the impact addiction can have on children and families.

When I first learned of Meta House, I was a practicing attorney, recently promoted to partner at a large Milwaukee law firm, and wasn’t looking for a career change.  But forces greater than myself had other plans for my future.

I started as a volunteer at Meta House and later joined the Board of Directors. When the opportunity arose to take on the role of President & CEO, I knew I was where I was meant to be.

For the past seven years, I’ve had the privilege of leading this organization and witnessing firsthand the life-changing impact we have on the women and families we serve.

Breaking the Cycle: Holistic Treatment for Women and Families

At Meta House, we end the cycle of addiction by treating not only the women who seek our help but also addressing the needs of their children and families. We provide residential treatment, outpatient services, and recovery housing—all with a client-centered, holistic approach.

One of the biggest barriers for mothers seeking treatment is the question, “What about my kids?”

We remove that barrier by allowing mothers to bring their children into our inpatient program, ensuring they have a safe, supportive place to heal together.

A New Era: Meta House’s $35 Million Women’s Treatment Center

The demand for our services continues to grow, and in response, we are embarking on the largest project in our organization’s history: a $35 million women’s treatment center. This new facility is about so much more than expanding capacity.

It will allow us to provide the level of care our clients truly need—offering treatment beds and integrated support services like primary care, medication-assisted treatment, mental health counseling, and holistic therapies such as yoga and acupuncture.

Many of our facilities are aging and were not initially built for the type of work we do today. With this expansion, we will be able to create a space that is not only functional but also warm, welcoming, and designed for healing—both for our clients and for the dedicated and hard-working staff who support them.

Choosing the Right Construction Partner: Why Catalyst Construction Was the Perfect Fit

Finding the right construction partner for this project was crucial. We needed a firm that understood the technical and logistical aspects of the build and grasped the heart of what we do. Catalyst Construction stood out from the start.

Throughout the vetting process, it was clear that they weren’t just here to complete a project—they were invested in our mission. They took the time to walk through over 70 potential sites with us, ensuring we found the right location to meet the unique needs of the women and families we serve.

No matter how many times we said, “We think we found one more site to check out,” they never blinked an eye. They showed up, walked every property with us, and helped us realistically assess what was possible.

Collaboration and Compassion: The Catalyst Difference

What truly sets Catalyst apart is its commitment to partnership. This isn’t just a transaction for them. They have been with us every step of the way—attending planning meetings, working through complex logistical challenges, and collaborating with us to ensure that every decision made will best serve our mission.

Many general contractors wouldn’t go to the lengths Catalyst has, but they have approached this project with patience, flexibility, and a deep understanding of our mission.

Their team is not only professional and highly skilled but also deeply human. They’ve become part of our extended family, understanding the critical role this facility will play in transforming lives.

Community Support and Ongoing Partnership

Beyond the build, Catalyst has continued to invest in our success. From supporting our annual gala to having a team member join our Board of Directors, they have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to seeing this project—and our broader mission—thrive.

Designing a Space for Healing and Hope

We are building more than a treatment center. We recognize the complexity of addiction and recovery, and that means seeing each woman not only as someone who needs care but as a person with hopes, fears, and dreams of their own.

Our mission is to heal both the entire person and their family. And that requires a builder who shares those same values.

Healthcare facilities are often governed by safety codes, strict procedures, and standards designed to ensure that operations can commence smoothly. But while these rules are essential, the human side of the equation can sometimes be overlooked.

The danger is that this can turn a critical project like ours into just another institutional building, a commodity to be assembled with a checklist.

That’s something we knew we didn’t want. We needed a partner who understood that the physical space we create would profoundly impact the emotional and psychological healing of the women who walk through our doors—and the families who walk alongside them.

Catalyst Construction has been that partner. They understood from the start that our vision goes beyond building a facility. It’s about creating a place of warmth, dignity, and respect where women can rebuild their lives and families can heal together.

Catalyst didn’t just see this as another construction project. They saw the people—the mothers, the children, and the staff—who would use this space.

Building a Legacy of Healing for Generations to Come

This project is about much more than bricks and mortar. It’s about shaping a future that will impact generations to come long after the construction is complete. We are creating a space of hope, dignity, and healing for women and families in need. Thanks to partners like Catalyst, that vision is becoming a reality.

We invite you to join us if you’re interested in learning more about Meta House, supporting our efforts, or attending our upcoming galas. Every contribution—whether time, resources or simply spreading awareness—helps us change lives.