LEAN (Laborers Escaping Adversity Now)

Need help? Call 608.842.9091 our peer support specialist are here to listen.

The Wisconsin Laborers Health Fund LEAN Program:

The LEAN program was created to help LiUNA members and their families who are
facing tough challenges. At LEAN we believe that through shared understanding,
respect, and mutual empowerment, individuals can overcome mental health challenges,
substance use, and suicidal thoughts. We are here to support you every step of the way
and provide a safe and supportive path toward healing and recovery. You do not have
to face this alone.

Call 1-855-629-0554

Click on your county below for resources regarding mental health and substance abuse:

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

CLICK HERE

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS

CLICK HERE

SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE

CLICK HERE

VETERANS CRISIS LINE

CLICK HERE

Matt Raasch

Matt Raasch was born in Appleton and was given up for adoption at two months. By high school he was a full-blown drug addict and alcoholic. At that time, he didn’t realize addiction was a hereditary trait. After meeting his birth mom, he now knows that she suffers from addiction as well. Numerous drug rehabs, repeated losses of jobs, and loss of freedom, his addiction had cost him everything. Through recovery he has learned that he is not responsible for the disease but is responsible for his recovery. Since getting clean he found a new way to live, to be of service to others, and to help those that need it as well as want it. Matt was also saved from a near fatal heart attack, and he took that life altering experience to help other Laborers and their families so that no one ever needs to face their battles alone.

Matt joined LIUNA Local 113 after he was referred to the local from his childhood best friend, and he started work in the precast industry at Spancrete (Wells) in 2015, setting beams, columns, plank, and wall panels jobs all over Wisconsin.

He enjoyed working in that industry but eventually moved onto CG Schmidt in 2019. This is where he learned many other aspects of laboring from demolition and rehabbing old buildings to working on post-tension concrete structures. Matt found joy sharing his stories of his recovery with his coworkers and putting it out there so that he knew if anyone he knew was struggling themselves, he could be of assistance. Matt knew he was a natural at this way of life. Matt even went so far as to bring everyone treats on his clean date birthday for everyone at the jobsites.

When the Laborers Peer Support Specialist position became available, Matt knew he had a calling to do this work to support his LIUNA brothers and sisters. Matt lives for recovery, by serving the people at his regular meetings or his service work with Waukesha county.

Mikey Richards

Mikey Richards is a proud member of LIUNA Local 140. Seeking more than a sense of anonymity in his previous career, he joined LIUNA and has never looked back. He began his career as a mason tender, initially believing the work would be straightforward, but he quickly discovered that the role demanded far more skill, effort, and resilience than he had anticipated.

Through dedication and perseverance, Mikey has built lasting relationships, found a strong sense of camaraderie within the union, and made a meaningful impact on those around him, all while securing valuable benefits for his family.

His determination has also enabled him to break a cycle of addiction that affected his family for generations. Now 10 years into recovery, Mikey shares his experience with humility. In his role as a Laborers Peer Support Specialist, he is committed to leading by example and supporting others as they pursue their own paths to recovery.

Mikey lives on the western side of Green Bay Nation. Growing up, he was a Vikings fan, inspired by Randy Moss. He saw the light and is a devoted packer fan, Go Pack Go! He is happily married to his best friend, Caresa, and strongest supporter. Together, they have welcomed their first child and are expecting another addition to their family soon.