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Henry Tews: The Founder Behind Serenity House

Henry Tews was not just a founder; he was a man of profound vision and dedication whose work has transformed the lives of thousands in DuPage County. As the driving force behind www.www.serenityhouse.com his passion for helping those struggling with substance abuse and chemical dependence laid the groundwork for what has become a vital resource in the community.


A Life-Changing Request

The seed for Serenity House was planted in 1965 when a recovering alcoholic made a final request that deeply moved Henry Tews. This moment inspired him to dedicate the next 20 years of his life to establishing DuPage County’s first comprehensive treatment center for individuals battling addiction. His unwavering commitment led to the creation of Serenity House, which opened its doors in 1985.


Serving the Overlooked

From its inception, Serenity House was designed to serve those who were often overlooked—indigent men and women struggling with addiction. Understanding that recovery is a personal journey, Tews believed in providing a voluntary program aimed at achieving self-sufficiency and independence. Today, 85% of the individuals entering Serenity House are homeless, unemployed, and without health insurance, making the services offered by the center even more critical.


Building from the Ground Up

Serenity House began on what was once farmland in unincorporated Addison, Illinois. The site featured a dilapidated two-story farmhouse, a horse barn, and several sheds—all in need of significant refurbishment. With the help of volunteers who donated over 600 hours of labor, the first four-bed cottage was ready for occupancy just two months after work began. This spirit of community and perseverance became a hallmark of Serenity House as it continued to grow.


Expanding to Meet Community Needs

Under Tews' leadership, Serenity House expanded rapidly to meet the increasing demand for addiction services. From a modest four-bed facility, it grew to accommodate 107 beds in residential programs for both men and women, with over 250 individuals participating in outpatient programs annually. The expansion wasn’t just in numbers; Serenity House introduced specialized programs such as HIV education, domestic violence intervention, and support for individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders.


Significant milestones in Serenity House’s history include:

  • The addition of the first women’s extended residential care facility in DuPage County in 1990.

  • The implementation of the HIV program in 1997 and the Male Family Reunification Initiative (MFRI) in 2000.

  • The formation of the first weekly Heroin Anonymous meeting in DuPage County in 2013.

  • Achieving a Three-Year CARF Certification in 2014, representing the highest level of accreditation for rehabilitation facilities.


A Legacy of Hope

Henry Tews’ legacy is embodied in the thousands of lives transformed by Serenity House. His vision extended beyond treatment, focusing on rebuilding lives and restoring hope. Serenity House remains a testament to his belief that while individuals may not be responsible for their disease, they are responsible for their recovery—a philosophy that continues to guide the organization today.

Through Henry Tews' passion and dedication, Serenity House has grown into a beacon of hope and recovery for those most in need, and his work continues to inspire both the organization and the community it serves.


If you’d like to learn more about Serenity House—call us.

We have the tools and techniques it takes to develop lasting sobriety, one day at a time.


Reach out to Serenity House:

Phone: 630-620-6616

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