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.
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 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.
Jon Bothun was born and raised in Janesville, Wisconsin, where he developed a strong sense of community, work ethic, and compassion for others. His professional journey began with four years at JP Cullen, where he built a solid foundation of hands-on experience before transitioning into his current role as a Laborer Recovery Specialist—a position that reflects his deeper calling to support and uplift others.
At the core of Jon’s life is a genuine passion for helping people. He finds purpose and fulfillment in guiding individuals toward positive change, particularly those committed to improving themselves and their families. Jon views this path not just as a career, but as a calling, and he is motivated by the belief that he is exactly where he is meant to be.
Outside of work, Jon is deeply family-oriented. He takes great pride in supporting his nieces and nephews, often cheering them on from the sidelines. He has two nephews who play soccer at UW–Eau Claire and a niece who competes in high school softball, and he rarely misses an opportunity to watch them play.
A lifelong sports enthusiast, Jon is especially passionate about basketball and football. He is a devoted Green Bay Packers fan and grew up inspired by Michael Jordan, whose determination and success left a lasting impression on him. Watching Jordan overcome the Detroit Pistons and go on to win six NBA championships and six MVP awards remains one of Jon’s favorite sports memories. Today, that admiration continues through his hobby of collecting Jordan sneakers—something that often shows up in his everyday office attire.
Jon is also a proud dog father to Buggy, who holds a special place in his life. Whether at home, at work, or with family, Jon leads with heart, purpose, and a commitment to making a difference. Looking ahead, he is excited to continue helping others grow, heal, and move forward toward better futures.