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We've been on both sides of the table.
Built from lived experience. Focused on one barrier: cost.
The Walk Forward Foundation was founded by people in recovery, for people who are ready to begin theirs.
Chris and Angela Schenewerk founded The Walk Forward Foundation in November of 2025 to ensure that individuals seeking alcohol and drug rehabilitation never face financial barriers to treatment.
- Our story
It started with two people who almost didn't make it.
In November 2018, Angela Schenewerk entered treatment — the turning point that ultimately saved her life. That same year, Dr. Christopher Schenewerk, a family physician, entered a 92-day inpatient program after years of escalating drinking, depression, and a suicide attempt.
Chris went on to help launch the “Walking Together” program at Memorial Hospital and later served as medical director of a drug and alcohol rehab center — seeing up close how often cost keeps people from the help they're ready for.
On March 8, 2019, four people gathered in the back of Chris's office in Columbia for the first Three Amigos meeting. The Walk Forward Foundation grew from that same belief: no one should have to walk through recovery alone.
2018
Both co-founders enter treatment and begin recovery
March 8th, 2019
The first Three Amigos meeting, with four people in Columbia, IL.
Today
A 501(c)(3) helping people access treatment, with meetings across the region.
- Current initiative · Book
My Walk Through Hell
by Christopher Schenewerk, MD
As Chris stood on a California hill in the spring of 2023, memories flooded back of Christmas Eve 2018, when he stood in that exact spot. He had just learned his marriage was ending. Glancing at the valley, he saw a church on his left where his soul could not seek refuge, and a 7-Eleven on his right where he could drown the pain, if only for a short time.
He was at a crossroads. The decision he made that day set him on the path to sobriety. This is his journey — and the life lessons he learned along the way.
100% of proceeds from book sales go toward the mission — getting people into treatment who can't afford it.
“My insecurities and imperfections cause me to unjustly judge others. I must look in the mirror before gazing out the window.”
— Shank