Who Is Teen Challenge British Columbia?

Teen Challenge is a Christian-based organization, which started caring for troubled youth in New York City in 1958. The program has expanded into over 600 autonomous locations in over 80 counties worldwide, helping children, teens, men, women and families. Teen Challenge British Columbia strives to help the whole person, not just the substance abuser.

The purpose of Teen Challenge, nationwide, is to evangelize people who have life-controlling problems and initiate the discipleship process to the point where the student can function as a Christian in society. Teen Challenge British Columbia's approach is to teach a whole new way of living by addressing family relationships, work attitudes, self-image and esteem, peer pressure, addictions, social issues, community relationships, and a variety of other life skills. Teen Challenge British Columbia endeavors to help people become mentally sound, emotionally balanced, socially adjusted, physically well, and spiritually alive.

The salvation offered by Jesus Christ is the main avenue to create true and lasting changes in a person’s life. Teaching students about Christ and leading them to salvation is essential to the work of Teen Challenge.

Teen Challenge has a documented success of 70-86% (see studies and reports), and is regarded as one of the most successful drug rehabilitation programs in the world. Many of the people who come to Teen Challenge British Columbia with their drug problems and associated troubled lifestyles, often come from a background of being unwanted, left out, and forgotten. All come with broken lives and desperate hearts.

Teen Challenge helps the total person.

What Does Teen Challenge Do?

Teen Challenge British Columbia is a one-year residential program in which drug addicts, alcoholics, gang members, victims of abuse, dysfunctional families, or any other life-controlling program can meet the Lord and learn to follow Him.

Lives are transformed as they are captured by the supernatural love and power of God that is stronger than any drug that has held them in bondage. The overall objective is to initiate a total environment approach and change of values in the lives of the students in the program. Teen Challenge British Columbia helps the total person in spiritual, emotional, physical, social and educational perspectives.

Spiritually: Teen Challenge British Columbia deals with the students’ problems as symptoms that relate to deeper problems and conflicts. Instead of escaping their problems they find, through life in Christ, the changing power that gives the ability to overcome problems and live a more effective life.

Emotionally: The rebuilding of abused minds and emotions is of key importance. The study of the Bible enhances mental growth by serving as the foundation for the restructuring of broken-down thought patterns, creating new, more stable ways of life. Personal and group counseling with concerned staff members help individuals resolve questions and conflicts that they are facing.

Physically: Teen Challenge British Columbia cares for physical needs on a long-term basis. Assistance is given for shelter, food, clothing and recreation. Other needs such as a drug-free environment are provided.

Socially: Through the benefits of a group living situation, students are encouraged to work out relationship problems to successfully relate to family and peers once they complete the program. Such interaction promotes a strong character of moral fiber, right attitudes and desires.

Educationally: Teen Challenge has a curriculum specifically designed to teach students more about God and who they are according to God. It is designed to cover approximately one year at the program.

Teen Challenge British Columbia provides treatment for drug users through rehabilitation and offers academic programs focusing on character, integrity, spiritual growth and work ethics.