ABOUT BC TEEN CHALLENGE
For over 50 years, Teen Challenge has given young people who struggle with life-controlling addictions a second chance at life.
BC Teen Challenge is a faith-based residential program for young men and women, ages 19 and older, who are trapped in life-controlling addictions. We recognize that addiction can take numerous forms, and is not just limited to drug and alcohol abuse. The program is available at our four locations across British Columbia, and is usually completed in 12 months.
Addiction takes numerous forms, affecting countless people regardless of gender, age, education, or economic class. Daily we see lives broken because of an endless cycle of drug use, alcoholism, pornography, gang involvement, sexual abuse, or dysfunctional families.
But the story doesn’t end there.
Every day we see lives overcoming addiction, changed forever by the healing power of Jesus Christ, and bringing freedom and new direction to their lives. When you look into the eyes of our students, you see a spark of renewed hope and purpose.
BC Teen Challenge is part of a network of more than 1,100 residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres worldwide. We are a registered charity funded largely through the donations of individuals, churches, and businesses. BC Teen Challenge is a member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities demonstrating our commitment to high standards and integrity in our operations.
Teen Challenge History
The first Teen Challenge Centre started in New York City in 1958 when Rev. David Wilkerson (author of The Cross and the Switchblade) began working with gang members and troubled youth. Since then, the ministry has grown into one of the largest and most successful programs of its kind in the world – operating over 1,100 centers in close to 100 countries, and serving children, teens, young adults, and families.
Teen Challenge was established in British Columbia in 1965, and underwent a re-launch in 2000. Since its re-launch, BC Teen Challenge has experienced tremendous growth – graduating 150 students, establishing four centres, and impacting hundreds of families, donors, churches, and ministry partners.