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The Teen Challenge Lady

by lizard at 10:22 PM on October 11, 2001

Now, everybody knows I'm a patient, even tempered person. Sweet natured, calm, level-headed. Haha, no, not really - I'm a cantankerous bitch with a list of pet peeves longer than Shaquille O'Neal. Someone just walked in the kitchen and asked me why I had the Lakers on the screen and I nearly bit his poor head off explaining at the top of my lungs, that I was looking up the spelling of Shaquille O'Neal.

I have just returned from the grocery store. Now, ordinarily I am cranky just thinking about the grocery store, but in this case it was a triumphant trip, in which I did a clever bit of bargain shopping that afforded me not only a cool selection of foodstuffs, but enough money left to procure some delicious beer. I even was able to get my son a little toy from the upcoming movie Monsters, Inc, which we have been looking forward to eagerly. Life was good.

As I approached the door, I faltered just a little - there she was. One of several Teen Challenge ladies, each stationed at one of the exits, with her folding table and her little sign and her donation can. Teen Challenge is a Christian drug and alcohol rehabilitation program that apparently subsists on donations extorted from hapless grocery shoppers who lack the strength to resist their plaintive appeal, “Donate to Teen Challenge, Ma'am?”.

Now, I have nothing against Christians. I have nothing against rehabilitation, though I strenuously resist that sort of thing in my personal life. And I am not in any way opposed to charitable giving. I am, however, mortally offended by people that confront the unwilling when they have them trapped in the grocery store. There is no way around them. There are no un-manned (or un-womanned) exits. I swing my cart in the widest possible arc to avoid the inevitable plea for money, ducking my head so that my long hair completely obscures my face from view. It is painfully obvious I do not want to donate to Teen Challenge. I mean, what do they want from me, my beer money? Besides, any contributions I make these days are all given to agencies that are helping the victims of the 9-11 disasters.

In spite of my every effort to avoid her, she asks her question. I respond with a curt “No, I do not”, and hurry out into the parking lot, reviewing all the things I wanted to say, but refrained, knowing they were not rational things, not appropriate things, just spiteful things that wanted to be said because maybe they would discourage the Teen Challenge ladies from continuing to accost shoppers in this manner. But there is no discouraging these people. They are relentless, and I know I cannot stop them. But someday, they are going to catch me in less of a good mood, when my shopping has been less rewarding and perhaps other factors (such as slow people blocking the aisles, or people with excess items in the express line) have driven me near the edge, and I'll look 'em straight in the eye and say, “No, I need the money to buy drugs”, or something equally ridiculous, just to see the look on their face.

comments (68)

I have to agree. I can't stand groups espousing any cause (I don't care what it is) that camp out where you simply can't avoid them and try to use your own guilt to extort donations.

In my hometown, the favoured trick is to get people at majour intersections who troll for change while you wait for the light. The granddaddy of these types of efforts is the Crusade for Children, a fundraiser for a children's hospital. It doesn't matter if you've already given three times that day at other intersections, the nice firemen (another dirty trick they employ, using firemen - nobody wants a fireman to think they're an asshole and a tightwad; especially not a fireman who's willing to stand outside and collect donations for poor, suffering kids on his off-time) don't know that.

The whole thing's really low. I'd rather get junk mail - it doesn't make me feel guilty and I can use it for kindling come winter.

by Muad'Dib at October 11, 2001 11:09 PM

They use firemen? Ok, well, maybe it's a great cause, if they can get firemen, but that still seems such a low tactic, and it goes against my whole philosophy of carefully researching agencies I choose to give to, to make sure they're not spending the vast majority on overhead.

by kd at October 11, 2001 11:31 PM

Teen Challenge sounds like a really bad gameshow. That's all I know.

by space at October 11, 2001 11:35 PM

I have to agree! What is worse is when they are stationed all over the stores front (inside and outside) just in case, "THEY MISSED YOU!" Or get this one, girl scout cookie time kills me! No I don't want any expensive cookies I don't care how many of you little shits get to go to camp! Ok so that sounds mean but really around here they are EVERYWHERE! Not only knocking on doors but at every shopping place you must endure! As if the woman you work with pushing those things are not doing enough? You have to go to the store and face those cute little faces and those really GOOD looking boxes of cookies! (they KNOW they got you!) Whoever invented the Girl Scout cookie was a genius!

I also agree with Space, Teen Challenge really does sound like a bad game show...

by Pristine at October 12, 2001 12:16 AM

Oh man I agree. In Dallas we have the people on every corner of every intersection every damned day. I don't know if they need a permit or what, but I've seen groups soliciting cars that represent everything from Churches (I'm not in your goddamn church, I'm on a public street in my own car - do not ask me for money), to scouts, to groups of African American men in black suits, white shirts, and black ties - who I assume are Nation of Islam reps though I've never asked. And the firemen. Jesus. I pay good tax money so they can sit around the firhouse making chili and watching porn, not so they can wave their boots at thousands of innocent motorist for the cause of the week (they use their boots to collect the money.) Oh and stores! WHY do they let these people harass their customers? It is beyond me. I have never given money in this way. (well maybe a couple of times, if I was with a girl and wanted to appear charitable. I'm a bastard, yes.) I have a built in response from Baltimore that automatically refuses a stranger coming up and begging for money like that. I mean I'm a member of AI, and I don't mind a petition table, but asking for money is just invasive. We have a donation jar at the AI tables, but would never try to guilt someone into donating like that. It is their personal choice. Neiman Marcus is not allowing the Salvation Army bell ringers outside their stores this Christmas due to that organization's homophobic beliefs. I wish more stores would take this attitude.

by Charles at October 12, 2001 12:46 AM

Well, I usually make an exception for the bellringers - for one thing, the Salvation Army saved my sorry ass a few years back, & I do happen to know that the bellringers are told NOT to accost shoppers - they are to stand and ring their bells and greet people politely if it seems appropriate. As far as homophobic, well, homophobia is rampant among Christians, and they are one kickass Christian organization - their motto: ‘Blood and Fire’.

All these people have to do is not get in my face with their pleas/demands for money. Especially when I give them a wide berth and hide behind my hair. It's the best body language I can manage, and it's a damn sight nicer than the (finger) body language I'd like to give them.

by kd at October 12, 2001 1:48 AM

um, I've just stood behind my closed front door and made a doorknocker call out what his business was.

donations for osteoperosis (spelt?) apparently.

I didn't open the door. Apart from once when I forgot my rule (for the Wilderness Society, who save Very Old Trees) I NEVER give 'em money if they come to my door. something about homes and castles. (disclaimer: I do support a couple of chosen causes. but I choose them, not them me.)

once the Salvation Army lady came to the door while we were in bed. On Sunday morning. At 9.30 am. And yes, we were ...

by jenny at October 12, 2001 4:58 AM

the worst is the little league/pop warner footabll/cheerleaders outside the supermarkets and discount stores. if you need money for uniforms get your parents to pay for it. i am, however, a sucker for a fireman holding out a boot - i never pass one by without putting in a dollar. better yet is a big blanket set up on the shoulder to catch coins and a series of burma shave-style signs that end with : "throw now!" sometimes i go around the block and do that one again.

by bobthecorgi at October 12, 2001 7:38 AM

This summer, on a day when it wasn't hot enough for air conditioning, yet too hot to leave the windows up, my mom and I were driving and came across policeman doing the collection thing in the intersection. Or maybe it was fireman. Anyway, lucky for them they didn't come near our car. My mom had the windows down, and if they approached was going to treat them to her exact opinion of their actions. I love my mom. And I agree with the above.

by SwingCheese at October 12, 2001 11:22 AM

The new thing around NYC is this kids selling candy. Now, that isn't a strange thing, when I was in school, they'd have us sell candy to raise money for, well, I don't remember what we were raising money for.

But, these new kids are different. They don't go door to door or get their parents to take em in to work and guilt all their coworkers into buying. No, these kids sell candy on the streets, in the subways, in the parks.

I'm not exactly sure what cause they are selling for, and I suspect it is a scam. Either way, I'm not paying a dollar for a bag of peanut M&Ms.

by mg at October 12, 2001 11:45 AM

Sad. Just sad.

by phinx at December 8, 2001 3:07 PM

I just have a question? If our government will not allow church in public schools, or basically seperation of church and state. How is it that a judge can sentence a person with drug problems to a rehabilitation program that is christian based? This is happening down in the south quite a bit. I am a believer in the lord, but Teen Challenge is a christian based begging program where alot of people who have never had the chance at a 29 day program are getting sentenced for a year!

by D at August 4, 2003 8:45 AM

Phinx -_- judges cant sentance someone to teen challenge they have to be voul because while in teen challenge you can leave any time you want so ya read up about stuff before you talk about it

by Samson at December 2, 2004 4:02 PM

Your attitude towards Teen Challenge is wrong. You need to remove that stupid article you wrote.

by Joe Mafia at May 9, 2005 4:50 PM

My son was able to give me a Christmas gift this year for the first time in quite a while. For many years he was bound to drugs and alcohol, and honestly I felt that he would never break free. He was consuming enormous quantities of vodka every day and I never knew when I came home from work if he would be dead or alive. I felt as if a part of me was dying as I saw my boy withdrawing from life itself. He had tried other rehabilitation facilities, but nothing seemed to work. He became so miserable that he would pray for God to provide some sort of relief or just take his life. I could not believe that this was my son. I also began to pray that God would do something or take him.

In 1994, a friend suggested he try Teen Challenge. As a last attempt to get help, he made out an application to Teen Challenge and did what they told him to do to prepare for entry. But the wait seemed longer than he could bear. Finally, one day he was reaching for the phone to call Teen Challenge and tell them that he thought he was going to die if they did not get him into the program. Before he could reach the phone, it rang. It was Teen Challenge telling them they had space for him.

I will never forget the day we went to Teen Challenge. A friendly group of people met us and helped him in with his things. Twelve months later he graduated and although it was not easy or smooth, he is still clean, sober, and praising God. I like to say "there's no high like the Most High".

For Christmas he gave me a silver heart locket with our photo in it and a $50 bill. I am sending the $50 on to Teen Challenge in hopes that this gift will help keep your ministry available to those who need it. I am so grateful to everyone involved in Teen Challenge.

God Bless you all,
From a mother of a Teen Challenge graduate.

by Greatful at May 9, 2005 4:53 PM

John Melendez was spiritually lost and confused on the streets of New York as a teen and young man. He had been mixed up in things that promised to destroy his life.

But God had another plan for John’s life, one that would take him around the world in both service to his nation, and in service to his God. His transformation included a call for ministry as a chaplain in the US Army.

Nicky Cruz, the first gang member won to the Lord in the beginning days of Teen Challenge (as told in the best selling book, The Cross and the Switchblade, and in Nicky’s autobiography, Run Baby Run), met John at a Teen Challenge evangelistic rally in a gang infested neighborhood. They became friends as John poured out his troubled heart and Nicky poured in God’s hope and love. Nicky brought John to Teen Challenge where a brand new life began.

"I was at church and they served communion. It was an incredible highlight. I had never taken communion before, I felt the presence and reality of God for the first time in my life," says John.

John continued to work for Teen Challenge for several years after he completed the program. It was during this time that he met his wife Nancy, who was working for Teen Challenge as the secretary for then Executive Director, Don Wilkerson.

Early in his walk with the Lord, he had felt he wanted to be a military chaplain. He learned what he needed to do to prepare, so he went to college and then through Fuller Seminary.

When he came to present his credentials and application, the doors seemed virtually closed to him because of his past. Then, a general in the Pentagon looked over all his information, including the obvious demonstration that John had truly changed his life. And then the general spoke six words that opened the doors to the fulfillment of John’s dreams, “Let’s give the man a chance.”

So, just as God gave John a second chance more than 38 years ago, a general in the Pentagon gave him a chance to follow God’s plan for his life.

by John at May 9, 2005 4:55 PM

Not long ago, a girl named Cindy came to Teen Challenge. She had dark hair, brown eyes and a beautiful smile although we did not see that smile very often at first.

What we did see were the tears and pain that clouded her eyes and anguish we knew only God could heal. In a hundred ways, we showed her that we loved her and God did too. As her trust slowly built, Cindy poured out her sad, awful story.

When she was just a little girl, someone in her family brutally robbed Cindy of the precious gift of purity given to all children. Sadly, the sexual abuse happened not once, not twice but too many times to count for horrible years.

Would it surprise you if I told you that almost 8O% of our female students here in Teen Challenge of Southern California have suffered from sexual abuse and almost 50% of our male students? It's true.

Every time it happened to little Cindy, she felt dirty inside. Ugly. Worthless. Year after year, her fragile emotions grew more and more scarred. By the time she reached the tender age of nine, Cindy wanted to kill herself.

All too often, sexual abuse drives young people like Cindy to frantically search for "real love" -- just like a blow to the stomach leaves you gasping for oxygen.

But with no guidance, these kids look for love in the worst places. Many turn to promiscuity, drugs and alcohol.

That's what Cindy did. Tragically, she never found the genuine affection she craved.

Instead, she was raped at 14 . . . got pregnant . lost her child . . . was "jumped" by gang members . . . and overdosed on drugs. All before dropping out of 10th grade.

Not surprisingly, Cindy told us, "I was an emotional wreck, ready to give up, and I wanted to die."

But you know what? God specializes in hopeless cases. People who hit rock bottom. Like Cindy.

Through Teen Challenge, she began to experience the Holy Spirit's incredible healing power. She let God's Word wash over her soothing her soul and cleansing away the deep-rooted pain and anguish locked up inside.

We call this process "Emotional Healing." It's the critical second step after our students accept Jesus. It must happen for a young person to succeed.

And no matter how messy or ugly a young person's past has been, emotional healing can take place, But it requires prayer and support from friends like you

by Cindy at May 9, 2005 4:56 PM

TEEN CHALLENGE RUINED MY LIFE
Enough of all this "Teen Challenge saves lives" bullshit... i was put in the Teen Challenge Girls' facility of Columbus Ga. on june 9, 2004. I was a minor then and was secretly tranquilized by my father and shipped there...i woke up to people screaming at me and telling me i was shit, later they tried to force me to be christian- dont get me wrong, i have no problem with that religion, i just dont believe in it- and since they found out there was no converting me, i was treated like shit. I had multiple medical problems and was refused medical help. My mother died when i was young and my father didnt care about me, he just wanted me out of the house, so he didnt make sure i was taken care of...they took advantage of this. They made me an example to the other girls of what happens if you dont "repent and convert" after about a month i ran away, when i got caught the next day i was very sick and didnt eat for 8 days, i was not taken to a hospital, not allowed a phone to call for help, not allowed to write letters...i was a prisoner for nothing. It was not until i had been there for 4 months that I was first allowed my first 5 minute phone call to my dad...it was monitored and as soon as i said anything negative it was cut off and i was refused another call for another month. Five months later, my dad came to visit me, we were monitored so i couldnt talk to him. After 7 months of my sister hearing nothing from me, and just seeing pictures of how skinny and sick i looked, she (who was 19) told my father either he took me out or she called the police. That was my experience of TC, i dont know about the other facilities, but that one is abusive and little girls shouldn't be put through that. PLEASE do not believe all you hear and support that program...PLEASE, you could in fact save some one's life.

by nikki at June 8, 2005 4:49 AM

I had the worst experience at teen challenge. absolutely bullshit. I'll go into it later. Teen Challenge is the most messes up place.

by anonmynous at July 9, 2005 10:25 AM

Rev.David Wilkerson was a laugh to me(he is the founder of T.C.)until the day came, when a child of mine needed help for an addiction.The program gave a son a new begining,a worried family,peace of mind and we are most thankful to all the people who helped us,help our son.This program has worked where other programs have failed.No one forces anyone to give to a charity.I hope that the gal who wrote this article slamming T.C. will never have to seek help for one of her children,but if she does,T.C. will be there.
Today,July 18th is my son's 41st birthday and I am glad to say,he has become a very productive man.

by madeline at July 18, 2005 8:52 PM

hey nikki-- if u read this, im just tryin 2 figure out who u r. i was in tc then and the only nikki i knew wasa georgeanna's lil sister. is that u?? just wondering... b/c i know she tried to run away. but about tc in general, i got KICKED OUT of a CHRISTIAN rehab place along w/ another chick in january 2005. yeah, shows the love...

by brittny at August 4, 2005 1:21 PM

Why don't you do something constructive and caring with your time just like the people collecting for Teen Challenge? Maybe if you quit only looking at yourself you would be a more caring, mature, intelligent person. If you don't want to give, don't give, but let other people who take the time to know and see the good Teen Challenge does for people follow what is their heart to do...to give if they so choose. Maybe due to this website you will end up having somehone you care about in Teen Challenge because many times the thing we fear the most comes upon us(that is scripture, if you didn't know) and getting help and then maybe, just maybe your heart will change and you will be collecting too. Sometimes it takes hitting rock bottom before you take the time to seek God and His help.
Jan in St Louis

by Jan Karsten at August 15, 2005 4:24 PM

I have to say for those of you that are Bad mouthing Teen Challenge you are truly ignorant of the program. Life has so many bad things happen and when someone comes along and helps to improve just "1 " life at a time it is a miracle. I come from a large family and for years we thought we were just like everyone else. But then one day when I was informed that my brother had a drug problem I sought out to help him. TEEN CHALLENGE changed HIS life forever. For the girl that said it ruined her life she was not "willing" to change but for those that want help...help is there. Yes, Teen Challenge is a Christian program but it also teaches you alot about life too. Everyone there is in it together...everyone has addictions whether to drugs, alcohol or just plain food!! We need to learn some self control in America. Now, if you do not feel lead to give to these organizations that is ok too because God will rise up other people to give to that need. Just remember when discussing religion.....NO other religion has had someone "die" for you, not any religion but Christianity...he(Jesus) was beaten for you, was brusied for your you, he DIED for you so that you might have eternal life and have life more abundantly. He whom the Lord has set free is free indeed. Let Christ put you back together again.

by Trisha at September 11, 2005 3:02 PM

Trisha, shut the fuck up. you were not locked up in a teen challenge. you have no fucking right to say shit about being ignorant to the program. and by the way, the TC i was in is now being taken to court on 13 accounts of abuse... Who's ignorant?

by Nikki at October 1, 2005 5:41 PM

Hey all you people who say Teen challenge is bad....I happen to work at a Teen Challenge and I hear that all the time when people leave! And then i see them wondering the streets and its sad!! WHY DONT YOU LOOK FOR YOURSELF i have a years worth of pictures here from when i was in the program and till this present day. http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/boogadey/my_photos The best thing I did for myself my familyand everyone I will ever come in contact with . WAS GOTO TEEN CHALLENGE ! thank You Lord for a place to go... a safe house where people Love you! and love you enough to hold you accountable! Its not easy to stand up and face your problems and past and yourself! its easier to just hide away isnt it. Hide away. Well ill tell you something the first 3 months I was in teen challenge I was In tears and i couldnt help it. I had put off all of my issues for so long doing drugs, just getting high. making myself numb. that when it was time to smarten up it wasnt easy.!

by Jay at October 7, 2005 1:40 PM

"...i hear that all the time when people leave! And then i see them wondering the streets and its sad..." I was abused in a teen challenge girls facility, terribly abused. Please don't assume the people who are against it are just bums. I feel so bad for all you girls that got abused, i was too. And about that "wondering" (and it's spelled with an A) the streets comment, I left teen challenge when i turned 18 (after 2 years of being locked there) and still did drugs, still DO drugs, did drugs all the way through college, med/dent school...guess what? I am an oral surgeon. I make half a million dollars every year. How much do you make working at TC again? It's ok, I'd work there too if I were not intelligent enough to go to college. Don't assume people who do drugs are all worthless. Next time you have an operation think about the fact that your doctor was a hippy.

by Danielle at October 9, 2005 8:49 PM

I Myself got kicked out of tc in wisc.
I still have mixed feelings about the whole experience.I went because I was sad because my husband killed his self. Yes I had been self medicating for a while.
They do treat you like shit there. But I do know I met Jesus. and for the first time I felt loved.
I miss them, I am not doing drugs currently and I know God has purpose for me now. I don't understand why they have to treat you so bad there, It's like being in jail w/ Jesus honestly. I mean I learned alot, (I had to write-off Bible Quotes)
spent hours a day in Bible classes. I honestly think it did me good, however they were very mean to me. It's worse than tough love> It is abusive and ugly and God don't like ugly.
P.S To Lori the director @ the robby dawson home in milwaukee : Just to let you know once more your were wrong. I am back @ work making more than you will ever dream about, not using drugs and going to church on my own. Here's a note to you I am not boasting but doing Great and If I were not a TRUE CHRISTIAN I would say a lot more uglier things about the whole sitiuation. Once again though God don't like ugly. Oh ! and I am also still waiting for the books and personal effects that ya'll took from me and promised you'd return. I knew you wasn't going to give me back my belongings from the begining. May God bless you anyway.

by shelly at December 26, 2005 3:10 AM

So... my sister is in a Teen Challenge center in Columbus GA, and I need more information then what has been provided to me from the TC center itself. I am afraid after reading all the posts on this site for her. At first, I thought she was safe there and thats all that matters, but now... I think she may not be safe at all. Here are my concerns: why is it that all phone calls, letters out, and visits are supervised? Why does my sister look so skinny and pale in the only 2 pictures they have allowed her to send to my family? Lastly, when my sister does send out letters or talk to my mother on the phone (which by the way, my sister is on speaker phone every call she makes, so why do they have to listen?) it almost sounds and feels like my sister has reverted back to being a child. She is 30 years old, but her letters are very child like, with drawings at the end, and her answers to questions on the phone are one word answers. I keep thinking this is like a cult with all this religion talk, and Teen Challenge being made from one man's belief? I just want her to be safe, someone please tell me something... anything about TC. ~~~~~ loving sister

by loving sister at January 9, 2006 1:35 AM

I don't know much about Teen Challenge, but I am praying about a position in a womens facility. I just came across this article and I am very disturbed by it . I myself am a recovering meth addict. I was on meth for 5 years and at the end of my addiction I had gotten so deep I was manufacturing. I was a slave to it. I have been clean now for 14 months. And ALL the glory goes to God!!! I was only in rehab for 28 days in South GA at a place called Bridges of Hope. Now I totally put my life in Gods hands everyday. But you can not judge this whole program on a few peoples story. I would say the number of successful people is higher than the people with a "bad" experience. As addicts we tend to make things out to be worse than they seem. The important thing is that when life hurts God heals. But you have to let Him =) You have to seek Him in all you do. And as far as rehab, IT HAS TO COME FROM THE ADDICT NO ONE CAN DO IT FOR HIM/HER. THEY HAVE TO WANT IT!!!!!!! As for the ORAL SURGEON, in heaven we will have perfect teeth and perfect bodies. And as for all the money you make, you can take it with you when you die. I would rather make a simple living doing God's work and be happy then be rich and and unhappy Agape!!!!

by CleanAndSereneInCHRIST at February 5, 2006 10:33 PM

by CleanAndSereneInCHRIST at February 5, 2006 10:34 PM

I AM VERY SAD AFTER READING ALL THE ARTICLES ON HERE ABOUT TEEN CHALLENGE. MY SON IS SOON TO BE SENT TO ONE. HE IS IN JAIL RIGHT NOW. HE WANTS TO GO AND GET HIS LIFE TURNED AROUND. HE HAS BEEN ON METH FOR YEARS. HE ENDED UP LOSING HIS WIFE AND 3 SONS AND HIS GREAT JOB DUE TO METH TAKING OVER HIS LIFE. HE HAS HURT HIMSELF AND SO MANY OTHERS WHO LOVE HIM OVER THE YEARS. THE STRESS WE ALL HAVE BEEN UNDER IS TERRIBLE. TEEN CHALLENGE IN LA. HAS AGREED TO ACCEPT HIM WHEN THE COURTS WILL LET HIM GO. HE IS BELIEVEING THEY CAN TURN HIS LIFE AROUND WITH THE HELP OF THE LORD. I HAVE TALKED TO SO MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE GONE TO A TEEN CHALLENGE CENTER FOR HELP. MOST WHO REALLY WANTED TO GO HAVE DONE GREAT. MANY HAVE BECOME PASTORS ECT. IN OUR SMALL TOWN ALONE THERE ARE SO MANY METH ADDICTS. MOST HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO GET HELP. THE JAILS JUST KEEP ARRESTING FOLKS WITH NO CHANGE. VERY SAD. THE LORD CAN CLEANSE A PERSONS HEART AND SOUL FROM MANY FORMS OF PAIN. PLEASE DONT PUT BAD THINGS ON HERE TO KEEP OTHERS FROM GOING. FEAR IS A STRONG POWER. GOD CAN HEAL PEOPLE THO. SOMETIMES AN ADDICT HAS TO BE AWAY FROM FOLKS WHO CAN AND WILL HURT THEIR RECOVERY. THAT IS WHY THE LETTERS AND PHONE CALLS ARE MONITORED. SOME PEOPLE DONT WANT AN ADDICT TO CHANGE. SO THEY WILL CALL OR WRITE TO KEEP THE DRUG TALKS GOING. THAT IS WHY IT IS BEST TO ISOLATE A PERSON FROM ALL OTHERS ON THE OUTSIDE TO FOCUS THEIR MINDS TO THE RENEWING OF THE MIND. AND HEART. I HAVE HEARD THE TEEN CHALLENGE PLAN IS TO BREAK A PERSON THEN BUILD BACK UP IN THE WAYS OF THE LORD. KINDA LIKE THE ARMY DOES. HUMBLES YOU FIRST THEN BUILDS UP. IT ALL TAKES TIME. THAT IS WHY THEY ARE A 12 MONTH OR MORE PROGRAM, TAKES SOME LONGER THAN OTHERS TO GET IT RIGHT. PLEASE DONT TRY AND DISCOURAGE OTHERS FROM GOING. IM SURE SOME FOLKS AT SOME PLACES MAY NOT BE PERFECT FORTHE JOB AS IN ANY JOB BUT ALOT OF TIMES IT IS OUR ATTITUDES . AND ALOT OF FOLKS HAVE A BAD ATITUDE. DRUGS ARE SO TERRIBLE , GET YOUR MIND DISTORTED. MOST DONT KNOW FACT FROM FICTION. VERY SAD DEAL. PRAY THE LORD WILL OPEN MORE CENTERS TO HELP MORE HURTING FOLKS GET WELL. AND ANY ONE WHO IS HURTING THE PROGRAM THE LORD WILL DISPOSE OF. THANKS MY EYES ARE OPENEDTO THE SKY!

by JEAN at February 6, 2006 12:37 PM

For those of you who feel imposed upon when you see someone collecting donations - then just politely say "no thank you" - and pray that one day you will never be in need of one of these programs ... pray that one day your office buidling is not strcuk by a terrorists' plane, that a tsunami doesn't come and wash away your world or a hurricane blow through and destroy your town and pray that you will always have food to eat, toys for your children's Christmas, and a child that grows up to be safe and productive and does not succome to the temptations of drug and alcohol and elicit living. But rest assured that should one of these horrible twists of fate fall upon you, that God will send His children, His ladies, His bell ringers, and do-gooders out into the world to collect for you and help you too.

by Dena at February 11, 2006 12:13 PM

Finally a link to others who have been or have family in the TC program!!!! Our daughter has been in a program coming up on three weeks now. I have been searching for a way to communicate with others with loved ones in programs. I feel such a need to connect. I read the post by Shelly 12/05, and was so sad. This was the center I wanted my daughter to go to since it was close to home. (She ended up in another state) We met with staff members from WI and the state my daughter went to. Both centers talked about all the rules that needed to be kept. Both explained the reasons for them, but the Milwaukee centers staff had an "edge". Our daughter was "talked at". It was an enforcement speech. It was just the feeling I got. At the center my daughter ended up at they were kind, caring, embracing, reassuring. They wanted her to understand the rules so she could succeed there explaining that some rules are hard for some to live with and can negatively affect their program. It was always her choice. They lovingly wanted to be sure she understood everything before she entered. It was her choice in the end.
I have read a lot about TC and cults. I worry. I know my daughter has a lot to change in order to give up drugs. You can't come out the same person or being drug free can not occur. The staff explained they do not want to change the person you are inside just what about you makes you use drugs instead of God.

Please! anyone involved with TC, feel free to contact me. I would love to correspond. If anyone knows of family TC sites please let me know.

by donna at February 16, 2006 1:21 PM

I was in Teen Challenge(The Columbus Girls Center in GA) for 8 months in 2003. I actually wanted to go becuase I hated my home, my parents didn't listen to me and I wanted help with my abusive behavior. I had been cutting myself for about 3 1/2 or 4 years by then. I just wanted someone...anyone to talk to, and care about me. When I got there no one hardly talked to me. I was alone and cried alot. I was treated by alot of people like a "bad" person. We only talked to a therapist once a week and were forced to go to church 3 or more times a week with bible studies, videos with preaching, and devotions in between. Please don't get me wrong, I do't hate "christians'', but I have a big problem with how alot of them believe and treat others. I grew up on the missionfield and in a "good, christian" home. While staying at teen challenge I tried so hard to "be good" and follow the rules...I worked hard at my chores, and did my schoolwork. At times, when I got alot of anxiety or very depressed I would freak out and run up the hill trying and at times succeeding in climbing over a tall, barbed wire fence, cutting my hand all up, and running away to sit in the woods for hours before I went back. I wasnt trying to be "bad", I just would blank out and feel so trapped that I just had to get away and clear my head and calm down. Whenever I did this or cut my self i was either punished by writing bible verses over and over like 75 times or given cleaning responsibilities, and stay was lengthened. I wrote to my parents but couldn't tell them how much I was hurting and how bad I wanted out bc all our letters were read before sent or recieved so I always had to act like everything was ok. I talked to them for like 15 min. once a week on speakerphone and was always monitered and the conversation was ended if i acted up by saying something i shouldnt have or cried alot. I tried to do everything their way...read my bible alot, surrender to God, be good, not be negative, but I was just masking my pain...They said if we did this God would heal us...but alot of us are still hurting, just as much as we were. I know girls who I was at TC with who are doing drugs, pregnant, and deep down still crying out for help. I will say that some of the staff there did truly love me and cared about and helped me make it through those 8 months. And for them, they know who they are, I am greatly thankful and grateful for helping keep me alive. I still have alot of anger towards people at tc and teen challenge itself. The prgram in general makes me sick. Children, teens, and adults need a loving, safe, constructive environment to go to to seek help. Teen Challenge forces God down people's throats, and puts God into their tiny box, telling everyone that they know who God is and exactly what he thinks and believes. They look down on you and treat you like an idiot if you don't believe just like them. I can't tell you how much hurt and anger has come from my stay there. As for me, after I left(ran away) I still struggled with self harm immensly...I was hospitilized 4 or 5 times for cutting and overdozing trying to kill myself. I got on track with a wonderful therapist ( who was a christian as well but did not force me to believe what she believe and didnt treat me like a stupid incompetant little kid.) She listened to whatever I had to stay and helped me realize life is hard and hurts alot...but cutting is not the answer...I still do at times...but every day I learn more about myself, the world we live and I now at last enjoy my life and can say I am happy and content, even though I still struggle at times with my past. But hey doesnt everyone? Thank you for letting me vent out my hurt at Teen Challenge. If you would like to talk to me more my email is emathews88@hotmail.com if you have a teen struggling with selfharm I would love to talk to you. As For Teen Challenge, please, please look into EVERY possibilty before you send your child/brother/cousin/mother anywhere. I would say try to get them help at home and more importantly...listen, truly listen to them with all your heart, never give up on them, and just love them. If they cant get help at home please always keep open contact and verbal comm. about wherever they are. They can't get help if they can't be themselves and if they can't talk out their pain.
Beth

by Beth at May 31, 2006 4:31 PM

Beth, I was in TC with you. Small world. I got out after almost 8 months, also. I find it funny that they told us when you left that you had been such a negative influence on struggling young girls that they SENT you to a lockdown facility "until you turn 18". If you remember, they told us the same thing about Mandy the first time I ran away and we were caught. Funny..or not. Well, I am glad to hear you are doing well, and also have a similar anger towards TC. The program we were in has multiple cases of abuse being set up against them. It's about time.

by Nicole at June 8, 2006 9:01 PM

As a former TC employee many eons ago I hope that Jesus heals your heart and all the hearts here that have somehow in one way or another been deeply wounded from bad experiences, greedy christians, and legalism. For one thing that I have learned in this long journey I am on is that it is not about my good deeds or good works but it is truly about having a daily relationship and walk with Christ. To see His grace extended to all mankind inspite of our mistakes and rude behaviors. His love far exceeds our shallow hearts. It is my prayer for you and others to receive the healing and forgiveness that He longs for.

sweet blessings to all,
amy

by amy at June 11, 2006 12:07 PM

My son is 23 and entered TC IN rehrersburg PA. ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO AFTER ABOUT 4 YEARS OF USING HEROIN.Every time we visit him he is more and more frustrsted.Does anyone know if you nare supposed to have 1 on 1 counseling in the induction phase?He has had one session with his counselor and really feels the need for more.His baby's mother died from an OD last year and is still trying to get through that as well as all the other issues addicts have.No information was given to us about daily schedules or even if counseling was available.If anyone has info about the induction phase could you please e mail?Calls to his "counselor " and director mostly go unanswered. Thank You

by judy at June 11, 2006 8:57 PM

Hey Nicole! Yeah i remember you! I didn't go to a lockdown facility afterward...i went home...i was in several hospitals afterwards but no where near 8 months like i was at TC. And i actually found some help...and actually had a therapist who would let me talk and vent and say whatever the hell I wanted. TC was crazy and didn't help me at all...i tried so "hard" to be good..yeah alot of good that did me huh? I am angry at TC and people there like you. Hey, I love to email back in forth if you want. Just send me an email or im on myspace too if you have that. Id love to hear how you are and what you have been up to.
Beth

by Beth at June 13, 2006 7:20 PM

I am a fireman and the money we beg for,as you call it goes to people who have gotten burned. It might be your child someday. If you dont want to give then dont. Only you will have to answer for your actions someday. As for teen challenge it is a christian based organization funded only by generous donations. The government offered to fund the program if they would remove the bible. The admin. said no thanks keep your money, and it is illegal in the state of Ga. to keep someone in a rehab against their will unless they are a threat to themselves or someone else.

by Jimmy Moore at August 26, 2006 10:33 PM

hey dont know if any of you can help me doing my thesis on church based social care and doing a case study on teen challenge would love some feedback from anyone who could help: C03387224@dit.ie
thanks

by Laura at October 6, 2006 8:54 AM

I had a conversation with a young man yesterday, who was in Teen Challenge in New Hampshire for six months. He told me he was cut off from all contact with family. He said that they were also "forced " ( his words) to solicit money every day, with alot of it skimmed off by " counselors". I'm really suprised that an organization which uses such tactics is allowed to operate with impunity. I'm told that there is a pervasive atmosphere of fear and intimidation at that particular center, although that seems to be an element in most fundamentalist religions, no matter whether Christian, Jew, or Moslem. Doesn't sound very "Christian" or theraputic. I wonder what the REAL recividism rate is.

by Rick at November 8, 2006 10:57 AM

I had to hire an attorney to get my 24 year old son out of Teen Challenge in Riverside, Ca. Our experience was a VERY negative one. My son WANTED to change his life when he entered Teen Challenge, however, we were shocked by the whole experience! They would make stuff up and punish my son at their whim. (Punishment gives you more time to serve, thus they get more money working you, so I have heard) Also, my son asked if there was counseling available, as he felt depressed. (They have no counselors, all that work there have gone through TC's one year TCMI program). He was told it was his own fault for being depressed as he didn't give himself to Jesus. They ostracized him for not "speaking in tongues", and his "counselor" told me that "speaking in tongues is a gift from God, your son could have it too, but he is rebellious!" When they overheard that he had asked me to request a program change with his probation officer (change to a secular drug rehab, NOT a RELIGIOUS program) they attacked him, told him that he needed to spend some time in PRISON to be broken down to accept Jesus, that going to other re-habs was spitting in the face of Jesus. They drove him to a bus stop, dropped him off, then LIED to me about the incident. This poor kid was hysterical. Thus the hiring of an attorney. My experience drew me to this conclusion: Teen Challenge basically pushes hyper-religiosity to replace addiction. They DO tell you that it was a calling by God to be there, and guilt you with their belief that you must come back there. They pressure you for recruitment. Their success statistics are not accurate, according to researchers. Those that lack resources for attorneys are victimized.... Yes, TC is probably better than jail for some, but the sad fact remains that TC is mentally abusive, and many of those lost souls that end up there do suffer so... My son was always sounding wound up, stressed out, confused.... He is now doing beautifully and is calm and getting the healing he needs. (He is OUT of Teen Challenge) So, for us, Teen Challenge was a nightmare! AND, many in there do not realize that it is a violation of their civil rights to push the religious dogma, IF IT IS TRUE that Teen Challenge did indeed receive faith-initiative money, which IS federal money. They crossed the line when they mentally abused my son by refusing to allow him the freedom to choose another program WITHOUT FEAR OF RETALIATION. They KNOW that these people on probation are on thin ice, and it empowers them to threaten them with "giving probation bad reports", and "I'm sending you to PRISON!" It was a terrifying experience, and I hope and pray that Karma, God, Jesus, EVERYTHING in the universe works together to expose abusive organizations that exploit broken souls !

by Bren at February 11, 2007 2:07 PM

For those of you who are looking for some answers about Teen Challenge, please stop by and visit my blog called "Investigating Teen Challenge".

Thank you!

Karly
http://teenchallengecult.blogspot.com/

by Karly at February 17, 2007 1:44 PM

25 Years ago, Apr. 1st, 1981 I entered the T.C. center. I can understand the negative feelings many are displaying. For me it was T.C. or death. I was horrible addicted, uneducated, hopeless and very close to death. The rage that many of you are exibiting is understandable. However, I do feel it is a sign of childish immaturity, And please I am not saying that to offend or insult. A study was done years ago that showed addicts to be childish, sensitive and immature(A.A Big Book). I've had many bad experiences in my live, school, authority, The military etc. As I look back now I see those institutions and some of the idiots that ran them were not perfect. More times than none my problems with them were my doing. Again childish and immature not to mention grandeous. Even the venom released by Delancy house is uncalled for. There are no Lone Rangers in Recovery. Give me time at Delancey House and I guarentee you I can find fault with them also. I will not find fault with Delancy House, because I am certain with all their faults they have done wonders for those who were at one time hopeless beyond dispair. In the same way when I was close to death on the streets of the lower East side of Manhattan in the 70's and early 80's I had no where to turn. I simply didn't want to die. For me it was Teen Challenge . I will not put them on a pedestal or put Delacey St. down. I thank God for all those who attempt to help those with substance abuse problems. I call on the director of Delancey St to put a stop to this attack on Teen Challenge, and say with the poet Whittier ( The Eternal Goodness)" Pray their foot may find a surer way." I pray you all will find peace and serenity . Also the director of the Delancey House looks familiar. I wonder if she is the same woman that would visit 9th st. and ave D in disguise in the early 70's Scaring the hell out of everyone including the dealers. Oh well just wondering. Any thing is possible. PEACE - John R.

by John R at March 19, 2007 1:35 AM

I went through the same two TC locations that Bren's son went through. I have kept a promise to many of my friends who suffered through those two places - to use my journalistic talents to expose Teen Challenge for what it really is.

http://www.teenchallengeexposed.com

by Michael Kincheloe at April 24, 2007 8:04 PM

Teen Challenge was established in the city of New York by David Wilkerson in 1958. Since its humble beginning, Teen Challenge has grown into one of the oldest and most successful programs of its kind. The story of the early days of Teen Challenge can be found the book ï¿½The Cross and the Switchblade.ï¿½
A 1975 Federal Study of Teen Challenge (Rehrersburg, PA) found a 70% success rate for those who graduated from the program seven years earlier.

A 1994 study by the University of Tennessee found 67% of graduates from Teen Challenge, Chattanooga was abstaining from alcohol and drugs.

In 1999, a three-year research study supervised by Northwestern University (Chicago) concluded that 86% of those who completed the Teen Challenge program remained drug free. The survey included graduates from the largest Teen Challenge training centers in Rehrersburg, PA, Cape Girardeau, MO, and Riverside, CA. From the east coast to the west coast, Teen Challenge is effective. The study found that Teen Challenge graduates were ï¿½more likely to be living normal lives holding down jobs and not needing further treatment.ï¿½ They found that ï¿½nearly all have escaped the ï¿½revolving door phenomenonï¿½ of substance abuse treatment.ï¿½ They found that 84% attend church weekly and 90% were employed two years later.

A study by the Department of Human Resources indicates that Teen Challenge has a positive impact. Dr. Catherine Hess, former study director, states that, ï¿½ï¿½whereas treatment for a drug addict in a detoxification facility results in a 1% cure rate, and the therapeutic communityï¿½s cure rate is about 10%, the Teen Challenge program has an amazing 86% cure rate.ï¿½ (The Federal Government recognizes anyone who has been drug free for a period of five years to be completely recovered.) Dr. Hess further states, ï¿½The Teen Challenge program is the best I know of to get a person off drugs.ï¿½

Dr. John Howard, former member of the National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse, concurs with Dr. Hess, saying, ï¿½Of all the drug programs reported to the Commission, the most successful is the religiously-based program conducted by Teen Challenge.ï¿½

Due to this success, Teen Challenge now has over 180 programs nationwide. Teen Challenge of St. Louis, established in 1966, has been helping restore broken lives for over 40 years. If you would like to see more information, statistics, and testimonies about the success of Teen Challenge, click on the links below.

ï¿½ Copyright 2007 Teen Challenge of St. Louis
History & Philosophy
Success Rates
Testimonies
Programs & Services
Staff
Map & Directions

by michelle at May 11, 2007 9:45 AM

I am very familiar with the Teen Challenge Nikki is talking about. She is not speaking the truth. They have no pending charges, nor have they ever had charges against them. Every Teen Challenge creates an environment for life change, but does not and cannot force it to happen. I know the staff at the Columbus Girls Center and they do not talk down to, berate, or in any way treat students badly. I am sure Nikki had a bad experience because she wanted to continue to rebel.

by doug at May 18, 2007 7:12 AM

Bren, Thats a clear cut case of your son riding your chain. your son is a drug addict! You son most likey lied/lies to you to muniplate/get what he wants, seen it many times in T.C. Its sad, because its the overprotective/inabeling mothers out there that can stop there kids growth/mutureity level. Cut the Cord for petes sake, your son is an adult. Get over it.

by mike at September 5, 2007 12:58 PM

Hello,I really feel bad for people who are so hard and unforgiving and so sinical.They have never experienced the Love of the Father.God loves you and excepts you no matter what you have done .Thats why Jesus died for us all on the Cross.Blessed are the peace makers. Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.Let God change your life .He did mine........In Godly Love Cathy

by cathy at December 29, 2007 9:15 PM

I went the Seale, AL (Columbus girl's academy of excellence) teen challenge in 2002. Next time you see them, please ram them with your cart- if anything it's a little justice for how they mutilated and destroyed my teenage years. I'll never get past the scars they created.

by O at March 3, 2008 9:06 PM

Hello everyone. I am a former tc student. I was in the tc in indianapolis, that no longer exists. I have been out of teen challenge since 1978. Yes every program has thier rules and reasons for them. I am not a religious freak, I do believe in God. I consider myself a very down to earth person. But my experience at tc was good and bad. The program is there for those who want help. Alot of people who leave the program do fall back on the same band wagon, and alot of people get off that band wagon after a while. Teen challenge has kept me alive, and opened my eyes to alot of what the world has to offer. I have learned to make mistakes and not repeat those mistakes. I will not put tc on pedal stool, cause yes they are humans trying to make it also. But yes tc taught me, they cared and I still have good and bad memories about my experience there. I learned to be a woman, a mom, a wife and a child of God. I still stay in touch with the people who ran indy tc. I call Betty Violette "mom" and her assist, Aunt Ruth. These people who run the programs, are not perfect, nor without sin. and neither are we. we sin daily, and are forgiven as we confess with our mouth. We change if we allow ourselves to change.
I now have a son in tc. And yes he has some compliants of how things are being run. But as I told him, if you can not make it in that place, you sure can not make it out here. by the way, he willingly entered tc. not court order. He wants help. I pray he makes and takes the right steps.

by PR at April 20, 2008 5:30 PM

ok so ive read most of the stories and i have to say as a graduate of teen challenge it was the best thing i ever did for myself...but teen challenge as a whole is a fucking joke!!! the staff/employees do lie and they are full of shit usually, when they claim to be steady folllowers of God. the whole process now is such a joke i laugh at the thought of tc helping anyone now...i was in the columbus georgia women's facilitiy from jan 2005 till feb 2006...it changed my life but it only changed my life because i looked to God for everything and didnt want a fuckng thing from anyone there. i was 1 of 4 that actually completed the program from the house i came from....no one surivived that one and since ive left i have kept in touch with ms. betty and few others that helped me through the program and its still going to shit and its still all about the fuckng money and it's still a total joke. i thank God for what he did for me and teen challenge was great for my first 6 months but after that it turned into a money fest....fundraisers everyday and they would force us to begg for money so i agree with a few of you that talked about that...they just expected us to beg and that was it and they figured by throwing God into it, people would feel guilty enough to throw us some cash!!! newayz i would love to hear more stories about others that have been through parts of the program or the whole thing...email me if you can.....(i would never reccommened anyone to go to any tc because of how awful it can become and how low you can fall when those you depend on in the program fall as well.)

by sasha at May 3, 2008 6:16 PM

Small world! Hey Sasha its Tami (from Tampa). I'm pretty sure I was in the program with you. It would be great to hear from you. Email me sometime- tami45tc@yahoo.com.

Now, as far as responding to all other posts, I would have to say that Teen Challenge saved my life. I was able to develop a personal relationship with God and focus on fixing the hurts I encountered in my life. I can proudly say that without Teen Challenge, I would probably still be a herion addict shooting up everyday, instead of the successful college student (straight A's) working full-time and 100% clean and sober that I am today!! As with anything in life, Teen Challenge will not likely work for someone who doesn't have a heart that wants changing. You get out of life what you put into it (you reap what you sow). I came to Teen Challenge on my free will because if not I was sure to die. I entered June 2004 and graduated December 2005. It was the best thing I have ever done in my life... No regrets! No worries!! I am a new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17).

by Tami at May 6, 2008 11:12 AM

AS A MOTHER OF A SON WHO HAS JUST ENTERED TEEN CHALLENGE I AM VERY CONFUSED ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON WHERE HE IS.WHEN WE HEAR FROM HIM HE ALWAYS HAS SOMETHING NEGATIVE TO SAY ABOUT HAVING TO WORK SO LONG AND HE IS NOT GETTING ANY DRUG AND ALCOHOL COUNSELING AND HE IS FRUSTRATED.MY OPINION ON IT SO FAR(2 WEEKS) IS THAT WHEN HE WAS HOME HE HAD ALL NEGATIVE TO SAY ABOUT OUR HOUSE RULES AND ANY RULES OF AN EMPLOYER.NEEDLESS TO SAY HE PARTIED ALL THE TIME NEVER COULD KEEP A JOB AND WAS OUT OF CONTROL,BUT AS A PARENT OF A TEEN IN THIS GENERATION THAT WE AS PARENTS HAVE GIVEN THESE LITTLE ANGELS EVERYTHING THAT WE DID BOT HAVE AND THEY DO NOT NOW HOW TO HANDLE ANY STRUGGLES IN LIFE WITHOUT OUR HELP AND I AM RELEIVED TO KNOW HE IS SAFE AND IS BEING HUMBLED SO HE CAN GAIN SOME PRIDE ABOUT HIMSELF AGAIN AND THAT ONLT COMES FROM WITHIN BUT IT WILL NOT HAPPEN IF GODS WILL IS NOT A PART OF YOUR LIFE.HOPEFULLY WE CAN HEAL AS A FAMILY GOD WILLING

by marcy at May 10, 2008 1:55 PM

AS A MOTHER OF A SON WHO HAS JUST ENTERED TEEN CHALLENGE I AM VERY CONFUSED ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON WHERE HE IS.WHEN WE HEAR FROM HIM HE ALWAYS HAS SOMETHING NEGATIVE TO SAY ABOUT HAVING TO WORK SO LONG AND HE IS NOT GETTING ANY DRUG AND ALCOHOL COUNSELING AND HE IS FRUSTRATED.MY OPINION ON IT SO FAR(2 WEEKS) IS THAT WHEN HE WAS HOME HE HAD ALL NEGATIVE TO SAY ABOUT OUR HOUSE RULES AND ANY RULES OF AN EMPLOYER.NEEDLESS TO SAY HE PARTIED ALL THE TIME NEVER COULD KEEP A JOB AND WAS OUT OF CONTROL,BUT AS A PARENT OF A TEEN IN THIS GENERATION THAT WE AS PARENTS HAVE GIVEN THESE LITTLE ANGELS EVERYTHING THAT WE DID NOT HAVE AND THEY DO NOT NOW HOW TO HANDLE ANY STRUGGLES IN LIFE WITHOUT OUR HELP AND I AM RELEIVED TO KNOW HE IS SAFE AND IS BEING HUMBLED SO HE CAN GAIN SOME PRIDE ABOUT HIMSELF AGAIN AND THAT ONLT COMES FROM WITHIN BUT IT WILL NOT HAPPEN IF GODS WILL IS NOT A PART OF YOUR LIFE.HOPEFULLY WE CAN HEAL AS A FAMILY GOD WILLING

by marcy at May 10, 2008 1:56 PM

I AM A SURVIVOR OF A TC FACILITY THAT TAKES WOMEN AND CHILDREN. I HAVE WITNESS CHILD ABUSE THERE. I HAVE A SON WHO ALMOST DIED AT 2 WEEKS OLD FROM RULES IMPLIMENTED BY THIS (WHAT I CONSIDER TO BE) CULT.
PLEASE CONTACT ME, ANYONE, WHO HAS A TC HORROR STORY OR JUST WANTS TO GET INTO TOUCH WITH SOMEONE THEY KNEW IN THE "PROGRAM".
I AM TRYING TO TAKE STEPS OF ACTION TO BRING ATTENTION TO THE GOINGS ON OF THIS PLACE. JUST GOOGLE IT ONCE AND YOU WILL READ OF THE FACILITY RUN BY REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS, THE SUICIDE THAT COULD'VE BEEN PREVENTED...
MY EMAIL IS freshlookeyes@yahoo.com
YOU CAN REMAIN ANONYMOUS, I JUST WANT TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOU TO KEEP YOU UPDATED WHILE MY CAUSE BECOMES MORE ORGANIZED.

by april at May 26, 2008 11:59 PM

I AM A SURVIVOR OF A TC FACILITY THAT TAKES WOMEN AND CHILDREN. I HAVE WITNESS CHILD ABUSE THERE FOR 21 MONTHS. I HAVE A SON WHO ALMOST DIED AT 2 WEEKS OLD FROM RULES IMPLIMENTED BY THIS (WHAT I CONSIDER TO BE) CULT.
PLEASE CONTACT ME, ANYONE, WHO HAS A TC HORROR STORY OR JUST WANTS TO GET INTO TOUCH WITH SOMEONE THEY KNEW IN THE "PROGRAM".
I AM TRYING TO TAKE STEPS OF ACTION TO BRING ATTENTION TO THE GOINGS ON OF THIS PLACE.
JUST GOOGLE IT ONCE AND YOU WILL READ OF THE FACILITY RUN BY REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS, THE SUICIDE THAT COULD'VE BEEN PREVENTED...

MY EMAIL IS freshlookeyes@yahoo.com

YOU CAN REMAIN ANONYMOUS, I JUST WANT TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOU TO KEEP YOU UPDATED WHILE MY CAUSE BECOMES MORE ORGANIZED.

by april at May 27, 2008 12:00 AM

Please read my blog entitled "Investigating Teen Challenge" at http://teenchallengecult.blogspot.com/ My latest post is entitled "An In-Depth Series on Abuse at Teen Challenge" and is for those of you who prefer to investigate Teen Challenge so you can make an informed decision before you send a loved one to Teen Challenge!

by Karly at June 9, 2008 4:57 AM

this place is a cult, i went to the " thrift store, and the women there were so afraid in getting into trouble", they did nto talk, one tried to talk to me and was wisked away. i feel sorry for these people brainwashed.

by lee pam at June 20, 2008 2:34 AM

I was in Teen Challenge a few years ago for 13 months. There are some good things and some bad things about it. As far as learning the bible, understanding the Christian faith, and learning discipline, the program is excellent.
There are definately some problems with it though. Since it is a self supporting program, the only way it supports itself is by donations, and the students raising money in different ways (singing choir songs at different churches, working at local factories, a greenhouse, a farm, etc) So the food is a constant issue. I mean, we didn't starve. But the daily menus were depressing. I remember them feeding us florescent, hot pink hot-dogs.
It is a VERY strict program. I was on discipline 90% of the time I was there. I lost about 4 months of phone calls all together in my 13 months there. In my 13th month I was caught giving a tattoo and the punishment they gave me was an extra 6 months which I thought was absolutely rediculous so I left without graduating. My councelor said that "God told him to give me the extra 6 months." And if I left without completing it, that I would be walking out on God's will for me and would basically be cursed.
I feel that this program can possess some cult-like tendencies. When you put a bunch of severe addicts in an environment where there is NO teachings on addiction or recovery, only church 4 times a week and intense bible study, it can have some brain washing effects. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with Christianity, but they cram it down your throat all day for a year.
The staff at TC is made up of graduated alumni. I noticed that quite a few of them had this problem...You take a drug addict that has been clean for a year and put him or her in a position of authority and they don't know how to handle it. Ive seen it get to a number of staff's heads.
As for being a self-supporting program that only charges $600 for a year, it is a good program. Yes, it has it's flaws. If you're a person with a good head on your shoulders and are able to get what you want out of the program without getting too caught up in the flaws with it or some of the wackiness that comes along with having 250 men stuck on a mountaintop for 8 months doing nothing but focusing on faith and their view on the subject, you could get a lot out of it.

by Brett at July 3, 2008 7:39 AM

Are you friggin retarted I went to Teen challenge when I was 19 yrs old. The Brooklyn NY one and they abused me emotionally mentally and physically. I hope no one send funds to this program because this so called good samaritan program is Bull SHIT. and hurts teens and adults. I now til this day being 30 yrs old having nightmares allergies and hives and cold sweats and I witness alot more things too. they are a cult of money grubing cretins and should be out of business. Do u kow teens haved died by suicide from the abuse while in the programs. God I want to smack the crap out of the mother who wants to send the $50 to Teen Challenge and oh by the way I quit drugs and drinking cold turkey 1 day after leaving that crapbox and have been sober since.

by Lisa Fischetto at October 3, 2008 4:43 AM

Since when is Teen Challenge totally funded by donations? My parents had to pay out the ass for me to go there!!.....and churches help fund.....and yeah, I remember gaining like 30 lbs. in 2 months eating government food and "donations" from pizza hut and cinnabon.....with no exercise to burn it off....bibles don't burn fat! I went in for smoking pot.....I have nightmares about the place still! (especially when pregnant). Got demoted for breaking into the office to call another the program director because there was only one counselor on duty...and there was a coup going on....the counselor thanked me for doing it, but I got in a lot of shit for "breaking the rules"...even though I was just trying to help the counselor in need! They kept changing the rules while I ws there, new director. My mom decided to pull me out of the program after 10 months and I couldn't go any higher and wasn't let to do the things an honors level girl should do...when they found out my mom was taking me out...they cornered me and said they doubted my christianity.....which at the time, I was very sincere about.....but not since!

by kim from covington,IN at October 17, 2008 1:34 AM

I was there (in Indy) in 94/95...the only great thing they did was make me feel safe, because I was being stalked by a janitor at the high school I was attending before that....and I was removed from that situation.

by kim from covington,IN at October 17, 2008 1:39 AM

Teen Challenge is a bunch of bullshit.I came there in October 18,2004 and graduated in april 2006. When I was there they treated me like shit I had so many home passas and passes off campus taken away from me for something so fucking stupid.Its really retarded when you can't fucking talk to someone or listen to fucking music. All they want to do is brainwash you and play fucking mind games. Like what is the point of having your family and friends taken away from you that is just fucked up. They take so much away from you while your there you just want to go crazy when you get out honestly I am way worse then I ever was when I came in there. I don't go to church any more not saying that I don't believe in God because I do. I have done alot of drugs since I have been out and I have done so many things that I thought I would never do. All that happened to me in there was I got more educated on drugs and sex and having a good time. So really why take away so much it really just pisses you off more and makes you want to rebell. I love the girls that I got to spend some of my life with. Who ever reads this don't put your kid in teen challenge it's a load of shit and a big waste of money and time. PEACE & LOVE always Alexis.

by Alexis at December 9, 2008 12:33 PM

by Alexis at December 9, 2008 12:34 PM

I to was in the Indianapolis Indiana teen challenge from 1974-1980 and yes I to was abused there. I have had such a hard time even now and I am 45 years old from not dealing with the things that went on in that center. I was locked in the basement for months behind a rollaway bed and a filing cabinet with not enough room to stretch out my legs. I also slept on a concrete floor in that basement, and not able to bath but once a week. I saw a girl (my friend) 14 years old die, girls tied down to rollaway beds in that basement, and alot more. So.... I am sure there are good TC but my experience there was a nightmare I have lived with for 45 years. I would love to hear from others who where there through this time. scebrac@yahoo.com

by Christie at December 13, 2008 12:18 PM

by Christie at December 13, 2008 12:19 PM

by Christie at December 13, 2008 12:20 PM

The Teen Challenge Lady

by lizard at 10:22 PM on October 11, 2001

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