Who We Are

Why Choose Teen Challenge for Life-Long Recovery?

At Teen Challenge, our residential programs—rooted in faith, counseling, and community—guide individuals out of destructive behaviors or substance-impacted thinking and into a renewed sense of identity and purpose. Over time, they begin to see themselves through the lens of God’s truth, discovering His purpose for their lives and embracing an entirely new way of thinking and living.

We go beyond surface-level issues to address the deeper, underlying causes of their struggles. We help rebuild them from the inside out. They learn to take responsibility for their actions, make amends, and avoid repeating the same patterns. At the heart of addiction and harmful behavior is a void that only God can fill—which is why a deep, personal relationship with Christ is foundational to everything we do.

We build that spiritual foundation through biblical teaching, discipleship, mentoring, and creating a community of support. Residents are immersed in God’s Word and surrounded by others who are also growing in their faith. Our experienced staff—many of whom have walked similar paths—provide compassionate guidance, while more advanced residents serve as natural mentors, offering encouragement and direction to those just beginning their journey. This peer support is powerful, reinforcing commitment and creating bonds that help sustain long-term transformation.

For adults in our rehab programs, the path to recovery is not rushed. We take time to unpack the layers of addiction, knowing that healing begins only once the body is free from substances—a process that may take weeks or even months, depending on the individual and the substance involved. Unlike expensive, short-term rehab programs that promise quick fixes, Teen Challenge takes a long-term, holistic approach. We’ve seen the pattern—people go through one 30-day program after another, often without lasting results. True recovery takes time. It requires dealing with root issues, breaking unhealthy habits, and building a new life—something that simply can’t happen in a few weeks.

Committing a full year in a residential program can feel like a big sacrifice, especially when it means stepping away from work or family. But for many, it’s the only path to lifelong sobriety and genuine transformation. We are one of the few programs that invest that much time and care into each resident. Why? Because true recovery doesn’t happen overnight, and we are committed to walking that journey with every person, no matter how long it takes.

We also understand the financial burden that long-term programs can bring, which is why we work hard to keep fees as low as possible for families. Much of our support comes from generous donations from the community, allowing us to make life-changing care accessible to those who need it most. Community support is vital to our program—it gives us the time needed to work with each individual to transform their lives for good. 

Teen Challenge SE operates 22 residential programs across six states, serving both adults and adolescents. For teens ages 12–17, we offer seven full-time boarding schools—four for boys and three for girls—focused on improving both behavior and academics. For adults, our 16 residential programs provide long-term, faith-based recovery for both men and women. All of our residential programs are year-round and typically last 12 to 15 months. For those who prefer a non-residential option, our Hope Counseling service offers outpatient addiction recovery and life counseling.

We believe in lasting change—not temporary fixes—and we’re here to walk with each individual toward healing, wholeness, and a renewed life in Christ. For over 60 years, Teen Challenge has pioneered ridding individuals of life-controlling issues, behaviors, and harmful addictions. While our adolescent boarding school programs help teenagers deal with inappropriate behavior, lack of motivation, or failing academics, our single-gender adult residential programs are wholly focused on lifetime recovery from addictions that are destroying the individual’s life and future.  Our program is meant to turn addicts in godly individuals — overflowing with care for others, honesty, peace, happiness, and excitement for the future.

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Help Us Put Hope Within Reach

What does it mean to Partner With Us to Put Hope Within Reach?

Putting hope within reach is much more than a vision – it’s a reminder that what we’re doing has an eternal impact. It emphasizes that a one-size solution does not fit every need. It’s the motivation behind every staff and intern and fuels our work. Hope can mean many different things to so many other people, so we have our work cut out for us. By supporting Teen Challenge SE with your generous gifts and donations, following us on social media, and committing to pray for us, you’re partnering with Teen Challenge SE to provide that very hope to every person who needs it.