what-is-tcnz

Teen Challenge is a Christian based organisation which started caring for troubled youth in New York City in 1958 by David Wilkerson Author of "The Cross and the Switchblade". The program now has over 500 Teen Challenge Centres in 90 different countries worldwide.

Teen Challenge strives to help the 'whole person', not just the substance abuse. The Teen Challenge approach is to teach a whole new way of living by addressing family relationships, work attitudes, self image, peer pressure, temptation, community relationships and a variety of other life skills.

With a documented success rate of 86% of those who complete the program, Teen Challenge is regarded as one of the most successful drug rehabilitation programs in the world.

Many of the young people who come to Teen Challenge with their drug problems and associated troubled lifestyles, often come from a background of being unwanted, left out and forgotten by society.

Mission Statement

We endeavour to meet the needs of the whole person to help them to be physically well, socially adjusted, mentally sound, emotionally balanced and spiritually alive. The program is based on Christian principles with a goal to equip the individual to return to society as a responsible citizen.

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Program Structure

Includes lectures, character development, relational guidance, social skills and recreation. To emphasise the educational aspect of the program, Teen Challenge refers to its residents as 'students'. The student is tutored in developing positive attitudes, trustworthiness, concern for others and a strong sense of responsibility.

Program Emphasis

  • Residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
  • Developing structured lifestyle.
  • Learning personal disciplines.
  • Reforming relationships.
  • Vocational program for developing work ethic.
  • Teaching respect for authority.
  • Learning self-respect and self-esteem.