Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What is Adult & Teen Challenge?
A:    Teen Challenge was founded in 1958 by Pastor David Wilkerson who began ministering to drug addicts and gang members on the streets of New York. A recovery home was started shortly thereafter. Teen Challenge came to Texas in 1968. There are now close to 200 centers in the United States, and over 1000 centers worldwide in over 90 different countries. Click Here to learn more about the mission and history of Adult & Teen Challenge of Texas.
Q:  Since the name of your organization is Teen Challenge, why do you also accept people who are older?
A:    Teen Challenge was initially geared toward young gang members and drug users. However, as our society has evolved, so have patterns of drug abuse and gang activity. Teen Challenge now provides adult and family services to help battle this problem.
Q:  I saw people from Teen Challenge with wooden crosses and beaded jewelry. How can I get more information?
A:    Check out our Shop by Clicking Here. Or for more information about our student-led outreach ministries and craft fundraisers email FindHope@tctexas.org.
Q:  How is Teen Challenge funded?
A:    Charitable donations provide the majority of our operating budget. Donations are provided by companies, churches, and individuals who partner with us. Teen Challenge does not charge monthly fees to program participants. Adult & Teen Challenge of Texas is registered as a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code, and as a public charity under Section 509(a)(1), making all contributions tax-deductible. Click Here to make a donation. For more information, please email FindHope@tctexas.org.
Q:  Where can I find the closest Teen Challenge facility?
A:    For a list of Adult & Teen Challenge of Texas facilities, Click Here. For other Teen Challenge locations, please visit www.TeenChallengeUSA.com.
Q:  Is Teen Challenge a rehab?
A:    Teen Challenge is a residential recovery and discipleship program. Unlike a conventional rehab, this recovery program encompasses every aspect of life, guiding people to become mentally sound, emotionally balanced, socially adjusted, and physically well.  It offers nonmedical recovery methods such as moral guidance, counseling, and biblical principles to life-controlling problems.
Q:  How long is the Recovery program?
A:    Participants can generally expect to complete the program in 12 months.
Q:  How much does it cost?
A:    The funds generated from any work done in Phase 1 and 2 go to ATCOT to help in the operation of the program. This is one of the many ways we are able to offer the program tuition free during the first two Phases. Aside from the $1,500 induction fee, tuition is not charged until the third phase of the program, after a student has gained employment.
Q:  Can participants smoke?
A:    Teen Challenge is a tobacco-free facility. The foundational principles of the recovery program demand abstinence from all addictive substances.
Q:  Can participants bring prescribed medication with them?
A:    Only non-addictive medications with a low risk for abuse are allowed. Opiate-derived pain medications, anti-anxiety drugs, and any mind or mood-altering drug with a potential for misuse are strictly prohibited. If such drugs are medically necessary, participants must wait until they complete their treatment on the medication before entering the Recovery program. Contact the admissions coordinator at any of our locations for further details.
Q:  What kinds of visitors can Recovery students have?
A:    Only immediate family may visit students enrolled in the Recovery program. Contact with old friends, including girlfriends or boyfriends, is not allowed. Pastors with ministerial credentials may also visit students with prior approval.
Q:  Does Teen Challenge accept probated or paroled students?
A:    Yes, but the supervision officer must be informed. Many participants enrolled in the recovery program are at Teen Challenge as a condition of their probation or parole. Applicants need to take care of any warrants or legal proceedings before entry. Supervision appointments and reporting will be conducted as part of the participant’s case management. Contact the admissions coordinator at any of our locations for further details.