Teen challenge was started by Dave Wilkerson in 1958 in
Staten Island, Wilkerson was a pastor in Pennsylvania who heard the call of God
to help hurting teens in NYC who were caught up in a lifestyle of drug
addictions, sex, alcohol ect. Also In 1967, Wilkerson began Youth Crusades, an
evangelistic ministry aimed at teenagers whom Wilkerson called "goodniks” a class of youth who were restless and
bored. His goal was to prevent them from becoming heavily involved with drugs,
alcohol, or violence.
Their goal in helping people is to present the word of God
as an avenue when times are hard and they find themselves in difficult
situations, they offer Christian counseling, being trained in the Word of God, they
have 16 group classes that each student must complete (some examples are: love,
accepting themselves, drugs, addictions, bitterness, heart-break). They go out all
around the USA and do Christian services and share their testimonies. Teen Challenge is a 12-18 month recovery program for those
dealing with such problems as drug addiction, alcholics, gang members,
prostitues, and people dealing with other characteristics that the program
would consider “life-controlling problems” (i.e Homosexuality).
Because the organization is a non-profit the organization is
funded from individual donations, church donations, organizations donations,
they also help anyone who needs work around the neighbor hood and in return
they are given donations. They have a program called Good Samaritan, where
families help out by donating a certain amount each month to the organization
They also have an entry fee of $750 to come into the program
and men also give welfare, and food stamps to help fuel the ministry.
Teen Challenge when looking to hire, looks for someone who
believes the same beliefs, a heart to serve the lord and the people, must want
to do their best and represent Jesus in a good life. Counselors must have
bachelors in counseling or masters in dealing with people.
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