When she and I spoke, there was new life–a transformed woman is beginning to blossom. Jesus transformed her whole being and gave her hope that transcended all. She saw dignity and identity in Christ, not in anything else. Her road to complete healing will not be easy, but it will be filled with love and a peace that passes all understanding.
This story and thousands like it are why we do what we do. This past year, Adult & Teen Challenge (ATC) served over 11,000 people who came through our doors. Almost 3,000 fully graduated our long-term programs at 12-15 months long. Several thousand people suffering with addiction finished our short-term programs. In fall of 2019, Evangel University in Missouri completed a success rate study for ATC. After one-year from graduating our long-term programs, alumni have a 78% success rate in maintaining sobriety.
As a Christ-centered organization, we emphasize the power of relationship with God through his son, Jesus Christ. We had over 9,000 people who made decisions to follow Jesus Christ. Recent research shows faith has a significant impact on addiction recovery. The research shows 73% of all substance treatment programs have a faith component and also shows that 84% of scientific studies in addiction show faith as a positive factor, with less than 2% shown as a risk to treatment and recovery. We believe in the power of God to change lives.
With 20.3 million self-reported Americans in addiction of some form, we must continue to accelerate our influence and progress. Our vision is freeing all people with life-controlling issues through the power of Jesus Christ. We have implemented a strategic plan with early focus on building sustainable growth through expanded services in residential, non-residential, outpatient and virtual care settings. Our plan also includes continued development of recovery curriculum adding online courses for family members and friends who are watching the ones they love suffer. Other strategic elements include leadership development innovation, technology enhancements, prevention, and scholarships.
We have so much to be thankful for. Our team members sacrifice countless hours every day. Our donors and partners give with willing and generous hearts month after month and year after year. What a blessing to be part of this tremendous work and see the life transformations happening each day in our centers. May the Lord continue to show us the way, give us wisdom to steward with excellence, and be our source of strength, peace and resilience as we serve the vulnerable and hurting.
Gary Blackard
President & CEO, Adult & Teen Challenge
With over 200 residential recovery programs in North America, we have at least one program in every state. Our centers provide care for men, women, and adolescents. Use the link below to view an interactive map of all of our locations.
Four Regional Conferences provided the opportunity for Adult & Teen Challenge staff to hear first-hand about the latest student curriculum and its implementation. Leaders from the National Office shared the vision for the future including leadership development and staff training.
These conferences were a powerful time of spiritual renewal and leadership development. Staff members were able to connect with people from all across the country and network together.
Six classes in the life-changing Breaking Free series were launched this past year. This is our first curriculum that focuses on the nature of addiction through a biblical worldview. The student feedback has been powerful!
A redesign of the original PSNL curriculum was completed, as well. Students will now enjoy a fresh approach to individualized learning. Twenty-five pieces have been edited and re-designed, three pieces completely redone, and one new packet developed.
Work has begun on the next PSNL curriculum series: Preparing for Success.
All existing online courses have been redesigned and migrated to our brand-new ATC Bridge online learning platform. New courses are being developed and implemented in the system each month. 147 courses have launched and are ready to equip ATC staff to better serve those in their care.
There are 65 stand alone courses and 18 multi-course programs in the ATC Bridge platform. Along with those brand new training pieces, 57 original courses and eight original programs have also been updated and are now available.
It’s exciting to see 1,068 learners have spent 24,368 hours in training between our old and new systems. All we do revolves around creating a better experience for the students. Equipping staff with new tools empowers staff, allowing them to more effectively encourage students in their new walk with Christ. The online training is moving at a fast pace to create a learning environment that will keep pace with ever-changing program needs.
Gary Blackard, President & CEO
Adult & Teen Challenge
Dr. Ava Oleson, Chairperson
Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Sue Gengler, Vice Chairperson
Health Education, Retired
Daniel Ruiz, Secretary
Institute for Learning and Innovation
John Rossi, Treasurer
U.S. Army Officer, Retired
Malcolm Burleigh
Assemblies of God, Executive Director of US Missions
Juan Cruz, Jr.
Senior Technology Manager – Clinical Engineering
Jay Martin
Attorney – Wallace, Martin, Duke & Russell
Dr. Jerry Ireland
Professor of Theology, University of Valley Forge
Ted Papit
Adjunct Professor of Business – Evangel University
Steve Trader
CEO of Global Teen Challenge, Appointed
Chris Hodges, Regional Rep
Adult & Teen Challenge, Northwest region
Snow Peabody, Regional Rep
Adult & Teen Challenge, Southwest region
Eric Vagle, Regional Rep
Adult & Teen Challenge, North Central region
George Thomas, Regional Rep
Adult & Teen Challenge, South Central region
Dave Rose, Regional Rep
Adult & Teen Challenge, Great Lakes region
Gary Bentley, Regional Rep
Adult & Teen Challenge, Gulf region
Mike Zello, Regional Rep
Adult & Teen Challenge, Northeast region
Brice Maddock, Regional Rep
Adult & Teen Challenge, Southeast region
Steve Paulson, Regional Rep
Adult & Teen Challenge, Canada region
James 5:16 assures us that “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”. We know and understand the supernatural power of prayer – in fact, we depend upon it! Please commit to join us in prayer for our vision to help end addiction and for the staff working hard to achieve these audacious objectives.
Even Mother Teresa acknowledged the need for resources to fund the work she did. “To keep a lamp burning, you have to keep putting oil into it.” Our work cannot succeed without the monthly support of many friends, donors and partners like you. Your monthly gift to our general fund will allow us to utilize resources in the areas of greatest need.
Share the Teen Challenge story with your circle of influence. While history confirms that our ministry has impacted millions of lives since our founding in 1958, we remain a “best kept secret” among those outside the addiction space. We must greatly increase awareness of our programs. In a country in crisis, where thousands are desperate for help, there should be no “empty beds” at any of our program centers!
