What is the Cost?
One of our most frequently asked questions is also one of the most difficult to answer. Program costs vary significantly across our 200+ ministry locations across North America. Because our centers are independently run with their own board of directors, there is not one “set cost” for our programs. Costs for students in our ministries are typically much lower than in many other addiction recovery centers.
Adult & Teen Challenge ministries depend on three different funding sources. When all sources are working well, the ministry is able to focus meeting the student’s needs. Donations, income from micro-enterprises, and student fees make up the three legs of income to sustain a successful program.
- Donations are the first leg of the ministry sustainability. Ministry staff work with the local community to raise funds to help offset the student’s fees. This can include church services where students may sing in a choir and share their stories. Students may also ask for donations from friends and family. Staff work to develop relationships with community members to share the vision and ask for their support. Grants also fall into this area.
- Micro-Enterprises are the second leg of the operations income. One aspect of the student’s program training is the work therapy. The goal is for students to learn soft skills that will serve them in the workplace after graduation. These therapy programs can also generate income for the ministry. But they are also different in the various areas of the country. Operating a successful greenhouse may be possible in the southern part of the country, but may not be cost effective in the northern centers. Thrift stores may work well in some areas, but not generate a significant profit in other areas. Micro-enterprise opportunities affect the ministry’s ability to raise income from the work therapy.
- Student fees are the third leg of the income for the ministry. The cost of the fees is not set lightly. Center directors and their boards strive to keep costs as affordable as possible without sacrificing the quality of care for the students they serve.
There are many reasons for the differences in cost between centers. One variable is the population served. Adolescent centers have the highest income need per student. States have regulations that require smaller student to staff ratios. Adolescent students are typically not earning money for the center in the work therapy portion of their program. Academic education is provided at the junior high or high school level for students also. All of these factors add up to a higher total budget. Centers that serve mothers with children often also have a higher cost per student. Childcare and provision for the children’s needs add to the total cost to run these ministries.
Another variable is location. Wages and the price of goods varies between regions and affect the cost to operate the ministry. In larger urban areas wages are typically higher than in rural areas, but goods and services fluctuate significantly.
Some scholarships are available at times. Don’t let the burden of paying for recovery prevent you from pursuing therapy for a drug-free life. Contact several locations to determine the best program for you or your loved one.
All centers strive to develop the best possible budgets to provide the best care within reasonable expenses. For the most accurate information regarding program specifics, we recommend reaching out to centers directly. You can use our online center finder to narrow down your search and find the contact info for the program that fits your needs.
