Adult & Teen Challenge is pleased to announce that Jimmy and Yvonne Oakes have joined the National Office as new Directors for ATC Community, a non-residential strategy for North America. One of the strategic initiatives the National Office has been focused on is the development and implementation of a brand-new non-residential programming strategy to include virtual small groups, alumni-led life groups, and new programming materials and schedules for effective care and relationship building.
Jimmy and Yvonne Oakes are experienced ATC and Living Free staff members and certified small group facilitators. “Yvonne and I are so excited to be here at Adult & Teen Challenge USA, working with an amazing team, that has a vision to expand the reach to those with life controlling issues,” said Jimmy Oakes. “We are looking forward to meeting and working with more of our fellow laborers, and are available to help in any way we can.”
Yvonne shared a story about their heart for ministry. “Early in our Teen Challenge ministry a student sat in my office and said, ‘Ms. Yvonne, drugs wasn’t my problem, it was my answer!’ At that moment I was reminded that there is a better answer – in John 14:6 Jesus answered, ‘I am the way…truth…and life…’ Our role with ATC is to expand the reach into communities with The Answer through recovery support groups.”
“ATC is growing as the Lord continues to open the vision and show us the direction He has planned for us,” said Gary Blackard, President & CEO of Adult & Teen Challenge. “Please join me in congratulating the Oakes in their new roles and pray for the Lord’s wisdom and guidance as we embark on this new journey.”
About Adult & Teen Challenge
With more than 200 residential centers within the US and Canada, Adult & Teen Challenge (ATC) is a faith-based non-profit headquartered in Ozark, Missouri. Its mission is to provide adults & teens freedom from addiction and other life-controlling issues through Christ-centered solutions. Through effective discipleship, mentoring, and life-skills training, ATC and its affiliates have seen positive outcomes and radical life-transformation throughout its sixty-year history.
