Confronted by Hope, Walking in Freedom, Living with Purpose!
Teen Challenge is one of the oldest, largest and most effective programs of its kind in the world. Teen Challenge New England & New Jersey serves needy individuals and families in the six New England states and New Jersey. Probably best known for its Christian faith-based, long term residential recovery homes for more than 400 adults 18 years and older, Teen Challenge also conducts a variety of outreach and drug prevention programs to children and youth in schools and local communities.
Through Teen Challenge sons and daughters are restored and reunited with their once heartbroken families torn apart by their loved one’s past drug and alcohol addiction. There are thousands of individuals who have been helped by Teen Challenge throughout New England and New Jersey over its fifty year history. They are living demonstrations that change is possible and there is hope for you or your loved one.
The Teen Challenge residential recovery program provides an opportunity for drug or alcohol addicted adults (age 18 years and older) to find freedom from their life-controlling problems while learning new skills to help them live successfully in families, in their communities and churches and as productive members of society.
Biblical values are taught in ways that can be practically applied in real life situations. Residents develop character qualities of integrity, self-control and compassion. They develop positive life skills that will assist them in becoming esteemed employees, respected neighbors and dependable family members.
Personal studies, class lectures, chapel services and job skills training all combine to assist the residents in learning new life skills and developing new patterns of thinking and living. Fellow residents encourage each other as they become a strong family unit growing and changing together. Each part of the program strengthens the resident and builds a foundation for fostering lifelong positive change.
Our staff works closely with each resident to develop plans and goals for the future as they approach the end of the program. See our Apprentice Planning & Development description below.
Download a General Program brochure
Family Involvement
We believe that when an individual is addicted that the entire family suffers from the actions of the addict. We are committed to getting the family involved and schedule appointments at the admission, 30 day and 90 day part of the program to educate the family and teach them how to draw boundaries along with tips to keep them and their loved ones safe. Families are strongly encouraged to learn as much as possible and to make it to all scheduled appointments and events.
Clinical Counseling
We understood the need to provide a more comprehensive approach to the recovery of the addicts in our program. Many student’s issues go beyond drug addiction which makes clinical counseling a necessity. They may suffer from a co-occurring disorder such as anxiety, depression, bi-polar, PTSD or others. Doug Tubach LMHC clinical says “There are disorders that are interwoven with the addiction disorders, creating a complex matrix that needs to be addressed with special intervention and care.” We have found that addressing these issues with a professional has produced great results within the lives of our students.
Life Coaching
Maybe one of the most underappreciated things in life is someone taking the time to coach you in the fundamentals of life. Many of our students were not taught basic ways to function in life. They have spent five or ten years using heavy drugs, maybe in and out of jail, then a year in a structured program. A life coach plays a crucial role in the last phase of the program to help with successfully launching our students back into society.
“Coaching is all about having someone believe in you and encourage you, about getting valuable feedback, about seeing things from new perspectives and setting your sights on new horizons.” Unknown. Students will meet with their coach two times a month during Phase Five and two times during the ninety day period after graduation. Sessions include: exercises/activities to help the student realize their passions and goals, life skills such as banking, building credit, budgeting, spiritual readiness, organization, planning, time management and balance. Life coaching provides accountability and clarification along with effective tools for our students that are graduating our program. Rachel Manzo puts it best quoting a popular phrase in the coaching industry; “Assume nothing and clarify everything.”
Apprenticeship
Graduates of the fifteen month program may elect (per director’s approval) to remain at a Teen Challenge campus, enrolling as an apprentice which provides an increased period of freedom and responsibility while maintaining accountability, essential at this transitional time. Residents can elect to stay with the Teen Challenge ministry and sharpen their skills in the following; ministerial, vocational or leadership avenues. Apprentice studies are designed to focus on the necessary skills needed to succeed, while encouraging growth in their personal and spiritual lives. The apprentice program lasts six months. Housing is provided in the dormitories along with a small stipend.
Life Skills Training
Residents learn to give back to others through their involvement in choir and various community drug prevention and jail outreaches. Separated from influences that previously triggered the need to turn to drugs or alcohol, they have the opportunity to restart their new lives in the company of others who are also on the journey to life change. New residents are able to draw strength and encouragement from others who have been in the program. As a result, the residents grow together toward their mutual goals of living free from addiction and realize their God-given potential.
Earning a GED/HiSet
If residents have not yet earned a high school diploma, they must complete and earn a GED/HiSet while they are in residency.
Job Skills Training
Residents participate in a variety of micro enterprises and work projects that help them develop good work habits and attitudes. They learn how to work under supervision, to get along with others and to take pride in a job well done. The skills learned are adaptable to any job and are an invaluable asset to help them find work once they graduate from our program. This area is vital in instilling essential character qualities that will help the them sustain sobriety and reach their God-given potential.