How long is the Adult & Teen Challenge BC program?
The Adult & Teen Challenge BC program requires you to commit to a minimum of 12 months. Some students are required to stay longer, and others remain after graduation for a time of transition. When our organization first started, we attempted much shorter programs, but had very little success. We believe healing and learning takes time. Look at it this way: in the grand scheme of things, one year is a short period of time to get your entire life back on track.
Do I need to be a Christian to apply?
No, but you do need to know that our program centres upon the truth we find in the Bible because we believe it is the true source to real freedom. This affects every aspect of our program. We only ask that you are open to exploring God for yourself.
Why is it called "Teen" Challenge if I have to be 19 or over?
Our ministry originally began in the 1950′s, when a young pastor began reaching out to youth in the ghettos of New York City. He realized one of their greatest needs was for addiction recovery, and he started a program called “Teen Challenge” to help them learn about freedom through Jesus Christ. The ministry soon spread all over the world, helping adults with addiction as well. Here in Canada, due to government regulations, we aren’t able to accept minors into our full-time centres. However, we still call ourselves “ Adult & Teen Challenge BC ” because we reflect the same original program God began, that has been successful all over the globe.
[Read more about our history here]
What's so different about Adult & Teen Challenge?
Adult & Teen Challenge BC does not view a person as a statistic – but rather a unique life set apart by God. We believe recovery begins with a heart change; one that starts when people face their pain and brokenness, and bring it before Jesus to heal and transform. What follows is then the natural next step – changes in behavior and the elimination of binding and life-controlling habits. Teaching faith in Jesus Christ alters behavior and instills positive values that allow a person to holistically heal. The Teen Challenge model can be summed up as this: “It’s not just about drugs or alcohol; it’s moral training. The Gospel of Mark, chapter seven says, ‘It’s not what enters a man that makes him unclean, it’s what comes out that destroys him; it’s what’s in a person’s heart that is the problem.’ We don’t just talk about drugs and alcohol. We talk about character.” The primary goal of this guidance is not to simply stop the addiction and related deviant behavior, but to develop a whole new way of living: one free from compulsive and destructive behavior.
Why should I choose Adult & Teen Challenge instead of another recovery program?
Our graduates have said that the Adult & Teen Challenge holistic approach stands out from other programs they have tried. This is because Adult & Teen Challenge BC deals with the “whole person”. In helping students lay a foundation by working on what’s INSIDE and challenging them with biblical teaching, they will discover faith in Jesus Christ and a new way of living. Adult & Teen Challenge BC endeavors to help people become mentally sound, emotionally balanced, socially adjusted, physically well and spiritually alive.
Abbotsford Mayor, Henry Braun: “Addiction and substance abuse destroys lives and has such a wide impact on a whole community. But with organizations like Adult & Teen Challenge BC, there is hope. Adult & Teen Challenge BC walks beside men and women, helping to restore lives and communities.”
What can I expect at Adult & Teen Challenge BC?
A lot of love, a lot of challenge, and a lot of CHANGE. It’s been said that we’re a combination of Bible College (you’ll learn about a God who loves you and has an AMAZING plan for you!), boot camp (with structure, order, and obedience), and family life (you’ll spend your time with a great group of people – just like you – learning to try and start again).
Does Adult & Teen Challenge BC offer detox?
No, we do not offer a medically-supervised detox program. If you require this, we recommend you complete it first at your local hospital or detox centre, depending on where you live.
How much does it cost?
We ask for a non-refundable intake fee of $1,000 to enter. If you are unable to pay this, please contact us. In addition, each student will consent to apply for the BC Housing funding before entering the program or upon arrival. The Intake Coordinator (centre specific) will explain and give direction on how to apply. If the potential student does not qualify, they will be required to pay the $1000/month housing personally. Family, Church Communities, Employment Insurance (EI), or medical EI are a few options.
Adult & Teen Challenge BC is a registered charity. The ministry subscribes to strict fiscal standards of operation through CRA and the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. Adult & Teen Challenge BC is governed by a Board of Directors and CEO with daily operations handled by a centre specific Senior Leadership Team and support staff. The operating budget is such that per student cost is on average about $6,500.00 (per student per month). Daily operational expenses and capital projects are raised through individual donors, newsletters, church meetings, and a variety of other means such as contract work, our vehicle donation program, etc. We are almost entirely run by donations, so any additional gift helps us tremendously.
What will I do every day?
Adult & Teen Challenge BC students keep to a strict schedule which is specially designed to help you grow and change, and equip you for a better life AFTER graduation. Having a schedule brings stability, order and helps to encourage and maintain personal responsibility, to oneself and others. We value accountability and giving our students the tools and encouragement they need to succeed.
Our program activities include chapel time(worship, biblical teaching, prayer), class/education (learning truths and skills to apply to your life), work detail (practical vocational training), outreach (visiting churches and communities to share our stories and encourage others), and personal time management and rest.
Can I still smoke at Adult & Teen Challenge BC?
We believe addiction of any kind is unhealthy. We require that you quit, cold-turkey, upon entering our program. (Trust us, it will be worth it!)
Will I be able to visit family and friends while in the program?
We value your connection with family and friends. You’ll be able to visit with them, but not when you first come to the program. You will have “passes” that are acquired over time, as well as good progress while in the program. We also have a monthly Family Visit Day where they can come and visit you. Visitors must be approved by staff. We want the very best for you, and that includes the people in your life that are a healthy support.
Can I continue dating while in the program?
No, you’re not able to pursue pre-marital romantic relationships while in the program. This might seem strict, but it really is the best way to commit a full year to YOUR own personal healing. We believe that your time here should be intently focused, which is best done without external distractions. It is our hope that after completion of the program, you will be better prepared to embark on healthy and stable relationships for a lifetime to come.
What if I'm married or have kids? I need to keep in touch with them.
Of course. We certainly encourage healthy communication with your spouse and/or children while you are in the program. As mentioned above, you are able to see them on “passes” and “Family Visit days”, in addition to phone calls. Provided you are making progress in your program and the communication is productive, we will help you maintain contact with your family. As always, we are here to help you succeed in all areas, including your relationships.