1. Why are you called Teen Challenge?
Teen Challenge began it's ministry to hurting street teens in New York City over 40 years ago, and in the Midlands, we've been ministering to hurting people since the mid-70's. While the demographics of who we minister to has changed over the years, the name has stuck. The name Teen Challenge has become synonymous with Christ-centered help, so we stay with it.
2. What denomination are you?
Teen Challenge of the Midlands is an interdenominational ministry. We partner with individuals, churches, and other ministries from various backgrounds to offer Hope in Christ. Teen Challenge was founded by David Wilkerson under the Assemblies of God. Today, we receive support from individuals and churches across denominational lines.
3. Where do students attend church?
Students enrolled in the Colfax Training Center visit churches of various denominations on a regular basis to minister and offer encouragement. In the Re-entry phase, students attend the church of their choice. The Pella Women’s Center students call Third Reformed Church their home, but also visit other churches from time to time.
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4. Do you have licensed counselors?
Teen Challenge staff are not licensed counselors or therapists. Many are Teen Challenge graduates or people from a variety of backgrounds who have struggled with various addictions, and have found Life in Jesus Christ. Out of their struggles and victories, they offer Hope. Others have never struggled with addictions themselves but have a heart to help hurting people.
5. Do you have a detox program?
We do not have a residential detox program at this time. We can refer you to detox centers in the midlands, and require you to be detoxed prior to entering the program.
6. How long is your program?
Teen Challenge of the Midlands is 12 months in length. In the men’s program, the first seven months are spent in our Training Center in Colfax, IA, followed by the five-month Re-entry phase in Omaha, NE. The women spend the entire twelve months in Pella, IA.
7. Why is the program so long?
It's been said that "repetition is the mother of mastery and skill". Overcoming life-controlling sins isn't an overnight job; it requires repeated exposure to spiritual truths and surroundings. In fact, 12 months is just a start - God continues to work on us all our lives!
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8. What is the process for getting into Teen Challenge of the Midlands?
The place to start is to gather information about the program. You can receive information on this website or by calling to have it sent to you. If you still have questions, feel free to call our Intake Coordinator for additional information. You'll be required to complete an application, have a physical exam, and make sure you meet all other requirements.
9. How many students do you have?
Our men’s program has a capacity of 75 students, while the women’s program can house up to five women at this time.
10. How is Teen Challenge funded?
Teen Challenge is a non-profit ministry funded through financial contributions and other donations. We also conduct work-study programs, which help raise operating dollars. Teen Challenge receives no government funding of any kind.
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11. Do you take students on medications?
We do accept students with prescription medications. Please see the medication policies in our Men's Guidelines or Women's Guidelines.
12. Do you take students with mental illnesses?
Students with diagnosed mental illnesses are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Teen Challenge is not intended to be everything to everyone. The reality is that there are some situations we're not equipped for, and in those cases, we endeavor to refer people to Christ-centered help.
13. Do you take people with disabilities?
We are open to making reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities to help them complete the required classroom and physical work. Discuss these limitations with the Intake Coordinator.
14. Do you have a women's program?
Teen Challenge of the Midlands is opening a women's residential program in Pella, IA. You may contact that center at:
Pella Women's Center Director
Candace Wilson
(641) 628-2808
Email Candace
We also reach out to wives and family members of married students through our Wives Ministry.
15. What's the daily routine?
The daily schedule is detailed on the last page of the Men's Guidelines or Women's Guidelines. At various times during the year, this schedule is altered slightly to accommodate special events.
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16. Do students get paid for the work they do?
Students in the Teen Challenge program receive housing, meals, and ministry free of charge. Work is part of the program structure, and allows us to continue offering ministry to those who couldn't pay. Once student reach the Re-entry phase they'll secure full-time employment as part of the program.
17. Are students allowed to work an outside job while enrolled in the program?
Students in the Induction and Training phases of the program are not allowed to work outside jobs. Once you've been promoted to the Re-entry phase, you'll secure a full-time job outside of Teen Challenge as part of the program.
18. What about my family while I'm in the program?
We recognize that married students and those with children face different situations than singles. Because of that, we've put together a Wives Ministry to reach out to the student's spouses and families. We endeavor to provide advice and encouragement in the area of finances and child-rearing as well as offering referrals when necessary. Please contact our Wives Ministry Coordinator for more information, or feel free to discuss your questions during the intake process.
19. Are students allowed contact with people outside of Teen Challenge?
You may have contact with certain people outside of Teen Challenge. Refer to the Relationships & Communications section of the Men's Guidelines or Women's Guidelines.
20. Are students allowed to talk to girlfriends or boyfriends?
Students come to Teen Challenge with the understanding that there will be no contact with their fiancés, girlfriends, boyfriends or other friends. This is to help students focus completely on their relationship with God.
21. How long is the application process?
The application process is driven largely by your circumstances and ability to gather needed items. For those facing legal issues (incarceration, court appointments, etc.), the process is contingent on a release for you to participate in the entirety of the program (minimum of 12 months). For others, the timing is contingent on you obtaining a full physical exam, collecting the application and induction fees, and fulfillment of other entry requirements.
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