Teen Challenge is the oldest, largest and most successful program of its kind in the world. Established in 1958 by David Wilkerson, Teen Challenge has grown to more than 201 centers in the United States and over 200 in foreign countries. If you would like to know the story of how Teen Challenge started as told in the book "The Cross and the Switchblade," visit this page where you can order a copy of the book.

Teen Challenge offers a number of services to the community. For over 40 years, Teen Challenge has been going into schools around the world working with teens to educate them about the dangers of drugs. Our school programs consists of a team led by Sal Dibianca. These are men and women who once had problems with drugs, so they know what they are talking about when they talk to teens. For younger children we have a puppet show that we use to educate them in a way that they can easily understand. Our presentations usually run from 45 minutes to an hour in length. Any school or Boy/Girl scout troop that is interested in scheduling a visit should contact the nearest Teen Challenge center. Click here for more information.

Teen Challenge is available for reaching out to people in juvenile halls, jails, and prisons. Our "jail teams" help show inmates that their is hope for them to turn their lives around. And more importantly, we educate them in how to change their lives!


Many of our centers hold weekly support group meetings such as Turning Point. Turning Point's purpose is to assist the local church to establish an effective, on-going, biblically-based, small group ministry to help people overcome and/or remain free of life-controlling problems. Turning Point groups are designed to have a beginning and an end. Some support groups never have an end, and this can wear your staff down as well as make people too dependent on a narrow group of people. Turning Point groups are designed to last nine to thirteen weeks. The desire is to apply the truths of Scripture to the struggles that we face in order that we may grow in our relationship to God and experience growing freedom from the "corruption in the world caused by evil desires" (II Peter 1:4 NIV). For more information on Turning Point visit their web site at:
http://www.turningpointministries.org/

Also you can call or write Turning Point at: Turning Point
P.O. Box 22127
Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127
TEL: (423) 899-4770
FAX: (423) 899-4547
E-MAIL: tpoint@turningpointministries.org Many of our centers offer a one-year residential program for adults designed to help men and women learn how to live drug-free lives. During their 1-year stay, they do not hold down outside jobs, as all of their attention is focused on the program. We challenge the residents to embrace the Christian faith. We see that when they do, their lives are transformed and they find true meaning and purpose. Residents follow strict rules and discipline. All residents adhere to a daily schedule which includes chapel, Bible classes and work assignments on or near the grounds. For information on Teen Challenge's curriculum visit the Teen Challenge Curriculum Page or contact us at stc@ac.net or call (910) 947-2944.

While most of our centers are for adults, some do offer residential programs for teenagers. Please contact the Teen Challenge center nearest you to find out what services they offer.