The HEW Study

A 1976 Health, Education & Welfare Department study of the largest Teen Challenge Center in America indicates that it does. Dr. Catherine Hess, study director, states that whereas treatment for a drug addict in a detoxification facility results in a 1% cure rate and the therapeutic community's rate is about 10% the Teen Challenge in Rehrersburg, Pennsylvania, had an 86% cure rate.

This percentage is based on those interviewed 5 years after completing the program. The federal Government recognizes anyone who has been drug free for a period of 5 years to be completely recovered.

Dr. Hess further states, "The Teen Challenge program is the best I know of to get a person off drugs." Dr. John A. Howard, member, National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse, who echoes her sentiments, states, "Of all the drug programs reported to the Commission, the most successful is the religiously based program conducted by Teen Challenge."

What Former Students Have Said...

     "After detoxing from drugs, I felt the full impact of the void and emptiness of my life. At Teen Challenge I surrendered my life, my all, to Jesus, and the Holy Spirit filled the void. Now my life has direction, a purpose.... I put all my trust in God now. He is my everlasting strength."

     "I was one of the first to go into the Teen Challenge of Greater Cleveland program. God delivered me from a living death and raised me up in Christ Jesus to a new life. Teen Challenge was the incubator I needed in my drastic case."     

     "After fifteen years of drug abuse I was confused and in despair. At Teen Challenge God ... has taken my broken life and put it back together.... He has brought me out of darkness and given me new life. I thank God for this ministry, for without it I may have been destroyed."

What Others Have Said...  

"It's my pleasure to share a few moments with you who are friends of the oldest and one of the most effective ongoing programs of its kind in America: Teen Challenge. Not only does Teen Challenge help our young people deal with their substance abuse, but it also gives our kids something to live for -- a relationship with God, a healthy self-esteem and a direction in their lives that finally leads somewhere. Ever since I endorsed Teen Challenge back in the 1970s, when I was governor of California, I've always been impressed with their work, their people and even their name." Ronald Reagan

"In my opinion, Teen Challenge is doing the best all-around job of providing the kids with something meaningful in their lives. And that's what they all need. I thank you for your continuing support for Teen Challenge." Art Linkletter

"We have long been aware of the tremendous ministry of Teen Challenge. I consider it a real privilege to endorse the work.... I thank God for places like Teen Challenge that not only understand the problem, but know the God who can set young people free and transform them into whole, useful, caring people." Ruth Graham

"The exciting thing about Teen Challenge is they go right into the inner spiritual and moral dimension of the individual, really explaining the love of God in Christ. When those fellows and girls find the love of God in Christ in their own lives, they get cleaned up automatically from within. In fact, I really go so far as to say a program with moral dimensions like Teen Challenge is the cheapest rehabilitation process we have going for us. I could think of no better place to make contributions. I think it is the most effective program going. In fact, I contribute to it every year myself." John Conlan, former U.S. Congressman