| The Reentry National Media Outreach Campaign offers media tools and resources to support informed discussion, decision making, and action about solution-based reentry programs that foster public safety and support healthy communities. We encourage you to review the diverse materials and consider how you may be able to use them effectively. |
| The Reentry National Media Outreach Campaign acts as a catalyst to encourage solution-based reentry activities. Review this chronicle of public television and community events/actions to gain ideas on what may work in your arena. |
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TEEN CHALLENGE (NATIONAL)
Program Description Teen Challenge is a faith-based substance abuse prevention and treatment program that was founded by David Wilkerson in 1958. Currently, over 150 Teen Challenge centers operate in the United States ; 250 centers operate worldwide. For over 40 years, Teen Challenge has been going into schools to educate teenagers about the dangers of drugs. The programs operate on a local level and are tailored to meet the needs of the local community through offering a wide range of services. Teen Challenge reaches out to many different populations, including inmates and former offenders. For example, jail teams reach out to individuals in prisons, jails, and juvenile halls to demonstrate to inmates that it is possible for them to change their lives for the better. Teen Challenge centers also hold weekly support group meetings for individuals, including former prisoners. Turning Point , for instance, helps local churches to establish an ongoing and effective Bible-based ministry composed of small groups. In order to prevent members from becoming dependent on the group meetings, they have a beginning and an end, lasting from nine to 13 weeks. The support groups seek to help people overcome life-controlling problems such as addiction through fostering growth in relationships with God. Teen Challenge centers also offer a voluntary one-year residential program for adults to assist them in living drug-free lives. While in the program, the residents may not hold jobs so that they may focus their attention solely on the program, which offers therapeutic support as well as spiritual formation. The program has strict rules and discipline, with residents adhering to a daily schedule that includes work and Bible study. Job skills and vocational/technical training are among the functional tools provided to the residents so that they may reenter society as healthier, more productive people. Program Goals Teen Challenge's goals are to provide comprehensive and effective faith-based and community-based drug education, prevention, and restoration programs to youth, adults, and families, including former offenders. Networking,
Partnering & Collaboration Outcomes |
