History | About TCWP | Rules |

History

Teen Challenge began in 1958 when Rev. David Wilkerson, author of Cross and the Switchblade, went to New York City to reach gang members with God’s love. There in the heart of the ghetto, Teen Challenge was born. Now there are over 122 Teen Challenge centers in the United States and others internationally, helping not only teens but also adults, with life controlling problems, mainly in the area of drug and alcohol abuse.

Teen Challenge International of Western Pennsylvania provides help for those trying to overcome drug and/or alcohol addiction through a faith-based, Christ centered program. Teen Challenge of Western Pennsylvania has been in Rural Ridge since 1970. Approximately 100 men, ages 18 and up, come through our doors each year. Our facility is located in a rural setting about 30 minutes northeast of Pittsburgh, PA.

Teen Challenge International bases its ministry on four principles:
  • There is hope for addicted men if they sincerely desire to change.
  • Trouble with substance abuse, friends, the law and other life-controlling problems are only symptoms of the real need.
  • People need to become whole – mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
  • Through the teaching of Biblical principles, opportunities to develop new habits and attitudes are discovered, providing a foundation on which to build a “new beginning.”

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About TCWP

Teen Challenge International of Western Pennsylvania provides help for those trying to overcome drug and/or alcohol addiction through a faith-based, Christ centered program. Teen Challenge of Western Pennsylvania has been in Rural Ridge since 1970. Approximately 100 men, ages 18 and up, come through our doors each year. Our facility is located in a rural setting about 30 minutes northeast of Pittsburgh, PA.

PHASE 1: BASIC EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATION

Services in crisis counseling, substance abuse, literature distribution, referral to Phases 2-3.

PHASE 2-3: CRISIS INTERVENTION AND INDUCTION

This is the beginning of the residential program. Clients live in a home-like atmosphere where everyone shares in the work assignments. Individualized study is a major part of daily life together with one-on-one and group counseling (We have a counselor/client ratio of approximately one to eight).
[AT LEAST 4 MONTHS].

PHASE 4: TRAINING CENTER

Following transfer from the Induction Phase, clients continue with counseling and opportunity for academic and/or soft vocational improvement.
[AT LEAST 8 MONTHS]


PHASE 5: RE-ENTRY

This phase provides temporary housing for graduates of Phase 4 and includes counseling and assistance in finding employment. This is a transition stage to bring them back into the mainstream of society.
[AT LEAST 2 MONTHS]

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Rules

Becuase Teen Challenge is a Christ-Centered program, it has some unique rules. It is recommended that any person thinking about entering Teen Challenge read through our rules before making a decision to enter.
Click here to download the rules packet