Program History

Teen Challenge was originally founded in Brooklyn, NY in 1958 by Rev. David Wilkerson. Since its inception, Teen Challenge has grown to include over 170 centers nationally, as well as over 400 centers worldwide.  Our motto has been: A total cure for the whole person. We have regional incorporation with nine other Teen Challenge centers, and have certification from the national Teen Challenge office. Each center is indigenous in that they raise their own support locally, but adhere to national certification standards and use a standard curriculum from our national office in Springfield, Missouri. This provides continuity, uniformity, networking, as well as accountability.