TRANSFORMING BROKEN LIVES
From the beginning, Teen Challenge has operated under the concept that, “a person with life-controlling problems can change, if that person wants to change.”
STORIES OF CHANGED LIVES
TANNER
Before Teen Challenge I didn’t have many goals for my life. I knew I wanted a family eventually, and I wanted to be able to support myself financially. But I knew with the way I was living I couldn’t attain my goals.
I was hopeless. Addicted to drugs. My family relationships were broken. I couldn’t maintain a job, and I had zero positive influences in my life. I was selfishly getting high, careless and reckless.
I changed a lot being in Teen Challenge over the past 15 months. I’ve become more patient with others. More loving. Before I was extremely selfish, now I can truly say I have a heart for others. Now I can’t do anything without thinking of how it affects others.
God has helped me restore my relationships with my family. I now have a stable financial account, and I can look forward to what God has planned for me: a stable job, a family, and furthering my education.
JUSTIN
Before Teen Challenge, my life was a mess. I was lost and hopeless with no direction in sight. My problems kept getting worse. I didn’t know how to cope and grieve over losses in a healthy way.
God has given me to the power to love and accept myself for who I am. I have purpose and a new desire to live and love. God has reconciled relationships that I had damaged through my hopelessness and drug use. I’ve learned money management and how to live a healthy, balanced life where my faith and love are growing.
I thank everyone at Teen Challenge for this. From staff to students, they all helped me along in my journey. Through God and with God I can get through anything. That’s why I have no fears for the next chapters of my life. I feel that I have the right tools to guide me through life, and I know how I’ll handle myself when I make mistakes.
I have a future filled with love and hope. The possibilities are endless.
KEEGAN
TCD played a very significant role in my life, if not the biggest role. It showed me there is something bigger than myself and my problems. It helped equip me with tools to be a better man. I understand that God does the work, but the staff are awesome. They want nothing but the best for the students, and they show up every day to ensure that.
I graduated from TCD in October 2021. After completing the Re-Entry phase of the program, I now work as a Controls Intern at Dakota Pump in Mitchell, SD while attending Mitchell Technical College for Automation Controls/SCADA program, which stands for “Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition.” I’m learning how to create, program and monitor control systems. I’m also using AutoCAD Electrical software to make wiring schematics and I do some panel building. Once I get my associate’s degree, I’d like to get into programming PLCs, which are automated controllers that are found in a lot of automated processes like manufacturing, water systems, and utility stations.
God’s done a lot for me in my life. One thing is how I’ve felt the presence of peace in pain,
whether that be from my old stupid choices where I’m still reaping the consequences, or just the way life can be sometimes. I no longer react the way I used to. If I never would have gone to Teen Challenge, I don’t know if I would’ve made the 180-degree turnaround that I did with my life.
IN THE NEWS
KELO-Land News Story, 12/28/23 - READ ARTICLE HERE
Interview with Executive Director, Rev. Mike Gilmartin:
KELO-Land News Story, 12/13/18 - READ ARTICLE HERE
