Louisiana Teen Challenge

Mission Statement

To provide youth, adults and families with an effective and comprehensive Christian faith-based solution to life-controlling drug and alcohol problems in order to become productive members of society. By applying biblical principles, Teen Challenge endeavors to help people become mentally sound, emotionally balanced, socially adjusted, physically well, and spiritually alive. Through committed staff and effective programs, Teen Challenge seeks to produce graduates who function responsibly and productively in society, and who have healthy relationships in the work place, family, church and community.

Louisiana Teen Challenge

Teen Challenge has been in Louisiana for over 30 years. The Greater New Orleans Teen Challenge was established in 1987 and began operating as the Induction Center for Men in the state of Louisiana at that time. Recently, Louisiana Teen Challenge has been able to expand in two locations. In January 2002, GNO Teen Challenge expanded and opened the Mt. Grace Training Center in Dodson, LA. The Training Center was created for the program’s second phase – an 8 month training phase that follows the 4 month induction phase. In March 2006, Louisiana Teen Challenge was further able to expand with the opening of a second Induction Center, Ruston Teen Challenge, in Ruston, LA.

Students entering Louisiana Teen Challenge can expect their life to advance through 2 main phases: the Induction Phase and the Training Phase. As mentioned, Louisiana Teen Challenge has 2 Induction Centers – Greater New Orleans Teen Challenge and Ruston Teen Challenge. These centers serve as a “front door” for all new or prospective students. Students entering the program begin their stay at Teen Challenge in one of our Induction Centers where they can expect to live for approximately 4 months before graduating to the Training Phase. Upon entering the Training Phase, students will be relocated to the Mt. Grace Training Center in Dodson, LA. Here students will complete the residential phase of the program over an 8 month period, bringing their total stay at Teen Challenge to 12 months.

Upon completion of the residential program, students may choose to stay on with the ministry in a 6 month internship or become active in a church congregation local to their home. During this 6 month period, any student choosing not to participate in an internship is required to stay accountable to their local pastor and Mt. Grace Teen Challenge staff in order to meet eligibility requirements for graduation.

For more information, call the Ruston Teen Challenge at (318) 254-2830 or visit them online at www.louisianateenchallenge.com