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
HECTOR
My name is Hector and I am 22 years old from Visalia, CA. My life growing up was horrible. I was neglected and abused - left broken, alone and starving for love. With no father or mother in the picture, I was adopted by my uncle and his boyfriend. By the age of 8, I tried killing myself and planned on killing my whole family. I ran away and joined a gang. I became addicted to the life of sin. I knew nothing of doing the right thing. I left my daughter’s life to pursue my selfish lifestyle of crime, women and drugs.
Teen Challenge of the Dakotas has taught me how to face my problems head on, and to stop running to drugs. They have also taught me that I can do the right thing, and that no matter my past or how people view me, I can always choose to live righteously. Most importantly, they have taught me that I am not alone. I am loved and cared for by them, and by God. I am very grateful that there has surely been mercy poured into my life by many.
I have learned in this Re-Entry phase, that no matter the actions or attitudes of others, I am responsible for my response and I can choose to love every time. I work at Falcon Plastics as a machine operator. That is honestly going great. I’m just working my hardest every day and working to bless others.
My hope for the future is to be a father who is active in my daughter’s life, to be off of probation, and to follow Jesus every step of the way.
BLAKE
My name is Blake and I’m 23 years old. I’m from Vermillion, SD and have a 4-year-old daughter named Havyn (pictured). I’m so grateful for TCD because my life before coming here wasn’t going good at all. I was on my way down a really bad path leading me towards death. I started using drugs at the age of 13 and was chasing that same high for the next 9 years. I knew the way I was living wasn’t right, but I wanted the approval of the bad group of people I was around. I had many times throughout my sinful lifestyle where I would get sober and start doing good, but would slip right back into my old ways, usually when my pride or loneliness got in the way.
But the pattern that I was stuck in finally and completely broke since coming to TCD. I found the most important piece that I was missing my whole life: God. This program has taught me who I am in Christ. I’ve learned how to truly love myself, God and others. I’ve learned patience and gained wisdom through the strength of Jesus. I’m so grateful today for this program, the staff, having the strong relationship with my daughter, my family, the friends I’ve gained from this program, and most importantly eternally grateful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
During the Re-Entry phase, I’ve been working at Twin City Fan in the shipping department. I’ve enjoyed every day of work there because I get to be the light and positive influence around my co-workers and supervisors. I’ve developed patience, self-control, obedience, and knowing how to turn to God in trials since being in Re-Entry.
For my future, I can’t wait to be the spiritual leader and father to my daughter and to guide her in a direction to develop her own relationship with Jesus. I’m looking forward to serving at my local church and just simply being a positive influence toward my family, friends and community.
TANNER
Before TCD I had a major problem with abusing prescription pills and alcohol. My life was a mess, but I managed to get by. That is, until my addiction led me to legal trouble. I lost my job, house, and car. I was facing 10 years in prison. At that point I was hopeless.
At Teen Challenge, I learned that I turned to these substances because I viewed them as a shortcut or cheat code to life. What I lacked was patience. Now, as a Christian, I rejoice when I run into problems and trials because I know they will help me grow and trust in God with my life.
In Re-Entry, I’ve learned valuable life skills like budgeting and paying bills, but most importantly, I’m learning to be content in life. I work a full-time job and have learned the importance of punctuality and availability. I’ve also had the opportunity to rebuild my relationships with my family. The structure of Re-Entry has kept me disciplined and held accountable while also giving me the resources I need to help get my life back on track.
As a man of God, I have real hope in my future. By seeking God first in all things I do, I hope to meet my future wife and have a family of my own one day. If I seek God first, all these things will fall into place according to His will!
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
