About Us

Our Purpose
     Appalachian Teen Challenge, Inc. is a Christian discipleship training center for males age 18 and up, who are having difficulty functioning effectively in society. The facility is not a medical or mental health program, but a residential program for young men with life-controlling problems, such as alcohol and/or drug addiction, anger management, etc.
     Rev. David Wilkerson, author of The Cross and The Switchblade and founder of Teen Challenge, went into the streets of New York City to reach hurting people with a message of hope founded on God's love. It was not his intention to become involved solely in drug or alcohol treatment, but to provide a place where hurting people could find healing through Christ. Appalachian Teen Challenge, Inc. is continuing his vision in the manner which God directed Him.

Counseling
     Our staff do not profess to be licensed, professional counselors, but people who understand, care, and desire to train others to learn a new way of life. This new way of life has been defined as a personal relationship with, and follower of, Jesus Christ.
     Appalachian Teen Challenge considers counseling to be an essential aspect of ministry. The counselors are engaged solely in spiritual counseling based on their understanding of the Bible, and are not engaged in the practice of psychology, professional counseling, or psychotherapy.

Accountability
     The ministry endeavors to provide quality Christian discipleship training. In doing so, the mature, well-trained staff are governed by strict policies and procedures. A Board of Directors, an Executive Director, and a Teen Challenge National Accreditations Board, in conformity with state and federal laws, govern these policies and procedures. In an effort to ensure integrity and accountability, the ministry is audited annually by an independent auditor, and a certified public accountant reviews all financial transactions each month. As a 501-C-3 not-for-profit organization, the ministry works closely with other community agencies, such as various police departments, hospitals, etc. Appalachian Teen Challenge, Inc. is honor accredited by Teen Challenge, USA with headquarters in Springfield, MO.

Safety
     At Appalachian Teen Challenge, safety is first priority both on and off campus. Our vehicle operators are well-trained and closely monitored to assure that they are driving safely and responsibly. Each operator must display mature, professional driving skills, possess an excellent driving history, and complete a driver's safety training course as produced and recommended by the National Safety Council, before being approved to operate a Teen Challenge vehicle. Operators of buses that carry 15 passengers or more must possess a commercial driver's license. To further assure safety, our students are closely monitored around the clock.
     We are not a center whose residents are uncontrollable and habitually involved in physical or verbal altercations, but a Christian discipleship training center in a peaceful, regimented, well-managed Christian environment. Only those who display a serious desire for change are admitted into and allowed to participate in the program.

Program Content
     At the center, students receive extensive training in work skills and ethics, biblical curriculum, behavior modification, social skills, financial management, and academics (G.E.D.). By following a rigorous schedule, students learn to function effectively in a chosen vocation, family relationships, relationships with God and others, and other necessary life skills.

Teen Challenge works because we care.

Past to Present

Teen Challenge began in 1958 when David Wilkerson, author of The Cross and the Switch Blade, went into New York City to reach teenage gang members with a message of hope, founded on God's love. Since then Teen Challenge has grown to be one of the largest and most successful ministries to hurting lives in America. Today, there are over 300 Teen Challenge Centers in the United States and internationally.

God called Jim Nickels to serve as Executive Director and develop a Teen Challenge ministry in West Virginia. Appalachian Teen Challenge, Inc. was founded in 1982. The initial purpose of the ministry was to make referrals to other Teen Challenge Centers, and to build relationships within the community and surrounding areas. God opened many doors in the first few years, and in 1987, the ministry purchased land in Athens, WV and opened the Training Center. Since then the ministry has grown to house students in 3 separate dorms. Because of the generous support from people throughout the community, Appalachian Teen Challenge is now able to accommodate students with four classrooms, an up-to-date cafeteria, laundry facilities, a furniture manufacturing shop, a maintenance repair shop, and an auto repair shop. God has been faithful over the years and He continues to change lives at the training center.

Mission Statement

Appalachian Teen Challenge, Inc. provides effective Christian discipleship training for persons experiencing life-controlling problems. This is accomplished through spiritual and academic instruction, anger management, work skills and ethics training, life management training, and emotional support, all delivered within a disciplined and regimented atmosphere.

Comprehensive, residential training aids the person in becoming mentally sound, emotionally balanced, socially adjusted, and spiritually alive. By applying Biblical principles to relationships in the family, local church, chosen vocation, and the community, the person can then function as a productive member of society.

Appalachian Teen Challenge, Inc. also assists communities by conducting educational and spiritual outreach programs.

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