Danielle was raised in a good home. However, as she got older her peers began to pressure her into drinking. Throughout high school, her addiction grew, which led to drug abuse and dealing drugs.

Joe grew up in a broken family. He often got into trouble and eventually got arrested. While in jail, he prayed, “God, if you’re real, get me out of this.” His probation officer was a Christian and told Joe and his mom about Teen Challenge.

Both Joe and Danielle experienced freedom and hope at Teen Challenge. They met each other here and God saved them and placed a special calling on their lives. They married, started a family, and have been in ministry ever since!

Anna was a nursing school student when she was required to quit due to her grades. This left Anna with time to fill with things and people that were dangerous. As Anna’s addiction grew, she met a man and moved in with him. Anna found herself held captive and abused by the man and started to lose hope. One day, Anna was able to escape and after a hospital stay, she went to Teen Challenge.

“I came to Teen Challenge desperate,” Anna remembers, “But I’m a completely different person today!”

Due to an unstable childhood, Gabe tried to fill the hole in his life by using drugs. However, the addiction cost him. After using drugs for about a year and a half, he lost his son, jobs, home, vehicles, and mostly much of himself. One day, while staying with his grandmother, he learned about Teen Challenge. Since being in the Teen Challenge program, Gabe states his language and attitude toward situations have changed. The biggest change he has seen is his anger toward life. He is also more grateful for things. After completing a Teen Challenge internship, he plans to reunite with his son and then start working.

I was raised by a single mother while my dad served a ten-year prison sentence. My mom worked very hard to ensure my younger brother and I had everything we needed. When I was eleven, I was introduced to alcohol. By thirteen, I was hooked. I snuck alcohol whenever I had the chance.

At sixteen, I had my daughter and dropped out of high school. I tried my best to be a good mom but was severely depressed. I drank and used recreational drugs to cope. It cost me everything. I hit rock bottom when I was found unconscious in a ditch and hospitalized for a week.

Now, since being at Teen Challenge, I am learning how to deal with past issues that have kept me from living a life of freedom. My mother prayed for me for years, and God provided. My daughter is supportive as well. She wants me to succeed.

I was born in Peru and grew up in a poor area of the city. I never met my biological dad, but I lived with my mom, brother, and sister. As time went on, people close to me started to struggle with alcohol. Eventually, I was taken to an orphanage and experienced abuse in the orphanage. When I turned 12, my sister and I were adopted. After I opened up about my past, my adoptive parents knew that I needed help.

I came to the Reno Boy's Center a little while later. When I was at the Reno Center, they helped me work through my past and helped me understand that my past didn't have control over my future. I am currently on a restoration track and I am getting back to relying on Jesus. My mom and dad have been there through all the steps of my recovery, even when I messed up. After completing Teen Challenge, I plan to go to college and get my pilot's license.

Theresa wanted to belong somewhere and ended up finding herself in the wrong crowd. In high school, she began drinking and smoking to fill the void. This behavior led to years of addiction. After recovering the first time, her husband abused her and her children. Dealing with the abuse led Theresa to feel alone and afraid. Eventually, this led Theresa back into her addiction to cope with the pain.

Since coming to Teen Challenge, Theresa has learned to have healthy relationships. She has also been able to choose a better path for herself and her children. In the future, Theresa plans to help others find freedom from addiction in Christ.

My grandparents were a major part of my life while I was growing up. They were kind and loving. However, when I was older, I made a few wrong turns and ended up serving time in prison. While imprisoned, I started using drugs. I was lonely and thought it was a way to deal with my decisions. But, drugs ruined my life and I lost everything that was important to me. When I was released from prison, I was ashamed for still using drugs. After making some bad decisions, I realized I was at a crossroads and decided I needed to come to Teen Challenge.

When I first came to Teen Challenge, I was glad to be here because I could see that God was changing lives. Today, God is working in my life and my willingness to submit my life plans. My desire to seek Him is at the forefront of my purpose and goals. I know God has a calling on my life and I will go in any direction he leads me.

Megan had a difficult and unsteady upbringing. She was first introduced to drugs the summer before her freshman year of high school. Megan also continued to battle her self-worth and emotions from her younger years. Severe depression followed. She kept feeling unwanted.

Since being in the Teen Challenge program, Megan says that a lot has changed and she has started taking corrections and has such an amazing relationship with God. Megan feels it is amazing! God is revealing many things to her and guiding her through forgiving others. She also mentioned she has shown tremendous growth while in the program.

Now, Megan has hope for a bright future. She plans on attending college where she wants to major in computer science and minor in fine arts. Megan desires God to continue using her talents to minister.