JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Teen Challenge, recently received the Positively JAX award for its outstanding work in the lives of people affected by addiction.
In a candid conversation, Southeast region director Zac Stokes shared insights into the transformative journey offered by Teen Challenge, a faith-based discipleship program dedicated to helping adult men overcome life-controlling issues, primarily substance abuse.
Teen Challenge is a 12-month program that provides a structured environment for individuals seeking recovery.
White emphasized that addiction is often a symptom of deeper issues, and the program aims to address these root causes.
“Addiction is very rarely the root of what it is. It’s almost always a symptom of some other issues that are going on that they simply mask or try to numb through substance abuse,” he explained.
By the time participants arrive at Teen Challenge, many are ready for a significant life change.
“Most of the time, by the time a guy walks through our doors, he’s fairly broken,” Stokes noted.
The program offers an alternative to traditional recovery methods, focusing on faith and personal growth.
“Recovery is crazy expensive most of the time. So Teen Challenge finds alternative ways to work with tuition and payment,” he added.
Faith plays a central role in the program, though participants are not required to be believers upon entry.
“We don’t require you to be a believer or a person of faith coming into the program. But our hope is that the authenticity of it sticks and it pushes you to give it a shot and pursue it,” Stokes said.
The program’s success is often seen in the restoration of family relationships and personal transformation.
“The product of a changed life is probably the greatest modern-day miracle we have,” he stated.
The journey through Teen Challenge is not easy, but it is rewarding.
“Teen Challenge is difficult because you don’t get the opportunity to just pass time. It’s a very structured program, and the No. 1 thing that you’re gonna have to deal with and learn how to overcome is yourself,” Stokes explained.
The program’s community aspect is vital, providing a supportive network of individuals who have been through similar experiences.
Stokes concluded with a message of hope and belonging: “Welcome home, because that’s how it is. You got a group of brothers. It’s going to be your new family that are all on the same journey, wanting a better life, to change life.”
Many of the donations and resources come from local churches. They have donors who will sponsor things big and small. There are lots of ways you can help Teen Challenge thrive as well, go to the website to learn more.