Teen Challenge was established in 1958 when Reverend David Wilkerson, author of The Cross and the Switchblade, went to New York City to reach teenage gang members with God's love.

Teen Challenge International is the oldest, largest, and most successful program of its kind in the world. It has grown to more than 170 centers in the United States and 240 centers worldwide.

Alabama Teen Challenge provides long term, low or no cost, residential substance abuse treatment for men and women 18 years of age and older. Additionally, we provide referral services for troubled juveniles.

The purposes of the program are (1) to provide community-based drug education, prevention, and restoration programs on a local, state, and regional level, (2) create a framework that challenges people to reach their fullest potential; socially – educationally- occupationally and spiritually.

Alabama Teen Challenge provides not only a safe and loving facility to men and women struggling with life controlling problems, but the long term counseling and treatment they need to turn their lives around in a more positive direction. Our purpose is to provide a place and program for people who express a desire for a changed life, yet because of life controlling problems, have the inability to change their own lifestyle in their present environment.