Located on a scenic campus with an impressive view of Vermont’s Green Mountains, Teen Challenge Vermont was established in 2005 to reach, rescue and restore young men and at-risk youth suffering from addiction and substance use disorders. The program follows a Christian, faith-based approach to treatment, and applies rigorous spiritual, academic and vocational training to help teens and young men grow into productive members of society.
ABOUT TEEN CHALLENGE NEW ENGLAND AND NEW JERSEY — VERMONT
Teen Challenge New England & New Jersey is a regional network of long-term, faith-based, residential addiction recovery programs founded in 1958 by David Wilkerson to provide extreme life makeovers for people struggling with addition. One of several Teen Challenge programs throughout the country, including Bakersfield, Calif., the facility in Johnson, Vt., is located within view of the Green Mountains. Geared toward young men and at-risk youth, Teen Challenge Vermont offers the structure and focus necessary to achieve long-term recovery. All clients must detox prior to program entry.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Treatment at Teen Challenge Vermont focuses on three main components: study focused on the bible, church going and worship, and a work program. The curriculum teaches biblical values that can be applied regularly, such as integrity, self-control, and compassion. Over the course of the 15-month program, young men develop important life skills designed to help them become esteemed employees and dependable family members.
Clients participate in personal studies, class lectures, chapel services, and vocational and skills training. In addition to the core curriculum, residents have the opportunity to participate in the well-known choir and various addiction and jail outreach programs.
Many leave the facility having earned their General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and engage closely with staff members to set realistic goals in preparation for life beyond rehab. Clinical counseling addresses co-occurring disorders in relevant clients. A family education program offers classes at admission, after one month, and after three months to teach family members about addiction and how to interact with their loved ones recovering from addiction.
After graduation, clients may apprentice with the program for a further six months, taking on responsibilities and developing ministerial, leadership, or vocational skills.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
At Teen Challenge Vermont, the program and development supervisors are alumni of the facility. Most of the other staff members have ministerial or Teen Challenge qualifications
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
There currently is no information provided by the facility regarding its living arrangements and related offerings. However, a former client surveyed by Best-rehabs.com gave perfect five-star ratings for the accommodations and for the quality of the meals.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
At time of writing, Best-rehabs.com has not received feedback from alumni regarding Teen Challenge Vermont.
On Teen Challenge Vermont’s Facebook page, which the organization can manage, the facility received highly favorable reviews. [1] At the time of this writing, 50 reviewers (mainly alumni), rated the facility an average of 4.9 out of five stars. Of the total, 47 awarded the center a perfect five stars and the remaining three assigned the next highest four stars. Clients praised the welcoming staff and strong religious programming. Alum Matt, a five-star reviewer, wrote: “I came into this program without a dime to my name and after a couple short years I know have a beautiful wife and son and am a successful person in life. I can’t imagine what I wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for Vermont Adult and Teen Challenge helping me get back on the straight and narrow.” Rob, another five-star reviewer, posted: “This is the place where my life changed. It holds a dear place in my heart forever.”
Teen Challenge Vermont received a positive review from one alum on Google. [2] This former client offered a perfect five stars for their experience and wrote: “THEY are a 15 month treatment center. THEY offer a home, a place to heal and hope.”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
At the time of this writing, Best-rehabs.com received positive feedback from one loved. The anonymous individual awarded the top five out of five stars to the facility in the major categories of treatment effectiveness, accommodations and amenities, and meals and nutrition. This individual also was pleased with the counseling options, the level of family participation, and the holistic opportunities available. They told Best-rehabs.com that the program was “Based on bible – Jesus” and that “The word clears the mind.”
FINANCING
According to its website, Teen Challenge is privately funded by individuals, churches, businesses, and foundations. It asks family members to contribute, if possible, to help underwrite costs.
[1] https://www.facebook.com/pg/TeenChallengeVermont/reviews/ [↑]
[2] https://goo.gl/pfVzaB