Admission FAQs
For what kinds of problems do people go to Teen Challenge?
Is Ohio Valley Teen Challenge a rehab?
How is Teen Challenge different from other substance abuse programs?
Do I have to be a Christian to go to Teen Challenge?
What denomination are you?
How is Ohio Valley Teen Challenge funded?
How long is your program?
Can I go to for a shorter time if my problem is not that bad?
I know I need help but I can’t commit to a year program. Do you have anything to help me?
Can I go to OVTC if I do not have a life-controlling problem? That is, can I go for the discipleship?
What if I have a pending court date
Does Teen Challenge accept probated or paroled students?
Can I go to Teen Challenge as an alternative to going to jail or prison?
How do I go about being court ordered?
Do you have licensed counselors?
When do I get phone calls, mail, visits, and passes?
Can I work or enroll in school?
Can I Get My GED?
Will being hepatitis, STD, TB or HIV positive prevent me from acceptance into Ohio Valley Teen Challenge?
Why can’t I smoke or use other nicotine products at Teen Challenge?
Can I ‘detox’ at Ohio Valley Teen Challenge?
Can participants bring prescription medication with them?
Do you take students with mental illnesses?
Do you take people with disabilities?
Is there any reason why I might not be accepted into OVTC?
What if I can’t come up with the intake fee?
Are students paid for participating in the work experience?
How do I find out how the student is doing in the program?
Can I get my intake fee back if the student leaves the program early?
Do you have a women's program?
Is Ohio Valley Teen Challenge just for teenagers?
No. Teen Challenge began as an outreach for troubled teenaged gang members over 50 years ago in New York City, but has expanded over the years to include men and women of all ages. The name “Teen Challenge” has remained and become synonymous with Christ-centered help. While there are Teen Challenge programs just for teenagers, the average age for most adult Teen Challenge programs is in the upper 20s.
For what kinds of problems do people go to Teen Challenge?
Teen Challenge is a program for people with life controlling problems such as drug or alcohol addictions.
Is Ohio Valley Teen Challenge a rehab?
No, Teen Challenge is a long term, live in recovery support and Christian discipleship program. Unlike a traditional medical model rehab, OVTC does NOT offer medications nor does it have a medical staff.
How is Teen Challenge different from other substance abuse programs?
We believe that most addictions are only the symptom of a root cause that is often spiritual in nature. We believe that the life changing power of a relationship with Jesus Christ will fill the spiritual void that may not be addressed in other substance abuse programs. We do not use 12 step programs, medications, psychological methods, etc. Instead, we use Biblical instruction, prayer, worship, pastoral counseling, and practical application. Many other valid methods of assisting people with addictions exits, however, we find that they cannot compare to the effectiveness of a relationship with God.
Do I have to be a Christian to go to Teen Challenge?
No. We understand that people come from all types of backgrounds and beliefs. It is important that you understand that OVTC is a Christian faith based discipleship program and you will be required to read the Bible, attend church services, pray and receive Christian instruction throughout your time at OVTC. We only ask, if you decide to come to Teen Challenge, that you are open to God and what He wants to do in your life. Give Him a chance to show you that He is real and that He loves you no matter what you have done.
What denomination are you?
Rev. David Wilkerson, an Assemblies of God minister, founded Teen Challenge. Ohio Valley Teen Challenge is an interdenominational ministry. We partner with and receive support from individuals, churches, and other ministries across denominational lines to offer Hope in Christ. Our mission is not to convert anyone to another denomination. Our purpose is to help people find the freedom and deliverance from life controlling problems through the power of Jesus Christ.
How is Ohio Valley Teen Challenge funded?
Ohio Valley Teen Challenge is a non-profit ministry funded through financial contributions, donations, grants and fundraising events. We also conduct work experience programs, which help raise operating dollars. OVTC is not a state or government licensed or funded program, and is not covered by private insurance.
How long is your program?
The OVTC men’s program is a minimum of 12 months. Overcoming life-controlling behaviors doesn't happen overnight. Change requires repeated exposure to disciplined life skills, and spiritual truths. Each student is evaluated during the program. An unmotivated student’s program may be extended longer than 12 months, due to his own actions or unwillingness to change.
Can I go to for a shorter time if my problem is not that bad?
Teen Challenge has a set curriculum, similar to that of a school, that all students are required to complete on a set timetable. Therefore, all students are required to complete the entire program regardless of the nature of their life controlling problems. No prospective student should apply for the program unless he is committed to remaining until he has successfully completed.
I know I need help but I can’t commit to a year program. Do you have anything to help me?
Lifeline Connection supports groups are available at various locations for individuals who cannot commit to a full year, or do not need a residential program.
Can I go to OVTC if I do not have a life-controlling problem? That is, can I go for the discipleship?
Due to the great need for available beds, the Ohio Valley Teen Challenge program must be reserved only for those who recognize they have a life-controlling problem. We recommend programs such as Master’s Commission or Youth with a Mission for those looking for a good Christian discipleship program.
What if I have a pending court date?
Prospective students may enter the program with court dates pending. We do take into consideration the severity and nature of the crime to determine eligibility. Some applicants may not be appropriate for our program and denied admission. Residents admitted to the program with pending court dates must provide their own transportation to court outside of the Youngstown Area.
Does Teen Challenge accept probated or paroled students?
Yes, many participants enrolled in the OVTC program are at Teen Challenge as a condition of their probation or parole. Applicants need to take care of any outstanding warrants or legal proceedings before entry. Supervision appointments and reporting will be conducted as part of the participant's case management. Contact the admissions office for further details.
Can I go to Teen Challenge as an alternative to going to jail or prison?
We do accept court ordered students into our program who have a sincere desire to change and are willing to work the program. Students unwilling to change or adhere to the rules will not be allowed to continue. The proper authorities will be notified of the student’s uncooperativeness and appropriate action will taken.
How do I go about being court ordered?
There are a number of different ways this could happen based on the court system and the nature of your case. Generally, after you are sure you want to go to Teen Challenge, you should contact your lawyer or public defender and inform him of your desire. Share your applications, brochures, and the OVTC web site with your attorney so that he can be informed that Teen Challenge is a reasonable alternative to jail or prison. He will need this information to convince the court. If you, in fact, committed the crime you have been charged with, discuss with your attorney the possibility of pleading guilty with the agreement that the court would consider sending you to Teen Challenge. It is at your sentencing hearing that Ohio Valley Teen Challenge will be considered by the court as an alternative. Send or bring a copy of the plea agreement to OVTC.
The plea agreement must include a statement saying that you agree to successfully complete the entire program. You will not be accepted if your plea agreement states you will be here a certain amount of time (30, 60, 90 days, etc). If your plea agreement does not include a statement requiring successful completion, you will not be accepted.
If you are not guilty of the crime you are charged with and plead not guilty, you must be completed with all your court hearings and a verdict must be made before you can enter the program. If you are already sentenced to jail or prison, usually there is nothing that can be done to get into Teen Challenge until you have completed your sentence or are approved for parole. Since there are many questions regarding Teen Challenge and the courts, it is best to call Teen Challenge to discuss your individual case. We are willing to help your case by making monthly reports, allowing regular phone calls or visits from your PO, etc. If you are applying to enter Ohio Valley Teen Challenge, please have your probation or parole officer contact us for any information they might need. You may also want to refer your probation officer to this website.
Do you have licensed counselors?
Ohio Valley Teen Challenge staff are not licensed counselors or therapists. Upon entry into the program, each student is assigned a pastoral counselor, or staff mentor to provide individual one-on-one guidance and mentoring determined by that students’ particular needs. Many are Teen Challenge graduates, or people from a variety of backgrounds who have a heart to help hurting people. Out of their struggles and victories, they offer hope. The proven cure for life-controlling problems is based on an individual embracing Biblical principles to spiritually improve the quality of his character.
When do I get phone calls, mail, visits, and passes?
All contact must be with approved individuals only. Approved Individuals include immediate family members (parents, grandparents, siblings, spouse, and children) and your Pastor. Contact with old friends, including girlfriends is not allowed. Students may send or receive mail from day one. Our staff monitors all incoming and outgoing mail. After two weeks, a student may receive one ten-minute phone call per week during designated times. Students may receive weekly visits after 30 days in the program during designated times. Passes (12hr, 24hr, and 3-day) are given at various times during the year. All phone calls, visits, and passes are subject to program schedule and staff approval.
Can I work or enroll in school?
No, due to the nature and schedule of our program, residents are not able to work, seek employment, or enroll in school through the duration of their program.
Can I Get My GED?
Yes, you will be given opportunity to study for and receive your GED during the second half of your year. Your counselor will assist you in taking this important step. There is an additional $40 fee for your GED test.
Will being hepatitis, STD, TB or HIV positive prevent me from acceptance into Ohio Valley Teen Challenge?
In most cases, you will be welcome if you seek proper treatment and you can fully participate with all aspects of the program (including work experience) without requiring an excessive amount of medical treatment. You will be responsible for all your medication and other medical expenses.
Why can’t I smoke or use other nicotine products at Teen Challenge?
Nicotine is a powerfully addictive drug. Its use is in itself an addictive behavior that can lead back to other addictive behaviors you want to conquer. Most students find that our tobacco free environment aids greatly in withdrawal from nicotine. Nicotine patches are allowed for the first 30 days in the program, to aid in withdrawal.
Can I ‘detox’ at Ohio Valley Teen Challenge?
OVTC is NOT< a medical detox center. Prayer, rest, fluids, and some over the counter medication is all that we can offer to help you. Most applicants try to avoid use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco while waiting to be accepted. They usually do well once they are in the drug-free environment of Teen Challenge.
If you believe you will have a serious problem with withdrawal without medical assistance we encourage you to go to a detoxification facility before entering Ohio Valley Teen Challenge.
Can participants bring prescription medication with them?
Only non-addictive medications prescribed for an actual medical illness with a low risk for abuse are allowed. Opiate-derived pain medications, anti-anxiety drugs, and any mind- or mood-altering drug with a potential for misuse are strictly prohibited. If such drugs are medically necessary, participants must wait until they complete their treatment on the medication before entering OVTC. Contact the Intake Coordinator for further details.
Do you take students with mental illnesses?
As a rule, OVTC does not accept students with diagnosed mental illnesses. Teen Challenge is not intended to be everything to everyone. The reality is that there are some situations we're not equipped for, and in those cases, we endeavor to refer people to other local agencies for help.
Do you take people with disabilities?
Our facility is handicap accessible. We are open to making reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities to help them complete the required classroom and physical work. Discuss these limitations with the Intake Coordinator.
Is there any reason why I might not be accepted into OVTC?
The following situations may make you ineligible:
- If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest
- Not legally in the United States
- Have been accused, charged, or convicted of a crime of a sexual nature
What if I can’t come up with the intake fee?
A prospective student should make every attempt to come up with his own intake fee. However, if all attempts have failed, or if you cannot raise the full amount, contact the intake coordinator. Each situation will be considered on a case to case basis.
Are students paid for participating in the work experience?
Students in the Teen Challenge program receive housing, meals, curriculum and ministry. Work experience is part of the program structure, and income raised allows us to continue offering ministry at such a low price, and even to those who can't pay anything.
How do I find out how the student is doing in the program?
Each student is assigned a counselor upon entering the program. His counselor or a designated Staff representative will handle all inquiries relating to the student. When inquiries are made and the assigned counselor is not on duty, any message(s) will be forwarded to the student’s counselor, and the Staff on duty will address your concerns. Do to HIPPAA confidentiality laws, information will be released only to those individuals that the student has given OVTC written permission to communicate with.
Can I get my intake fee back if the student leaves the program early?
No. The $550 intake fee is a non-refundable fee regardless of the length of time a student remains in the program.
Do you have a women's program?
Not at this time, however plans are already underway to have a program for adult women and women with young children within the next few years. In the meantime, you can go to www.teenchallengeusa.com and find the location of Teen Challenge Centers for women.