History of Teen Challenge & OVTC

Teen Challenge International began over 50 years ago as a Christian outreach to teenaged gang members in New York City. That ministry quickly grew, and today there are 225 residential centers in America and over 1000 worldwide. Teen Challenge has had a presence in Youngstown, OH for more than 25 years as a crisis and referral center with a 24-hour helpline, under the direction of Rev Kevin Rauch.  

Building upon the established foundation of the crisis & referral center, Ohio Valley Teen Challenge under the direction of Rev Roy Barnett, has established a long-term (12-18 month) residential program for men 18 and older.  This program provides a faith based approach to the life controlling problems of addiction.