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Frequently Asked Questions

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About the Program

What is a typical day like?

Our programs have been developed to encourage the student to cope with everyday life issues. Throughout each day, students typically rise early and have little free time, due to a busy schedule of:

  • Devotions
  • Discipleship Training
  • Work Projects
  • Meal Times
  • Chapel Services
  • Bible reading
  • Recreational Activities

Mornings are devoted to Bible reading, prayer, chores, discipleship classes, and counseling; afternoons are dedicated to work therapy; and evenings are committed to recreation, mentoring sessions, Bible study, and fellowship.

The weekly curriculum is a combination of Teen Challenge International’s Group Studies for New Learners (GSNL) materials and biblical homework/study. Each student is assigned a personal mentor who has overcome addiction himself/herself and is trained in the Start Right Program mentoring program developed by Dr. Anna Ramos. Through personal discipleship, our mentors focus on the unique needs of each student as they lead them into a consecrated life in God.

How long is the program?

The New York Adult & Teen Challenge program is between 9–12 months long.

You may have heard of other programs that are only 10–30 days long.

One thing we have learned in our years of experience is this: it has taken years for thought patterns and habits to form in a person’s life and it takes time for them to be unlearned. The staff here at New York Adult & Teen Challenge is dedicated to helping you find the real change you need. This simply takes time.

Why is your success rate so high?

A report was commissioned by Adult & Teen Challenge leadership to examine the long-term impact of programming on the lives of Adult & Teen Challenge graduates. Results indicate that 78% of the 340 sample respondents are sober and substance abuse free, after participating in the Adult & Teen Challenge program. While the entire sample indicated high levels of sobriety, those who remained at Adult & Teen Challenge as staff or interns were less likely to use the legal substances of alcohol and marijuana than graduates who were not at Adult & Teen Challenge. Further, on average Adult & Teen Challenge graduates self-report that they are engaging in spiritual practices such as praying, reading the Bible and attending church, at least on a weekly basis. However, individuals who were sober were far more engaged in spiritual practices, experienced a greater connection to God, higher levels of self-acceptance and love of others. Overall, sample respondents reported increased holistic health indicators in multiple dimensions, following their graduation from an Adult & Teen Challenge program. Finally the data indicates overwhelming satisfaction in the Adult & Teen Challenge program.
 

Why are program participants called Students?

New York Adult & Teen Challenge is a discipleship program at its core. Our goal here is to give people freedom from drugs and alcohol through a relationship with Christ Jesus. The staff are here to help people walk students through that journey. Therefore, our students are learning about a new lifestyle of sobriety daily. Our program is not a jail, nor can anyone be forced to be here. Our students choose to be here so they can change their lives for the better. So, we believe the title, students, is true to how we view those in the program. They are not clients, patients, or inmates, they are students who the staff help shape and mold each day.

Do you offer Detox Services?

New York Adult & Teen Challenge program is a Christian residential rehabilitation program and not a medical, psychiatric, or psychological program. All applicants requiring detoxification must do so prior to entry.

Do you offer Counseling Services?

Yes, we have access to Strong Tower Counseling which is a CBT-based therapy program where students get both individual and group counseling. Through Strong Tower, students are able help recognize the root issues behind addiction and learn about practical steps to take to bring healing those areas.

Intake and Requirements

What is the intake procedure?

Step 1:

Give us a call! In order to come into the program, please call the center and a staff member will complete a preliminary application with you over the phone. It includes broad questions so we can get to know you a little bit.

A staff member will call you back within 24-48 hours to inform you if you have been accepted into the program.

Step 2:

Obtain a negative COVID test within 24 hours of coming into the program.

Step 3:

Get here!
Once you get here staff will walk you through the rest of the intake procedure which includes a nice warm shower and freshly washed clothes.

What are the general requirements for acceptance into your program?

  • Driver’s License
  • Social Security Card
  • Physical Exam
  • $500.00 (non-refundable induction fee)
  • A sincere desire to change
  • Open to instruction and correction
  • 9-12 month commitment to complete the program
  • Emergency Fund

What is the age requirement for acceptance into your program?

Participants in our program must be at least 18 years of age or about to turn 18 within a few months of enrolling.

Program Cost

How will I pay for program fees?

Most participants in our program are eligible to receive Medicaid/Home Relief Grant assistance which covers room and board for the duration of their stay with us. Students that are ineligible to receive this grant are required to commit to a monthly financial support of $500.00. In many cases, we are willing to work with individuals on a case by case basis.

What is your policy on the induction or entry fee?

Upon entering New York Adult & Teen Challenge, there is an Induction Fee Agreement that must be signed as part of the application process.

Statement Regarding Newly Admitted Students’ Induction Fee

  1. The participant understands that New York Adult & Teen Challenge is a Christian discipleship program that does not accept insurance or rely on government funding.
  2. The participant understands that there is a non-refundable $500.00 application fee that is payable in cash, money order, cashier’s check, credit and/or debit cards.
  3. The participant understands that New York Adult & Teen Challenge WILL NOT refund the application/induction fee or any portion thereof; even if the student decides to leave immediately after the application process is completed.  (Whether they decide to leave after 1 hour; 1 day; or 1 week.)

Other Questions

What kind of follow-up is there after the program is completed?

Graduates of our program are encouraged to maintain periodic contact with their mentor after completing the program.

In addition, those who fall back into old habits are invited to return for our 4–6 months Restoration Program. Typically, a short period of intervention via our Restoration Program is sufficient to get them back on track.

Exit Plan

Prior to graduating from the program, the student is required to submit a 2–5 year plan. In this Exit Plan is a written decision for the student’s career choice, whether it be ministry related, or a job in the secular field. 

Students will learn ways to prepare a professional resume. It is the desire of New York Adult &  Teen Challenge that women/men not only graduate sober and spiritually well, but physically and practically prepared to return and benefit society. The senior student must work with the Academic Dean to expedite the Exit Plan by contacting prospective employers, pastors, and housing authorities to ensure that the student makes a successful exit and is adequately prepared to make a smooth transition into society.

Can family members visit or make contact with a student?

The answer to these questions is “yes.”

Our visits, mail and phone policies are as follows:

Mail

After being in the program for 21 days, you may write and receive mail while in the program from family members. All outgoing and in-coming mail is screened. Mail is distributed daily by the counseling staff.

Phone Calls

After being in the program for 21 days, you are eligible to make outgoing phone calls to family members or others that are approved and are on your phone call list. Students are generally allowed phone call per week for 10 minutes – 15 minutes. Students that are married and/or are parents are allowed additional phone calls on Thursdays.  We do not allow incoming calls.

Visiting Passes

After being in the program for 60 days and 90 days, you may have an 8 hour daily pass with immediate family members on a Sunday after church service. A Pass Request is required to be submitted 2 weeks prior pending the approval of the Executive Director. Weekend Passes are available after 120 days. Weekend visitations may extend up to 3 days. (Friday–Sunday)

 

Do you assist with a student’s legal and court issues?

Yes. Students in our program will be assisted with their legal and court issues while attending New York Adult & Teen Challenge. We have developed a relationship with the local courts and will work with the legal system on your behalf.

We assist in the following ways:

  • We write letters to courts; probation/parole departments; and attorney offices on your behalf
  • Make calls to your attorneys, etc. to inform them of your attendance in program.
  • Provide regular updates and progress/urinalysis reports on your behalf
  • In some cases we would transport you to your court hearings, probation/parole appointments

Do you assist with a student obtaining their high school diploma?

Yes. Students in our program will be assisted with obtaining their G.E.D. while attending New York Adult & Teen Challenge. In order to be eligible for the G.E.D. program, you will have to be in attendance for at least 90 days.

Will a student be able to work on the outside? What about their job?

Students in our program will be unable to continue their current job or obtain new employment while attending the program.

Teen Challenge is a working program, so each participant must understand that they would be required and expected to participate in our available work therapy platforms.

Special Events, Blessingdales Clearance & Thrift Center, TC Furniture Gallery & Clearance Center and other vocational training areas are a two-fold blessing. First, they provide necessary funds for the functioning of the ministry. Secondly, they provide an opportunity for the students to gain training, work experience, and various job skills that will be beneficial for future employment success.

During your stay at New York Adult & Teen Challenge you will be expected to participate in various work therapy and fundraising efforts as they arise. The most important fundraising tasks include: store front ministry, Walk for Hope and Drug & Alcohol Awareness Campaign, US Open (tennis), snow removal services, and other miscellaneous tasks.

 

Can a Student have a mobile phone?

The simple answer to this is “no.”

The reason phones are not allowed is to give you the student the opportunity to unplug from a world of distractions in order to focus on your own healing during your stay at New York Adult & Teen Challenge.

See the question “Can family members visit or make contact with a student?” for more information on how students can communication with family members.

Can a student vape or smoke?

Complete freedom from all substances and chemicals for each student in our program is a standard that we hold to. In order for students to find healing in all areas of life, a healthy body is needed, so vaping and smoking are not allowed in the program.

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