Board of Directors

Staff & Interns

Teen Challenge Jamaica building

What is Teen Challenge Jamaica?

Teen Challenge Jamaica is a one-year residential, faithbased (Christian) rehabilitation program. Our vision is “to facilitate life-transformation for people with life-controlling problems, one life at a time.” Teen Challenge Jamaica currently serve males15 years and over from every walk of life mostly dealing with substance abuse and other life controlling problems. Teen Challenge Jamaica has operated a women’s home in the past and hope to resume in the near future as well as adding a juvenile program. Teen Challenge Jamaica program is located in Ocho Rios, however, we desire to expand our services in every Parish. 

Why a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre (TCJ)?

To restore lives of persons whose potential has been lost through the devastation of substance abuse. Our mission is to empower persons through practical solutions to be physically well, spiritually alive, emotionally balanced, mentally sound and socially adjusted so that they can function as productive citizens in society.  By doing the following: Counseling – resolving past issues, Discipleship – applying sound biblical principles to every aspect of life, Teaching – new ways to deal with life issues, Training – job-readiness and vocational skills, Structure – of program brings balance of discipline in their life through work, recreation, rest, health, Love and acceptance through a family atmosphere.

How does one get into the TCJ program?

The primary requirements for entry are a willingness to change and a minimal one-time induction fee (J$15,000) and monthly Basic needs fee (J$12,000).  Most people hear about Teen Challenge Jamaica through a church, family or community.

History

The name Teen Challenge originated in 1958 when Rev. David Wilkerson, author of the Cross & the Switchblade traveled to New York City to reach teenage gang members with God’s love. Teen Challenge was born from this visit in the city slums. There are currently over 500 centers across the globe in over 70 countries.  Teen Challenge has been transforming lives in Jamaica since 1997. 

Our founder, Rev. John Steigerwald while on vacation at Christ for the Nations in Montego Bay saw a young woman lying naked and unconscious in the gutters in Sam Sharpe Square.  He called the police but the police had no where to take her. This birthed a desire in his heart to start a Teen Challenge in Jamaica. The Teen Challenge approach is Christ-centered in all facets of the program, non-denominational and focused on teaching Biblical principles.  The main objective of the TC program is helping youths, adults and families with life-controlling problems, primarily in the area of drug and alcohol abuse.