Dear Prospective Student,
We are pleased that you are considering 180 Ministries of Teen Challenge to begin your recovery from addiction.
180 Ministries of Teen Challenge is one of the most successful faith-based recovery support programs in the world; we contribute our success to our foundation in faith. We believe that true change comes from what God can do on the inside of us. If you are interested in faith-based recovery, Teen Challenge is the place for you.
When you hit the SUBMIT button, you will be directed to PayPal site to pay the $25 application fee. Can’t afford the application fee? Let’s talk! Send us an email describing your situation, and we’ll follow up with you: intake@180men.net
All of our classes, counsel, and environment are rooted in a belief in God and values found in the Bible. We are serious about faith-based recovery because it has provided the most successful care available for overcoming addiction and beginning a new life.
180 Ministries of Teen Challenge is a “Culture of Responsibility.” Our basic premise is that one must assume responsibility for his own life. You must own the responsibility for your thoughts, choices, and life patterns. Difficult experiences can contribute to life controlling addiction but cannot be an excuse for remaining in addiction. At 180 Ministries of Teen Challenge you will take a responsible look at your life so healing can occur and important lessons can be learned. Your negative experiences do not need to dictate your future.
Coming into 180 Ministries of Teen Challenge can be difficult at first. When drugs and alcohol wear off, and you find yourself away from all that’s familiar, a variety of emotions can be experienced. Feelings of anger, pain, guilt, homesickness, or even being trapped, can creep in on you. As badly as you know you need to begin this journey, this “internal war” can be most difficult. Experience tells us that once an individual passes through this initial struggle they will adjust to the program.
You have probably had moments where you wanted things to be different, but were unable to break the cycles of addiction. We are determined to help you get your life back. No one can lead your life but you. We want to help you become that responsible leader!
A Message to Families
Families will need to be strong. We must shut the door on every excuse to leave the program prematurely. As brave as the student may appear, fears of facing the challenge of changing their life is real. The family’s natural instinct is to relieve pain, but there’s no growth without it. We need families to stand strong as we help the student take a hard look at their life. 180 Ministries of Teen Challenge must have the family’s support throughout the process of change. Whenever they communicate pain, encourage them to stay the course and refuse to support a departure from the program.
Sincerely, the 180 Ministries Staff
COMPLETE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING STEPS :
1. Read all information thoroughly
2. Complete Teen Challenge application and all enclosed forms
3. Medical tests: Have a HIV, TB and Hepatitis C screening test. Results must be in writing. We do not need the results before entry. We will need them after.
4. Mail the application and the application fee of $25.00 (check or Money order) to Teen Challenge. This is a mandatory fee for all applications.
5. Deliver copies of the sponsorship letter to individuals who might be willing to support the program for the year you are here. Provide a complete list of these individuals using the “Sponsorship” sheet .
6. Gather the following items to bring to 180/Teen Challenge.
A. $600 Entry Fee and first month support in cash or on a credit card
B. Entry fees and first month support are non-refundable
C. Social Security card
D. Picture ID
E. “Sponsorship” Form – raising $2200 per month in monthly support (check/card)
F. Return Bus Fare: A check or money order equal to the amount of return bus fare home in the event the student leaves or is dismissed from the program. If a student chooses to leave the program or if he is expelled, he is not allowed to remain on the premises. In such instances, our procedure is to take students to the bus station, regardless of whether they have bus fare on deposit with Teen Challenge. YOU MUST GO TO GREY HOUND.COM AND PRINT OFF THE EXACT QUOTE OF THE ONE WAY BUS TICKET HOME AND MAIL A CHECK IN THAT AMOUNT TO US. ALL LUGGAGE IS SUBJECT TO A $25 FEE FROM GREY HOUND. WE WILL NOT PAY ANY BUS FARE FEES.
The following matters must be resolved to be considered for admission.
Medical: 180/Teen Challenge does not provide medical care for students in the program.
All current medical conditions must be addressed prior to entrance into the program. If you require medical attention while you are in the program you must provide your own insurance.
Legal: All legal situations must be made known to the staff prior to acceptance. You will not be considered for admission if you have outstanding warrants. Pending hearings, trials, probation, or other obligations requiring your personal appearance deemed in conflict with the program may result in disqualification for admission.
WHAT IS THE 180 MINISTRIES/TEEN CHALLENGE PROGRAM?
The TEEN CHALLENGE program is Christian based program designed to help young men find a meaningful answer to the problems, habits and conflicts that control them.
WHO DOES THE DENVER 180 MINISTRIES/ TEEN CHALLENGE PROGRAM HELP?
1. Any male 18 years of age or older who has a life-controlling problem:
➢ Drug or Alcohol habit: consistent use and abuse
➢ Emotional problems: problems that stem from drug or alcohol abuse. Others will be considered on an individual basis.
➢ Behavioral problems: problems due to lack of taking responsibility, lack of self-discipline, lack of motivation, lack of self-esteem or laziness.
2. Men who enter the program voluntarily and are willing to change their present life-style.
3. Men willing to accept a structured Christian environment in order to overcome their problems.
We suggest that the prospective student seek help from professional counseling, a pastor or local church and/or drug or alcohol clinics or program before considering TEEN CHALLENGE’s year long residential program.
WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT INDIVIDUALS WHO:
➢ Are on ANY mood altering medications
➢ Have exhibited signs of psychotic behavior or dangerous tendencies
➢ Have been convicted of a crime that is sexual in nature
➢ Have a warrant for their arrest
➢ Have court ordered probation reporting requirements or classes that interfere with the structure or influence of the program.
➢ Have a known communicable disease
➢ Have medical conditions that exceed our ability provide adequate attention.
HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?
The 180 Ministries/TEEN CHALLENGE men’s program consists of a 7-step program. The program is one year long. Graduation is based on completion of the academic requirements for each
step, compliance with rules and policies and personal growth will be evaluated by the staff. It is
our desire to provide opportunity for each student to thoroughly deal with all addiction related
behavior and thinking.
KEY ELEMENTS INCLUDE:
➢ Counseling/Mentoring (individual and group)
➢ Biblical based studies
➢ Chapel and church services
➢ Prayer and devotion times
➢ Work therapy {1-5 days a week}
➢ Recreation
➢ Firm discipline
WHAT DOES THE TEEN CHALLENGE PROGRAM OFFER?
TEEN CHALLENGE is concerned with the “total person”. The program structure is aware of each
person’s spiritual, mental, physical, social and educational needs.
SPIRITUALLY : TEEN CHALLENGE deals with the person’s problems as symptoms that relate to
deeper problems and conflicts. A focus on an individual’s spiritual need is where healing begins. Through faith in Christ, individuals find the changing power that gives the ability to cope with problems and live a more effective life.
MENTALLY : The rebuilding of the used and abused mind is vital. Consistent Bible study, along
with a Bible-based life skills curriculum are the tools used to enhance mental growth. These tools serve as the foundation for restructuring broken down thought patterns; creating new stable ideas and principles.
PHYSICALLY : TEEN CHALLENGE provides an environment that includes shelter, food, and basic needs as well as work, rest, and recreation. As students begin to function in a drug free environment, physical health usually begins to improve greatly.
SOCIALLY : Through the benefits of a group living environment, students learn the biblical perspective of relationships and conflict management. As a result, graduates achieve greater success in relating to family, peers and authority.
WHAT DOES A DAILY SCHEDULE AT DENVER TEEN CHALLENGE INCLUDE ?
➢ Group class/ G.E.D class/Basic Computer skills
➢ Individualized studies
➢ Chores
➢ Devotion time
➢ Prayer time
➢ Chapel
➢ Work time {1-3 days}
➢ Meals
➢ Free time
A graduation celebration service is held to honor the students who complete the program. This is a time to celebrate Jesus’ power and healing in the student’s life.
TAKE SPECIAL NOTE:
WITHDRAWAL FROM DRUGS AND ALCOHOL IS DANGEROUS WITHOUT MEDICATION AND WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU GO THROUGH A DETOXIFICATION CENTER BEFORE ENTERING THE PROGRAM. EVEN IF YOU FEEL YOU WOULD FIT INTO THE PROGRAM, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO DENY YOUR APPLICATION. NON-COMPLIANCE WITH ALL STEPS OR DECEPTIVE INFORMATION CONSTITUTES GROUNDS FOR DENIAL OF AN APPLICATION.
Our goal is to make our admissions process simple and informative. Many of our families come to us in times of distress, and we want this to be a transition toward hope and growth. More importantly, we want to understand your individual situation and to make sure that 180 Ministries for Men is the best place for you.
The rules listed are not the complete set of rules that you will be required to abide by but
rather are a sampling to give you a basic understanding of the requirements. You can find a
complete set of rules of our web site.
Appearance:
1. Hair must be kept neat and clean. The sides must be no longer than the middle of the earlobe and the back must be off the top of the collar.
2. No outrageous hairstyles. All unacceptable hairstyles must be changed.
3. Mustaches are allowed if kept neat and trimmed short. No beards.
4. Personal Hygiene must be maintained in a neat and clean manner.
Behavior:
1. No drugs, alcohol or tobacco in any form is allowed.
2. Secular music, gambling and card playing are not allowed. The program director will approve music and reading material.
3. Profanity and bragging about past life of sin is not allowed.
4. Anyone threatening anyone in any way will be dismissed immediately.
5. Occult practices of any form are not allowed.
6. Disrespect or arguing with staff members will not be tolerated.
7. Proper care of Teen Challenge property is required. Students are financially responsible for any malicious damage.
All privileges are based on your progress on the program, and increase with your progress.
Statement of Faith
We believe…
1. The Bible is the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Thess. 2:13, 2 Peter 1:21)
2. In one true God (revealed as Trinity of Persons in relationship & association, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost) (Deut. 6:4; Isaiah 43:10; Matt. 28:19; Luke 3:22)
3. In the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 1:23; Luke 1:35; Acts 2:32; Romans 1:4; Phil. 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:3)
4. In the fall of man (Genesis 1:26; 2:17; 3:6; Romans 5:12-19)
5. In the Salvation of man (Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Romans 10:13-15; Eph. 2:8; 4:24; Titus 2:11-12; 3:5-7; Romans 8:16)
6. Ordinances of the church:
a. Baptism in water (Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 10:47-48; Romans 6:4)
b. Holy Communion (Matt. 26:14-30; Mark 14:17-26; Luke 22:14-30; 1 Cor. 11:23-24)
7. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:7-8; Luke 3:16; John 1:26; Acts 1:4-8)
8. The evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4; 10:44-46; 11:15-17; 15:7-9: 19:6)
9. Sanctification (Romans 12:1-2; 1 Thess. 5:23; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1; 15-16)
10. The Church and its mission:
a. Agency for evangelizing the world (Matt. 28; 19-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; Eph. 3:10)
b. Corporate body for worshipping God (John 4:23,24; 1 Cor. 12:13)
c. Channel for edifying the saints (1 Cor. 12:28; 14:12; Eph. 4:11-16)
11. The ministry (Mark 15:15-20; Eph 4:11-16; 1 Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9)
12. Divine Healing (Isaiah 52:4-5; Matt. 8:16,17; James 5:14-16)
13. The Blessed Hope (Romans 8:23; 1 Cor. 15:51,52; I Thess. 4:16-17; Titus 2:13)
14. The Millennial Reign of Christ (Zech 14:5; Matt 24:27,30; Rev. 19:11-14; 20:1-6)
15. The Final Judgment (Matt 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Rev 19:20; 20:11-15; 21:8)
16. The new Heaven and the new Earth (2 Peter 3:13; Rev. 21; 22)
ITEMS TO BRING:
Underwear
Socks: sport & dress
Work shirts & pants
Dress shirts & pants
Sport shirts
Shoes
Dress
Casual
Athletic
Shorts
Jacket and Coat
Pajamas & hangers
Towel & washcloths
Bible (no other books)
Pictures of immediate family
Phone Card/stamps
set of twin sheets
razor
shampoo
toothpaste
toothbrush
deodorant
soap
shaving cream
ITEMS NOT TO BRING:
Credit or ATM Cards / gift cards /checks
Cell Phones
Pictures of friends / girlfriends
Any Music or portable music devices
Jewelry (wedding band and wrist watch only)
Once the application is submitted please download the Student Packet below. It contains a few documents that you must sign and submit with your application. You can submit it via email, fax, or bring them to the office.