An estimated 26.3 million individuals ages 12 and older are in need of care for a drug or alcohol problem annually. Teen Challenge responds to this need by providing residential and non-residential care for thousands of men, women and adolescents seeking freedom from life-controlling problems.

In 1958, the first Teen Challenge center was established in New York City by David Wilkerson. Since then, Teen Challenge has seen remarkable growth. Thousands of lives have been changed in over 170 centers throughout the United States. Teen Challenges are also operating on six continents around the world.

Teen Challenge Chicago was started in 1963 to serve men ages 18 and over. In 2000, Teen Challenge Peoria was established to also accommodate men. In the spring of 2001, Teen Challenge Illinois opened its state office in the former YMCA building in downtown Decatur. Three years later in the fall of 2004, TCI opened its first adolescent facility, Audrey's Home for Girls in the state office building.

Teen Challenge programs have been developed to encourage the student to cope with everyday life issues. Secondary education is provided in all adolescent programs. There is generally very little free or unsupervised time as this has been found to be a hindrance to the successful progress of the student.

The Teen Challenge curriculum provides instruction on practical Christian living, intensive bible studies, and the responsibility of the Christian to the community. As needed, students also receive personal mentoring, parenting assistance, marriage enrichment services, family counseling, and work project assistance.

Addiction does not discriminate based on age, race, sex or religion. No part of our community is immune to the devastation that accompanies addictions of all kinds. Teen Challenge Centers reach out to serve the needs of the whole person, regardless of their background or economic situation. As a result of the Teen Challenge program there is a higher abstinence rate, less severe depression, increased full time employment, positive changes in lifestyle, attitude and behavior, a reduction in drug-related crimes, a reduced economic cost to our community, and increased higher education.