In 1958 Rev. David Wilkerson left his small-town pastorate in Pennsylvania to work among the street gangs and drug addicts of New York City. Out of his vision Teen Challenge was born. From its humble beginnings in Brooklyn, New York. Teen Challenge has become one of America’s largest and most successful Christian drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs. Soon after its inception. the need for a more extensive “Training Center” facility became apparent. In 1962, a sixteen acre plot of land was purchased in Rehrersburg, Pennsylvania and the first Training Center was established with eight students. Today, Teen Challenge Training Center encompasses over 350 acres with 290 students and has a staff of seventy-five dedicated persons. This 290 bed facility is licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Health, Office of Drug and Alcohol Programs. Teen Challenge offers a holistic approach to drug rehabilitation.

Teen Challenge of Buffalo was founded in 1978 with a vision to help hurting people who have a drug or alcohol abuse problem. As the first phase of a two phase, twelve month program which provides residential care in a positive environment.

The goal of Teen Challenge is to provide a “total cure” for the whole person: Body, Mind, and Spirit.