WVVA TV Bluefield Beckley WV News, Weather and SportsSpecial Report: Women's Center at Teen Challenge
Member Center:
Appalachian Teen Challenge has been changing the lives of addicts in the area for more than 26 years.
Just two years ago, the facility opened a center for females and in that time, they've seen their ministry take on a new mission, working with women to transform their lives.
The need for a female facility has become more evident in recent years and the young women say it has changed their lives.
"From a young age I started using, skipping school, and just hanging out with a rough crowd," says Linsey Adams.
"My life just got out of control," explain Katie Boles.
"I'll never forget, at the age of 9, I started experimenting with drugs," says Heather Hix.
Three young women from three different backgrounds battling the same demon, an addiction which took control of their lives.
"It took me fast. You know, I guess I got into extreme behavior and everything I did. I did it to the top and it took me down real fast," adds Heather.
They say they hit rock bottom, with no hope of a future and no place to go. But with encouragement, they ended up at Appalachian Teen Challenge.
"At that point, I'd just lost hope of everything and I didn't see a future for myself," Katie says.
"I finally gave in and thank God I came here because it truly has changed my life," Linsey explains.
All had been in treatment facilities before but say this was different.
For starters, it is a 12-14 month commitment.
"At first you're like, 'man this is crazy'. But you start to realize, 'man, this is what I needed'," Katie explains.
The structure of the facility is one of the keys to its success.
It is run like a military base with strict rules and expectations.
"We wake up at 6:00am and have to have our feet on the ground in 60 seconds. That's not always fun." Katie adds.
The women are taught the tools they'll need to be successful in society.
However, they say the key element at Teen Challenge is a replacement for their addiction with a new found faith.
"I think most of it has been because of God and just building a relationship with Him and just, that He truly loves me. He doesn't judge me and I can talk to Him about it, no matter what," says Linsey.
"Here, we are taught that while we're giving up our addiction and we're giving up that bondage that we've been living under. We fill it back up with Jesus," Katie adds.
With tough love and structured support, they leave with a changed heart and a new hope for the future.
"You know, I'm excited to see where God takes me. I'm not sure where it is yet but I know it's going to be good," concludes Linsey.
