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1. 1. Why are you called Teen Challenge?
Teen Challenge began it's ministry to hurting street teens in New York City over 40 years ago, and in Barbados, we've been ministering to hurting people since the mid-90's. While the demographics of who we minister to has changed over the years, the name has stuck. The name Teen Challenge has become synonymous with Christ-centered help, so we stay with it.

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2. What denomination are you?
Teen Challenge of Barbados is an interdenominational ministry. We partner with individuals, churches, and other ministries from various backgrounds to offer Hope in Christ. Teen Challenge was founded by David Wilkerson under the Assemblies of God. Today, we receive support from individuals and churches across denominational lines.

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3. Where do students attend church?
We visit churches of various denominations on a regular basis to minister and offer encouragement. In the Re-entry phase, students attend the church of their choice. Presently Teen Challenge has a home church where the induction and training students attend.

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4. Do you have licensed/trained counselors?
Teen Challenge counseling staff are licensed/trained counselors or therapists. Some are Teen Challenge graduates or people from a variety of backgrounds who have struggled with various addictions, and have found Life in Jesus Christ. Out of their struggles and victories, they offer Hope. Others have never struggled with addictions themselves but have trained and have a heart/calling to help hurting people. < Back to questions>

5. Do you have a detox program?
We do not have a residential detox program at this time. We however see the need to have such a facility in the not too distant future, and are work to implement this component to our program. We can refer you to other programs that offer this option presently.

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6. How long is your program?
Teen Challenge of Barbados is 12 months in length. The first 6 months are spent in our Induction Phase, followed by the six-month in our Training phase. There are cases where a re-entry program is required for students wanting to continue in their growth experience, feeling that they need a bit more time to work out difficult areas in their lives. After this process, there is the aftercare component to monitor the progress of all completed students.

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7. Why is the program so long?
It's been said that "repetition is the mother of mastery and skill". Overcoming life-controlling problems isn't an overnight job; it requires repeated exposure to spiritual truths and surroundings. In fact, 12 months is just a start - God continues to work on us all our lives!
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8. What is the process for getting into Teen Challenge in Barbados?
The place to start is to gather information about the program. You can receive information on this website or by calling us

If you still have questions, feel free to call our Intake Coordinator for additional information. You'll be required to complete an application, have a physical exam, and make sure you meet all other requirements.

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9. How many students do you have?
Teen Challenge currently has a capacity of 30 students in our Mapps Training Center.

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10. What's the staff-to-student ratio?
Each student is assigned a staff advisor upon entry to the program. Each advisor has 5-8 students under his care. In addition, we have full-time interns as well as administrative staff who help minister.

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11. How is Teen Challenge funded?
Teen Challenge is a non-profit ministry funded through financial contributions and other donations. We also operate a farm as well as conduct work programs, which help raise operating dollars. Teen Challenge receives some government funding per students that helps defray costs.. < Back to questions>

12. Do you take students on medications?
We do accept students with prescription medications. Please see the medication policies in our Student Guidelines.

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13. Do you take students with mental illnesses?
Students with diagnosed mental illnesses are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Teen Challenge is not intended to be everything to everyone. The reality is that there are some situations we're not equipped for, and in those cases, we endeavor to refer people to Christ-centered or other help.

14. Do you take people with disabilities?
We are open to making reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities to help them complete the required classroom and physical work. Discuss these limitations with the Intake Coordinator

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15. Do you have a women's program?
Teen Challenge Barbados does not have a residential women's program.

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16. What's the daily routine?
The daily schedule is detailed on line. At various times during the year, this schedule is altered slightly to accommodate special events.
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17. Do students get paid for the work they do?
Students in the Teen Challenge program receive housing, meals, and ministry. Work is part of the program structure, and allows us to continue offering ministry to those who cannot pay. (No students receives money for work done at Teen Challenge or for Teen Challenge assigned projects and/or work assignments) Once the student reaches the Re-entry phase, he'll secure full-time employment as part of the program.

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18. Are students allowed to work an outside job while enrolled in the program?
Students in the Induction and Training phases of the program are not allowed to work outside jobs. Once you've been promoted to the Re-entry phase, you'll secure a full-time job outside of Teen Challenge as part of the program.

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19. What about my family while I'm in the program?
We recognize that married students and those with children face different situations than single men.

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20. Are students allowed contact with people outside of Teen Challenge?
You may have contact with certain people outside of Teen Challenge. Refer to the Relationships & Communications section of the Student Guidelines.

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21. Are students allowed to talk to girlfriends or single females?
Students come to Teen Challenge with the understanding that there will be no contact with their fiancés, girlfriends, or other female friends. This is to help students focus completely on their relationship with God and recovery.

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22. How long is the application process?
The application process is driven largely by your circumstances and ability to gather needed items. For those facing legal issues (incarceration, court appointments, etc.), the process is contingent on a release for you to participate in the entirety of the program (minimum of 12 months). For others, the timing is contingent on you obtaining a full physical exam, collecting the application and induction fees, and fulfillment of other entry requirements.

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