Teen Challenge appeared in New York City in 1958 when Pastor David Wilkerson addressed the “ghettos” of that city with the intention of helping young drug addicts, guiding them in their rehabilitation and social reintegration.
The success of this work motivated the creation of the organization, which extended to other American cities through autonomous organizations, although operating under the same designation and following the same philosophy.
Teen Challenge was not limited, however, by the borders of the United States. Progressively, it was extended to other regions of the globe, becoming an organization recognized and recognized by the governments of several countries, due to the great success achieved in the recovery of substance addicts.
Today, it is present in more than 122 countries, where more than 1,400 therapeutic and reintegration communities are established.