Vero Beach, FL Teen Challenge Boys' Program

[emily]

my boyfriend has been in the Teen Challenge program for several months now. I haven't been able to have any contact with him, at all. with a visit with his father, however, he was allowed to call me. the Teen Challenge staff found out about this though and he apparently got into a lot of trouble for making a phone call to me. I've heard alot of negative things about the program, saying they brainwash the kids. and now I hear from his family that he has decided to stay after his graduation to work there... I've read on various websites that they heavily "encourage" the boys to remain at the program after graduation, telling them it's what God wants and they won't be able to handle their addicts in the real world. what is the truth about this place???

[amy]

The Teen Challenge is a place where challenged boys and young men can go to try to get help with whatever problems they may be facing. I have visited the facility several times and have noticed that the boys are all very polite and are being mentored by staff who I personally know have very high stadards for the boys to achieve. I would not hesitate to send my own child to the facility. The truth is that the only brainwashing that may be taking place is the attempt to try to rid their brain of the habit or behavior that put them there to start with. They have alot of positive outcome with the boys who truly want the help they offer. Hope this eases your mind a little.

[eddie]

yo i was in vero beach tc 4 around the time these were posted so who is the person there?

[chelsea]

my mom and dad are thinking about putting my brother in it. It's not that i dont love him, but i think that this program will help him come close to the lord and get his life straight.

[chelsea]

well personally i think it is a program that will help people with life. and i know alot of people that has been in the program and set there life straight

emily wrote:

my boyfriend has been in the Teen Challenge program for several months now. I haven't been able to have any contact with him, at all. with a visit with his father, however, he was allowed to call me. the Teen Challenge staff found out about this though and he apparently got into a lot of trouble for making a phone call to me. I've heard alot of negative things about the program, saying they brainwash the kids. and now I hear from his family that he has decided to stay after his graduation to work there... I've read on various websites that they heavily "encourage" the boys to remain at the program after graduation, telling them it's what God wants and they won't be able to handle their addicts in the real world. what is the truth about this place???

[Kim]

I am interested in any information (good or bad) on the Teen Challenge program in Vero Beach? Especially from boys who have attended or their parents.

[Concerned Mother]

My son was at a TC Florida facility for a year. I would NOT recommend sending your child there. My son is STILL scared to talk about the reality of stuff that happened there. Check out other programs - and then LISTEN to your child. Beware.

[Kim]

Concerned Mother in Indianapolis,
What facility was your son at?

[ben]

i graduated from vero beach TC. if you have any questions feel free to email me [e-mail]

[TC Vero Beach Mom]

Kim wrote:

I am interested in any information (good or bad) on the Teen Challenge program in Vero Beach? Especially from boys who have attended or their parents.

Hi Kim,
My son is currently at Vero Beach. I LOVE this program, and my son is doing very well. We had to get him somewhere for safety because of dangerous crowds in which he got mixed up. Sure the boys have to work hard, cut their hair, and follow a dress code, but they also learn respect for themselves as well as for authority. They have horses, a swimming pool and weight room--all of which are priveledges gained through good behaviour. They have field trips, schooling, and church. Their doctrine is not completely in line with what we believe, but solid nonetheless. Visits are earned and are after 4 mos for the first visit and then every 2 mos thereafter. I would reccommend this particular facilty to everyone with at-risk boys.

[Maelee]

Hi. My name is Maelee. My Best Friend Andrew is in the Vero Program until October of 2010. I am NOT happy with this Program. Thank you.

[Kim]

Maelee, would it be possible to contact you?

[alexis]

my boyfriend was sent to teen challenge a couple months ago and i have heard many different stories about this place some good and some bad. if anybody has any information about what really goes on in the Vero Beach teen challenge facility please let me know. thank you

[TC graduate]

Alexis, is your bf Nick palmer, and emily is yours craig chapman?

[Kim]

"TC graduate" -How long have you been home? Would it be possible to contact you (via e-mail, Facebook, MySpace etc. etc.) to hear about your experience with TC and how you adapted back home?

[CONCERNED]

TC graduate, This is a public forum. Is there any reason you can't make a statement for all of us to see?

[kim]

I would definately like to speak with someone without everyone else reading it.

[michael]

i was in this program for 4 months untill my mother finally got a SLIGHT picture of whats going on... long story short, DONNOT send someone here. if you go to their website and watch the video youll see some boys that i went with. they are feeding you bullshit so they dont get punished. trust me.

[CONCERNED]

So, Michael, How are you doing now?

[michael]

im doing just fine. finished school and got my highschool diploma which was a miricale.. i started going to a vocational school last year and im pretty much finished with that and have a really good job lined up... so did you go there?