Famous rehab center opens in Lafayette

Teen Challenge has opened its ninth center in Louisiana for the rehabilitation of substance abusers.
“ We are a non-profit, 501(c)(3), faith based, 12- to 14-month residential treatment facility that helps men with their substance abuse and other life controlling problems,” said Greg Dill, CEO of Louisiana Teen Challenge.
“Our purpose is to help men by initiating the discipleship process so they can function as successful Christians in society by applying Biblical principles to their relationships in family, church, vocation and within the community.”
Teem Challenge USA, based in Missouri, is a network of around 100 affiliated non-profits, all harking back to the New York City ministry of David Wilkerson, author of “The Cross and the Switchblade.”
“We accept men ages 17 and up from all walks of life, who have a desire to overcome their addictions,” said Dill. “We provide food, shelter, Christian education, Biblical counseling, recreations, work experience, and vocational training.”
He said a research project sponsored by the National Institute of Drug Abuse has found Teen Challenge to have an 86 percent cure rate as opposed to a 10 percent cure rate in other traditional programs.
Typically there is no monthly cost to the students. There is a one time induction fee, however no one is ever turned away for lack of finances, Dill said.
“Teen Challenge needs financial support, prayers, volunteers and material donations to continue to provide free care,” he said. “We ask the community to consider giving monthly to offer hope and help. We can be contacted at (337) 754-7275.
“We also have centers for women in the state, the closest in this area being in Franklin. You can reach them at (337) 923-7009.”