Through a Father’s Eyes: A Story of Redemption

Tom’s daughter Angie struggled with addiction for 15 years. The last five, in particular, were gruelling. Just when he thought all hope was lost, he discovered Teen Challenge.

During the high school years, Tom noticed Angie had changed. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but he knew something wasn’t right. The truth was, Angie had been experimenting with a variety of substances while hiding this secret from her parents. Unfortunately, Tom and his wife Marj didn’t realize how much trouble Angie was having until addiction had a firm grip on her life.

Searching For Change

Like any parent, they wanted to help Angie and tried every option they knew of. The first 90-day rehab held promise. At $1,000/day they trusted the system would help their daughter. During her time at this facility, they had no contact with Angie and their calls to the centre were met with a curt response - no communication allowed during her stay.

They were hopeful that Angie had changed. However, within two weeks of coming home everything was back to the way it was. In fact, Tom felt it was worse. It was unbelievable how quickly things deteriorated before his eyes.

In an effort to help Angie out of this addiction, her parents tried various other centres with similar results. After Tom and Marj spent a substantial sum on unsuccessful recovery programs, she had moved back in with them. Angie was barely holding onto a job at the local hardware store when the owner had a frank conversation with Tom. They would need to let her go because she was missing so much work. As Tom opened up about their family’s struggle, Angie’s boss introduced Tom to Teen Challenge. He knew about it because a family member’s life had been changed through the program.

The Teen Challenge Difference

Tom and Marj had never heard of Teen Challenge before but were desperate to help Angie. After speaking with the intake team and a lot of consideration, she made the choice to go.

Committing to a one-year program away from home was a courageous step and Angie’s parents were hopeful. This experience felt different than the other treatment facilities. The rules were strict – no cell phone, no smoking, a tight schedule – but they agreed this was needed to facilitate change.

After two weeks, Angie called them and things were going well. Soon they were going to visit and were amazed at the changes they saw. They now speak on the phone once per week and are rebuilding a relationship that was once very tense. When Angie’s parents visit, they have the most wonderful time together.

Angie’s Transformation

During her other times at recovery centres, Angie insisted that no one know where she was. There was a lot of shame attached to her addiction. But, during her time at Teen Challenge, her parents noticed that had melted away. She affirmed that it was OK to share her story because God was working in her life. What a change! Angie now sees her struggles are part of her journey and a refinement process for who she has become.

Angie graduated from Teen Challenge and stayed on for a Phase4 internship as she determines her next steps.

When asked what he felt was the difference between Teen Challenge and the other programs Angie attended, Tom’s answer was simple:

“The other programs are run like a business. Teen Challenge is saving souls.”

Tom felt the staff at Teen Challenge really care for the clients and want to see them succeed. Taking away negative influences like a cell phone and cigarettes start the process of stripping away toxic habits. The length of the program and community living contributes to a slow but deliberate change of lifestyle.

Not every parent can afford to pay for expensive recovery programs and that’s why finances are never a barrier to our program. Teen Challenge helps people that want to change. There is hope.
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