Connections

As a discipleship ministry, Teen Challenge fulfills its stated purpose through discipleship training. This implies that a discipleship strategy is in place to ensure that each student is properly mentored and trained in their spiritual life and walk with our Lord. In the National Accreditation … [ read more ]

If you have recently downloaded a 2012 copy of the accreditation standards, you will have noticed a big change to the first few pages. Pages three through six are now being used to provide the details of a three-step process to help you get your … [ read more ]

During my tenure as the Accreditation Manager for Teen Challenge, I’ve learned of two different reputations I have.  The first reputation I learned of was that I was considered “tough but fair” when it came to accreditation.  That’s not a bad reputation to have if … [ read more ]

In 2010, the new fundraising policy was put in place.  For the most part, the feedback I’ve received from directors about the fundraising policy has been very positive.  And while our fundraising policy cleared up a number of issues that made this policy necessary, there … [ read more ]

Over the last few years, many Teen Challenge organizations have been moving away from paid internship positions and going to non-paid internships that are combined with an in-house study component like TCMI or Emerging Leaders. Historically, the Wage & Hour Division (WHD) has designated a … [ read more ]

The 2012 edition of the Accreditation Standards are now available to download: http://staff.teenchallengeusa.com/file_share/view/27 You will note a few changes.  The one change you’ll notice right off is the two-column format is not being used.  That change eliminated seven pages from the standards, which now number 32. … [ read more ]

Before I call a director to set up their next accreditation date for the coming year, I say a prayer for them and their staff that they would guard their hearts and minds so as not to fall into sin, lose credibility, and have to … [ read more ]

You’re a Teen Challenge director who suddenly finds your way blocked and staring at the business end of a reporter’s microphone.  You are about to experience what is called in the media industry the “Ambush” interview.  The story about your Teen Challenge ministry will probably … [ read more ]

Standard 49 read “There shall be timely and regular (at least monthly) documentation (i.e. progress notes) which provides the nature and progress of each student.” In my reviews, I often find many centers several months behind on this type of documentation. It is designated a … [ read more ]

Why should every Teen Challenge organization have a signed Code of Conduct Agreement with each of their employees?   As a Christian discipleship ministry, the biblical moral absolutes that govern our day-to-day behavior runs counter to the moral relativism that has been embraced by many … [ read more ]