a service of Teen Challenge International, USA

All things technology: how to effectively use TCUSA websites, beneficial (and mostly free) web services, basic computer training, navigating social networks and more.

Primary Author: Tim Cloninger

Website Updates

Written by Ted Slater on Jan 16, 2012

We’ve got a love-hate thing going on with technology. On one hand, it can place burdensome demands on our schedule, cluttering our hours to the point of distraction. On the other hand, it can serve us, simplifying and speeding up our work obligations. We appreciate … [ read more ]

Meet Ted Slater

Written by Ted Slater on Oct 04, 2011

It was time for a change. Oh, I didn’t want things to change. I was content in my role as a respected website editor with Focus on the Family, enjoying life my wife and three daughters in the home of our dreams in Colorado Springs. … [ read more ]

The Teen Challenge Network

Written by Timothy Cloninger on May 10, 2011

As Teen Challenge continues to provide more services, information, and resources online, we’ve discovered a roadmap would be very beneficial … … please welcome TeenChallengeNetwork.com. The sole purpose of this site is to provide a birds-eye view of the entire Teen Challenge online presence. With all the … [ read more ]

10 tips for a great presentation

Written by Timothy Cloninger on Mar 16, 2011

Want a great presentation? Follow these quick tips. Not only will you find your slides are easier to make, but they’ll look much better as well. Create and rehearse your presentation first, then build your slides last. (You’re the presentation, not the slides; begin there.) … [ read more ]

Facebook is the new Yellow Pages

Written by Timothy Cloninger on Dec 22, 2010

Setting up a Facebook Page is easy. It requires little technical knowledge, and no additional staff is needed to maintain it. Just follow a few simple steps, and designate a couple minutes a day (maximum) or a week (minimum) to update your “wall” or respond … [ read more ]

Student Management Solutions

Written by Timothy Cloninger on Nov 12, 2010

Imagine this…  An online, nationally available service that allows Teen Challenge centers the ability to manage their students from intake to graduation and beyond. Secure. Easy to use. Centralized. Up-to-the-minute statistics/reporting. And so much more. Every residential center handles student management one way or another. … [ read more ]

(Nearly) Free Software

Written by Timothy Cloninger on Sep 01, 2010

While some individuals and organizations donate their earnings to support non-profits, others donate their services and/or products. TechSoup Stock is an online product donation service that connects nonprofits with technology product donations from more than twenty-five leading corporate and nonprofit technology partners. Simply put, that … [ read more ]

Social Media: It’s not just a fad

Written by Timothy Cloninger on Jun 18, 2010

Wait, I don’t even know what “social media” is … what are you talking about? Basically, it’s just people having conversations online. Those conversations are powered by Facebook, Twitter, youTube, Flickr, blogs, and many, many more — through the use of comments, ratings, tags, etc. … [ read more ]

5 Useful (and free) Web Services

Written by Timothy Cloninger on Mar 09, 2010

Google Apps – Email, calendar, documents, and more for your domain. Aviary – Full-featured graphics and photo-editing suite. Animoto – Turn pics, audio and clips into amazing, professional-quality videos. HiTask – Simple task management. MindMeister – Brainstorming, made easy.

Staff.TeenChallengeUSA.com Overview

Written by Timothy Cloninger on Feb 09, 2010

The next time you log into the Staff site (http://staff.teenchallengeusa.com) to submit reports, take a few seconds and look around. Center Pages Dashboard An overview of your center (information for “staff eyes only”). This information includes links to staff forms and TCUSA downloads (ie – up-to-date … [ read more ]