History

50 YEARS OF HISTORY

In 1958, Pastor David Wilkerson reached out to troubled street youth in New York City. Teen Challenge was created to meet the needs of these youths. This is how the ministry of Teen Challenge began and has spread literally around the world.

Today, Teen Challenge is a non-profit, interdenominational, faith-based program operating in 82 countries, with over 1,100 autonomous locations internationally, and continues to grow at a dramatic pace worldwide.

Originally located in Hamilton, Ontario, Teen Challenge London was established in 1991 when a nursing home set on 46 acres in London became available. Teen Challenge purchased the property, converted it to a farm and relocated its residential program to the new site.

The Teen Challenge story is told in the best-selling book and movie The Cross and the Switchblade.