sign that encourages you to learn about Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge

About Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge

Since 1958, when our founder, the Reverend David Wilkerson, began intervening in the lives of addicted young people, PAATC has been at the forefront of addiction recovery. By 1962, Rev. Wilkerson had expanded his project in scope to include vocational training as well as treatment. This expansion coincided with moving the operation to a 16-acre farm in Rehrersburg, PA. That farm, which many refer to as “God’s Mountain” remains our main campus to this day.

Today, Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge offers faith-based, comprehensive treatment programs to men and women. We are proud to offer highly regarded residential treatment programs at our Rehrersburg, PA and Western PA campuses. For individuals seeking help who cannot commit to a residential program, we offer outpatient programs through the Naaman Center with locations in Elizabethtown, Quarryville, Elizabethville, and two in Lancaster, PA. 

Our Core Values

Our philosophy at Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge is based on a simple set of core values which include Faith, Compassion, Dignity, and Excellence. We believe that addiction results in individuals that are fragmented and broken. Therefore, we have made it our business to mend that fragmentation, and to make broken individuals whole. That mission started with Reverend David Wilkerson in 1958, and it continues today. 

At PAATC, we believe that through a relationship with Jesus Christ, there is the hope of recovery for everyone struggling with substance use disorders and dependency issues. The dedicated team at Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge is proud to offer a safe place for recovery — one that is based on the solid foundation of the teachings of Christ.

We often identify our work as “bringing wholeness to the hopeless” and the hundreds of men and women who have successfully completed our programs are a testament to the strength of this mission. When someone you love or care about is at the end of their rope and feels like there is nowhere else to turn, we are here for them.

outside facility view of Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge

Reach Out to Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge Today

No one asks to become addicted to drugs or alcohol. However, at PAATC, we believe that there is always hope, even when all other methods have failed. One of the ways that we exercise this belief is by offering a wide variety of faith-based programs. Perhaps your loved one needs medical detox and inpatient care as their body heals from its addiction. Or maybe they require counseling and support as they continue rehabilitation. Wherever someone is in their journey of recovery, Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge and the Naaman Center are here to help.

By taking steps today, you can help someone find their way through the wilderness. To learn more about Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge, contact us online or by calling our 24/7 call center at 844.442.8673. It is time to help your loved one find their way home. Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge and the Naaman Center are here to do just that.

Teen Challenge was founded in NY

Moved by a story in Life magazine, Rev. David Wilkerson travels to New York City to minister to troubled youth. Two years later, the first Teen Challenge is established in Brooklyn, NY, offering hope to gang members and drug-addicted teens.

1958

Rehrersburg, PA location is acquired

A 16-acre farm in Rehrersburg, PA is acquired, and Pennsylvania (Adult) & Teen Challenge (PAATC) is established and begins providing long-term Christian counseling and life-skills training to young men seeking freedom from drug addiction

1962

Teen Challenge Pennsylvania accepts first students on “God’s Mountain”

Teen Challenge Pennsylvania is founded and accepts first students onto what is lovingly referred to as “God’s Mountain”.

1963

Cheswick campus is purchased, expanding reach to Western PA

The ministry acquires a 13-acre facility in Cheswick, PA. This new campus provides a peaceful and rural location for those seeking recovery in Western Pennsylvania.

1977

Naaman Center joins PAATC

Naaman Center, a faith-based organization providing outpatient services, is acquired, making PAATC one of the first Teen Challenge programs in the U.S. to offer clinical and faith-based services.

2018

Ephesians 3:20 vision set

Inspired by Ephesians 3:20, PAATC’s leadership envisions serving 10,000 people annually. In preparation for growth, Ascend Ministries is created to provide governance, leadership, and vital support services to PAATC and Naaman Center.

2021

PAATC celebrates 60 years

PAATC celebrates 60 years

2022

Ministry begins in Kensington, Philadelphia

An office is opened in Kensington, Philadelphia. This new location focuses on addressing addiction and homelessness by providing resources and referral services in one of the most challenging areas of the nation.

2024

Family of ministries

Our family of ministries offer a broad range of evidence and faith-based services across multiple locations, helping men, women, and socially disadvantaged communities discover hope and find lasting freedom from substance use disorders.

TODAY