George W. Bush
President of the United States

"Too many young people have already lost their lives, and too many others have suffered serious injury for us to ignore the problems of juvenile alcohol and drug abuse. Programs such as Teen Challenge work to change people's lives by changing their hearts. I commend you for your work with young men (and women) who are addicted to drugs and alcohol."

John Hoeven
North Dakota
Governor

"People are our most precious resource, and by investing in them, we secure their futures as well as the future of our state. North Dakota Teen Challenge is a tremendous program that has had a positive impact on vulnerable people across our state."

Mikey Hoeven
North Dakota
First Lady

"There are not many absolutes in this world. However, of this I am sure. When we put our trust in God, lives change."

Merle Boucher
Representative
Minority Floor Leader

Mr. Edwards,

I was absolutely taken by your singing group. You have done remarkable work. Most remarkable is what the men themselves have achieved in their lives. Please extend to them my appreciation for their music and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Sincerely Merle Boucher

Kevin Cramer
Commissioner
North Dakota Public
Service Commission

I am proud to support ND Teen Challenge because it is the best hope many young people have for healing. Addiction and chemical dependency have gripped too many young people in our communities and conventional treatment and incarceration have had limited success. What ND Teen Challenge offers is the hope that comes from knowing the living God. Through His healing power, ND Teen Challenge not only changes the lives of addicts, but also the life of a community, state and nation.

Thank you NDTC.

Warren Emmer
Director of Field Services
North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

North Dakota Teen Challenge is making a difference!

North Dakota Teen Challenge has admitted many of our seriously drug addicted parolees and probationers to their program. Most of our clientele at Teen Challenge have a history of multiple arrests and multiple drug treatment interventions. Teen Challenge is realizing successes with this population that has not been achieved in traditional treatment or correctional programs!

North Dakota Probation

Dear Mike,

It is with gratitude and praise that we are writing. We have sincerely enjoyed working with you and your staff and wish you well as you relocate to Mandan. We feel that the individuals you have worked with have grown tremendously. You are consistent with each of your students and the intensity and structure of the program are effective in enacting positive change. For many of our offenders , they know how to “work the system “. The way the Teen Challenge Program operates, does not allow them to do anything like that. It is undoubtedly tougher than doing traditional time and more unique than conventional treatment because of the spiritual component. Students are constantly engaged in meaningful assignments, chores and other duties, support other students and staff, and most notably, they submit themselves to Christ. They are encouraged to find meaning and purpose in their lives. We believe some of the individuals have found at Teen Challenge the first “family”- type environment they have ever known. Their days are not in any way easy and they are not only working through scripture, Bible studies and services to better themselves, but they work countless hours in the community helping those in need, have opportunities to minister to others, and they are seen as a positive example for change. Their days are structured from early in the morning all the way up until they retire for the evening. As probation officers in charge of offender supervision, we have always appreciate the monthly communication, as well as progress reports appropriately given if necessary. Teen Challenge staff has been receptive to our ideas and we have felt welcome when needing to visit our clients. In short, your staff has been more than accommodating to ours. Again, we would like to express or most sincere appreciation. We thank you for the restoration we have observed in the lives of our offenders.

Sincerely
Lois Merkel
Lloyd Haagenson
Charyesse Everson
ND Probation Officers
Janet Johnsrud
Community Corrections Officer
Williston Field Service Division