Challenge

I've been puzzled by this building on Clinton Avenue ever since I moved to the neighborhood in 2004. I don't think I've ever seen anyone go in or out, yet the property looks open and well-maintained. A family friend who grew up down the block tells me that kids used to spray paint a "D" at the end of "CHALLENGE." Pretty basic, yet made me chuckle.

So what IS this place?

Per their website:

Working in the heart of New York City, Teen Challenge provides comprehensive faith-based residential programs for men and women seeking help to overcome drug addiction and other life-controlling problems.

Apparently, the program provides a live-in program for both men and women looking to get clean and stay that way. Ironically enough, they only take people 17 years and older. They also run an after school program for children in grades 2-6. (Why are they calling it Teen Challenge when few teenagers actually qualify for their programs??) Actually, other chapters of the organization, which was started in NYC in the 1950s, do offer live-in services and counseling for teens. The organization claims to have a very high success rate compared to other rehab institutions.

While they don't list the actual addresses for the men's and women's live-in homes, they do have photos. Both look familiar, but I can't place them off the top of my head. I think they also might be in Clinton Ave.

Since I've never heard a thing about them, or direct reports of the individuals causing problems in the neighborhood, it seems they're doing a good job. They do help those in treatment earn their GED, which I highly laud.

Anyone have any interactions with this place?