Alabama Teen Challenge’s New Executive Director
January 5, 2012
By Ken Draughon
Alabama Teen Challenge has selected a new Executive Director. The Rev. Ron Reiser, former pastor of Tanner-Williams Assembly of God in Mobile. He and his wife, Jennifer are making the move into this new role and we are excited to how the Lord will use this talented and dedicated couple.
Alabama Teen Challenge began in 1972 as Birmingham Teen Challenge. Today, they 0perate a non-residential crisis center and four adult residential programs (3 male and 1 female) with a bed capacity of approximately 140 students. It has a balanced, one year residential program is summed up as: "It's not just about drugs or alcohol; it's moral training. We don't just talk about drugs and alcohol. We talk about character." Teen Challenge does not view a person as a statistic - but rather a unique life set apart by God.
According to the 2007 National Survey on Drug Use, an estimated 7.7 million individuals age 12 or older were in need of care for an illicit drug problem. Furthermore, an estimated 19.3 million persons age 12 or older were in need of assistance for an alcohol problem. Since Teen Challenge first opened its doors in 1958, tens of thousands have come seeking help and have found the Helper. Our successful recovery programs hinge upon biblical principles. Teen Challenge endeavors to help people become mentally sound, emotionally balanced, socially adjusted, physically well and spiritually alive. Teaching faith in Jesus Christ alters behavior and instills positive values that allow the entire person to heal. This central spiritual dynamic is the foundation on which all aspects of the Teen Challenge program are built. Teen Challenge rests upon one reason for the success: "The Jesus Factor.
