Taking the Challenge

Taking the Challenge

There are times in life, when hope can seem a little scarce, and it feels like there is very little places to turn. Do not fear, Teen Challenge is here. The Willamette Valley Men's Center (formerly called Lebanon Men's Program) is now settled in the small community of Shedd, Oregon and is privileged to be a part of America's largest and most successful residential drug and alcohol program. They offer a faith-based Christian Discipleship Program for people who suffer from life-controlling problems such as drugs or alcoholism.

This Teen Challenge Men’s program has served the Pacific Northwest region for more than 23 years. Executive director, Ron Wenning has been helping with Teen Challenge since 1995. He began as a counselor for Teen Challenge and moved up to be executive director in November of 2006. Wenning has been working with the Lebanon Men's Program for almost 22 years now. 

“It really lights my fire,” said Wenning. “We work with students 18 years old and over recovering from drugs or alcohol.” Wenning had begun his path as a pastor in Albany and was recognized by a fellow pastor in Scio, Oregon in 1989 who had been the director of Teen challenge at the time.

It is called, “Teen Challenge” from the work of man named David  Wilkerson. Wilkerson is known as the founder of the international drug rehabilitation program that has one of the highest success rates anywhere in the world. Wilkerson had gone out on the streets of New York and got involved with teenage gangs to try and help with through the ministry to get them on a healthier path. Teen Challenge is not only located all over the United States, but can be found 68 other countries around the globe.

Residents of the program reside on site in Shedd, Oregon. They are given work tasks and work around the community. “They are able to earn passes to wonder around,” said Wenning, “but they are constantly under supervision and surveillance 24/7.” The students are provided with one on one counseling and group counseling which usually consist of 10 people. The mission of the Teen Challenge is to get people back on the right path.

The Teen Challenge program has an upcoming banquet titled, “Western Shindig.” The theme of the banquet is a western vibe. There will be chuck wagons, singing, pulled pork and tin plates just like in Western times. This banquet all goes toward Teen Challenge and help provide the help needed for the students. “We would love to have people come and check out our facilities” said Wenning. The banquet will be held on October 20, starting at 5:30pm with the banquet at 6:30pm. All festivities should be over by around 8:30pm.

“All of the residents have been hurt and have some of their hopes crushed before they get here,” said Wenning, “the greatest reward when working with the students is seeing hope in their eyes after we work with them.”

At a Glance:

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Teen Challenge Banquet

“Western Shindig”

October 20^th, 5:30pm

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Willamette Valley Men's Center

Ron Wenning, Executive director 

www.teenchallengeusa.com

31700 Fayetteville Drive
Shedd, OR 97377

Phone: 541-491-1002
Fax: 541-491-1005

Email: info.wvmc@teenchallengepnw.com