Decatur's Little Secret...That Shouldn't Be

At the indirect request of a poster, I have decided to answer the question this blog poses.

What is REALLY up with Decatur, Illinois?

We could go on and on about economic woes, smoking bans, Decatur City Council meetings, or the price of eggs at Wal-Mart. What I would like to talk about is a very important part of our community that many people don't know about.

Teen Challenge of Illinois is an inpatient facility for drug/alcohol addiction with a "faith-based" approach. Here's a statement from Teen Challenge USA website:

Drug and Alcohol addiction is at an all-time high in the United States. According to SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) there are at least 23 million people who have used illicit drugs in the past thirty days. For us to understand the impact on society-- the population of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, Wyoming, and the Dakotas is less than 23 million. Every person who uses illicit drugs directly affects a minimum of five other people. We have an epidemic in America!

Since 1958, Teen Challenge International USA centers have been recognized nationally as a provider of recovery services for those who desire to transform their lifestyle and develop a new life free from the devastation of drug and alcohol abuse.

Since its beginning, Teen Challenge centers have founded their programs on the teachings of Jesus Christ. These Biblical truths have physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually unchained the lives of thousands of addicts. Instead of ‘dope’ pushers, Teen Challenge ministries are serving as ‘hope’ pushers. As their personal testimony, Teen Challenge students often claim the scripture, “I have plans to give you a hope and a future”.
(Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

For the past thirty years, I personally have found nothing more satisfying than investing my time and resources into lives of hurting individuals. America needs to know there is a new life waiting for them through the life-changing power of Jesus. Teen Challenge is in the business of providing a hope and a future for families as well as individuals who desire a positive and optimistic transformation in their lives.

There is no better time than the present for you to get involved in an exciting ministry. Take my challenge as you browse through this website. Please ask God how you can make a difference in your community, state and nation.

– Mike Hodges, President Teen Challenge International USA


Teen Challenge offers hope for drug/alcohol addiction to people of all ages. In Decatur, we have a facility for girls ages 13-17, Audrey's Home For Girls.

Audrey's Home For Girls has been in downtown Decatur for a little over a year, and already many clients have 1) received their GED, 2) turned their lives around by giving their lives to Jesus Christ, and 3) gained victory over their drug/alcohol addiction. (Teen Challenge chapters all over the USA have very high rates of success in assisting people in their addictions. See the national site for statistics and more information.

If you or a friend or loved one are in need of the services Teen Challenge offers, call them at 423-9117.

If you live in Decatur, and would like to help Teen Challenge in their ministry, call the same number.

Keep your eyes/ears open for an opportunity to participate in Teen Challenge's Walk-a-thon coming in May!

Decatur may have a few problems, and may not have all the answers yet to those problems. There is, however, a beacon of light for teen girls who need to find their way out of a life of destruction. Teen Challenge is that beacon of light, and it's right here in Decatur.