Teen Challenge Interational Victoria Inc

Self Assesment : Kindling Enterprises : Life Transformation Self Assessment

History
Teen Challenge began in 1958, when a young preacher, named David Wilkerson, was moved with compassion to reach out to young people on the streets of New York.  His story is retold in the bestselling book, The Cross and the Switchblade, which has sold over 15 million copies worldwide.  Since then, Teen Challenge has spread to approximately 1000 centres in over 80 countries around the world.

Teen Challenge Victoria has been providing help for people caught up in drug and alcohol abuse, and other life-controlling problems for over 30 years.  We are an inter-denominational ministry and registered charity that is governed by a Board of directors, including the Executive Director.  As an established Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Service, Teen Challenge Victoria is registered with the Hospitals and Charities Board and the Health Commission of Victoria.

Staff Profiles 


Neil Meyer
Chief Executive Officer
As a young man, Neil encountered  difficulties in life, with some of these becoming negative experiences that lead to a life of drug and alcohol abuse.  Neil had a life-changing experience of faith when he was 19 years old, and entered Bible College where he obtained a Diploma of Ministry.
After raising a family of 3 children and having successfully run his own business, Neil travelled to the U.S.A. in 2002 to study Addiction Treatment full-time.  His entrepreneurial background, combined with a commitment to people, work in a unique combination for the ongoing development of Teen Challenge Victoria.

David Hunter
Program Supervisor
David has taken on the role as Program Supervisor in mid October. David began as a student at Teen Challenge in October 2007.  He has since completed the recovery phase and a further 12 month internship (SLT). David has completed counselling studies, Advanced Diploma of Family Therapy and is currently seeking qualification for a Graduate Diploma in Counselling. David has a beautiful wife and four children.

Simon Gilboy
Student Mentor
Simon began at Teen Challenge in early 2007. He has since completed the recovery phase, a 12 month internship (SLT) and is now serving as a mentor. Simon is developing personal training, health and wellbeing programs for staff. He will be furthering his education in the new year seeking qualification as a personal trainer. Simon serves daily supervising the Garden and Farm Crew.
 
Paul Meyer
Student Mentor
In July 2007, Paul joined the staff of the Live Free Program.  His own background in battling life-controlling issues motivates Paul to help others overcome their own struggles.  Paul left his profession as a qualified mechanic to study Addiction Treatment in the U.S.A., and then obtained his Certificate IV in Counselling. Paul serves daily as the the Pallet Industry Supervisor.

Adam Hall
Student Mentor
Adam has been serving as a mentor since early 2009. He had formerly graduated the recovery program, and also completed a further 12 month commitment in the internship phase (SLT).

Adam is now employed utilising his leadership gifts and talents looking after our facility, as well as serving as a student mentor. Adam has a real passion to be part of the answer, after his life changing experience  here at Teen Challenge.We are very pleased to have him on the team letting his life benefit others.

Bernard Leahy
Student Mentor
Bernie came to Teen Challenge over three years ago. After many years on the methadone program, he saw no hope for a drug free existence; let alone a fulfilling career and calling, but he found both. Bernie lives enthusiastically, loves cycling and gymnasium work.
 
He is an asset to Teen Challenge and provides a supportive role, mentoring younger men as they seek to learn to "live free". Bernie has completed Cert IV in Alcohol and other Drugs and is currently seeking qualification for a Diploma of Community Welfare work.

Marcia Meyer
Intake Coordinator
In 2005, Marcia came to Teen Challenge with her husband, Neil.  Together they have successfully managed their own company. Marcia has worked in an administrative role at Careforce Church.  She studied Addiction Treatment in the U.S.A., and is passionate about seeing lives helped and changed. Marcia uses this passion to serve administratively at Teen Challenge in her role as Intake Coordinator.

Hong Kong Yong
Kitchen Supervisor
Kong entered Teen Challenge as a student in 2006. His journey has revealed a faithful servant, who is consistently willing to give to others. Kong is a favourite man at Teen Challenge. He is kind, pleasant, humble, gentle and loving. Kong works daily on personal fitness and cooks meals that provide the men and staff with joy.

Ross Williams
Projects and Maintenance Manager
After serving in the Australian Army for 17 years, including on the field in Vietnam, Ross has been a successful small business operator.  He is also a qualified builder, and his experience expands the professional development of our facilities at Kyabram, as well as the ongoing maintenance of our property.

Mission Statement

To provide youth, adults and families with an effective and comprehensive solution to life-controlling problems, including drug and alcohol dependency, in order to become productive members of society. By applying sound principles, Teen Challenge endeavours to help people become mentally sound, emotionally balanced, socially adjusted, physically well, and spiritually alive.

Committee Management

Harry Gillis, Chairman
Senior Trainer for The Factory; Member of Shepparton AOG

Neil Meyer, Chief Executive Officer
After serving as the Program Director of Teen Challenge for 2 years, Neil is now the Chief Executive Officer of Teen Challenge international Victoria.

Phillip Stenhouse
CEO Bridge Builders Youth Training Organisation; Member of Careforce Church

Peter Reid
Self-employed business manager; Board Member of Tatura AOG

Ben Geerling Snr
Woodwork Teacher; Board Member of Tatura AOG