About Us

Inland Empire Overview

In 1919, Charles W. Benedict returned to Riverside, where he lived as a child, and built his dream home A Spanish style castle he named "Castillo Isabellla". The castle took him ten years to build. He finished construction in 1931 and moved in, where he lived for seven years until his death in 1938. His wife continued to live at the castle until 1949. The castle was then sold to two individuals who owned it for three years. In 1952 it was sold to a Catholic group, the Servants of Mary (Order of Servites).

In the late 1960’s, Teen Challenge’s growth required us to look for larger quarters where young men in our drug rehabilitation program could go for further spiritual training and academic and vocational preparation before re-entering society. In 1970 the castle was up for sale. The directors of Southern California Teen Challenge heard about the pending sale of the castle and sent representatives to determine if this was a good fit for us.

A series of miracles permitted Teen Challenge to buy the castle in 1971. Miracle number one was that the asking price for the castle was reduced by $100,000, enabling Teen Challenge to purchase the property. Number two was overcoming the concerns of the neighbors and the city of Riverside. Through prayer and the help of local churchesTeen Challenge won the hearts and minds of all who were initially opposed to a residential treatment center in the community.

The Teen Challenge program has grown over the years; we currently have ten centers that serve communities from the San Joaquin Valley to San Diego. The Riverside Castle is our headquarters.

Program Info

Upon successful completion of the 3-4 month Induction Phase at one of regionally located centers, male students are sent to our long-term residential training center in Riverside, California. This part of the program is 9 months plus a four month internship served either in TC or in the student's community at a local church. The change from a busy environment in Induction to a more focused environment is essential to bringing about a whole life change. Chapel services, Bible studies and a general work experience programs are held daily. Through cooperation with the local school system, it is possible for a student to complete his high school education or acquire a GED diploma.

The program provides "student to student" interaction during class, work, recreation and free time. The program brings together students from different ethnic, cultural, social and economic backgrounds and this alone can be a large part of a student's growth experience. Skilled advisors, most who are former graduates of the program, are on hand to help individuals make the adjustments essential to coping with the real world. The nine-month Riverside program is divided into 4 phases. Each phase helps them grow spiritually, emotionally and mentally. Upon completion of the program the student receives a graduation certificate.