About Us

Ventura County Overview

Ventura Teen Challenge was established in 1972 and serves the Tri-Counties region; Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura Counties. In the early 1970’s we accommodated eight women and four staff. The beginning of Ventura Teen Challenge included outreaches to the California Youth Authority, juvenile hall, and elementary schools. The women in the program would share their testimonies about the dangers of drug and alcohol use and that Jesus Christ had delivered them from their addictions.

In 1999, Ventura Teen Challenge moved from a two-story house on Ventura Avenue to a 143-acre property located in the Ventura foothills. We were able to increase our capacity from 25 to 55 women. We call this property “Miracle Mountain.” This is a safe and peaceful place for our women to recover and enjoy the presence of the LORD.

Program Information

Teen Challenge is a 12-month residential program for women eighteen years of age and over. Upon completion of the four-month induction phase located in our Los Angeles or Kern County facilities, the women are brought to our Ventura Women’s Home for the remainder of eight months. Chapel services, Bible studies, and general work programs are held daily. It is also possible for them to receive their high school diploma or GED certificate through the local school district.

The philosophy of the ministry of Teen Challenge is “peer-to-peer” mentoring according to 1 Corinthians 1:4-5. Our advisors help the women to make adjustments essential to coping with real life problems. Each phase helps them grow spiritually and emotionally.