How It All Started
Adult and Teen Challenge has been named one of the most successful drug and alcohol recovery programs in the world.
Adult and Teen Challenge started in the late 1950's by David Wilkerson. After hearing about a murder that took place by a teenage gang in New York, something was stirred in Wilkerson's heart and he felt the Lord call him to go and help those boys. Upon his arrival, he was greeted by a host of issues on the streets, one being rampant drug and alcohol addiction.
Shortly after that, he established the first Teen Challenge center. After much success, Teen Challenge expanded its programs and many adult centers were birthed. There are 200+ residential centers in the U.S., and over 1,000+ ministry locations worldwide.
ATCNEW History Timeline
2018 – A Seed is Planted
Karen Konrad and Ken Trudell began discussing the need for an Adult & Teen Challenge center in Northeastern Wisconsin. Together, they launched Adult & Teen Challenge Northeastern Wisconsin (ATCNEW).
Fall 2020 – Following God’s Call: Vaushawn Joins the Mission
In obedience to God’s call, Vaushawn Johnson was hired as Executive Director to lead the launch and operations of ATCNEW. With bold faith, he, his wife Christi, and their two young children relocated from Minnesota to Northeast Wisconsin to help bring the vision to life.
Fall 2021 – Men’s Campus Campaign Launch
With the support of the Board of Directors, Vaushawn led a focused effort on vision casting and fundraising for a Men’s Residential Facility in Northeastern Wisconsin.
October 2022 – Men’s Facility Purchased
ATCNEW officially acquired the property for its Men’s Center, marking a significant step forward in the vision.
January 2023 – Renovation Begins
Thanks to the support of contractors and dedicated volunteers, renovations began to transform the former office space into a 20-bed residential facility.
Fall 2023 – Open House & Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
The community was invited to tour the newly renovated Men’s Center during a special open house and ribbon-cutting event.
January 2024 – Men’s Center Opens
After a 39-month campaign journey, ATCNEW officially opened the doors to its 20-bed residential treatment center in Green Bay.
January 2025 – Transitional Housing Completed
Renovations were completed on the facility's second floor, creating an additional 8-bed sober living space for program graduates.
February 2025 – First Program Graduation
ATCNEW celebrated a major milestone with the graduation of its first program participant—an unforgettable and blessed moment for the ministry.
