Adult & Teen Challenge (ATC) Minden Family Center held its annual Christmas banquet fundraiser on December 4 at the Minden Civic Center, drawing a large crowd in support of the faith-based residential recovery program.
The Minden Family Center is one of three ATC training centers in Louisiana and is the only location that allows mothers to complete their full program with their children on-site due to its daycare services.
The event featured supper, musical performances by children and students, a live auction, a silent auction, and testimonies from young women describing the impact of the program on their lives.
“I thank God everyday for saving us both,” said Alicia, the ATC student who gave her testimony. “When I walked into the Minden Family Center, I felt a feeling I’d never felt in my life. Something inside of me knew that my children and I were now — finally — truly safe. I’ve really been able to dig in and find the root cause of the string of bad decisions I had continuously and continuously made. I am able to love myself and the woman that I know God has called me to be. I look forward to my future because I see the blessings along with His grace and mercy that I never deserved. I see my children confident in the power of prayer because they see me, their mother, leaning on Jesus whether I’m weak or whether I’m strong.”
ATC offers a 12- to 14-month program for participants beginning at age 17. The organization reports an 86 percent success rate.
During the banquet, Gary Bentley, the chief operating officer for ATC, recognized the work of Sara McDaniel in creating Phillip’s Cottage, a transitional home designed to provide housing for up to three women and their children. “Sara McDaniel is just a great person. She’s a blessing to this community, and she’s a blessing to this ministry,” Bentley said.
ATC programs are offered at no cost to students, and the organization relies on community support, including volunteer service, financial contributions, and prayer. Sponsorship opportunities are available for $35 a month, with an additional $15 per child for mothers in the program. Sponsors receive a photo and profile of the student, progress updates, prayer opportunities, and a graduation invitation.
For more information, visit laatc.com or call the Minden Family Center at (318) 382-0203.
