Our center has a long and rich history of serving the Saginaw community and surrounding areas. Follow the timeline of our story.
The beautiful ministry of Teen Challenge grew from a small coffee house outreach known as Saginaw Youth Outreach. This program was organized by a group of concerned citizens who were alarmed by the high crime rate in Saginaw and the surrounding area. From a small downtown storefront, Simon Rodriguez, created and directed an outreach that focused on Christian counseling and referral.
In 1973, our name changed to the Nicky Cruz Outreach of Michigan, named after a gang member, who was transformed by the love of Jesus. A rapidly developing ministry used the gospel of Jesus Christ to evangelize to young drug addicts and people living on the streets.
In 1974, we merged into the National Organization of Teen Challenge, thus becoming Teen Challenge of Saginaw, gaining the benefit of a large network of people working together for the love of God.
In the late nineties, provision was made through grants from foundations, businesses, and area churches to purchase the present location of our women’s center.
After extensive renovations, this newly redesigned house with classroom space, offices, and a computer lab was reopened in January 2000.
Today, thanks to your support, Mid-Michigan Adult & Teen Challenge enjoys two campuses. The Men’s Center is a Renovated Lumber Baron Mansion. The Women’s Center, which is also the main office, is set on one entire city block.
For more than fifty years, Mid-Michigan Adult & Teen Challenge has served the Saginaw and Tri-City region as a Christ-centered, long-term residential program for adults seeking freedom from addiction and other life-controlling issues. Our ministry began in 1973 as an outreach inspired by the evangelistic work of Nicky Cruz, whose street-level ministry sparked a nationwide movement of hope and transformation.
In 1974, the outreach formally became Teen Challenge of Saginaw, establishing a permanent presence dedicated to restoring individuals, strengthening families, and supporting community stability. Today, we continue this legacy as Mid-Michigan Adult & Teen Challenge, operating a structured, year-long discipleship program that provides safety, accountability, and spiritual renewal for men and women ages 18 and older.
Our mission is to help individuals become mentally sound, emotionally balanced, socially adjusted, physically well, and spiritually alive.
As a nonprofit organization, we are committed to ensuring that no one is ever turned away for lack of personal funds.
We serve adults facing addiction, trauma, homelessness, and destructive behavioral patterns — individuals who often have nowhere else to turn. Our program provides daily discipleship, life-skills training, emotional and relational healing, work-readiness development, and a supportive community environment. We work closely with families, local courts, jails, and referral partners who rely on our program as a trusted pathway to long-term recovery and restored stability. Our graduates return to the community as healthy, employable, responsible individuals who contribute positively to the region’s social and economic wellbeing.
In 1958, David Wilkerson formed Teen Challenge in New York City. It was a direct result of a man’s submission to God in prayer. Still today, lives of so many students, their families, and anyone who knows them are repeatedly being altered by the love of God. Teen Challenge has grown to over 200 locations in the United States and over 1000 all around the world. The explosive growth of Teen Challenge continues to be a true move of God.
Salvador is a former graduate of Teen Challenge, giving him an undeniable passion for this ministry. He graduated from Latin American Bible Institute formerly in El Paso, Texas in 1978. He then became the pastor of a church in Omaha, Nebraska. In 1980, he moved to Saginaw, Michigan and became the director of Mid-Michigan Teen Challenge. He was ordained as a minister with the Assembly of God denomination in 1988, and in 1998 he was commissioned as a Home Missionary. In 2002, he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern Assembly of God University. In 2010, He graduated from International School of Ministry. He retired from Mid-Michigan Adult & Teen Challenge on October 19th, 2017, after 37 years serving as the Executive Director.
Toni was born and raised in Midland, Michigan, and graduated from Midland High School in 1970. Shortly after graduation, she enlisted in the United States Army, serving six years in various assignments, including three years stationed in Germany.
In 1994, after battling a severe alcohol dependency, Toni entered Mid‑Michigan Adult & Teen Challenge. She completed the program in 1995, experiencing a transformed life and a renewed desire to serve God. Feeling called to ministry; she enrolled in Bible college and received her License to Preach from the Assemblies of God in 1999. Teen Challenge has since given her countless opportunities to share the love and hope of Jesus.
At age 50, wanting to better meet the needs of the ministry, Toni pursued further education. She earned an Associate of Arts degree from Delta College in 2003, a Bachelor of Social Work from Saginaw Valley State University in 2005, and a Master of Social Work from Michigan State University in 2006.
For the past 30 years, Toni has considered it a privilege and an honor to serve the students and the ministry of Mid‑Michigan Adult & Teen Challenge. Her life continues to reflect the power of God’s restoration and the joy of faithful service.
We can serve our community because of the help of generous people like you. And there are a number of ways you can support Mid-Michigan Teen Challenge.
Learn more about Teen Challenge, our mission, our vision, and how we help men and women overcome controlling life issues.
Mid-Michigan Teen Challenge is served by an extraordinary group of people who are committed to serving others and bringing freedom through Christ.