Alanso Wilson, before entering the programme and after spending time at Teen Challenge Jamaica. - photos by Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

The schedule at Teen Challenge for the men daily is one which begins as early as 5:45 a.m. and with them retiring at approximately 9:30 p.m.

"They begin each morning with personal devotion for half an hour and then exercise. We not only cater to their physical needs, but spiritual and emotional," said Mr. Anthony Richards. The institution caters for men as young as 18 years. The oldest man now at the institution is 62-year-old Alanso Wilson. He said he was referred by his daughter.

"I don't know how she did know 'bout this, but is she tell me."

He says he is well on his way to a clean path, ridding himself of his crack addiction.

referrals from prisons

The centre receives referrals from institutions such as prisons and the University of the West Indies' detox centres.

While not being the only rehabilitation centre in the island, Mr. Richards says there is one thing that sets it apart from the others. "Men are looking for more than letting go their addiction. Here we equip them with life skills and to have a purpose in life. They are to see an opportunity to turn their lives around," the acting executive director said.

As one of the persons in charge, the acting executive director says financing is a major problem at Teen Challenge Jamaica. He says so far, they are initiating ways of accumulating money with one being the selling of items made by the students such as jewellery.

At present, they have a spot at Dolphin Cove where they sell the items.

appeal for corporate help

According to him, while contributions and donations are welcome, they have to find other viable solutions to keep stable, and as such, have appealed to corporate Jamaica for help.

Another urgent need, he says, is the non-existence of a women's centre for drug addicts. Teen Challenge Jamaica, he said, was once operating as a co-ed institution, but due to the challenges of having both sexes cohabiting, a decision had to be made and management saw it more rewarding and beneficial at the time to work with the men due to many reasons, including their willingness to be treated.

In the meantime, in the nearer future, Mr. Richards anticipates the opening of two additional centres in Montego Bay and Kingston.

"We need these centres because, I mean, there are a lot of people that need help. Currently, we have a long waiting list and you know we can only accept people on a yearly basis."