By Paige Gurgainers
Adult & Teen Challenge (ATC) Louisiana filled the Minden Civic Center to capacity last week as supporters gathered for an evening of food, fellowship and fundraising benefiting the program’s current and future students.
The event featured a catered meal, silent auction and an energetic live auction, with every dollar raised supporting ATC’s mission of helping individuals overcome addiction through faith-based, long-term recovery. Guests also enjoyed a special performance by students, who took the stage to sing Christmas carols – a moment that drew heartfelt applause and highlighted the joy and transformation happening within the program.
“We are overwhelmed by the support shown tonight,” organizers said. “Every contribution helps a mother, a child and a family find hope again.”
ATC operates multiple centers across Louisiana, including facilities in Ruston, Shreveport, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, New Orleans and the Minden Family Center, which serves as one of the program’s most specialized campuses. While many ATC centers focus on adult men or women separately, the Minden Family Center is one of the few in the state designed specifically to support mothers and their children.
This unique structure allows women to receive residential recovery services without being separated from their kids, offering family-style housing, parenting classes, life-skills development and spiritual guidance. The focus is not only on individual recovery but on creating a stable, healthy environment where families can heal and rebuild together.
Organizers said the funds raised at the event will directly support the program with a special emphasis on strengthening the resources available at the Minden Family Center so it can continue offering safe housing, childcare support and family restoration services.
With a packed room, generous bidding, and uplifting performances from the students, this year’s fundraiser showcased the deep commitment the community has for ATC and the life-changing work happening in Minden and across the state.
