Since 1963, when founder Bill Drury started knocking on the doors of teenage gang members in Philadelphia, Teen Haven has existed to see young people come to know Christ and grow to become agents of change for Him in their community.
When Jesus stood in the synagogue in His hometown to declare His purpose on earth, He quoted from Isaiah 61. This chapter has become an inspiration for the ministry of Teen Haven as we live out the Gospel among our cities’ urban youth.
“He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, … to comfort all who mourn … to bestow on them … a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild … ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.” Isaiah 61:1-4
This passage shows the full-circle impact of the Gospel. The recipients of God’s grace become “oaks of righteousness” and “rebuilders of cities” bringing glory to God and hope to their communities. This is the hope and intent of the ministry of Teen Haven. Many of the kids we meet would be seen by the world as poor, captive, or despairing, but we also know that God sees their potential to be strong oaks and city changers.
At Teen Haven, we are blessed to share the Gospel with urban youth and disciple them as they grow in their faith, develop leadership skills, and impact their families, schools, neighborhoods, and cities. We’re seeing a generation of city changers growing in the name of Christ!
- Teen Haven has three city youth center locations: Philadelphia, York and Lancaster.
- Teen Haven Camp in York County operates year-round.
- About 60 youth are serving as teen leaders in the ministry of Teen Haven.
Purpose Statement
To advance the kingdom of God by reaching urban youth with the gospel, discipling them to maturity, and equipping them to be leaders in their communities.
Teen Haven is a division of Water Street Ministries.