TEEN CHALLENGE'S BIG GOAL

Half a million dollars is a nice, round figure. It also is the goal of a fund-raising effort by Mid-America Teen Challenge, which for the past 26 years has worked with thousands of men who have drug-abuse and alcohol problems at its rural campus just north of Cape Girardeau.

The local goal of raising $500,000 is part of a statewide effort to get $3 million to upgrade facilities and start new projects. In addition to work at existing centers in Cape Girardeau, St. Louis and Branson, part of the funds will go toward a new training and resource center in Springfield and a Joplin crisis center.

Teen Challenge is a remarkable program. Almost anyone who is familiar with its tough -- and highly successful -- program, which has a heavy emphasis on the religious aspect of healing and changing lives, is impressed both with the style of Teen Challenge and its effectiveness.

U.S. Sen. John Ashcroft is co-chairing the statewide campaign. Leaders in communities all over the state are backing this ambitious funding drive. Why? Because they know that treatment centers funded by tax dollars or insurance can cost up to $28,000 a month. Teen Challenge, on the other hand, provides a successful program for about $700 a month.

Teen Challenge doesn't receive any tax dollars or even United Way funding. It relies on the generosity of thousands of men and women who support its aims and it high success rate. Checks made out to "Teen Challenge Capital Campaign" may be mailed to Mid-American Teen Challenge, P.O. Box 1089, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702-1089.

Your support will be appreciated.