Programs & Services
A Path Toward Freedom
Mercy House Adult Teen Challenge offers long-term, Christ-centered residential programs for men and women ready to make a lasting change. Our approach is not a quick fix — it is a structured journey of total life transformation.
Please note: Mercy House Adult Teen Challenge is a faith-based residential ministry program — not a medical detox or licensed clinical treatment facility. If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. For questions about program admissions, contact our intake team at (601) 720-3718.
Choose Your Path
Our Residential Programs
We offer separate, gender-specific residential programs tailored to the unique needs of men and women.
Georgetown, MS
Men's Program
A structured 12-month residential Christian discipleship program for men struggling with life-controlling and dependency issues. Rooted in faith, accountability, and genuine community, the program takes place on our peaceful 14-acre campus.
- 12-Month Residential Program
- Biblical Discipleship & Life-Skills Development
- Work Therapy & Vocational Training
- Mentorship & Accountability
- Family Restoration
- Re-entry & Transitional Support
Learned, MS
Women's Program
A safe, supportive residential environment for women ready to pursue freedom from life-controlling and dependency issues through a Christ-centered program designed for their unique journey.
- 12-Month Residential Program
- Trauma-Informed Support & Biblical Counseling
- Life-Skills Training
- Spiritual Growth
- Community & Mentorship
How It Works
The Five Foundations of Freedom
At Mercy House, our mission is to help individuals and families find a new life in Christ. Our culture and curriculum are built upon five core pillars:
Live Christlike
Live with Character
Live Purposeful
Live Accountable
Live in Community
Our Four Key Program Areas
Our approach is holistic, addressing the spiritual, relational, and practical dimensions of a person's life. We guide everything we do through these four core areas:
Life Transformation
Recovery is hard, but real change is possible. Our program goes beyond addressing addiction to teach residents how to build a God-centered life and live successfully in society.
Spiritual Formation & Discipleship
Living a God-centered life is at the heart of our recovery process. We walk with each resident to apply that truth through intentional discipleship, daily Bible study, and worship. This includes structured curriculum, scripture memorization, and practical life-skills training.
Work Therapy
Classroom learning matters, but hands-on experience is essential. Through meaningful work, residents learn responsibility, teamwork, and practical life skills. Students receive vocational training through our micro-businesses, including the Mercy House Auto Center, SuperThrift Stores, and crafting goods for Products with a Purpose.
Family Restoration
Addiction shatters families—our mission is to restore them. We intentionally involve families in the recovery process to help rebuild trust, offer support, and establish a clear path toward healing and reconciliation.
Our Phased Structure
Our 12-month program provides increasing levels of responsibility as residents grow and demonstrate readiness. Residents move from establishing a foundation of recovery to deep character development, eventually transitioning into our 3rd Phase program, which equips them with the tools, employment support, and community connections needed for long-term success.
Who We Serve
You Don't Have to Face This Alone
Mercy House is for people who are ready to make a change — and for the families who love them.
Men & Women in Crisis
Adults between the ages of 18 and 65 struggling with life-controlling and dependency issues who are ready to commit to a long-term residential program. Please note: Because our campuses are located near public parks and schools, we cannot accept registered sex offenders.
Families Seeking Answers
If someone you love is caught in life-controlling issues, Mercy House offers a safe, structured environment where they can receive support. You are not alone, and there is hope.
Those Court-Referred or Self-Motivated
Whether you have come to us through the court system or entirely on your own, Mercy House meets you where you are and walks with you forward. If an applicant is currently incarcerated, we can forward a letter of acceptance directly to the court so the judge can determine if our program is a good fit. If on probation, the applicant's Probation Officer must be contacted for approval.
Please note that an applicant must have a genuine personal desire to change for the program to be successful.
Practical Information
Program Length & Costs
The Mercy House program is designed as a long-term residential commitment, typically lasting 12 months. This length is intentional — genuine life transformation takes time, and the program allows residents to develop real habits, relationships, and spiritual depth that sustain them after graduation.
There is a one-time, non-refundable intake fee of $1,000 to cover initial costs. Beyond that, 95% of the men at our facility attend the program at no cost. Housing, meals, discipleship resources, and program support are provided at no ongoing charge thanks to our generous donors and micro-business operations.
Strict Nicotine Policy Please be aware that Mercy House is a nicotine-free environment. Residents cannot smoke, dip, or vape, and nicotine patches are not allowed.
We encourage anyone with financial concerns to contact us directly. We are committed to removing barriers for those who are genuinely seeking help.
Ready to apply or learn more?
Call our intake coordinator at (601) 720-3718 or submit an application online.
Getting Started
How to Get Help
Reaching out is the hardest part. We've kept the process as simple as possible — no paperwork walls, no runaround. Just a real conversation with people who understand.
Learn more about help for dependency and abuse →Complete the Application & Questionnaire
Review our intake questionnaire to ensure you meet our basic eligibility requirements, then download and complete our application.
Call for a Phone Interview
Contact our Intake Coordinator, Howard Kittrell, at (601) 720-3718 to discuss your application and complete a phone interview. The best time to call is Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. If you are reaching out on the weekend or no one answers, please leave a message or send a text with your name and number, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Complete the Blood Work Requirement
Before admission, applicants must complete required blood work. TB, HIV, and HEP B & C tests are required and need to be faxed to (601) 858-2420. (Exception: If the applicant is incarcerated and can only complete the TB test, the remaining tests can be administered upon arrival with Executive Director approval). Follow up with a phone call to confirm we have received your lab results.
Arrive & Begin
Once you're accepted, we'll give you a list of approved items to bring and set a date and time for your arrival. You'll arrive at our campus, get settled into your new home, and begin the program alongside people who are on the same journey you are.
Take the First Step Today
Freedom is possible. Our team is ready to walk with you — one step at a time.