The New Jersey Women’s Home opened in October 2023 as a reprieve from standard treatment options amidst the drug epidemic. Located in Lebanon, NJ, the home stands on the front lines of combating addiction. Situated on an 88-acre campus, it provides a safe and beautiful living space for residents. Additionally, the women tend a garden, have the opportunity to learn about beekeeping, and will soon care for chickens.

We believe that drug addiction is just a symptom of deeper, underlying issues. Over the course of our 10–12-month program, residents confront these deeply rooted issues that have contributed to their addiction. The transformation residents experience is rooted in encountering the life-changing love of Christ. Our mission is to create an environment where broken women can find the space to pursue spiritual, physical, and emotional wholeness.

Addiction does not have to define your future. Regardless of how many promises you’ve broken to yourself or your loved ones, or how many times you’ve tried and failed, there is hope. We believe everyone can go on to live a passionate and purpose-filled life.

Deb McDonald

Senior Director, Adult & Teen Challenge Women’s Homes

When Deb heard of her friend Jacqui Strothoff’s long awaited vision for a women’s home, the beauty of God’s plans for her life truly began to unfold. Together, they found the house on Elmwood Avenue that would eventually become the first Adult & Teen Challenge New England and New Jersey Women’s Home.

Since the doors of the Adult & Teen Challenge Women’s Home opened in 1994, Deb’s heart has been for the women of this ministry. Throughout her 30 years of service, she has had the privilege of witnessing the miraculous power of God to transform lives in the face of addiction. It has been a tremendous honor and blessing to serve the ministry of Adult & Teen Challenge and she is constantly reminded of the Lord’s faithfulness because while using her to nurture broken women, He ministers to her own heart as a mother who has lost her son to an accidental overdose.

Deb lives in North Providence with her faithful companion; her dog Gloobie.  Both her eldest son, JoJo, and Joe, her husband and love of her life for 50 years have gone on to be with the Lord. Deb bravely continues on with her two loving and supportive adult sons, Tony and Mikey, his wife Gianna, and (much to Deb’s joy!) their new baby daughter, Lily Grace!

Contact via email: dmcdonald@tcsne.org

Bridget Kozelian

Associate Director, Adult & Teen Challenge New Jersey Women’s Home

Growing up in a Long Island, New York home that was dysfunctional and functioning, where sarcasm and loyalty equaled love, behavioral issues were deeply embedded in Bridget’s understanding.  After battling addiction for 17 years, completing 27 facilities within 12 years, and still in the cycle of relapse and recovery, she came through the doors of Adult & Teen Challenge Rhode Island in 2018 to avoid a jail sentence.

Although she had no knowledge of, or interest in God, He did a mighty work in her, radically rescuing her from a life of jails, institutions, and almost death. Bridget now lives for Jesus. 

Filled with purpose and mission through the ministry of Adult & Teen Challenge, and having been in their shoes, Bridget now helps residents fight for their success as she fought for hers.

Although not 24/7, Bridget is more of a mother to her two boys today than ever before. Recently married, she looks forward to all that God has for her.

Contact via email: bkozelian@tcnewjerseywomen.org