The new Reto a la Juventud Shalom Rehabilitation Center has opened its doors in the State of Mexico to provide comprehensive care for people and families affected by addiction, continuing a ministry vision that began approximately 15 years ago.
Casa de Restauración Shalom Church of the Nazarene inaugurated and dedicated the center on September 12 in San Francisco Acuexcomac, State of Mexico. More than 100 Nazarenes joined the celebration along with representatives from Global Teen Challenge and Reto a la Juventud México.
The new center seeks to provide comprehensive care for people and families affected by addiction.
A vision born through serving the community
The story began when members of Agua Viva Church of the Nazarene in Texcoco saw an opportunity to share the gospel with people facing challenges related to alcohol and drug use.
Humberto Villegas and Eréndira Carmona were sent to serve this community on a weekly basis. Over time, they realized that many of the people they were accompanying needed more than spiritual support. They also needed a safe place where they could develop new habits and receive care throughout their restoration process.
This experience eventually contributed to the birth of Casa de Restauración Shalom Church of the Nazarene, whose ministry has focused on walking alongside people and families affected by addiction, violence and other situations of vulnerability.
In the years that followed, the church continued serving in rehabilitation centers and other community settings. These experiences strengthened a vision that gradually began to take shape.
“As a church, God was calling us to go deeper,” the leaders said as they reflected on the process that led to the development of the project.
In 2024, the church connected with Global Teen Challenge. Through this relationship, the team received training and began the process that ultimately led to the opening of Reto a la Juventud Shalom.
A place for comprehensive restoration
The center is designed to provide residential care for up to 45 women between the ages of 18 and 59 who are facing challenges related to alcohol and other substance use.
The residential program lasts six months and includes medical and psychological care, addiction counseling, physical activity, Christian values-based training, vocational workshops, recreational activities, Bible studies and other educational opportunities.
The center also provides support for families, as well as outpatient addiction counseling and Christian family counseling for adolescents and adults. Its team can also offer prevention and educational talks for churches, schools and institutions upon request.
Reto a la Juventud Shalom has already begun receiving people while continuing to complete the preparation of some of its spaces.
During the inauguration, Carmen Nochebuena, a representative of Reto a la Juventud México, shared about the principles that guide the organization and its purpose of contributing to the comprehensive restoration of people.
Clemente Ríos Hernández, national director of Reto a la Juventud México, also recognized the dedication and faith of Humberto Villegas and Eréndira Carmona, who lead the new center.
A new step in serving others
For Casa de Restauración Shalom, the opening of the center represents more than the inauguration of a new facility. It is the continuation of a vision that for years has sought to respond in practical and spiritual ways to the needs of the community.
The Church of the Nazarene in Mexico celebrates this new step and continues affirming its commitment to proclaim the gospel and compassionately serve people and families facing vulnerable circumstances.
More information
Those who would like to learn more about Reto a la Juventud Shalom, its services or ways to support the ministry may contact:
Humberto Villegas
Phone/WhatsApp: +52 1 595 104 3874
Email: villegasrh@gmail.com
Eréndira Carmona
Email: erendiracar@hotmail.com
Source: Cutberto Tenorio, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Mexico
This English translation was prepared with the assistance of AI.
