Kurt Tarkington graduated from Teen Challenge Training Center in 2003. He entered the program at Peoria Teen Challenge in Peoria, Illinois. Currently he serves as the Director of Teen Challenge of Western New York located in Buffalo, New York. Kurt served 4 years in the United States Air Force and is currently working towards a BA in Sociology through the University of Missouri. Following graduation from Teen Challenge, Kurt served as an ETP and then became an Intern. In 2005 he served at the Training Center as an Americorps*VISTA volunteer. In 2006 he became the Student Services Assistant and then became the Student Service Manager in 2008. Kurt served as Vice President of the Alumni Association from 2007-2009. He is a member of The Bridge Church in Hamburg, PA where he has served as a Deacon.
Vice President
Jesse Fullard graduated from Teen Challenge Training Center in June, 2004. Following graduation he began as a volunteer in July 2004. He entered the program at Pivot Ministries in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 2003, where he currently serves as the Program Director the position he has held since 2007. In September 2009 Jesse was licensed as minister to preach the gospel. He has earned an Associate Degree in Biblical Studies from Christian Leadership University, is currently the court liaison officer at Pivot Ministries and is also an active correctional institution volunteer in the State of Connecticut.
Secretary
Tomika Vines graduated from Teen Challenge in April, 2006 at Candlehouse Teen Challenge in Owega, New York. She entered the program at Sister’s Teen Challenge Maternity Center in Lansing, Michigan. Following graduation, Tomika served as a volunteer in the Extended Training Program at Philadelphia Teen Challenge and eventually accepted the position of Development & Public Relations Director of both the Men’s and Women’s Centers. She has 20 years experience as a legal secretary. One of Tomika’s long range goals is to open several centers for women in addictions with children.
Treasurer
Brantley Brown graduated from Teen Challenge Training Center in March, 2007. He entered the program at Buffalo Teen Challenge. Currently he is employed by Pierce Welding & Fabricating in Bethel, PA where he has worked as a welder since 2007. Following graduation, Brantley completed an ETP at the Training Center. He has taken courses at Valley Forge Christian College-Rehrersburg toward a degree in ministry. He and his wife, Virginia, were married in 2009 and they are both members of Tri-County Assembly of God in Bethel, PA. Brantley teaches in the Ranger Kids ministry and is a member of the church worship team.
Director of Alumni Services
George Farmer.
Alumni Advisor
Richard Weitzel has served as the Director of Development at Teen Challenge Training Center since 2006. He initially served as the Student Services Director from 2000—2004 and then as the Vice President of Operations in 2005. Prior to serving at Teen Challenge, he worked 16 years in pastoral ministry in Massachusetts. Richard is an Ordained Minister of the Assemblies of God and has earned a M. Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a B. A. from Southeastern College.
CEO/Executive Director
Joe Batluck has served as the CEO/Executive Director of Teen Challenge Training Center, Inc. since 2006. Prior to Teen Challenge, he served as a Chaplain in the United States Army for over 29 years, retiring as Colonel. Prior to serving his country, he filled a 2-year call in pastoral ministry beginning in 1972. Joe is an Ordained Minister of the Assemblies of God and has earned a D. Min. from Erskine Seminary, a ThM. from Princeton University, M. Div. and M. A. from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and a B. A. from Central Bible College.
