Why We Give: Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge

Why We Give: Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge By KSTP Why We Give: Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge KSTP is excited to present our annual #whywegive initiative. KSTP supports a variety of charities throughout the year by running Public Service Announcements and airing the amazing stories demonstrating the impact that these organizations have in our community. 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS supports Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge because the organization is working to put hope within reach of Minnesotans struggling with addiction. As anchor Leah McLean shares, the organization offers multiple programs, including the Veterans Recovery Pathway in Minneapolis. Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge says the program supports veterans working through drug and alcohol addiction. Robbie Koockogey leads a group that supports fellow veterans. “As I have gone through the same struggles, I believe sharing those struggles and showing my road to success while I’m with the veterans every Thursday is a motivating factor for them,” Koockogey said. One participant, Robert, served in the Army and said therapy helped him better understand his addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder. “I actually started seeing a therapist for the first time, you know, and that’s helped me with my PTSD and stuff like that. It opened my eyes to why I kept going back to the alcohol, you know, to escape my problems,” Robert said. Another participant, Alex, spent five years in the Navy. He said his life looks different now than it did last summer. “I sleep at night. For me, that’s a huge deal,” he said. “I had really bad nightmares and anxiety. I have some form of contentment and joy.” That’s why we give. What’s your cause?