Our Story
Hope and healing for families across the Shenandoah Valley.
For over 20 years, SVTC has helped families navigate addiction through faith-based guidance, trusted referrals, and Christ-centered resources. One room. One mission. That mission continues today.
Our Story
In 2003, John Franich opened a one-room office in the Shenandoah Valley. No big vision. No five-year plan. Just a simple calling: help a few people get their lives back together.
That one room became two residential programs serving hundreds of families across Virginia. Justin, John's son and a Teen Challenge graduate himself, helped his parents build it. SVTC ran residential recovery for nearly 20 years.
In 2025, SVTC transitioned out of residential programming. The model that worked in 2007 had become unsustainable. But the mission never changed.
Today SVTC serves families through referrals, support calls, and Christ-centered resources. Not a residential program. But 20+ years inside recovery ministry. We know the landscape. We'll help you navigate it.
We know the landscape. We'll help you navigate it.
Our History
Our History
2003
John Franich opens a one-room office in the Shenandoah Valley. The mission: help a few people get their lives back together.
2007
The first men's residential home opens.
2013
The women's program launches.
2019
SVTC reaches 60 residents across multiple campuses.
2025
Final residential students graduate. SVTC returns to community-based ministry: family support, referrals, and resources.
2026
The mission continues in a new chapter.
Our Leadership
Justin Franich
Executive Director
Justin was a meth addict by 15. Used needles by 16. Tried the Army to get clean. It didn't work. After a several-day binge, his family intervened. His parents sent him to Teen Challenge with the last few hundred dollars they had.
He tried to leave the program 20 times. Recovery isn't one decision. It's a hundred decisions to stay.
Today, over 20 years clean, Justin is married to Ashley, raising four daughters, and leading the ministry his parents founded. He's walked the road your loved one is walking. That's why he's here.
Connect with our leadership team →Our Staff
The team walking with families every day
Ashley Franich
Executive Assistant
Ashley has been part of SVTC since before there was a women's program. She manages donor relationships, communications, and operations while homeschooling four daughters. Ministry is a family affair.
Robert Grant
Recovery Coach
Robert is a former Teen Challenge student and SVTC staff member who recently returned to Virginia. He co-hosts the Rebuilding Life After Addiction podcast, takes family support calls, and walks with families navigating the same road he's walked.
Novella Franich
Co-Founder
Novella co-founded SVTC with her husband John in 2003. She's been part of every chapter of this ministry and she's still here.
Part of the Teen Challenge Network
Accredited ministry of Adult & Teen Challenge
SVTC is an accredited ministry of Adult & Teen Challenge, a global network of 200+ faith-based recovery centers with over 60 years of proven results.