Plan for a Successful Intake

• Arrange a ride. Personal vehicles are prohibited from being parked in the lot or on side streets.
• Arrive with no more than two 33-gallon plastic disposable bags of belongings.
• You will be expected to take a urinary analysis and breathalyzer upon arrival for intake.
• Have your form of identification, medications, and money easily accessible for staff to collect.
• Bring or know your social security number for the admissions process.
• MnTC is a non-smoking facility. All forms of tobacco, vapes, and e-cigarettes will not be allowed in the facility.
• Nicotine patches and lozenges are allowed and will be prescribed by a provider. If you would like to bring a new and unopened package to begin immediately, please do so. If you are under the age of 18, these will need to be prescribed by a medical professional.

Packing List

To provide a safe and comfortable environment for all clients, Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge requires that clients limit their personal belongings to the items listed below. Staff will search each client’s belongings at intake. Items not matching the list below will be sent home or stored on site for up to 30 days. If you have questions please contact our admissions team. 

How to pack for MnTC

• Please pack all belongings in 33-gallon plastic disposable bags that can be tied. Suitcases and duffle bags are not permitted. Toiletries must be packed in a clear bag. All excess items determined by staff will be sent home.

How much to pack for MnTC

• While at MnTC please stay in compliance with the list below; if additional items are brought for resident use, other items must be sent home in order to stay in compliance.

What to pack for MnTC

• In order to protect MnTC against unwanted pests, we place all fabric items (including leather and other delicate items) in the dryer at intake. DO NOT bring any fabric items that may be damaged by heat from the dryer; MnTC will not be responsible for any items damaged in dryers.

Clothing

All clothing will be required to go through the dryer. Do not pack anything that may be damaged in this process. Pack enough clothes for 7-10 days. Please be aware that space is limited. We ask that you keep attire appropriate and respectful (no vulgar language or references to drugs, alcohol, or tobacco). Below is a list of things to think about and consider bringing.

• Jeans
• Shirts (sweatshirts, long sleeves, tshirts, etc.)
• Workout attire (including tennis shoes)
• Pajamas
• Under garments (socks, underwear, undershirts, etc.)
• Hats
• Weather appropriate outdoor gear (sunglasses, jacket, hat, gloves, scarves, boots, etc.)
• Shoes (tennis shoes, shower shoes, slippers)

Suggested Hygiene Items

Personal care items need to be limited due to space. Some items may be sent home based on excessive quantity. All hygiene products must be packed in clear bags. No aerosols or products containing alcohol allowed.

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body wash or bar of soap
• Hair care products
• Combs/hairbrush
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss
• Razors and shaving cream
• Deodorant
• Face wash
• Contacts and contact solution
• Electric razor and/or hair clipper

Personal Items

• Cell phone and charger (cell phones will be stored in a storage locker and can be used at designated times)
• Backpack
• Notebooks and writing utensils
• MP3 player (must not have a camera or Wi-Fi capability)
• Personal photos (no frames)
• Personal fan (must be new in box)
• Alarm clock
• Clear water bottle
• Cash (will be kept in client account)
• Credit/Debit/EBT Card (kept in safe)
• Insurance card
• ID (forms of ID include birth certificate, driver’s license, passport)
• Leisure books (limit 2)

What MnTC Provides

• Towels and Washcloths
• Laundry Detergent
• Iron and Ironing Board
• Kleenex
• Cleaning Supplies
• Toilet Paper
• Hand Soap
• Games and Movies
• Sheets/bedding (if you choose to bring your own bedding and pillow, it must be new and in the original packaging)
• Telephones

Snacks

Please bring nonperishable snacks. Note that space is limited so snacks need to fit into a 16”x22” container. Below is a list of ideas for snacks to bring.

• Popcorn
• Nuts (no shells)
• Granola/protein bars
• Beef jerky
• Microwavable food (non-perishable and must be in microwavable packaging)
• Protein powder (must be in unopened container or self-serve packages)
• Hard candy
• Pop (one 12 pack at a time.)

What Not to Bring

• Suitcases or luggage
• Anything that may be a fire hazard (candles, lighters, space heaters, heating pads, extension cords, etc.)
• Electronics (tablets, smart watches, computers, cameras, etc.)
• Essential oils
• Illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or paraphernalia
• Diet pills
• Expensive jewelry, clothing, or accessories
• Weapons
• Wooden or wicker items

Medications

Bring all prescriptions in a clear plastic bag. Prescriptions must have an original label and current date. Please attempt to bring a 30-day supply or refill. Staff will count and secure all medication at intake. All over the counter medications must be unopened.

The below list of medications are reviewable medications that will be reviewed by the Director at MnTC prior to admission.

• Medical Marijuana
• Medications used for treatment of Alcohol or Opiate dependence and/or withdrawal
• Barbiturates
• Medications used specifically for weight loss
• Benzodiazepines
• Medications for smoking cessation
• Muscle relaxants
• Stimulant medications
• Performance enhancing steroids/supplements or herbal supplements
• Narcotic pain relievers and pain relievers with potential for dependence and abuse
• Sleep aids

Revised January 22, 2026