Appalachian Teen Challenge is building a two-story girls' dorm in Athens.

Appalachian Teen Challenge has been in Mercer County, helping teenage boys for more than 20 years.

Eighteen to 20 girls will be helped at a time.

"The facility that we're now constructing will house girls who are in need of our help -- primarily girls who are experiencing a drug and alcohol problem," said Jim Nickels, executive director.

"The facility will be a long-term program, 12 to 14 months, and with this facility we're going to be able to save a lot of lives by helping these girls,"

The organization hopes to move students in by March.