Blazing Hope Ranch

06/19/2026

06/19/2026

Good morning from the ranch!

06/18/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported Blazing Hope Ranch at our recent restaurant fundraiser. We are grateful for every person who stopped by, shared a meal, gave a donation, or helped spread the word.

Your support helps provide hope, healing, and practical care for the women we serve, while also strengthening prevention efforts through programs like Camp Run Free.

We appreciate each opportunity to connect with our community and are thankful for those who chose to support the mission in this way.

06/17/2026

When Abby Ward first came to Blazing Hope Ranch, she already knew she wanted to serve survivors of human trafficking. After spending two years with a ministry called Life Action, she reached out to Executive Director Jo Haggard to learn more about the Ranch’s work. What began as a conversation soon became an opportunity to join the team as a mentor. For Abby, the Ranch stood out because it combined two things she had long been passionate about: helping women heal from trafficking and working with horses. “When I first visited the ranch, I just had a feeling that God was working here and I wanted to be a part of it,” she shared. “It just felt right.”

Today, Abby spends Sundays and Tuesdays alongside residents, helping with horse chores, leading a book study, and creating space for conversation and connection. While she expected to invest in the women she serves, she was surprised by how much they would impact her in return. “They are all such strong women,” Abby said. “I love each and every one of them.” One of her greatest joys is watching residents discover who they want to become and take meaningful steps toward that future. Seeing their growth, perseverance, and determination is something she describes as amazing to witness.

For Abby, hope is more than a feeling—it is walking alongside someone as they work toward a better future. Her faith shapes every part of that journey. Abby finds confidence in knowing God is actively at work in each woman's story. “Even though it’s hard sometimes to put your trust in God, He will always do what is best for us,” she said. “Knowing He has a plan for each of them brings me peace.”

After a year at the Ranch, Abby has learned that this work is both challenging and deeply rewarding. “You can’t do this type of work without a heart for the people you’re serving,” she explained. “It’s not just another job.” And if she could share one message with every new resident who arrives at Blazing Hope Ranch, it would be simple: “Everyone here loves you and will do everything we can to help you on your journey forward.”

06/16/2026

TODAY! We'll be there-- will you?! 4pm-9pm, come see us at near the water. From pizza to pasta, there are options to enjoy! Tag a friend and we'll see you this evening!

06/15/2026

There’s a graduate getting ready to step into a new season of life—one marked by independence, stability, and the daily rhythms most of us take for granted: getting to work on time, grocery runs, appointments, and showing up consistently for what’s ahead.

Right now, she’s close—but she needs something practical to get there: a reliable car. Not something fancy. Not something perfect. Just dependable transportation that will carry her forward as she builds a life of her own. If you’ve ever considered giving in a tangible, life-shaping way, would you consider stepping in here? We’re looking for one donated vehicle that can help one woman move from surviving to steadily standing on her own two feet. If you have a vehicle to donate—or know someone who does—please reach out.

06/15/2026

Join us tomorrow at Luca between 4-9pm! This year we've been so privileged to get to partner with different local businesses once a month, bringing attention to them while they donate part of their proceeds to support survivors of human trafficking. This month's parter is Luca, and we're excited to be able to collaborate in this way, raising awareness of the problem of human trafficking, the need for support, and to see so many of your faces in person. It really is an encouragement.

Will we see you there?

06/13/2026

Fridays at camp are different than the other four days. There's a rhythm all week long, but Fridays have an energy of their own: the kids are comfortable, familiar, settled into new and old friendships, excited to see their horse friends, and looking forward to showing their families some of what they experienced at camp during our Friday evening family night.

For camp volunteers, it's a longer day as campers stay for the whole day rather than heading home at 2, and there's clean-up after family night is over. It's an end of week push to send the kids home with the best of memories.

For everyone, in the midst of the fun and anticipation of the day, there's also a tinge of sadness as everyone is keenly aware that it's the last day and goodbyes are coming. Campers and volunteers are gifted a Camp Run Free t-shirt (every year gets a new color so you always have that color-bond with others who were there the same year you were), and there's time built in on our Fridays for everyone to sign each other's shirts.

And for those of us behind the scenes, alongside many parents as well, we hope and pray that the lessons taught throughout the week were learned as well, that the friendships built will stand the campers in good stead, and that the kids would go forward with a measure of safety, wisdom, and confidence in their worth that they may not have had coming into camp.

Thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers and sponsors who have helped make this possible: Bledsoe County Fairgrounds, City of Pikeville Mayor's Office, Melissa Bleadsdale and others for generous food donations, Bledsoe, County schools for breakfast and lunch for the campers, Becca and Destiny for leading camp, Rachel Hay for overseeing Horse Helpers, this year's team of Horse Helpers, our Blossom storyteller, Jordyn, our art teacher, Tonya, Angela, Jo and David, and more.

Without further ado but with much gratitude, we close out our first week of 2026's Camp Run Free.

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26

06/11/2026

Trust. Patience. Respect. Sometimes the best teachers have four legs.

06/10/2026

Camp Run Free 2026 Pikeville!