We provide a safe, supportive home rooted in TBRI, where healing, growth, and connection come first. Over the last several years, my wife, Brooke, and I have encountered numerous teens who struggle with substance abuse, depression, self-harm and abuse. The reality of these issues became even more real to us after we adopted five children, three of whom have experienced extreme amounts of trauma in their young lives. Brooke and I realized that the next generation desperately needs mentors to come alongside them and help them win life’s battles. We believe that the Lord is calling us to do something about the disaster we see, specifically, the Lord is calling us to open an outdoor therapy ranch designed to take students living defeated lives and empower them to thrive physically, mentally, and spiritually. Rather than simply treating one aspect of a struggling teen and leaving them to sit quietly the rest of the day, we treat our students holistically through the use of tools such as camping, hiking, gardening, and caring for animals to teach them useful life skills and provide healthy physical outlets for their inner emotional distress. Scientific studies have shown time and again that physical health and fitness tremendously improve mental well-being. The physical aspects of the ranch will build self-confidence in our students, giving them tangible achievements of which they can be proud. This focus on physical well-being will not detract from psychological health, but will serve as a supplement to the mental aspects of our program. Our students will walk through the deeper reasons behind their addictions and pains with the help of a licensed therapist and small group meetings. The small group meetings will follow a program called steps, a thirteen week program that begins with a gospel presentation and then slowly dives into the causes and effects of mental illnesses and addictions: abuse, anger, guilt, shame, etc. The program then walks through peacemaking, forgiveness, and joy, and how to hold onto these fruits of the Spirit even when facing the extreme difficulties of life. Since Steps begins with the gospel, the entire program will have a gospel theme, allowing students to view themselves and their lives in light of the Hope and Truth of Jesus Christ. At Fostering Life Youth Ranch, we will provide a healthy environment for our students to struggle and ultimately overcome their addictions, anxieties, and traumas. By the end of their stay, they will have learned self-confidence, assurance of value because of the gospel, and the skills necessary to continue coping in a healthy way for the rest of their lives.
