Conversations

By Mandy Nester | September 17, 2021 |

Although I’m not a houseparent, I was invited to contribute to our blog since I work part-time at Joy Ranch. I love being part of the “family”, even though I don’t get to spend nearly enough time with the kids we serve (as a homeschooling mom of my own three, high-spirited sons). A few weeks…

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Mt. Zion UMC & Copper Crest Farm

By Mandy Nester | September 9, 2021 |

This summer, a team from Mt. Zion UMC worked hard at Copper Crest Farm, the wonderful facility where our kids engage in horse therapy (and have for years). Pam Umberger was overwhelmed with gratitude that the team was able to complete so many tasks! We are so thankful to this group of volunteers as well as…

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Volunteers – What a Blessing!

By Mandy Nester | July 23, 2021 |

This summer has brought back volunteers to Joy Ranch! What a blessing each individual and group has been to our ministry and the kids have loved the extra special attention as well as activities. The North Spartan Baptist Association from Boiling Springs, SC had 18 people representing 5 different churches when they visited in June. …

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Blueberries are here!

By Mandy Nester | June 24, 2021 |

We’ve been blessed again by Deer Haven Blueberries in Allisonia, VA with fresh blueberries to sell for the cottages! All income goes 100% to the cottages for the kids. Pick them up at Joy Ranch – 4 pints for $10 (that’s a $2 savings). Also available at Hershberger’s Country Market and Horton’s Supermarket for $3…

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Mother’s Day at Joy Ranch

By Mandy Nester | May 6, 2021 |

At Joy Ranch, Mother’s Day can be a very hard time for our children so we do not celebrate the holiday in our cottages. They are not with their biological mothers and you can see why that would be upsetting to them. Of course, our kids love their houseparents and the wonderful godly women they…

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60th Anniversary Article

By Mandy Nester | April 6, 2021 |

Thank you to The Carroll News for their recent article highlighting our 60th anniversary! You can read it here – https://www.mtairynews.com/news/96256/joy-ranch-celebrating-60th-anniversary?fbclid=IwAR1-xFMvxlAJWLBLwAftt3aNQd6iNxLb7wa3CDGihMCJG7k6qx4mBmBwYbM

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Spotlight on Cheyenne!

By Mandy Nester | February 24, 2021 |

After taking a break on our blog for the holidays, we are back to our kid interview series. So without further ado, meet Cheyenne, our fun-loving silly girl, who regularly makes us smile. What is your favorite food?Chinese food. It was the place my mom took me for my first birthday celebration outside of the…

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Mill Creek General Store Donation

By Mandy Nester | December 2, 2020 |

What a blessing! Mill Creek General Store in Mt. Airy, NC is accepting donations for Joy Ranch through December 15 and will match up to $250. THANK YOU and please support this wonderful business that has chosen to be so generous.

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