by Erin Austin | Jun 14, 2022 | Houseparent Blog
Recently I, along with another staff and two kiddos, took a Bob Ross painting class. This wouldn’t be such a big deal if I was good at art, but my running joke has been that I can’t draw a stick person straight. To willingly take a painting class was no small thing.... 
by Mandy Nester | Jun 14, 2022 | Volunteer News
The Mt. Zion UMC mission team which was here June 3rd – 6th. In two and a half days, they reworked the deck behind McHenry, rebuilt the six picnic tables, reworked the deck at the Director’s house, pressure washed the deck behind the Administrative Office, plus... 
by Mandy Nester | Jun 2, 2022 | Houseparent Blog
This verse comes (James 4:14) to mind for several reasons at this time of year for this house dad. My father passed away a couple of years ago and 10 years ago a young lady we worked with as a youth pastor passed away at age 16. One of our kids from here at Joy Ranch... 
by Mandy Nester | May 16, 2022 | Houseparent Blog
Several months ago, the kids and I started having weekly exercise time together. Sometimes, we play softball, basketball, or kickball. Other times, we play games or set up rotating stations. Whatever we do, we try to keep it fun, engaging, and include everyone. A few... 
by Mandy Nester | Apr 28, 2022 | All, News
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by Erin Austin | Apr 12, 2022 | Houseparent Blog
The Staying Power of Love by Erin Austin “How do you solve a problem like Maria?How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?How do you find a word that means Maria?A flibbertigibbet! A will-o’-the wisp! A clown! Many a thing you know you’d like to tell... 
by Mandy Nester | Mar 21, 2022 | News, Volunteer News
Last week, we had the privilege of hosting two groups of joyful volunteers from Boston College. What an amazing group of young people who took their time to work so hard around campus and love our kids! One team tutored our residents daily, and we saw significant... 
by Erin Austin | Feb 2, 2022 | Houseparent Blog
What is your favorite food? “Pizza – pepperoni.” What is your least favorite food? “Vegetables. If I have to pick one I don’t like the most, I really don’t like cabbage.” What is your favorite game? “Fortnite.” What is your favorite animal? What is your favorite... 
by Mandy Nester | Jan 21, 2022 | All, Houseparent Blog
Several years ago, before I worked at Joy Ranch, I felt compelled to volunteer some time each week participating in exercise with the kids at Joy Ranch. My mom had worked at the Ranch when I was a teen, and I always felt a tie to the ministry after that, plus I was a... 
by Mandy Nester | Jan 14, 2022 | All
Recently, we were blessed with some pictures and stories from Bob & Carol Givens. Bob said, “My mother often told me when Richard and Mary McHenry came to Mt. Calvary Church in Elizabethtown and shared their vision for developing the children’s home mother...
