by Erin Austin | Dec 15, 2022 | Houseparent Blog
There is so much about what we do at Joy Ranch that we can’t talk about. Not because we’re doing anything wrong, but to protect the privacy of our kiddos. They’ve been through so much, more than most people can fathom. Healing is hard and holy work. To heal from all... 
by Michelle Rash | Dec 2, 2022 | All, Houseparent Blog
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” ~Isaiah 9:6 These names of our Savior have been at the front of my... 
by Mandy Nester | Nov 24, 2022 | Houseparent Blog, News
While you’re waiting for your Thanksgiving feast, or even while digesting your meal, please take a minute to get to know our kids better…what they are thankful for and more Thanksgiving highlights. Thank YOU for your support! November Thanksgiving... 
by Erin Austin | Oct 27, 2022 | All, Houseparent Blog, Resident Interviews
What is your favorite food? Ms. Michelle’s or Ms. Paula’s homemade Hamburger Helper What is your least favorite food? Raw or barely cooked broccoli What is your favorite game? Minecraft What is your favorite animal? What is your favorite animal on the Ranch? Dragons... 
by Bethany Collins | Oct 11, 2022 | Houseparent Blog
Often, in House-parenting, one finds themselves saying things they wouldn’t normally say. A combination of words you never imagined to hear used consecutively, and probably never will again. For example: “Sit down and eat your lunch. No one needs to... 
by Mandy Nester | Oct 4, 2022 | All, Houseparent Blog
The Joy Ranch family was able to enjoy a trip to Myrtle Beach in September, thankfully before Hurricane Ian passed through. Our gracious hosts at Garden City Chapel and Retreat incurred significant damage in the storm, so please keep them in your prayers as they clean... 
by Mandy Nester | Aug 11, 2022 | All, Volunteer News
We’ve been blessed to host several couples for four months now from Roving Volunteers in Christ’s Service (rvics.org), and they’re not finished yet! Instead of trying to recap all they’ve done and experienced, we have permission to share their... 
by Bethany Collins | Jul 28, 2022 | All, Houseparent Blog
One of the more challenging tasks (of many) that houseparents navigate is welcoming a new resident. Leaving home is hard, for any reason. Coming to a new place where you don’t know anyone is hard, even for a few hours – never mind having to live there. New rules... 
by Mandy Nester | Jul 15, 2022 | News
What’s going on this summer at Joy Ranch? Click here to view our latest newsletter and find out. 
by Mandy Nester | Jul 12, 2022 | All, Houseparent Blog
Recently, Mrs. Lynn shared with me some pictures of Ava who had planted some peas earlier this spring. Each child had an opportunity to choose and plant some garden vegetables, and Ava must love peas! I believe Lynn said she had planted 40 plants and one day last week...
