A Joy Ranch Blog
Have you ever wondered what life as a Houseparent is like? House parenting is a unique role like no other, filled with joys, sorrows, and everything in between. One question that every houseparent is asked frequently tends to be: “So, what do you do as a houseparent?” While this is not a simple answer, the Joy Ranch House-parenting team wants to share their stories so that you can see a glimpse into the life of a Houseparent, understand their work here at Joy Ranch and why it matters, and perhaps even search through the idea of becoming a Houseparent yourself!
Recent Blog Posts
Please Remove Your Cap…
(Thank you to Bethany for sharing what she posted on Facebook on January 7, 2024) Today at church our Pastor said one of the most profound things I may have ever heard from a pulpit. He told a true story of a young man who was going to church, who hadn't been in a...
School days, school days…
Our kids have been back to virtual school for a month or so now and it's going well. Here they are along with some of their current interests! Please pray for them as they work hard in their studies this year.Kaitlyn in the 8th grade this year. She loves baking and...
Ministry Is…
I was 21 when I started working in a children’s home as a relief houseparent. It wasn’t nearly as noble as it sounds. I was desperate for a job, room and board were provided, and the pay was decent. What I quickly learned is ministry isn’t for the faint of heart, and...
What is that smell???
A long time ago someone told me a story. I do not remember who; or when. I only know that it has stuck with me - and proven helpful in my own life, as well as provided perspective for those God has called me to minister to. It goes like this: A woman discovers her...
Questions with Chloe
What is your favorite food? Cheesy pizza pasta What is your least favorite food? Squash, specifically yellow squash. The texture is slimy and blah! What is your favorite game? Pokémon (the video game) What is your favorite animal? What is your favorite animal...
Overflow
What is in, will come out, one way or another. I once heard a Christian musician say that what happens on stage at his show should be an overflow of what happens backstage. It shouldn’t be a performance. It should be an overflow. What is overflow? Clear and...
A Dialogue with Ava
What is your favorite food? Steak What is your least favorite food? Rice. I don’t like the texture. It’s ugh! What is your favorite game? Sorry! What is your favorite animal? What is your favorite animal on the Ranch? A horse. On the Ranch, my favorite animal is...
Focus and Run
[This is from a Facebook post from Bethany Collins, houseparent at Exodus cottage at Joy Ranch from December 6, 2022.] Been reading Psalms with the girls. Found this amazing tidbit last night. We are reading from "The Voice" - which has a great way of making things...
A Day In The Life…
There are so many things that go on in an ordinary day here at Joy Ranch. Many of our kids love working on art projects, playing their favorite sport, practicing a musical instrument, or playing with the animals on campus. They enjoy going for hikes and learning new...
Art Therapy
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...
Wonderful Counselor and… Trash Bags?
"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 mind lately,...
Thankful for Our Kids (and Our Supporters)
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!
About The Authors
Bethany Collins
Bethany Collins was a houseparent at Joy Ranch from 2013 to 2025. She is the perfect balance of tough but loving and kind. In addition to spending her time raising a house full of girls, she enjoys reading, watching Superhero movies, and laughing at her own jokes. There is a legend that says she is a ninja- the girls in her house attest that this is true.
Erin Austin
Erin is our Case Manager at Joy Ranch and she has a wonderful, furry, service friend named Lucy. Our kids love spending time with Erin and Lucy on campus and out in our community.
Michelle Rash
Michelle Rash was a boys’ house mom with Joy Ranch from 2014 – 2024. Ask any one of her boys what they would describe her as and they would likely say that she is a “mama bear” through and through. On top of raising a house full of boys, Michelle and her husband also have 2 beautiful daughters. Michelle has a relational heart and loves deep conversations, midnight runs to Wal-Mart, and is secretly married to Batman.
Interested in Houseparenting?
Download our Houseparent Brochure and visit our Employment page for more information!