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! Run by our incredible girls’ house mom, Bethany Collins and our amazing boys’ house mom, Michelle Rash, “Tales of a Houseparent” will bring you into the dynamic world of living life as houseparents – laughs, tears, and all.
Recent Blog Posts
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!
Announcing Alex!
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...
Counterfeit Complete
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 listen to your...
Beach Trip Photo 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...
Where Love Gives Life
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 and...
God Gives the Increase
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...
A Unique Perspective
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....
“Life is But a Vapor”
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...
Healthy Habits – Bible Study, Prayer, Praise, and Exercise
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...
The Staying Power of Love
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 herMany a thing she...
Introducing Isaac
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...
About The Authors
Bethany Collins
Bethany Collins has been a houseparent at Joy Ranch since 2013. 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 Program Assistant 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 has been a boys’ house mom with Joy Ranch since 2014! 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!