His children shall have a place of refuge. Proverbs 14:26

Our Mission

Provide a safe, caring, and Christ-centered home to meet the spiritual, physical, emotional, and social needs of children in crisis.

How To Help

Partner with us today! There are many ways that you can help a child in need. We accept monetary & non-monetary donations and can come speak to your organization about our mission.

Donate

Volunteer

Be a part of what is happening at Joy Ranch! There are opportunities for churches, service groups, and individuals alike.

Find Your Spot

Our Team

Our staff is more than just a group of employees: we believe that each team member is an essential part of the Joy Ranch family.

Meet Our Incredible Team

Get Our Newsletter

Want to keep up with what's happening at Joy Ranch? Join our mailing list to get newsletters from us straight to your inbox.

Our Work

News & Events

Mt. Zion UMC & Copper Crest Farm

by Mandy Nester | Sep 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...

A Time to Laugh

by Erin Austin | Aug 12, 2021

Community. I’ve been reminded recently how important it is. Sixteen months ago the world shut down due to COVID-19, and although many places have removed all restrictions, places like Joy Ranch are still dealing with regulations which keep us from fully engaging with...

Waffle Iron Chef

by Bethany Collins | Aug 2, 2021

See what we did there? Since we are all still at home having to get creative we thought we would pass along some things we do here that add a little fun - as well as ease and convenience - to the "every day". Most of these ideas are self-explanatory but we’ve...

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Latest From Tales of a Houseparent Blog

A Homeless Boy

by Erin Austin | July 1, 2025 | All, Feed My Lambs, Houseparent Blog, News | 0 Comments

Blog by Erin Austin Working with traumatized, abused children is one of the hardest things a person can do. It is heartbreaking, exhausting, and at times, intense. It is not easy. The things we hear and see are mind-boggling. A well-meaning person once told me after I...

Footsteps

by Erin Austin | June 12, 2025 | Feed My Lambs, Houseparent Blog | 0 Comments

I’ve always been fascinated by people’s stories. How did they get to this point in life? What happened in their past? Who helped mold and shape them into the person they are today? What is their story?

The Teacher is the Student

by Mandy Nester | January 28, 2025 | Houseparent Blog | 2 Comments

Learning is a beautiful blessing, isn’t it? Even as a 42-year-old homeschooling mom of three boys, there are still so many things to learn in life. Each day, I start my morning reading from the best book that was ever written, the Holy Bible. The Word teaches me so...

Celebrating 60 Years Helping Kids in 2021.

Since opening its doors in 1961 under the direction of the Rev. Richard and Mary McHenry, Joy Ranch, has served over 5000 children and their families in crisis.

History of Joy Ranch

Faith Funded

Joy Ranch is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Your gifts are tax deductible. Joy Ranch is funded by faith through donations from individuals, churches and other organizations. Joy Ranch is licensed by the state of Virginia but receives no yearly-allocated state funding. We abide by the standards for membership in the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.