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.

Volunteer

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

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.

Our Work

News & Events

Holiday Celebrations

Holiday Celebrations

It’s that time of year again: lots of candy, stuffing ourselves with turkey and that “most wonderful time of the year” - Christmas!  As we have told you before this time can be both fun and challenging at Joy Ranch. What kid (no matter how old) doesn’t love...

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Fall Favorites

Fall Favorites

The days are getting shorter, the air has turned cool and crisp, and the leaves are showing off their colors. Fall is upon us and with it, all the fall festivities. Admittedly, I love this time of year because it means the Christmas season is near. And while we're...

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A Healing Journey

A Healing Journey

I have a rescue cat. At the time I got Lilly, I didn’t realize the effects of trauma are similar amongst animals and humans. Don’t get me wrong, people’s brains are far more complex, but the fear, tendency to fight, and distrust are the same. Lilly was dropped off on...

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Latest From Tales of a Houseparent Blog

Sew, Let’s Go!

It's been said that a quilt will warm your body and comfort your soul. If that's the case, a personalized quilt made with love will do even more than that! Back in the fall, Joy Ranch residents were blessed to receive handmade quilts personalized with each child's...

Chapter 11 – Light Moments

By: Erin Austin Life at Joy Ranch isn't all hard. In fact, I would say the good far outweighs the bad. We've learned to celebrate, laugh, and find joy in in simple things that many would bypass, but it's in those little victories that healing happens."We learned that...

Chapter 7 – Benny Lee

Chapter 7 - BENNY LEE (Excerpt from "Feed My Lambs", the Joy Ranch story) By Mary McHenry To the beginnings of Joy Ranch belongs the story of Benny Lee (not his real name), a boy who lived through 161 visiting Sundays at the home with no visitor he could really call...

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.

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.

About Us

Joy Ranch provides a safe, loving, and structured home for children from crisis situations. Our children have endured difficulties out of their control and need a place of refuge. We provide trauma-informed care, empowerment, and protection for all of our children in a family-style, home setting.

Phone: 276-236-5578

Find Us

813 Joy Ranch Road Woodlawn, VA 24381

Contact Us

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