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

Things not to say . . . . .

Things not to say . . . . .

There are a lot of things about houseparenting that people are unsure of: What is a houseparent? Are the kids orphans? Are you foster care? Who pays for their care? Why do you have these kids? Etc., etc., etc.   Because there is so much that can be unclear, we...

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When Your Calling Breaks Your Heart

When Your Calling Breaks Your Heart

I pulled the door tightly closed behind me and made it to my room just in time for the tears to begin falling down my face. I sank into my bed, buried my face in my hands, and began to weep, no longer able to suffocate the pain welling up inside. Some days, this job...

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Our Kids

Our Kids

Last week Michelle wrote about what a house parent is - and is not. We both agree that an important piece of understanding that is having a better sense of the population we work with. Michelle mentioned that we are not: Camp counselors - this isn’t a summer camp. ...

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Latest From Tales of a Houseparent Blog

Exodus Cottage News

After twelve years of serving as houseparents at Joy Ranch, Gene & Bethany Collins are resigning from our Exodus girls' cottage. Bethany is currently dealing with some health challenges which requires them to step away from the Joy Ranch ministry.  Please pray for...

Leebrick Cottage – Words from New Houseparents

(Originally posted August 9, 2025 by Ashley Arnold) Today, our cottage doors officially opened! Houseparents… Such a simple word, but one that carries a weight only Heaven truly understands! When you open the door to a cottage like this, you’re not just stepping into...

Oh Boy! News About Our Boys…

We are happy to announce that we have a houseparent family for our boys cottage! Leebrick cottage is re-opening this weekend after months of prayer for the right houseparents to fill the role. Not only are we gaining new houseparents, but they have three sons of their...

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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