ABOUT US
Our Vision & Mission
Life Ranch exists to create communities through family structure and mentorship to effectively impact the "least of these" in our foster care system. Our desire is to orchestrate a loving, safe, and holistic PLACE that shows foster kids the love of Christ through PLACEMENT with gospel-centered families and mentors.
Our Story
The conception of Life Ranch is rooted in a history of foster care. Our founder, Jarod Jones, grew up with two sisters who were adopted out of the Colorado foster care system. To read the full story that inspired Life Ranch, click the "Our Family Story" button below.
Core Values: Anchored Environment, Stable Homes, and a Safe Place
Life Ranch is more than just a place, it's a community with an anchored environment, stable homes, and therapeutic resources for children and young adults to thrive. Life Ranch aims to be an anchor for foster children and aged-out young adults to experience home and a place of belonging.
Foster Care's Greatest Need
When Life Ranch consulted with longtime foster care advocates in Georgia about the state’s greatest needs, the response was unanimous: sibling groups and young adults aging out of the system. In response, Life Ranch is committed to addressing both. Our vision is to establish five homes for sibling groups over the next five years, while also creating a supportive transition plan and adequate housing for young adults who have aged out. Once Life Ranch secures the properties God has set aside for us, we will begin a development plan to meet these urgent needs. We are also shifting our language from "placement" to "place," reflecting our belief in offering not just a system solution, but a place where stories, connection, and healing can thrive.
Life Ranch's Greatest Need
Life Ranch is looking for multiple/seperate properties that will provide housing for foster families as well as for young adults who have aged out of the foster care program. Our hope is to find suitable real estate in both rural and suburban areas for the use of safe placement for both sibling groups and young adults(beginning college and/or the workforce). Ideally, these properties will help families and kids flourish through life-giving spaces and opportunities. We pray and plan for Life Ranch acreage and housing to be a space for healing to happen in the lives of displaced children.
Trauma Healing
Trauma healing is one of the most pressing issues in foster care today. The effects of trauma can lead to a range of mental health challenges, citizenship issues, and in extreme cases, death, often through suicide. The root causes of this trauma are numerous, with abandonment, homelessness, and human trafficking being among the most devastating. These experiences come at a high cost to the system and state, with expenses ranging from $30,000 to $120,000 per child each year. What if there were a PLACE that could help break this cycle? A PLACE that could prevent further trauma, offering a foundation for true healing? Life Ranch envisions such a place—a safe haven where children and young adults can find retreat, relief, and reconciliation. This environment is designed not to add layers to their trauma, but to begin the process of healing, providing the space and support needed for restoration.
A Vision for Change
Life Ranch will create separate communities dedicated to both sibling groups in foster care and young adults who have aged out of the system. Our sibling group homes will prioritize keeping brothers and sisters together in a safe, purpose-driven, rural environment, while our young adult properties will offer a supportive space for those transitioning out of foster care and into college or work opportunities.
At Life Ranch, the success of a child is measured by their ability to grow with their siblings, thrive, and transition into a strong, contributing member of society. Here, foster children are not statistics, but individuals with unique stories, and they will always be at the heart of our mission. Until there are no more children in foster care, Life Ranch will continue its work, providing a place where young people are valued and empowered to thrive.
Community-Centric Approach
Envision a community united not by physical traits or background, but by a shared experience of foster care, a common purpose, and a commitment to creating a trauma-informed environment for vulnerable children. This community would be a PLACE dedicated to providing safety, love, and holistic care. Life Ranch is focused on building a culture of connection and collaboration, where success is defined by empowering families and children to thrive together, not just survive. The goal is to come alongside those on the front lines, offering support and fostering a true sense of community.
The Future of Life Ranch
Life Ranch will be a beautiful rural community centered on fostering sibling groups, where their well-being drives everything we do. Designed to help foster kids grow and thrive, families will be provided with hands-on learning experiences, equine therapy, daily activities, and access to constant care and support from local churches and even other families living in the community.
Our young adult properties will be separate from our families/sibling groups, and will provide housing for young adults who have aged out of the system transitioning to the work-force or educational opportunities. These properties will offer student-style housing with access to employment, mentorship, education, and therapy programs. With a focus on safety and support, Life Ranch will provide monitored, nurturing living environments where young adults can prepare to re-enter society as strong, independent individuals. We are committed to creating a place where foster kids are always valued and empowered.