Frequently Asked Questions
Life Ranch hopes to be in every county in the United States, but currently we are starting in Georgia, trying to find available properties for our "aged out" youth, and also for sibling groups/foster families.
We do not yet own physical property, but we are always looking for potential real estate that could be gifted or purchased.
Life Ranch differs from a child placement agency in the way that we do not place children with families. We are a non-profit organization that wants to create communities with families who have been certified to foster for at least two years. Families will sign a lease agreement and covenant agreement when moving onto Life Ranch property which will be a commitment to foster with a Christian worldview approach in exchange for expense-paid housing. As for our Dwell Program, which provides housing for "aged-out" foster kids, young adults will be required to sign a lease agreement to live in this student housing style living.
The best way to get involved is through a FAM (Family Advocacy Ministry) through your local church. If your local church doesn’t have a FAM ministry be sure to connect with Katie Buckles on our staff page to get one started. Through our FAM’s, you can get involved with Life Ranch day to day needs of families, mentoring, tutoring, or assisting with upcoming events. We also welcome donations of time, supplies, and funds. Life Ranch regularly holds volunteer orientations to help you learn more about our mission and how you can make a difference for foster youth. Send us an email or give us a call to get involved.
The Life Ranch lease agreement and covenant agreement requires families living on the property to be approved to foster and currently working with a CPA. Families must sign a statement of faith and a community covenant. On our properties we are committing to a healthy family system based on Christian values, with a marriage between husband and wife. This is a marriage where faith guides their daily lives and while living on LR . In return, Life Ranch provides rent/mortgage free living, as long as families commit to these guidelines and provide a safe, loving home for foster children. Monthly mortgage payments are fully covered by Life Ranch, ensuring the families can focus on fulfilling the mission without this expense on their families monthly budget.
To be eligible to live on Life Ranch property, families must be currently working with a foster agency and be up to date and currently approved to foster. If living on our sibling group properties families need to have at least two years of experience caring for foster children. They must also commit to the Life Ranch guidelines by signing a statement of faith, which includes maintaining a healthy family system based on Christian values and our covenant agreement to foster. Families need to provide a safe home for foster children and align with the mission of Life Ranch. If selected, housing is provided rent free as long as these commitments are upheld.
To apply for Life Ranch's Dwell Program, a foster youth who is aging out of the system can begin by contacting Life Ranch directly through their website or by phone. The application process typically involves an interview to assess their readiness for independent living, as well as an understanding of their specific needs for housing, job training, and emotional support. After the application is submitted, Life Ranch will review it to ensure the individual aligns with the program’s mission and values. Once accepted, the youth will receive housing, guidance, and resources to help them transition into adulthood in a supportive, community-based environment.
Life Ranch meets a critical need in the foster care system, where 5,000-6,000 children enter care each year in the state of Georgia alone, and there’s an ongoing shortage of foster families, particularly for older children and sibling groups. With 500-600 youth aging out of care annually, often without the support they need, Life Ranch offers a community-based living model that provides stability and personalized care. Through mentorship, therapy, and life skills programs, Life Ranch helps children heal, grow, and transition into adulthood with housing, job training, and emotional support.