Agape Youth Ranch and Ministry Information

Q. What is the purpose of Agape Youth Ministry ("AYM")?

A. AYM was born from a vision of men with years of law enforcement experience, and who were involved in youth prison ministry -- a vision to provide a safe haven for "at risk" (troubled) young teens where the teens would learn "how to do life better" in a ranch setting.

Q. How does the Agape Youth Ranch ("AYR") fit into this vision?

A. AYR was established by AYM, based on the following principles of what "at risk" teens need:
† To be removed from the environment in which their behaviors have developed
† To feel they are in a safe environment to live and learn
† To learn of and grow in the loving grace of Jesus Christ
† To live in an environment that provides healthy boundaries in their lives
† To have the influence and care of Christian staff members

Q. How does AYR accomplish meeting these principles?

A. AYR does the following:
4 Removes the teen from their negative social environment for a period of 12 - 18 months. The teen will spend 12 months at AYR and 3-6 months in a Christian transition home, all of which is focused on teaching the teen to make better choices in life, becoming disciplined and helping them find direction for their life, and showing the teen the importance of developing a close, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
4 AYR uses a 4 phased goal orientated program that develops character traits of responsibility, respect, self-discipline, etc
4 The AYR program has a discipline structure using rewards and consequences.
4 Teens will receive home schooling using the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) program beginning at their academic level and moving them forward.
4 Teens will participate in Bible studies, devotions, and worship services, developing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
4 AYR provides horse and dog programs that help teach responsibility, unconditional love, and overcoming fears.
4 Staff members are selected based on their relationship with Christ, their qualifications, and careful screening.

Q. What is the 6 month transition home?

A. AYM will make every effort to partner with a Christian family living in the area of the teen’s home. This family will have been carefully screened, trained, and will be monitored as they help the teen make the transition back into his/her environment. The family will model how a Christian home functions, plus coordinate any professional counseling, church involvement, school and other activities of the teen. The purpose is to take those attributes the teen has learned in the Ranch Program and help the teen to apply them to their home environment.

Q. When will the Ranch have open enrollment?

A. AYR is currently taking applications. If the initial application is accepted, that applicant will be put on an application waiting list. When the applicant’s name is selected from the list, they would be required to pay a $200 non-refundable application fee and fill out an application packet.

Q. Can either boys or girls apply?

A. Yes, we are taking application for both boys and girls.

Q. How is the Ranch program financed and what is the cost to send a teen to the Ranch?

A. AYM receives donations, pledges, and financial commitments from individuals, churches and faith-based organizations, businesses, and grants. This helps AYM to keep the cost per teen as low as possible. Additionally, a base fee for each teen is required which is currently set at $2,800.00 per month, which is paid in quarterly payments. Loan assistance is available through, Clark Behavioral Financing www.clarkbhf.com or call 1-888-755-3080

This fee structure can also be adjusted based on the family income / ability to pay, which is reviewed by AYM. This adjustment is determined by taking 25% of the two-year average of the reported IRS Gross Income, plus available support by AYM. Please note that this support is not available at this time, but you may be placed on an eligibility list.

There is also a non-refundable $200 registration fee and a refundable quarterly $500 individual fund for medical visits and other personal needs of the teen, plus a $500 clothing fee..

Q. Will my insurance cover the cost of the program?

A. Normally, most insurance plans do not cover the AYR program because it is not a medical treatment program. It would be your responsibility to check with your insurance company to determine eligibility. AYM does not handle any insurance claims.

Q. What type of teenagers are you looking to help at the Ranch?

A. The focus of the Ranch Program is toward teens who are 13 to 16 years of age, and who are "at risk," i.e., defiant at home and school, truant from school, runaways, and first time drug users, or unwanted (lack of parental supervision).

Q. Will you be taking referrals from government agencies?

A. At this time, we are not looking to be involved in any government program that would compromise our ability to bring Jesus Christ into the lives of the teenagers through our programs.

Q. Will AYM have other programs?

A. Yes. It is envisioned that after the Ranch Project is developed, AYM will have a Teen-to-Teen Mentoring Program and a Jail-to-Freedom Mentoring Program, both of which will also be faith-based.

Q. What does AYM need now?

A. The current needs of this Ministry, the Ranch Program and future programs, and for all of our staff and volunteers are: 1) your prayers, as well as 2) your donations and commitments for financial support (monthly, bi-annually, or annually, and/ or sponsorships); 3) volunteers for construction projects (skilled and unskilled), and cooks / kitchen helpers for our volunteers; 4) staff members (Ranch Director, House Parents, Handyman) and supporters for staff members; 5) building materials (including plumbing, electrical, cement, HVAC, sheetrock, stoves, refrigerators, hot water heaters (propane), cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom fixtures; tile, carpeting, etc.), 6) Ranch equipment (tractors, road-grader, garden tools and hand tools; 7) Horse needs: Saddles, blankets & tack, feed buckets and water troughs; 8) Veterinary supplies for horses and dogs, as well as a volunteer veterinarian. And, the list goes on …

Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
(Matthew 6:32-33).