Ranch Hope- Salem County, NJ
Ranch Hope for Boys – (856) 935-3956 or visit www.ranchhope.org
Ranch Hope was founded in 1962 by the Rev. and Mrs. Dave Bailey. While a young minister Rev. Bailey saw the tremendous problems facing delinquent youth and a plan began to form for starting a ranch to help pre-delinquent teenagers. With the assistance of the community, Rev. Bailey was able to purchase a 115 acre farm in Alloway. The first boy came tot he Ranch in May 1964. Within a few months, the first residence for 12 boys was filled. A small school was started. Teachers donated their time. In the years that followed, Ranch Hope expanded to care for 48 boys. Four cottages were added, with two house parents for every 8 boys. Also added were a special education school including shops for mechanics and woodcraft, a gym, a barn for horses, a chapel, and a cafeteria. The programs and staff increased proportionately, as did the annual budget. Today more than 140 young men and women are served.
Ranch Hope in Alloway is now home to 56 boys who are experiencing emotional or behavioral problems. Strang school is an accredited and certified Special Education school which provides educational and vocational services to the boys at the Ranch, as well as students from outside school districts. The Midway School in Lumberton provides Special Education to 40 students a day. HILLS, Ranch Hopes independent living program is designed for males 16 years and older. Throughout the summer months, Ranch Hope hosts a variety of summer camp experiences; providing arts & crafts, sports, swimming and meals. Out patient counseling is provided for children and adults. In 2000, Ranch Hope opened Camp Edge, a retreat center and challenge course designed to enhance personal goals by offering initiative games and high ropes programming.
The programs of Ranch Hope have always centered on three key areas – mental, physical, and spiritual. Ranch Hope is open to boys of all religious backgrounds and is supported by all faiths. Underlying the school, recreation, and vocational training is a strong commitment to Christian principals based on Romans 15:1 “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak…”
Please keep the staff of Ranch Hope in your prayers, that they may help these young people learn and achieve not only their goals for the program; but their God given potential in all areas of their lives. Volunteers are always welcome.
