REFUGE RANCH

Refuge was founded in 2008 by Stephen and Chris Daniels for the purpose of sharing the Gospel with at-risk youth. Having served for several years on the south side of inner-city Chicago, Chris and Steve had seen the power that human/animal interaction had to break down walls with kids who had a difficult time trusting and connecting. When they returned to central Illinois and purchased a small horse farm, they began to ask the Lord how the property could be used to help others find hope and healing. A friend shared with them about a ministry in central Oregon who had been doing just that for the last fifteen years. Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch (crystalpeaksyouthranch.org) had not only built an effective ministry by pairing at-risk youth with the Ranch's rescued horses, but had begun to train and equip ranches all over the country to do the same... That connection launched a small grassroots movement that began with a couple of volunteers, 2 horses, and a few children who needed a safe..

Also known as: Refuge

Primary location: Rochester United States