PO Box 2063; Benson, AZ 85602
IMMEDIATE PRAYER NEED as of April, 2009:
The Ranch has two homes open and available for houseparents
to come and nurture children-in-need.
PROSPECTIVE HOUSEPARENT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
WHAT IS THE RANCH’S MISSION STATEMENT?
The mission is to provide a refuge in a traditional-family setting for abused and neglected children who need long-term care.
The method is to provide an environment of social, physical, educational and spiritual support for children-in-need so they can mature into their maximized potential, abilities and interests.
WHO WOULD BE INTERESTED IN HOUSE PARENTING AT ATKHCR?
Mission-minded couples who love Christ, love one another, and have been called of the Lord to disciple -- to raise -- the “least of these my brethren” (Matt 25:40). A couple with a strong faith in Jesus Christ who want to be a part of a pioneer mission (Acts 1:8).
WHERE DO THE CHILDREN COME FROM?
Foster care children – The Arizona Department of Economic Services (DES) is the state umbrella under which the Foster Care Program sits. Various agencies are licensed by DES to remove children from their dangerous location and relocate them into foster care. The agencies provide both the necessary training and license for Foster Care parents.
According to KidsAreWaiting.org, Arizona has 9,685 children in state care waiting for a foster family.
Other children of Promise – It is the goal of ATKHCR to take in children before they are in the Foster Care System. Families in trouble, the school, and the police – among others – contact ATKHCR on a regular basis looking for a place for children.
CAN HOUSEPARENTS HAVE THEIR OWN CHILDREN?
Sure, as long as the children have also been called along with the Houseparents to minister to others. The calling to come to The Ranch would be verified in the hearts of every family member.
DOES THE GOVERNMENT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS CHRISTIAN FACILITY?
When a child comes into care, one question the case worker asks is whether or not the child has any family history of church attendance. If the child indicates a Christian background, then the case worker can place that child with ATKHCR.
HOW LONG WOULD A CHILD REMAIN AT ATKHCR?
Foster Care Children – Children in the foster-care system are adjudicated (remain in the court system) with a mandatory case plan of reunification with the biological family within six months. This time limit is often lengthened for the parents to receive the support services that the damaged family requires for wholeness. If the foster-care child is not able to return to his/her family, then legal severance from the parents is started; and an alternate, permanent- placement case plan is undertaken.
Arizona is looking for Forever Families for foster-care children. If severance happens, then the foster-child is legally ready for adoption. The Ranch’s first house parents, Brad and Carmen, adopted five little girls.
The Ranch houseparents are not required to adopt. If the foster-child is available for adoption, then the Ranch would be a transitional home of love for the child while a permanent adoptive home is located. The Ranch would be an extended family to the foster-care child, available for visits and continued encouragement – a role somewhat like an aunt and uncle, or grandparents.
Other Children of Promise - The heart and goal of ATKH is to take children in before they go to the foster-care system. It is The Ranch’s goal to have the young person remain with us, if possible, for at least two years or even through to independence.
If and when it is deemed safe, then continued contact with parents is essential both for the emotional well being of the child and for the continued out-reach toward the parents.
WHAT FINANCES ARE AVAILABLE?
Foster Care Children - A monthly stipend is sent directly to the houseparents. This stipend offsets the cost of clothing and schooling. Children in care of the state also have full medical, dental and eye-care coverage.
Other Children of Promise - Scholarships are necessary to offset the expenses of children who are not wards of the state. Biological parents and their family members are encouraged to commit to contributing to the care of their child.
WHAT CAN ATKHCR OFFER HOUSEPARENTS?
A home - Houseparents are freed from the monthly cost of a rent or mortgage payment.
Food - Weekly the Benson Food Bank has some staples available for The Ranch: bread is a constant along with other food stuffs when available; for instance cereals, tomatoes, cakes, flour, soap.
Medical - For the adults, health care can be obtained through either of the two Health Clinics for The Ranch: the Cochise County Health Clinic in Elfrida; or Saint Elizabeth’s Of Hungary Health Clinic in Tucson. St E’s (as it is affectionately called) also covers dental and eye care.
Future Plans - As the Lord increases the donation base, the Ranch will be able to extend a salary and health benefits to the houseparents. However, not at this time, or in the near future are salaries possible.
WHY NOT JUST BE A FOSTER FAMILY IN MY OWN HOME?
Christian Community and Camaraderie – A Virtual Mission Village Sections of Acts 2:42 and following particularly apply:
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers … and all that believed were together and had all things common; …. as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord … and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people.
Pioneer Mission Field - The Children’s Ranch is in the beginning stages of construction. The overall build out is for ten homes and several multiple-use buildings like a central chapel, on-site school, gymnasium, 4-H program, dining hall, and administration building. At this time there are two homes open for children. Houseparents are needed. In 2009, the Barn will be raised. Being on the ground floor of this work, you will be a viable part of the foundation of the overall ministry. Of the 90 acres, The Ranch will build on one-third of it, leaving the remaining land for crops, trees, natural habitat.
A Legacy – Forever, For others, For Christ - This property is “owned” by no individual, but incorporated as an organization whose CEO is Jesus Christ. The investments made to this mission go directly into the furtherance of the Kingdom of Christ by building families in His Presence. Your talents will produce a multi-fold reaping for His purposes alone. You will leave a legacy that you can be happy to give to Him at His return (Matt 25).
All the King’s horses, His women and men
with The King
put broken children together again.
Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. (Mark 10:28-30)