They had an earnest desire to develop a healthy living environment capable of helping vulnerable youth in the midst of emotional crisis.
To provide alternatives of hope to vulnerable young people and their families through caring relationships and developmental opportunities for the whole person: Mental, Social, Physical and Spiritual. In the mid 1970’s a small group of Fresno-Madera Youth for Christ (YFC) volunteers involved with the Youth Guidance Division of YFC were volunteering in Juvenile Hall. Concerned about the tremendous
damage to individual lives and the community, this small group of volunteer counselors began to research solutions. In Michigan, an extremely successful program was found called TEEN RANCH. The idea was simple, build a home in a country ranch setting and provide 24-hour ranch parents to care for and work with the children in a normal, healthy Christian environment. Their record has been exceptionally successful. Since its opening in 1967, over 90% of those involved in the Michigan Teen Ranch program have become contributing citizens in their communities with no further experience of unlawful behavior. A board of directors evolved and the conceptual foundation was laid to build a Teen Ranch right here in our Central Valley - VALLEY TEEN RANCH. Valley Teen Ranch was incorporated June 1, 1983. After several years in the developmental stages, the actual physical foundation of Valley Teen Ranch was laid on 80 acres of farmland in Madera County. In May 1987, the physical structure of the first home was completed, staff was chosen and trained, and the first 10 boys were placed at Valley Teen Ranch. As we begin to match real young lives to the dream of rehabilitation that first motivated that small group of volunteers so many years ago, we can see that the long journey to this point was worthwhile. What a valuable asset — reaching out to children whose lives have been damaged by emotional crisis and providing an effective way to help move them out of the relentless path of self-destruction. VALLEY TEEN RANCH, a valuable asset created to protect our community’s most valuable assets — the lives of children. Our Mission: To assist troubled young people and their families in rebuilding their lives through caring
relationships and opportunities to grow mentally, physically, socially and spiritually. Our Motto: Building Young Lives
