River's Edge Ranch

River's Edge Ranch is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a holistic substance abuse recovery program for men. The program is focused on empowering individuals to overcome addiction and lead a life of purpose.

Overview

River's Edge Ranch was founded to restore hope for men whose lives have been impacted by addiction. Since its inception in 2007, the organization has served hundreds of men, including those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, chronic unemployment, homelessness, and incarceration. The program is particularly notable for serving veterans and parolees.

Mission

The mission of River's Edge Ranch is centered around creating a supportive environment that fosters healing and personal growth. This is achieved through a combination of manual labor, animal-assisted therapy, community service, and faith-based mentorship. The organization emphasizes the importance of spiritual transformation as a core component of the recovery process.

Programs

The core program offered by River's Edge Ranch is a one-year, multi-phase recovery initiative. This program includes:

• Phase One: Restoration
  Focuses on restoring mental and physical health by teaching basic life skills such as healthy eating, restful sleep, exercise, and time management.

• Phase Two: Preparation
  Prepares individuals for reintegration into society through full-time work at the ranch, counseling, and community service.

• Phase Three: Stability (Optional)
  Provides transitional housing and support for men transitioning back into society, focusing on full-time employment and continued spiritual, emotional, and financial stability.

Impact

Since its founding, River's Edge Ranch has served over 700 men. In 2023, 20 men graduated from the one-year program, with 80% continuing their journey in the transitional housing phase, securing jobs, and receiving vehicles. This indicates a strong success rate in helping individuals achieve long-term recovery and stability.

Leadership

The organization is led by a dedicated team, including individuals who have personally experienced the benefits of the program. Key staff members include Doug Whiteman as CEO, Tyler Logan as Acting Ranch Director, and Brad Ladua as Operations Officer, among others.

Financial Model

The organization operates with a monthly program cost of approximately $1,900 per participant. However, participants are only required to pay $600 per month, with the remainder covered by donations. This model ensures that financial barriers do not hinder access to the program, with 85% of participants receiving financial assistance.

Governance

River's Edge Ranch is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its board of directors includes diverse professionals who contribute to the strategic direction and oversight of the organization.

Overall, River's Edge Ranch stands out for its holistic approach to recovery, emphasizing spiritual transformation, hard work, and community engagement as key elements in helping men rebuild their lives.