Refuge Ranch Ministries

Refuge Ranch Ministries (RRM) is a U.S. non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of youth and equines. The organization aims to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children to heal and grow, with an emphasis on Christian faith.

Mission and Activities

The core mission of RRM is encapsulated in its motto: "Revive the Spirit, Rescue the Equine, Mentor the Child." The organization focuses on serving youth aged 4-17, providing them with opportunities for personal growth through various activities. These activities include working with horses, riding, crafting, playing games, doing farm chores, and gardening. Additionally, RRM educates children in equine safety and horse husbandry, promoting a holistic approach to child development.

Program Structure

RRM's programs are structured around child-led sessions, often lasting about 90 minutes, where each child receives one-on-one attention from adult mentors. These sessions are tailored to encourage children toward healing and personal growth, addressing any emotional scars they may carry. The mentorship is Christian faith-focused, aiming to foster spiritual development alongside personal well-being.

Community Impact

Refuge Ranch Ministries operates in southeast Minnesota, offering a supportive community environment where children and equines alike can find healing and purpose. By focusing on hope, healing, and transformation through Christ-centered community activities, RRM has witnessed significant positive impacts on both the youth and their families. The organization stresses the importance of authentic relationships and the transformative role animals and compassionate humans can play in a child's life.

Operational Principles

RRM is committed to being a biblically responsible nonprofit organization, emphasizing stewardship of funds and resources. Donations to RRM support horse care and student sessions directly, ensuring that resources are utilized effectively to carry out the organization's mission.

Historical Background

Refuge Ranch Ministries was formally established in 2014, born from a vision that emerged in the early 2000s. The organization's founders, inspired by personal experiences of hope and healing facilitated by horses, set out to create a space where others could also find transformation and spiritual growth.