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A Journey of Hope A MESSAGE FROM EAGLE RANCH FOUNDER EDDIE STAUB One of our great desires for the boys and girls who live at Eagle Ranch is that they will be people of hope. No matter how daunting current circumstances, we want them to believe hope is waiting on the horizon. Just as the barrenness of winter recedes into new spring growth, so can our lives transition in such a way—consolation always follows desolation. I’m reminded of a great example in the Bible. When rebuilding the devastated walls of Jerusalem, Nehemiah instructed the workers to have one hand on their sword to fend off opposition and with the other hand to build—to build a future full of hope for God’s people. There will always be those situations in our lives when we need to fend off difficulties, but there is also great opportunity to move toward the hope to which we’ve been called. At the time this annual report is being developed, we are still in the midst of a global pandemic. A natural approach to this crisis is to “circle the wagons,” but we want to be expectant of “God opportunities” to keep “building the walls” as we deal with the opposition of this health crisis. One of Eagle Ranch’s growth opportunities is the Wings Center (described in more detail in this issue), which will address an increasingly urgent need as mental health issues become one of the greatest challenges as a result of this health crisis. We are excited to expand our horizons to be part of bringing healing and hope to so many in our community and beyond. Thank you so much for partnering with us throughout our 35 years. Your support here has truly made a difference. God’s blessings to you. OUR MISSION Eagle Ranch helps make life better for children and their families, positively impacting communities for the glory of God.
healing begins here From the first call to Eagle Ranch, families learn they are not alone. Their child’s identity and direction in life are not defined by their struggles. Help is available. Healing begins here. When Should a Family Consider Contacting Eagle Ranch? Eagle Ranch helps boys and girls struggling behaviorally, emotionally or relationally, reaching a crisis level that can’t be resolved while they are living at home. Visit us online at EagleRanch.org/admissions or call 770-967-8500 or to learn more. One of the Southeast’s largest residential children’s programs, Eagle Ranch provides a Christ-centered home, education and counseling for nearly 70 boys and girls. On our 315-acre campus in Flowery Branch, children are given the structure, stability and time needed to work through a crisis situation. Families participate in the program through counseling, support groups and family activities. The goal is for each child to return home to a family that together has learned important relational and coping skills that will help them thrive. Eagle Ranch impacts the lives and futures of children and families in local communities across Georgia, serving children ages 8-15, in over 40 counties in North Georgia and metro Atlanta. EAGLE RANCH Key Service Area THE Children WE SERVED IN 2019 ARE BEING RAISED BY 25% SINGLE PARENTS 24% BLENDED FAMILIES 19% NATURAL PARENTS 18% ADOPTIVE FAMILIES 14% GRANDPARENTS
Hope for Tre’ A FAMILY RESTORED “ Had Tre’ not come to Eagle Ranch, he would be in jail or dead. I know that because of the path he was on. He learned that his father’s death is part of his life, but it doesn’t define him. He learned how to deal with his anger and renewed his relationship with God. A lot of people poured into him, and into our family. Eagle Ranch saved my son’s life and helped our family move forward.” Crystal M. Mother of Tre’von See Tre’von’s journey to healing at EagleRanch.org/AR20
Courage Happens Here Eagle Ranch is a courageous choice for children and families. Boys and girls spend 18-24 months at Eagle Ranch, where they live in a therapeutic environment that challenges them in every area of life. Eagle Ranch teaches children how to evaluate their daily choices and understand the consequences of each decision. We help boys and girls see how all areas of their lives are connected and understand that the past doesn’t have to define their future.
HOMELIFE COUNSELING Our campus includes 10 neighborhood-style homes staffed by professionally trained Houseparent couples and Program Assistants who: • Provide a structured and stable home environment • Live and teach principles for healthy family relationships • Reinforce positive decision-making • Share family meals and activities Our Integrated Program Our Team of Licensed Professional Counselors benefits the whole family, including siblings that may still be living at home, by providing: • Individual, group and family counseling • Parent support groups • Educational events • Continued Care counseling to help families succeed after completing our program EDUCATION SPIRITUAL LIFE Our SACS-accredited, on-campus school for grades 6-9 helps children close any existing academic gaps and promote success through: • Small classes with a certified teacher and paraprofessional • Targeted goal-setting and instruction • Read 180 intervention program • Exploratory classes to broaden horizons and build life skills Families thrive when faith is their cornerstone. Our Spiritual Life team provides guidance and ways to connect with Christ through: • Bible studies in our homes and devotions at Eagle Ranch School • Family worship nights • Instruction and mentorship • Involvement in local churches and youth groups
HOPE MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU THANKS TO YOU, EAGLE RANCH HAS THE RESOURCES TO GIVE BOYS AND GIRLS INNOVATIVE, BEST-IN-CLASS CARE IN A PEACEFUL, NURTURING ENVIRONMENT.
FREEDOM WHY? BECAUSE WE BELIEVE IN STEWARDSHIP, LONGEVITY AND INDEPENDENCE. Two long-held tenets of Eagle Ranch are to be debt free and accept no government funding. STEWARDSHIP - We remain committed to the careful stewardship of all that is entrusted to us – from the boys and girls we serve to the contributions of faithful supporters. LONGEVITY - Eagle Ranch approaches all projects with longevity in mind. No projects are started until funding is secured. INDEPENDENCE - Eagle Ranch’s program is not shaped by changing trends, giving us the freedom to operate on timetested principles and a foundation of faith. With over 80% of contributions 8% 11% 81% DIRECTLY TO SUPPORT CHILDREN Administrative Fundraising going directly to our mission, Eagle Ranch exceeds the industry standard of 65%. This stewardship has consistently earned us the highest rating from Charity Navigator, a leading global charity monitor. DONATIONS TO SOURCES OF REVENUE IN 2019 GENERAL OPERATIONS ENDOWMENT 12% HONOR AND MEMORIAL GIFTS 1,738 INDIVIDUALS 145 BUSINESSES 42 FOUNDATIONS PROGRAM FEES SPECIAL EVENTS AND OTHER 31 CHURCHES 10 CIVIC CLUBS 3 ESTATES Our 2019 budget was $4.4 million. 9% 5% 3% 71% GENERAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Your Top Questions Answered Why do children come to Eagle Ranch? Families turn to Eagle Ranch when emotional and behavioral issues with their child have reached a crisis point. Sometimes, this occurs after a traumatic event, such as a death in the family, or as a result of a build-up of problems that have not been addressed. How many children do you help? What ages? Eagle Ranch can help up to 66 children, including 42 boys and 24 girls. We accept children between the ages of 8-15, with middle school aged children (grades 6-8) making up the majority of our population. How are families involved? Eagle Ranch provides a healthy environment for children to be reconciled with their families. Children go home every other weekend and on holidays to keep the family connected and practice what they’ve learned through the Ranch. Families participate in counseling, parent support groups, worship nights, educational events and more. Our goal is to help the entire family restore and strengthen relationships, communication, accountability and resiliency. Do the families have to pay? In our 35 years of serving children and families, no child has ever been turned away because of the inability to pay. We ensure access to families of all income levels. More than 95% of Eagle Ranch’s program costs are covered through donations. We charge a small fee, based on income, to affirm a family’s commitment to our program. What is your campus like? Eagle Ranch encourages children to be active on our beautiful, wooded 315-acre campus. Boys and girls live in one of 10 homes (6 boys’ homes, 4 girls’ homes) in a neighborhood-like setting. Children benefit from an on-campus, SACS-accredited school for grades 6-9, dedicated equine center and a variety of recreational facilities. “Mending lives takes patience and time. The most rewarding impact of Eagle Ranch’s work is seen in boys and girls who worked through their struggles and have grown into adults with their own families. Eagle Ranch represents God’s hands of healing love.” ELIZABETH HARRIS, FORMER FIRST LADY OF GEORGIA
CHILDHOOD RESTORED “It’s been such a blessing to be Hope for Cortez here at Eagle Ranch. They don’t ignore your problems and tell you to move on. They actually help you work through them. Being here has opened up a lot of opportunities I never had before. Eagle Ranch has given me back my childhood.” Cortez Age 14, The Joy Home Learn more about Cortez making courageous choices at EagleRanch.org/AR20
2019 PROGRAM 89% of our students improved their reading comprehension levels by participating in our dedicated reading class and using the Read 180 tool. 100% of our students participated in academic and behavioral goal setting, building motivation and self-confidence as they experienced success. 150+ morning devotion times were held at Eagle Ranch School. Additionally, Spiritual Life events for children and families were conducted throughout the year. 17 exploratory classes let students discover their talents in skill areas such as art, sign language, horsemanship and woodworking, among others.
HIGHLIGHTS 67 children took part in our 18-24 month residential program. was the average age of children served. 13-years-old 206 family members received services including counseling, parent support groups, educational events and family activities. counseling sessions were provided. 8,000+ 100% of families said counseling helped them identify areas of work needed for their family to experience lifelong change. 89% of families felt the Eagle Ranch program is helping them make progress toward their child’s return home.
Community INVESTING IN OUR THE WINGS INITIATIVE is Eagle Ranch’s outreach to help other children’s programs and non-profit organizations. Since 1996, we have shared best practices, provided mentoring and helped support nearly 1,000 individuals and organizations across the United States and internationally. Pictured: Champion Oaks Ranch, based in Jasper, Texas, visited Eagle Ranch to learn about equine therapy and other facets of our program.
Our Purpose in Action YOU CAN HELP HOPE GROW Eagle Ranch exists for two key purposes: to be a tangible expression of God’s goodness and power in the world; and to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who struggle. We put this into action by reaching out to help others in our community and beyond. Throughout the year, we host events to educate therapeutic professionals, empower families and encourage supporters. Our boys and girls also experience the joy of serving others through ongoing outreach projects. Join our community and help support the Eagle Ranch mission. PRAY Remember our children and staff in your prayers. God is our greatest provider and prayer is our greatest resource. CONTINUING EDUCATION We host continuing education events for therapeutic professionals. Screen use expert and author Melanie Hempe shared how to help manage screen time. EVENTS FOR FAMILIES On-campus events and activities provide opportunities for families to learn, connect and build relationships. LEARNING TO SERVE We provide our children the opportunity to learn the value of serving others through various service projects throughout the year. VOLUNTEER Help maintain our campus, provide meals, help with events and special projects. PARTICIPATE Sponsor or participate in our annual events, including Run the Ranch and the DeWitt Weaver Eagle Ranch Golf Classic. GIVE Your financial contribution helps our work with children and families. Consider a recurring monthly gift or funding a specific need. REMEMBER Help provide hope and a future for generations of children by remembering Eagle Ranch Inc., Chestnut Mountain, Ga. in your will or estate plan. “Having Eagle Ranch students come out and serve was an incredible help to our organization. Through their efforts over 300 families received food over the weekend. Thank you, Eagle Ranch, for giving back and supporting this community!” Beau Robson Straight Street Ministries LEARN MORE Contact Kelly Brewer at 770.967.8500 or kbrewer@eagleranch.org for more information.
Hope on the Horizon Georgia ranks 36th out of 50 states for access to mental healthcare. Mental Health America of Georgia THE JAMES W. WEBB WINGS CENTER Front Elevation Rear Elevation E agle Ranch will soon break ground on The James W. Webb Wings Center. Located on Eagle Ranch’s campus in Flowery Branch, the 10,000 square-foot facility will serve as a community counseling, retreat and mentoring center. At Eagle Ranch, need always drives our vision, and therefore our expansion. With the crucial need for access to quality mental health facilities in our community and beyond, we are excited about the opportunity to expand our services and reach even more children, families and others in need.
The new center will increase Eagle Ranch’s influence and impact by offering a broader range of services. COMMUNITY COUNSELING Mental health services are among the most rapidly growing needs in North Georgia. The center will provide outpatient counseling for children and families, marriage counseling and, for our graduates, continued care counseling. RETREAT SPACE The center will offer retreats for married couples, parents and ministry leaders. A HOME FOR THE WINGS INITIATIVE Founded in 1996, this initiative provides mentoring and support to other children’s programs and non-profit organizations across the United States and internationally. The center will serve as home for this initiative and provide working space, support services and resources. For more information about plans for The Wings Center, visit EagleRanch.org/vision Eagle Ranch School Office Girls’ Center Future site of the The James W. Webb Wings Center Boys’ Homes THE EAGLE RANCH CAMPUS Athletic Facilities Flowery Branch, GA Lodge Chapel Equine Facility Girls’ Homes ABOUT JIM WEBB The longest-serving Board member in Eagle Ranch history, we called him, “Jim.” His lengthy career as a senior executive with Procter & Gamble, and later as Chairman at Triaxia Partners, influenced Jim to promote excellence at Eagle Ranch: in our ministry, our staffing and our business practices. Jim was always asking, “What’s next?” Towards the end of his life in 2019, Jim continued to ask that question, commenting that he wanted to see Eagle Ranch do even more to help our community and world. In response to Jim’s tremendous investment and influence on Eagle Ranch, the Wings Center and its services are dedicated to Jim’s wish for “more.”
THE EAGLE RANCH BOARD OF DIRE CTORS Tim Ayres Partner, Moore Colson & Co. Craig Barrs, Chair Retired Executive Vice President, Georgia Power Company Greg Boyd CEO, Intellicom Wireless Management, Inc. Mike Callahan Retired President and CEO, Lynn Chastain Retired Senior VP and Gypsum Management & Supply General Counsel, Chick-fil-A Jim Copeland Retired Human Resources Executive, Wrigley BOARD OF ADVISORS COURTNEY AMOS DAN CATHY VINCE DOOLEY, Emeritus ELIZABETH HARRIS GLEN JACKSON EARL LEONARD DAN QUINN DAVID RATCLIFFE DAN REEVES WENDELL STARKE JOHN WIELAND PHILIP WILHEIT JENNER WOOD Tom Fuller Retired Chief Financial Officer, 22squared Steve Gilliam Partner, Smith, Gilliam, Williams & Miles Jeff Henderson Lead Pastor, Gwinnett Church EAGLE RANCH FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES BLAIR CUNNINGHAM STEVE GILLIAM ROY JONES LYNN PRICE KIRBY THOMPSON ROBERT WYNNE Kristen M. Lewis Co-Founder, The Bowden Law Firm Mart Martin Founder, 3 Key Questions Dave Polstra Co-Founder, Brightworth Eagle Ranch Post Office Box 7200 Chestnut Mountain, GA 30502 770.967.8500 • EagleRanch.org Lynn Price Chief Financial Officer, Compliance Services, LLC Sara Storck Director: Brand Strategy, Planning & Design, Chick-fil-A Brittany Thoms Co-Founder and Partner, See.Spark.Go
Hope for Chrissa LIFE FULL CIRCLE “Wow . . . 15 years. It’s hard to believe it’s been that long since I first laid eyes on the Ranch. It’s crazy how things have come full circle for me. I now have an 8-year-old little boy. He’s so intelligent, so handsome, so sweet, and yet so willful. He’s too smart for his own good, and when he makes a decision, he too digs his heels in. At times, I see him walking down the same path I once walked . . . the one filled with blunders and wrong decisions, hurtful words and even more hurtful actions, and it pains me. Because of my time at the Ranch, I am able to sit my baby bear down, take a deep breath, look him in the eyes, and have a conversation. He and I, we are a work in progress. But if there is one thing I know, it’s that I would never have made it this far on my own.” Chrissa Lynch Eagle Ranch Graduate As told at Eagle Ranch’s 35th anniversary dinner Pictured: Chrissa and son, Jacob (2015). Learn more about Chrissa’s life coming full circle at EagleRanch.org/AR20
What Matters Most NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID Recent events have led many of us to reflect upon what matters most. Did you know Eagle Ranch can direct your gift to what is most important to you? Whether it’s supporting our daily work of healing, leaving a legacy through your will, or funding a specific need, we can help you match your giving to your priorities and interests. Learn more by contacting Kelly Brewer at 770-967-8500, or kbrewer@eagleranch.org. Post Office Box 7200 Chestnut Mountain, GA 30502 GAINESVILLE, GA PERMIT #82 OUR CORE VALUES We have an unwavering faith in Christ. We consider the care of children a sacred trust. We partner with families to help make life better. We create a peaceful, stable environment. We are a community that serves communities. We are committed to timeless innovation. We are careful stewards. Child Centered. Family Focused. Community Based.
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