GOD’S CALLING Our Houseparents often say what led them to Eagle Ranch was a calling from God to serve children and families. Over the years, that call has reached across the United States and even abroad. Two of the newest Houseparent couples at Eagle Ranch hail from the far corners of the United States: Washington State and South Florida. The Pruitts Mark and Tifaney Pruitt spent the last 15 years in youth ministry in Olympia, Washington. Originally from Arkansas, the couple has worked with youth for most of their professional lives. Mark served as a youth pastor, and Tifaney worked in social work as well as teaching. “We have a heart for the hard cases, the kids that others might give up on,” said Tifaney. It’s hard to imagine moving from the beachside comforts of south Florida, especially when you live in a place called “Green Acres.” But for Charlie and Christina Thompson, Eagle Ranch was the place for them. As a young adult, Christina helped others in need, becoming a single foster parent and volunteering with a group home for girls. Charlie was looking for a change in his career. “I worked in Christian family law, so I’m used to working with families,” said Charlie. “Eagle Ranch’s focus on keeping families together and helping children return home really appealed to me. When children move to an Eagle Ranch home, they are cared for by a Houseparent couple. Houseparents create a family environment in each home, providing a structured daily routine, fun activities, family meals, guidance and care. They develop a close relationship with each child and their family with the goal of helping the child return home. Couples who have an interest in Houseparenting are encouraged to learn more about the application process. To read more about the Pruitts and the Thompsons, or to learn more about becoming a Houseparent at Eagle Ranch, visit EagleRanch.org/HP19 Reaches Far The Thompsons
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