March 2021 Newsletter

THE PAINFUL TRUTH

In Michigan, about 13,000 youth engage foster care services through MDHHS every year. 23% represent “Transition Age Youth” (ages 16+) who face mounting challenges as prospects for adoption or reunification fade. These youth languish in the system, only to arrive on the doorstep of homelessness, incarceration, or addiction. The social, emotional, and spiritual maturation is truncated by the effects of these traumatic experiences. The escalating challenges undermine efforts to deliver the broad services required to counteract the outcomes for youth transitioning to adulthood.

Transition services, defined as employment and vocational training, educational, and housing assistance, are intended to equip transition-age youth with the skills necessary to successfully begin the evolution to adulthood. Unfortunately, Michigan is significantly below national rates in all categories. Only 3% of Michigan’s transition-age youth received services related to employment programs and/or vocational training. Compared to the 23% of transition-age youth across the United States, Michigan is desperately behind. When evaluating outcomes by age 21, only 41% engaged full/part time employment compared to 62% of their peers in the general population in Michigan. The challenges encountered by this population are compounded by the lingering effects of COVID-19 on Michigan’s economy.

At TimberCreek Ranch, we believe every person has value and deserves an opportunity to learn how to navigate a successful life and give back to their community. Our mission is to cultivate young men, ages 18-24, to lead productive and generous lives through faith, hope, and love. This mission is buttressed by the ideals of a Christian ethic and our Christ-centered attitude toward care and compassion. We exercise the ideals of grace, refuge, integrity, and truth in the ethos of our organization and our programs. We are compelled to serve because it is through the flourishing of others that individuals, families, and communities are restored.

NEW PARTNERS

February was a blessed month filled with building bridges to new partner organizations who seek to serve the same at-risk population. We are so grateful to be linking arms with Mel Trotter of Grand Rapids, Genesee County Youth Corporation, and a local home Church network with The Woodland Shepherds. We have some new partners coming to tour the Ranch this month and hope to share more good news soon!

PARTICIPANTS UPDATES

Our first two Program Participants have had a great time settling in. One has successfully enrolled at a local High School and is on track to graduate this Spring, while the other has begun our Vocational Training Program and is excelling. He will also be getting his driver's license soon and we'll be helping him acquire a new vehicle. We are so grateful for such a great start for them both!

If you know anyone who is in need of our services, please contact info@tcranch.org