TimberCreek Ranch Newsletter December 2022

‘We are committed to cultivating young men to lead productive and generous lives through faith, hope, and love.’

Hello from TimberCreek Ranch!  We pray this letter finds blessings to you and your families, and we wish you and your families a blessed holiday season!

We are truly excited and honored to be a part of God’s work and plan by serving young men.  We are struggling to pay bills, but we believe they are God’s bills, and we know He will provide a way for us to keep serving the people he has brought to us. 

Our Story:

In Michigan, about 13,000 youth engage in foster care services each year.  Many of these are ages 16+ and face mounting challenges as prospects for adoption or reunification begin to fade.  These traumas lead to young men who become homeless, addicted, or incarcerated. 

TimberCreek Ranch is a Mission aiming to serve at-risk-young-men ages 18-24 who are either aging out of foster care or are struggling with homelessness and mild substance abuse.  The 80+ acres of gorgeous land that our residences preside on were built 15 years ago to make a difference in the lives of young men. 

We truly believe that with the love of God, the faith in His saving grace, and the hope and strength of our staff and community partners, we can play a part in cultivating a brand-new life for all who come here.  Our Services:

     Housing - Residents stay in one of our beautiful residential homes.

     Training - We provide vocational training, life skills and educational services.

     Spiritual Formation - We offer daily devotions and prayer.  We believe Jesus Christ is the Foundation for a successful life. 

Our Values - G.R.I.T.

Grace - We forgive quickly and exhibit tolerance, patience, and kindness when we disagree.

Refuge - We are committed to making TCR a safe place for all people.  We love all people equally and embrace diversity.

Integrity - We believe integrity isn't what you do when people are watching, it is what you do when they aren't.

Truth - We believe honesty is the best policy.  We tell the truth, even when it is difficult. 

Snapshot of a typical day at TimberCreek Ranch:

7:00 am - The young men wake up.  They eat breakfast and do their chores.  All the young men must make their beds, wash breakfast dishes, and clean their homes from top to bottom before leaving for the day.  All houses are inspected daily by our house managers. 

8:30 a.m. – Daily devotions – This is an opportunity to share and grow in God’s word, which is the core and heart of our program. 

9:00 am - 3:00 pm – The young men attend Vocations – Vocational training is an opportunity to learn mechanics, carpentry, drywall, and stonework just to mention a few areas of training that will help to secure better future jobs and careers.

2X weekly – Group sessions in the homes after 3:00 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays – free time – We have volunteers on Sundays that take those who want to attend church

After graduating at certain levels, young men our young men encouraged to find employment. 

We have several partners in the area that help train and employ our young men. 

Updates/good news:

There has been 100% attendance at Devotions which meets each morning at 8:30 a.m. Ranchers are required to attend at least two spiritual enrichment activities per month.

 We've received a $2,500 Grant from Safelite.  It is to be used for rancher clothing and activities. 

 Our ranchers are very active in using the Sunfield gym and our weightlifting equipment in the Coppess house.

 Several of our Ranchers have found meaningful employment.

 We have helped several ranchers obtain their driver's licenses or start their training to get their driver's licenses.

 Many of our ranchers are in school and working on their G.E.D.s or diplomas.

 We had a successful event on November 11th, which was to thank our partners. 

 Positive reinforcement training for staff was conducted last week.  Proper training is crucial for the success of these young men.  The training is all based on looking for the good in people and disciplining them with dignity.

 A ranch car was donated and fixed up for use by the employees as well as the ranchers when they reach a certain level.

Jim Sessions, a volunteer pastor, is coming to do a spiritual care series every week, the current topic is how to live a Christian Life as a Young Man.

Former NBA player, Tommy Payne, who spent 30 years in prison, and has turned his life around as a Christian man who works with young people, has begun donating his time every Tuesday to do a series with our young men called the Seven Principles of Excellence.

 Discussions are taking place about beginning a church at the ranch.

Our Board president, Dr. Scott, continues to work on grants for funding.

Two new Ranchers have been taken in in the last month.

One Rancher was brought back after finishing a 90-day drug and alcohol treatment program.

We have added a volunteer third shift employee, who is trading his salary for a place to stay.

We are working with the state to help get a car for those who qualify.