GUTHRIE, OK – Abused and neglected children in Oklahoma are finding a new future thanks to the relationships formed by Peppers Ranch and Life.Church volunteers.
As an organization committed to breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect, Peppers Ranch knows first-hand how crucial relationships are to changing the lives of those in their care. With restorative relationships at the core of Life.Church’s local mission approach, the two organizations have formed a partnership that is changing lives in the Oklahoma City area.
“The things that happen at Peppers Ranch couldn’t happen without the people of Life.Church,” Peppers Ranch Executive Director Tonya Ratcliff said. “A mission partner is more than someone who comes out and volunteers. They’re truly invested in what they believe in. They have to have a passion for our organization.”
Related story: Peppers Ranch to celebrate grant From Life.Church
Currently, around 65 volunteers from several Life.Church campuses visit Peppers Ranch each month to spend time building relationships with Oklahoma City-area youth. On Thursday, over 150 people including families, volunteers, and Life.Church leaders gathered in Guthrie to celebrate a $20,000 grant to continue to Peppers Ranch’s work of providing a nurturing environment through loving homes, counseling, and growth-oriented activities.
“Peppers Ranch offers many unique opportunities for kids and mentors to bond, from equestrian riding to fishing to ballet,” says Ratcliff. “As they bond through those activities, consistency goes a long way in restoring the lives of the kids at Peppers Ranch. They say things like, ‘That person really cares about me. That person really loves me. That person wants to be my friend.’ That’s very special for these kids. It’s how they’re learning to build trust, through some amazing people who are willing to invest their time,” said Ratcliff.
“When I look around this room, I’m hard-pressed to find a better picture of how much God loves us,” said Tony Doland, Pastor at Life.Church Oklahoma City. “Places and people like Peppers Ranch give us to the opportunity to live out our mission to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ in a way that is truly changing the lives of everyone involved.”
Incredibly thankful for the support of all the volunteers who make Peppers Ranch thrive! Life.Church, we appreciate you more than you will ever know, and look forward to impacting more lives through this mission and vision of changing the face of Oklahoma Foster care!