When the staff and volunteers of Youth for Christ began to dream of an organization that would serve troubled young men in this valley, they heard about a Youth for Christ program in Michigan--Michigan Teen Ranch. We were modeled after this successful program and opened our doors over 30 years ago. Through a mission deeply rooted in faith our values and principles remain the same and continue to guide our work.
For instance, faith teaches us that we are forgiven and that we always have hope in anything we go through, anything that is a challenge. This gift of forgiveness and hope is at the core of our journey with youth at the Ranch.
One of the Lead Supervisors at the Ranch is Bayon Harris who began his career in 2003 as a Child Care Worker. He is a good man and an integral part of VTR. Bayon is friendly, conscientious, and is always looking for ways to help the youth. We were at our staff retreat the other day and he said he was leaving to go back to the Ranch. It was extra time in his workday, but the boys were getting out of school, and it was essential for him to check-in with them. Bayon loves his work. He could never imagine not being able to help these young men succeed.
Some of the youth we work with can be very difficult at times, but Bayon is successful at helping them through the art of balancing a good time with hard work. He has a great sense of humor, always has a smile on his face, and has a lot of fun with them. He also has earned their respect—many regard him as a father figure.
Bayon and his staff guide our youth toward a fresh start. They help youth through opportunities in mental health care, outside experiences, education, skill sets for living independently, art therapy, team building, and more. Youth can allow their past to fall away and have hope for their future.
Easter is a time when we think about words like forgiveness and hope. It is a time when we look at the Bayons of the world and see the message of Easter—one life poured out for the many.
So many of our boys stand at this threshold of change. Please consider your
Easter Donation
for the Ranch. You help us make the difference in these boys’ lives.
