For 17 years, Refuge Ranch has been a sanctuary of healing for families facing trauma and special needs. What began on four small acres has grown into a life-changing ministry serving thousands. Now, we’re expanding to bring hope to even more families and ensure long-term sustainability and we need your help.
Our Impact
Refuge Ranch supports under-served, at-risk, and special needs families who have faced extensive trauma and painful life circumstances with services that leave a lasting impact.
As a result of our programming:
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We Need You
God has presented us with an
extraordinary opportunity. Without this
move toward sustainability and
expansion, thousands of under-served,
at-risk, and special needs youth and
families will miss the chance to
experience the hope and love of Jesus,
and the generational cycles of trauma
will continue.
With your support, we can build a legacy
that transforms lives through our unique,
Christ-centered, equine-assisted services.
Expand Refuge is more than a campaign.
It’s an opportunity to answer God’s call
to reach the most vulnerable, bringing
the hope and healing of His Kingdom to
children and families who need it most.
Would you play your part in this
life-changing movement, paving the way
for lasting restoration?
We Need You
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Key Objectives
Refuge Ranch has the opportunity to purchase an adjacent 13 acre, fully-equipped equine facility, directly connecting us to nearly 15 miles of trails at Sangchris Lake State Park and greatly expand our ministry capacity.
The Opportunity – Expansion 1
Current Campus — Available Adjacent Property — Sangchris Lake State Park
Acquisition of Adjacent Property (Spring 2026)
Provide intensive therapeutic retreats for our families in
crisis, in a familiar, trusted environment.
Offer retreat space for individuals, families, churches, and
organizations.
Generate income to reinvest into our programs, ensuring
sustainability, and expanding access for underprivileged
families.
Expand pasture to reduce hay costs, support herd growth,
and enhance care for our horses.
Necessary Investment: $715,000
Refuge Ranch consistently has a waiting list of more than 60 children who are in desperate need of services that supply faith-based, long-term, relational, crisis intervention.
Retreat Facility
A 2,500 square foot log cabin, ideal for an individual, family, and small group retreats, will allow us to develop intensive, therapeutic services combining retreats with wrap-around, Christ-centered counseling for families in crisis.
Additional Equine Facility
The adjacent property is a turnkey equestrian facility including 9+ acres of pasture, an 8-stall barn, a 90’ x 180’ indoor riding arena as well as a 100’ x 200’ outdoor riding arena enabling us to offer simultaneous services for more individuals, families, and groups.
Expansion 2
Acquisition of Existing Property
Since founding Refuge Ranch in 2008,
Stephen and Chris Daniels have
generously provided the 17-acre property
for ministry use. While all improvements
are owned by Refuge Ranch, the
land—appraised at $825,000—will now
be purchased by the ministry for
$515,000.
This pivotal step secures the long-term
legacy, sustainability, and future of
Refuge Ranch, ensuring life-changing
services continue for generations to
come.
Necessary Investment: $515,000
Ongoing – Capital Improvements & Current Program Expansion
Our approach to expanding Refuge is strategic and interconnected, with each
component building on the others. The property acquisition in Expansions 1 & 2
is just one part of a larger plan to enhance our programs and operations.
This investment covers increased staffing, new support initiatives, essential
capital improvements, and three years of operations. By investing in long-term
maintenance and growth, we maximize our facilities' potential, allowing Refuge
Ranch to deepen and broaden its life-changing impact.
With a history of steady budget growth and reliable financial support, we are
confident in our ability to sustain this $3.445 million expansion. Nearly $2.5 million
is already forecasted, backed by the ongoing generosity of our supporters.
Necessary Investment: $2,215,000
Expand Refuge Goal: $3,445,000 – Over 3 years
To accomplish this bold vision, we are seeking mission-minded partners like you to help reach thousands more of at-risk and special needs youth and families in Central Illinois with the hope and love of Jesus.
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Now we need you to help make it a reality. Your gift
helps us expand this life-changing work to even more
families still waiting.
You’ve seen the vision. You’ve heard the plan.
