His children shall have a place of refuge. Proverbs 14:26
Our Mission
Provide a safe, caring, and Christ-centered home to meet the spiritual, physical, emotional, and social needs of children in crisis.
How To Help
Partner with us today! There are many ways that you can help a child in need. We accept monetary & non-monetary donations and can come speak to your organization about our mission.

Volunteer
Be a part of what is happening at Joy Ranch! There are opportunities for churches, service groups, and individuals alike.

Our Team
Our staff is more than just a group of employees: we believe that each team member is an essential part of the Joy Ranch family.
Our Work
News & Events
The Children
The Children By Erin Austin This year marks the 15th year I've worked in a children's home. The stories I could tell about what these children have endured would make you shudder. It's unfathomable to me the atrocities these kids have endured, and yet we expect them...
Exodus Cottage News
After twelve years of serving as houseparents at Joy Ranch, Gene & Bethany Collins are resigning from our Exodus girls' cottage. Bethany is currently dealing with some health challenges which requires them to step away from the Joy Ranch ministry. Please pray for...
Leebrick Cottage – Words from New Houseparents
(Originally posted August 9, 2025 by Ashley Arnold) Today, our cottage doors officially opened! Houseparents… Such a simple word, but one that carries a weight only Heaven truly understands! When you open the door to a cottage like this, you’re not just stepping into...
Latest From Tales of a Houseparent Blog
Celebrating 60 Years Helping Kids in 2021.
Since opening its doors in 1961 under the direction of the Rev. Richard and Mary McHenry, Joy Ranch, has served over 5000 children and their families in crisis.
Faith Funded
Joy Ranch is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Your gifts are tax deductible. Joy Ranch is funded by faith through donations from individuals, churches and other organizations. Joy Ranch is licensed by the state of Virginia but receives no yearly-allocated state funding. We abide by the standards for membership in the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.

About Us
Joy Ranch provides a safe, loving, and structured home for children from crisis situations. Our children have endured difficulties out of their control and need a place of refuge. We provide trauma-informed care, empowerment, and protection for all of our children in a family-style, home setting.
Phone: 276-236-5578