And whoever welcomes one child like this in My name welcomes Me. Matthew 18:5
The highest rated experience for visitors at Wears Valley Ranch is the ability to interact and get to know our students. Many people expect to find children with obedience issues here. Instead, they meet children who are grateful, polite and respectful. These behaviors are a result of the work that God is doing in their lives. At the Ranch, God provides staff that showers love on them, while giving structure so they know what is expected from them.
Local families are in a unique position to bless our students and build relationships with them. Families may offer respite care to students who are unable to visit their own families during scheduled campus breaks. Not only is this helpful to our students, but it gives our residential staff a needed break. Once a family is approved, they become part of our Volunteer Family team. Prior to scheduled breaks, the team is notified of potential needs for respite care. If the family is available to help for all or part of the break, they will respond as available. If the volunteer family is unavailable to host a child, there is no obligation.
“Wears Valley (Ranch) allows a unique opportunity to come alongside a ministry that is doing phenomenal things for students and have the ease of bringing them into your home in like-mindedness. We have had great experiences hosting students for a respite from their norm with a sweet transition into our family life. If you have wanted to be a part of aiding the great work that is already being done at Wears Valley (Ranch), this is a great way to do,” says Jacob from Knoxville.
Alice adds, “We enjoy having a fun, Godly time interacting with the students and helping them feel at home as well as letting them know they’re always welcome back.”
Many of our students come from very difficult situations. Only those who are able to provide a nurturing environment that mimics the safe haven of Wears Valley Ranch should consider applying. The staff of the Ranch are committed to being here due to a calling from the Lord. Our Volunteer Families also respond due to the prompting of the Lord.
Please prayerfully consider opening your home to our students. If you are truly called to serve the Lord alongside the Ranch through volunteering, you will find it to be a wonderful blessing. “We expected to shower the kids with love and gifts. What we discovered was that the Lord showered us with His love as a result of hosting Ranch students,” shares Richard. “My wife and I grew deeper in our relationship with the Lord as a result of this experience.”
Learn more about becoming a Volunteer Family and download the application. You may also call (865) 439-0372 for more details. Visit our webpage to learn more about the mission and vision of Wears Valley Ranch.
