Erik Stenbakken
F E AT U R E Nature, experiential learning, biblical principles, and trust-building relationships combine at Project Patch for a complete program that helps teens develop self-confidence, life skills, and a relationship with their Creator God.
Teens are at the youth ranch for a minimum of 12 months, with an average stay of 14 months, during which time they participate in five core program elements: faith, therapy, education, recreation and community service. Licensed therapists (all with master’slevel degrees in social work or similar areas) work in group settings and one-on-one with youth as they deal with complex issues such as abuse, abandonment, loss of a parent, extreme anger, hopelessness and more. “Patch was well equipped to deal with Taylor’s needs, and she responded well to the consistent, caring environment,” says Denise. “The dedicated, persistent efforts of the Patch staff brought out new strengths in her. When she came home, ssh he ha he h d a different perspective she had on life, lif i e, ew ith new goals. She’d on with had to work hard at Patch, faced her problems
squarely and learned to resolve them.” In addition to regular therapy, Patch teens attend classes at a fully licensed and accredited high school, go to church on campus, and enjoy regular recreation such as snowboarding, swimming, basketball and horseback riding. They also complete daily chores and participate in the ranch’s community service program, which teaches responsibility, the importance of helping others and how to be part of a local community. REACHING THE WHOLE FAMILY As Patch worked with more and more teens, the desire grew to reach out to the family as a whole, strengthening them so they didn’t need to place their teens in a program like Patch. That That dream became reality when Patch
was gifted gifted 500 acres near GoldGold endale. The Project Patch Family Life & Conference Center opened its doors in 2011 with the goal of building stronger families by helping them thrive in the midst of life’s challenges. The center is home to the Family Experience, a 3- to 4-day program designed to be proactive in helping before the family requires a higher level of care. The program focuses on education and coaching rather than individual therapy, and together families learn about the pitfalls they may face, develop
the skills required to weather challenging events, and share in a positive and fun experience. A few months after Taylor returned home from completing the youth ranch program, she and her mom attended the Family Experience. “It was like a mini ranch experience,” says Denise. “It was helpful to review what Taylor learned at the ranch, as it included ways to integrate what she had already le learned and what I was worki working on.” Through a vari variety of activities including includin outdoor recreation, conve conversation, a low ropes course, crafts and coaching with an experienced counselor, familie families learn different communic communication styles and what works bbest for them, how each individ individual fits into the family unit as a whole, and how to work toge together to establish boundaries aand resolve conflict. The Project Patch Family Experience is a 3- to 4-day program designed to help families grow more resilient to face life’s challenges.
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GLEANER • April 2013