Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Roots and Wings Ranch
FUNDING INITIATIVE
Need for Change
In Northeast Georgia, 75% of these children are reunited with mom and/or dad, or adopted. This leaves 25% with relatives, close family friends, or in foster care until they age out. Once they age out, many are dependent on the government, homeless, or have a child which starts the cycle all over again The system is underfunded and understaffed in regards to basic care, leaving these kids with a major disadvantage. Their environment is not one they asked for, nor is it providing them the opportunity to excel academically or achieve financial stability when they age out.
On any given day, there are over 12,000 foster children in the state of Georgia. Currently, in Northeast Georgia, there are 881 children in foster care, with 136 Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) homes supplying 350 beds and 60 Child Placement Agency (CPA) homes with ~100 beds. This means over 400 children had to be placed outside the region to receive care.
Many children leaving their area are separated from siblings. Most change schools and are hours away from any biological family members. Brothers and sisters separated from each other in foster care experience even more trauma, anger, and an extreme sense of loss. Research suggests that separating siblings may make it difficult for them to begin a healing process, make attachments, and develop a healthy self image.
According to the Georgia DFCS office, one of the greatest needs for foster children is placing siblings together.
Our vision is to keep children together and near their families in our district whether through foster care or private placement There are far too many children leaving our region due to lack of resources. Although our ministry's primary focus is children in the region, the Ranch will accept children from all around the state.
Redefining Foster Care in Georgia
Roots and Wings Ministry was established as a 501c3 to support the needs of Northeast Georgia. In our model, the ranch provides a centralized headquarters supporting the children directly, as well as the network of foster families surrounding it We believe this combined approach is the best option to adapt and grow based on the changing needs. Our goal is to develop a community of support for our House and Foster Parents and the children in their care
Roots to know where home is, Wings to fly away and exercise what’s been taught.
Our Ministries’ Charter is to change this with our two programs: The Ranch and Outreach.
Our House Parents will be Christian couples, not single parents
Regardless of where the children live, our program ' s strength is based on Christian families and values they live by and teach all of our children. Our ministry will be one of love and support for all of those that join it.
Our Solution
On the Ranch
Our House parents will be full time employees of the Ranch
We will support up to 100 children ages 6 19
Roots and Wings Outreach
Children supported would be in Foster Care
Foster Parents will be supported with resources (respite), Facilities on the Ranch and continuous training
Children would be large sibling groups or direct placement from kinship families/relatives
Foster Parents will be Christian couples, not single parents
Our vision is to strengthen our community. By developing a network of homes on and off the Ranch, we can set our full focus on advocating for children in need. These programs are designed to support the children's growth spiritually, intellectually, physically, and emotionally.
We will support the surrounding community around the Ranch
We will qualify & train foster parents following the same program used for house parents on the Ranch
Planned Facilities on the Ranch to Support House and Foster Parents:
A Close Knit Community
There is a high value in the bonds made between neighboring homes, cultivating a sense of community and safety for the amazing children to be cared for. building homes not houses - front porches where children can be children 6k sq ft farmhouse style home built on a basement Jack and Jill style bathroom House Parent & biological children suite Up to 5 children per home Open floor Plan Each Home Includes:
Our Mission:
We will always seek counsel from other farms with similar missions/visions
We will continually strive to improve Roots and Wings Ranch and our service to our children and families
We will be debt-free and build as we are financially able We will never stop learning and growing as an organization
R&W Guiding Principles
Roots and Wings Ranch advocates for children in crisis by leading them to establish a relationship with Jesus in a loving, stable environment so they may alter their life story.
As a ministry, we believe we are not only called to serve children, but to be an example of Jesus' love to our community. We have established the following principles on how we conduct the business of Roots and Wings Ranch & Outreach:
We will stay focused on our mission and vision
A relationship with Jesus is central to who we are and what we will instill in these children’s lives
Working with horses can also help children develop emotionally in a variety of different ways, from helping them feel more secure in themselves to overcoming adverse effects of trauma.
Spiritual Development
Tools for Success
Intellectual Development
Small groups are just that, boys or girls of similar ages that support one another and worship together. We have seen first hand the positive impact of these groups on children of all ages, as their relationship with Jesus grows.
Tree of Life Journal
When a child first arrives at Roots and Wings Ranch, a Tree of Life Journal will be developed. Along with the child, the houseparents, counselors, and respite houseparents will begin the process of developing the Journal. The journal is a practical tool to record the steps and growth that lead to life changes
Equestrian Therapy
Roots & Wings will support the children in their academic journey which is critical to their long term growth We will partner with a local and/or Christian school and provide additional tutoring as needed.
Adulting 101
The transition to adulthood and self sufficiency can be challenging for any young person. Roots and Wings Ranch will equip children early on with life skills to carry them throughout their adult lives
we will be debt-free and build as we are financially able. Phase 1 2025-2026 2 Homes 300 Acres Steel Building to support: Pantry Maintenance Receiving Storage Admin Fence 5 Acres 3 Heifers Fence 15 Acres Farm Manager Home Add 2 Horses Fence 10 Acres Pole Barn Pig Farm 2 Horses Phases Land + Homes Facilities Ranch The Roots & Wings Growth Plan Phase 3 2029 2032 Pool and Clubhouse Kitchen Banquet 5 Homes Finish the Athletic Fields Phase 2 2027-2028 Admin. Building 12 Offices Refrigerator Freezer 4 Homes Begin the Athletic Fields
Phase 5 20374 Homes N/A 3 Horses Barn 10 Stalls Phase 4 2033-2036 5 Homes Fence 25 Acres 3 Horses Athletic Center Maintenance Garage
stewardship through partnership.
Because of these partners, this project will move forward with the seal of approval from industry professionals, mitigating the risk of financial misuse, serious delays, and permitting issues
Roots & Wings Ranch is working with Third Lens Ministries, a nonprofit organization which manages the designbuild process in order to ensure a successful building project for ministries
Wyatt Johnson, a Third Lens partner, has volunteered and donated his design services on this project, greatly lowering design + planning costs
Join Us! FOLLOW Visit our website at rootsandwingsranch.org for more information. #1 Prayers #2 Join on Facebook #4 Donate #3 Share GIVE PLEDGE
Bronze: With this level, you can donate any amount! We appreciate all contributions made to support our mission.
Silver: Donations of $10,000 or more are considered silver gifts. Some silver gifts come with the option of naming an athletic field or a room in one of the facilities on the ranch
RETURN ON INVESTMENT
Every donation makes a difference.
Giving Options $$
Platinum: Donations of $500,000 or more are considered platinum gifts. Some platinum gifts come with the option of naming a children's home or one of the facilities on the ranch
The lasting impact we strive for is to bring generational change. We are taking a stand for the children going unnoticed, and we want to break the cycle of this happening to future generations. We invite you to be a part of the fight with us.
Gold: Donations of $100,000 or more are considered gold gifts. Some gold gifts come with the option of naming a facility on the ranch.
10k 100k 500k
building homes not housesfront porches where children can be children