Redeeming All That Trauma and Abuse Have Stolen

Serving foster youth, first responders, and veterans

through safe housing, equine therapy, and the support of a compassionate family.

About Us

Dogwood Ranch

Our Vision


To see that every foster youth and at-risk family within the heart of the Ozarks has the opportunity to function fully in their God-given gifts and destiny, impacting future generations.

About Us

The Heart of what we do

Our Calling

Dogwood Ranch was created by family, for family. We believe that everyone deserves the chance to live the life for which they were created. Our mission is simple: To provide support for survivors of trauma as they journey towards wholeness. This includes creating a new heritage for foster children and youth who have been abused and neglected, by providing them with safe and healthy forever families.


We are also committed to offering a place of belonging for former foster teens and young adults through individualized transitional living services. Additionally, we offer specialized support through our equine assisted counseling program, which focuses on bringing restoration to foster youth and other at-risk populations, including our honored military veterans, first responders, and their families. Through the operation of Dogwood Ranch, our desire is to allow those we serve a new way to experience life, family and true redemption. Everyone deserves a chance to find their way home.


Who We Serve

Understanding the Problem

Facing the Crisis Together

Understanding the challenges faced by youth and veterans starts with knowing the data. At Dogwood Ranch, we believe that recognizing the realities these individuals face is the first step toward addressing their needs. By gaining a clearer understanding of the scope of the problem, we can inspire greater awareness and empower others to join us in being part of the solution. Together, we can create meaningful change and provide the support they deserve.

Foster Youth

  • Over 50% of children in foster care receive services for significant mental health disorders.


  • 23% of youth in foster care experience suicidal ideation. (compared to 8% of youth in the general population)


  • 1 out of 4 former foster youth will experience homelessness in the first 24 months of aging out.


  • On average Missouri has just under 14,000 kids in foster care at any given time.


Veterans and First Responders

  • On average, 17 veterans die by suicide each day in the United States.


  • Over 80% of first responders report experiencing trauma while in the line of duty.


  • More than 1 in 10 veterans have been diagnosed with substance use disorder.


  • Over 252,000 first responders currently are serving in the state of Missouri.


Join the Dogwood Family Today

Stay connected with Dogwood Ranch by signing up for our email list! Be the first to hear about upcoming events, impactful stories, and ways you can make a difference in the lives of youth and veterans. Joining is quick and easy, and you'll receive updates straight to your inbox, keeping you informed and inspired. Together, we can create lasting change—one email at a time!

Sign Up for Our Email List

We Need Your Support

Your generosity and time can transform the lives of foster youth and families at Dogwood Ranch. By donating, you provide crucial resources that sustain programs like The Haven and Healing Reins, ensuring foster youth have a safe place to grow and heal. Volunteering allows you to make a hands-on impact, whether it’s helping care for our horses, mentoring youth, or assisting with community events. You can also make a lasting difference by becoming a program sponsor, supporting specific initiatives that bring hope and healing to those in need.

Stay Connected

At Dogwood Ranch, we believe community is at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re celebrating milestones, lifting others up through prayer, or joining our mission to bring hope and healing, there are countless ways to stay connected. This year, as we reflect on 20 years of transformation, we’re excited to share updates, stories, and opportunities for you to be part of the incredible work happening here. Let’s continue making an impact together—stay tuned, stay involved, and stay connected!

You guys. We’re 20! It's amazing to think that 20 years ago this December we established Dogwood Ranch. Brian and I, along with our parents, did our best to say YES to what God was birthing in us. All we knew at the time was that we wanted to make an impact as a family and provide a place for kids coming out of abusive situations to heal and grow. So much has changed and occurred since then, but the thing that has remained the same is how faithful God has been to us! 


There’s something so special about anniversaries and milestones that make you want to stop, pause and reflect. It's this idea of looking back while looking forward - all wrapped up in a single moment. Throughout this year, we hope to take you down memory lane and look back on all that God has done over these past two decades. At the same time, we are also thrilled to share some incredible new things that are coming soon. But for now, it’s time to celebrate the successes from 2024. And there were a lot!


-Healing Reins served 96 clients in our foster/at-risk family program. Post treatment 94% reported having an improved ability to create healthy attachments with their family.


-The Haven safely housed 5 former foster youth along with 4 of their minor children. Over 2/3 of the treatment goals that these young ladies created were accomplished! 


-Our Veteran/First Responder Equine Therapy program served 16 clients in its inaugural year, with 100% of those clients reporting that their anxiety had greatly improved post treatment. 


-Our volunteers knocked it out of the park last year and logged 5,073 volunteer hours! 


 God was so good to us last year, as were you! We are incredibly grateful to have you in our Dogwood Family. Here’s to the beginning of a beautiful New Year! Many Blessings,


Dana

Celebrating 20 Years Together

We’ve got a fantastic lineup of events this year as we celebrate our 20th year as Dogwood Ranch, and we don’t want you to miss out! Be sure to save the dates now, so you can join us with friends and family as we continue to grow and make a lasting impact together. Stay tuned for more details – we can’t wait to see you there!


VIEW UPCOMING EVENTS HERE

Redemption Isn't Easy. You Can Help.

Join Tribe $25 and make a lasting impact by donating $25 each month. This new initiative allows us to say 'yes' and reach more lives than ever before.


JOIN TRIBE $25 TODAY!

The Power of Prayer

We have a few of our Healing Reins families that are struggling this winter with stability and peace. Would you join us praying that they can find strength and unity in the midst of hard circumstances?


 -One of our founding members is facing significant health issues and we are believing for complete restoration and comfort!


-As we continue to strategize and plan for The Village (our newest project that will consist of a community of foster homes on our property) we are praying for wisdom, clarity, and provision.


 

Send Us a Message


Share by: