Our Story
At Dogwood Ranch, we’ve seen firsthand that God is in every detail. Years ago, Sam and Brenda Crowell felt called to open their home to children and young adults in need. Their dream of creating a ranch to serve even more lives began to take shape when their daughter Dana embraced their vision, spending a year working with orphaned children in Africa. Little did they know, God was already orchestrating their path.
Meanwhile, Don and Margie Lopez were raising their family with open hearts and doors in California. Their son Brian felt called to work with at-risk youth, which led him to Branson, MO, in 2001. There, God’s plans came into focus as Brian and Dana were brought together in marriage in 2005.
By 2007, the Crowells, Lopezes, and Brian and Dana had relocated to the Springfield, MO, area to bring Dogwood Ranch to life. Brian and Dana became licensed foster parents, opening their home to teenage girls while raising their own two children, Keziah and Sammy Jo. Their journey of fostering and advocating has allowed them to serve and support many foster families in the region, staying deeply connected to their community.
Did You Know?
Did you know that Missouri is home to just under 14,000 children in foster care, many of whom face instability and uncertainty in their lives? Nearly 18% of youth who age out of the system experience homelessness, while up to 80% struggle with significant mental health challenges.
Be the Change.
You can help transform these statistics. By getting involved with Dogwood Ranch, whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy, you can provide foster youth and other at-risk populations with the support and stability they need to thrive. Together, we can create brighter futures and restore hope, one life at a time. Join us today.
Programs & Services
Our Solutions

Healing Reins restores hope and healing through mental health-based equine therapy.
Through our Healing Reins program, we harness the power of horses to help foster youth and families overcome trauma, build trust, and develop emotional resilience. Guided by Licensed Professional Counselors and certified equine specialists, these sessions provide a calming and transformative experience that fosters personal growth and healing.
The Haven equips former foster youth to thrive in life through safe housing and mentorship.
The Haven offers safe and supportive housing for young adults transitioning out of the foster care system. With a focus on life skills training, education, and mentorship, this program equips participants to navigate adulthood with confidence and independence. Our goal is to provide a stable foundation for a brighter future.
The Village is a community of foster homes, providing supportive family for those who need it most.
The Village at Dogwood Ranch is a planned community designed to provide safe, supportive housing for foster youth with elevated needs. Featuring specially trained foster families and on-site resources, this innovative program offers stability, family-based care, and the support necessary to help youth overcome trauma and learn to trust again. We believe that everyONE deserves a family.
Next steps
We Need Your Help
Donate
Make a Difference Today. Your generosity helps us provide equine therapy, safe housing, and support at-risk families.
Get Involved
Join Our Mission. Volunteer your time, skills, or resources to help transform lives in our community.
Become a Partner
Partner With Us. Collaborate with Dogwood Ranch to create lasting impact through sponsorship or community outreach.
Our Faith Statement
We desire to do life like Jesus. He stopped for the ONE. He saw the pain in the ONE. He healed the ONE; and in turn, impacted the nations by bringing HOPE to all those He encountered. Everything He did was driven by His perfect love and passion for the ONE. By following His example, we know that many will be served, supported and brought into wholeness by keeping our focus on the ONE. At its core, Dogwood Ranch is rooted and built on Biblical principles and the life of Jesus. While not federally recognized as a faith-based organization, everything in our culture, practices and organization philosophy reflects our deep respect, conviction and commitment to the basic tenets of our Christian faith.
"God sets the lonely in families." – Psalm 68:6
