The Anchoring Wisdom of the Gospel

Our success in serving children and families is attributed in great part to our Spiritual Life care. We walk side-by-side with children on their spiritual journey—in many cases introducing them to Christianity for the first time. So many of our children come to us exhausted from just fighting to survive. Moreover, they've lost all hope. They need to rest, learn to trust again, and work hard to make what they have only dared to hope for into a reality. With the anchoring wisdom of the Gospel, they can find rest, safety, and the promise of God's abiding love. That's what enables them to find stability in the storm, and then chart their true course.

spiritual life

Spiritual Life at
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch

Spiritual
Assessment

Upon admission, children are assessed regarding their spiritual background and beliefs. Assessment results are shared with our treatment teams for consideration in treatment planning.

Individual
Spiritual Mentoring

Children often come to the Ranch with little or no faith background. While at the Ranch, they have the opportunity to meet individually with a pastor, chaplain, or deaconess to ask questions and express their feelings about faith.

Chapel and
Spiritual Life Groups


Children have the opportunity to attend weekly chapel services and spiritual life groups. Those who choose not to participate in Christian programming receive instruction in the same values of love, compassion, and forgiveness.

Community
Activities

Ranch children learn how much they have to share. They make cards for veterans,  pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, volunteer at the pet shelter, pack meals for Orphan Grain Train and Feed the Children, and more.

Helping Children and
Families Grow Spiritually

"At the Ranch, we are building relationships and planting seeds. We share the gospel message with the kids and set the foundation for the next stage of their spiritual growth." —Pastor Thomas Marcis

Get Involved

Hope Notes

Receiving notes from people around the country encourages our children in their treatment and in their walk with God. Demonstrate the love of Christ to our children by writing a Hope Note.

Servant Teams

Every summer, Servant Teams from across the United States volunteer at one of our campuses. These teams paint, weed, work at the thrift stores, and participate in a daily chapel service.

Church Partnerships

A child's journey to hope and healing can start with you. Encourage your congregation to get involved with Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch or pray for our children, families, and staff.

Learn More About Spiritual Life at the Ranch

Interested in learning more about the role of spirituality at the Ranch? Want to schedule a Servant Team or request a speaker at your congregation or conference?

Contact us today to visit with a member of our Spiritual Life team.