How did Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch (CPYR) get started?
Kim and Troy took a step of faith and rescued two abused and neglected horses and simply followed the leading of the Holy Spirit from there. See our General Information page for more information.
How can I get my child involved?
Contact the ranch office at 541-330-0123 to schedule an appointment during our open season. Scheduling for the next month begins on the 15th of the current month or on our next business day thereafter (i.e. scheduling for April will generally begin on March 15th). Our season opens during the first week of April each year.
Can I send my child to the ranch?
Part of CPYR's focus is to bring families together. Because of this principle we ask that parents accompany their child. A parent's presence is quite often central to a child's healing process. The impact of a parent cheering their child to victory has become very apparent to us. Allowing fathers, mothers and guardians a chance to rest in the shade and enjoy the beauty God has provided is also a part of what we do.
Also, the ranch is not a residential facility, so out of town guests must find their own lodging. Please be aware that Crystal Peaks offers a day program only, and sessions must be scheduled ahead of time.
What kind of children does CPYR serve?
Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch serves all children between the ages of 6 and 18. Being a kid in this day and age is tough enough. Roughly 80% of our kids are considered disadvantaged. To CPYR, the word "disadvantaged" takes on many shapes and forms: mental, physical, emotional, and functional. The remaining 20% of kids we work with are simply kids who don't have access to horses through any other means. It has been our experience that as "healthy" kids play and grow beside "broken" kids, they are both encouraged to have a greater appreciation and understanding of others. It also brings hope to the spirit of wounded kids to believe they too can have hope for the future.
What do you charge for a child to attend the program at CPYR?
Our program is absolutely free of charge. The only requirement for children is that they have an open heart and want to attend.
Can we visit the ranch?
We would love to have you out to the ranch even if it is just for a visit. We are open to the public by appointment only. Please feel free to call our office at (541) 330-0123 to schedule a tour (for more information click on the prior link), if you are ever going to be in our neck of the woods.
Also, we welcome you all to join us for Fellowship every other Tuesday night at 6:30. Please check our calendar for scheduled Fellowship meetings.
Does the ranch ever close?
CPYR maintains normal business hours through the year. However the daily riding program is not offered during the months of December to March due to safety issues during winter weather.
Is CPYR a residential facility?
At this time CPYR is a day-use facility only. This means those who use the ranch visit it during the day but are not housed here.
Can visiting families or groups be hosted overnight on the CPYR facility grounds?
We are unable to host overnight guests, families, volunteer groups or participants due to the limited size of our facility. Our insurance also does not cover this type of ranch activity. It is our desire to one day host ranch visitors, but at this time we are limited.
Do you know of a program like yours in my area?
Until recently, CPYR was the only program of its type that we were aware of. Starting in 2005, we've held an annual Information Clinic for those interested in starting a similar ranch or ministry. Since then, quite a few more facilities have opened their doors to children and we are thrilled! Please click here for a listing of organizations that we are aware of. Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, its staff, board of directors and founders are in no way affiliated with the attached list of ranches. We have, through Informational Clinics and/or consultation, offered assistance to each but are not responsible for their facilities, programming and/or rescue operations. Please evaluate each as a separate ministry/entity for use either as a visitor, participant, volunteer and/or donor. You may also find programs that service horses and children in your area by searching the internet, asking around at local horse events, or even contacting local churches.
Is Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch a religious organization?
No. The ranch is not associated with any particular religious congregation. However, CPYR is a faith-based organization. The ranch is founded on the same Judeo-Christian values that our nation was built upon. Faith on the ranch is "lived" not "preached." Because the Founders and Board of Directors believe in God and the saving grace of His Son Jesus Christ, it is our greatest desire to serve God by the demonstration of our faith through action by our love for Him and the support of families. It is our highest honor to serve children and families of all backgrounds.
Prayer
Truly, the greatest gift that anyone can give . . . is to simply pray for us. Prayer costs us nothing but a few moments of our time, it is something that everyone can give and it is unquestionably one of the most powerful things that we can do for each other. The ranch facilities, children, and horses are in constant need of protection, wisdom, and direction. Those who choose to lift us up in prayer are an incredible gift to us and the children and horses we serve.
Cash Donations
Although for participants and visitors the ranch is free of charge, running and maintaining such a facility is not. Our annual expenses are just over $550 thousand dollars annually. All cash donations are greatly appreciated.
How do I donate?
There are a number of ways to donate to the ranch:
Via Credit Card
First go to our "How You Can Help" heading, click on the word donation in the drop down box. Once you are in the donation page, click on the "PayPal" link or the Secure On-line Deposit selection and fill in the required information.
Via Check or Money Order
You can make donations payable to CPYR or Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, and send them to the ranch mailing address. If you are from the area, you may also want to drop donations by our office during open hours.
To donate specific items
Check out our wish list for ideas! To donate your time see our volunteer information page.
Does CPYR have a plan for long-term financial stability?
The Board of Directors and Founders are presently establishing the following investment vechicles for long term tax relief; Charitable Remainder Trust and Sustaining Endowment Fund. Please feel free to contact our office (541) 330-0123 for further information.
If I make a donation, where does it go?
Unless otherwise designated by the giver, all monetary donations go into the general operating fund. These funds are used to pay for program expenses, ranch maintenance, horse care, and staff salaries.
Are donations Tax-deductible?
Being that CPYR is a non profit 501 (c)(3) organization, we can supply tax receipts for all donations that include but are not limited to: monetary donations, horse tack, ranch equipment, feed, land, building supplies, horses, etc.
How can I get financials for the ranch?
Email our development team at development@cpyr.org to request more information.
Can I donate my tack and/or horse equipment?
God provides and we have most of what we need in regard to tack. However, we're always on the lookout for something that will make our little tack room complete. We are asking those who would like to donate tack to ship it to our address or bring it by during our open hours. We also want donors to be aware that if we are unable to use tack, we will find a good home for it or sell it to raise funds for the ranch. Many individuals may prefer to sell tack themselves and donate part of the proceeds to the ranch - we will gladly accept that also.
Can I donate my horse to the ranch?
We are currently at our capacity, however, we have accepted horses from many types of situations in the past. Horses kept by the ranch that are donated, rescued, or purchased for the progam must demonstrate an aptitude for acceptance of children and a willingness to work. Ranch horses can be used in our lesson program up to two times per day and must be physically and mentally capable to do so. Because of this, we are selective in the horses we accept as donations. The ranch is rarely able to accept horses with limitations due to age, behavior problems, or soundness. Most of the horses we take, we purchase from abuse and/or starvation situations. If you are looking for a home for your horse, visit our horse donation page to let us know. We will put the word out to our connections in the community. Please continue your search as well.
How many horses does the ranch have?
Since CPYR is located on only 8.9 acres, our ideal number of horses is 25. Occasionally during extreme times we will house up to 30 animals. Being that we are small and all of our horses live in dry lots (we don't have any green pastures for them) we try to have just enough horses to support our program needs.
Can you tell me about employment opportunities at Crystal Peaks?
At this time we do not have any job openings. Those who are interested are welcome to send volunteer applications if they desire. Every individual currently on staff has volunteered previously.
CPYR is a small organization, although we are constantly growing. We typically employ between 12-15 year round staff members. Generally, we hire from our volunteer pool.
There are no educational or experience requirements for those we employ. Everyone must complete safety certifications before, or soon after hire. We do not provide food or housing at the ranch.
Staff responsibility includes, but is not limited to, instructing 90 minute riding lessons, rehabilitating horses, working multiple horses each week, planning and participating in ranch events, property maintenance, and keeping up with office communication and administrative tasks. The work can be physically and emotionally taxing, but rewarding at the same time.