Local non-profit provides hope and healing to at risk and special needs youth through equine assisted services

 In a remarkable act of generosity, Refuge Ranch, a faith-based organization dedicated to providing hope and healing to at-risk and special needs youth through equine assisted services, has been gifted a 7-acre historic farm located in the heart of Springfield. Fairview Farm, built by Jacob and Esto Bunn, was home to many champion Saddlebred Horses and Hackney Ponies in its prime. Refuge Ranch hopes that in the future it will be given a new purpose.

“We are beyond humbled and grateful for this incredible gift!   This historic farm will not only preserve a piece of Springfield’s heritage, but ultimately become a sanctuary for hope, healing and transformation,” said Chris Daniels, Executive Director of Refuge Ranch.

The family would like to dedicate their gift in honor of their daughter, Ginger Paul.  Ginger was a member of West Side Christian Church and a special needs teacher at Springfield Highschool for over a decade.  She passed away in March of 2024 of leukemia, age 49.   The ministry plans to preserve the farm’s historic character while eventually expanding its services to the new Springfield campus, which might include programs such as therapeutic riding, mentorship, and spiritual retreats.

Daniels, looking toward the future shared, “The setting has the potential to make the services Refuge Ranch provides more accessible to the Springfield community!”

Refuge Ranch was established in 2008 as a small, volunteer run organization in central Illinois.  Over the years, it has grown into a thriving ministry, providing ongoing services to more than 70 families through its equine assisted mentoring and adaptive riding programs .  

Through partnerships with local organizations, Refuge Ranch also reaches hundreds of at-risk and special needs youth annually, providing them with support, healing, and connection.

On May 3rd, Refuge Ranch is hosting a community wide celebration on its Rochester campus to kick off a multi-faceted plan for expansion which will create growth and long-term sustainability for the ministry.

For more information:  Visit http://www.refuge-ranch.org