FAQs
Organizational Information
Our non-profit is Hope Restored Ministries and is a 501(c)(3). The EIN # is 88-1425132. The Mission of Heartland Ranch is to provide a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment for children who have been abused and trafficked. We will work to accomplish this by instilling values that change their perspective about who they are and the value they hold in this world. This will be done by providing structure and encouraging autonomy using the arts, gardening, animals, nutrition, athletics, and other alternative therapies.
The facility will be licensed by the Arizona Department of Health, Bureau of Child Care Licensing (per state regulations). Please see the agency’s website for detailed licensing requirement questions.
We have been working with multiple community agencies and experts (both governmental and private) to this point, and will continue to do so as we develop each aspect of our program.
We are non-denominational. Our Statement of Faith is as follows:
Statement of Faith
• The Bible: We believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. It is the final rule for faith and practice.
• God: We believe in one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• Jesus Christ: We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His atoning death on the cross, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and His future return in power and glory.
• Salvation: We believe that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. It is a gift from God, not earned by works.
• The Holy Spirit: We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit who empowers and equips believers for godly living and service.
• The Church: We believe the Church is the body of Christ, made up of all believers, and is called to worship God, preach the Gospel, and serve others in love.
• The Resurrection and Eternal Life: We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost: the saved to eternal life with God, and the lost to eternal separation from God.
Youth Care and Services
Our primary focus is children from the ages 4-12. Depending upon the circumstances and the children we have at the time, if a child over the age of 12 is presented, we will bring them in after consulting with the case manager and various other experts.
Child Protective Services.
Children who are wards of the state (foster children) receive medical coverage through that system. If they were receiving financial assistance from the state prior to coming into care, that assistance is put on hold while they are in the state’s legal custody.
Yes, as provided for by the law.
At its completion (5 years), the property will be at its capacity of 100 children. Depending upon funding, our goal is to build a school
on the property during Phase 2. Until such time, the children will be homeschooled.
Whenever possible, the children will receive their care on the property. A Director of Health and Wellness will be hired to oversee this. We will be working on putting together a task force over the next few months to address the areas of health and wellness.
We will be looking for the donation of a 14-passenger van (more as we grow).
Staffing and Operations
That will depend upon the specific therapy.
There will be complete background checks on all staff and volunteers, as well as an Arizona fingerprint clearance card.
Our service model and scope of services is currently in development. We are working with local and state authorities, as well as other licensed and accredited providers, to identify evidence-based best practices that we will incorporate into our service model and scope of services.
This is still in development, but generally visitors to the site will be escorted at all times by a staff member or volunteer. Prior notification of a visit will be required for planning.
It is recommended that there is one adult per 6 children.
There will be security cameras and access controls in all appropriate buildings and perimeter and gates. We will seek guidance and comply with regulations for our facility.
Facilities and Infrastructure
There is a five-year phasing plan in place. Funding provided, the first phase will include the building of two children’s homes, the home of the Director of Security and the Security Command Center.
Phase 2 will include the building of two children’s homes, the home of the Executive Director, the healing center, rec and dining hall, and playground; remodel of current buildings for school and greenhouse.
Phase 3 will include the building of two children’s homes, two staff houses, the home of the Director of Health and Wellness, Administration Offices, Auditorium and RV Area for volunteers.
Phase 4 will include the building of two children’s homes, one staff house, and the pool and pavilion area.
Phase 5 will include the building of two children’s homes.
100 children with two sets of house parents in each home, three Directors on property, 2-4 homes for staff as needed.
Depending on size, capacity and the nature of services provided, there are different licensing requirements put in place by the Arizona Department of Health, Bureau of Child Care Licensing. Please see the agency’s website for detailed information.
We will have 10 homes with 6-10 kids and two house parents in each house. Each home will likely be gender-specific, depending upon age and siblings; age to be determined and on a case-by-case basis. We will work with local and state authorities as well as other licensed and accredited providers to determine this.
The property has private wells as its main source of water currently. Water will be tested in due course for any contaminants known to harm both humans and animals that may occupy the property. If present, these contaminants will be remedied through the use of appropriate filtration and/or purification systems.
Additionally, we will add a reclamation system and save rain water to be reused.
Fire and flood evacuation will be in accordance with directives from local authorities. We will have a detailed plan prior to our first residents on property. Fire suppression will be in accordance with Mayer Fire inspections and requirements, and we are working with them on this.
Programs and Activities
The short answer is, those under 18 will not work for income—rather, we will teach ownership and stewardship with pride and self-value being the payoff. (We may consider income/pay as a discussion item later.)
We will have all kinds of animals, from chickens and goats to horses and cows. This is yet to be determined but will be discussed in the next year as we prepare to fill our first home.
When the time is right, we will hire a Director of Health and Wellness who will oversee the physical, emotional, and spiritual health aspects of the Ranch. Our focus is on health and healing; therefore the food choices and education of such will be of the utmost importance and integrity. A task force of experts will be put together over the next 6 months to begin to determine what this will look like.
Equine Therapy, EDMR, CDF, Bowen Technique, Light Therapy, NET, etc.
Transition and Future Planning
It is our plan to provide a place/a transition home for those who “grow out of” our program, where they have their own living quarters, a job, vehicle, etc. Sunshine Acres in Mesa is our model for those, and we will be consulting with them as this need arises.