Miracle onThe

Chestnut Mountain

For children in crisis, there is hope in a place called Eagle Ranch.

Tucked away in a corner of Chestnut Mountain, Georgia, are 270 acres of beautiful woods and pasture where a miracle was born in 1985. A miracle that is changing hearts and bringing families together again.

A miracle that is spreading across the United States and overseas.

A miracle that surely comes from no other place than above.

there is ho pe in a place called Eagle Ranch

Humble BeginningsOriginally envisioned as a boys’ home, Eagle Ranch was founded back in 1985 to quite a bit of fanfare. Founder Eddie Staub captured the hearts and imagination of an entire North Georgia community after moving there from Alabama with little money, experience, or local ties to the area—only a vision and the strong belief that he had been called to a life of helping children.

Based in a quiet community just outside of Atlanta, Eagle Ranch provides a Christian-based home, school and counseling center where boys and girls come to live for a season of their life. The Ranch serves children in an 80-mile radius of its Chestnut Mountain campus, keeping them geographically centered in their community.

Children come to Eagle Ranch when circumstances make living at home difficult or impossible. Sometimes this is due to changes in family structure or custody, poor school performance, behavioral issues, judicial requirements or other factors that affect the child and his or her family. The Ranch provides a fresh perspective and the tools needed to forge a new beginning.

What it Means for Today’s ChildrenTen homes accommodate nearly 70 boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 18. No more than seven children live in a home. Each home is overseen by a loving houseparent couple, trained to teach life skills and model a healthy family atmosphere. It is the largest children’s home in Georgia with a year-round, residential program focused on the child ultimately returning home.

“Even youths gro w tired and weary and young men stu mble and fall

But those who tru st in the Lordfor hel p will find their strength renewed

They will soar with wings as eagles.”Isaiah 40:30-31

They will soar with winga as eagles.

The first Eagle Ranch entrance sign (above). Eagle Ranch’s first office (left).

“ I came from a very

stable home. I came

to realize it was only

through the grace

of God that I had what

I had. That was the

impetus for me to leave

Alabama in 1982 and

come to Georgia to start

a home for children

who needed a second

chance in life.”

Eddie StaubFounder and Executive Director

Eagle Ranch

Eagle RanchHere boys and girls are given a

stable, consistent environment

that addresses each aspect of

their life— spiritual, emotional,

intellectual, social and physical.

A new setting and fresh perspective can help a child in crisis find a path that leads to healing. Care is integrated daily among Eagle Ranch’s houseparents, counselors and teachers with the ultimate goal of healing the child and helping him or her return to a restored family focused on long-term success.

HomelifeThe girls and boys spend the majority of their time at the Ranch learning new life skills. Homelife at the Ranch teaches structure, responsibility for chores, and how to get along with others.

Houseparents and staff follow a “choice-and-consequence” model of discipline. Establishing specific consequences for choices and decisions, good and bad, is key in helping to reverse patterns of inappropriate behavior.

CounselingThe Ranch’s licensed professional counselors provide individual, family and group counseling. The counselors are involved in every facet of the Eagle Ranch program, working with the houseparents and school staff to pro-vide each child with continual assess-ment and counseling. They also fully involve the child’s family as an integral part of the overall program.

EducationChildren who come to Eagle Ranch are often up to two academic grade levels behind. This unfortunate truth led the Ranch to establish an on-campus school.

Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), Eagle Ranch School offers a fresh start for children in grades 6-9 who have struggled academically and socially. A ratio of one teacher and one para- professional for a maximum of 12 students allows each child to be met at their point of academic need.

Eagle Ranch also maintains a close partnership with the neighboring Hall County school system, working with an excellent elementary and high school team of teachers and counselors to support students from Eagle Ranch with their academic performance and behavioral skills.

PillarsSuccess

Eagle Ranch also offers opportunities in

equine therapy, team building, intramural

sports and after care counseling.

of

Eagle Ranch offers a fresh start

Relevant and Effective

1997: The Wings Initiative; The Grace Home; The Joy Home

20001980 1990 2010

To ensure effectiveness and

identify additional program

opportunities, Eagle Ranch

has established multiple

points for evaluation and

measurement. Children are

assessed academically and

behaviorally throughout

their time at the Ranch using

nationally recognized

standards. Once a child

returns home, additional

evaluations are conducted

to determine the long-term

success of the Eagle

Ranch program.

The result of these efforts is

a program that remains

relevant while preserving

timeless standards

of excellence.

Relevant

2001: Eagle Ranch Girls’ Program

Many boys who came to Eagle Ranch had sisters who also needed help. Additionally, Georgia’s population of at-risk girls continued to grow. The Ranch opened its first girls’ homes, Glory and Praise, in 2001 and today has four homes serving up to 24 girls.

The challenges facing children and families are constantly changing.

Eagle Ranch has adapted its program to anticipate and meet each new need.

Today: Evaluation and

and Effective

1985: The Faith Home

The first boy arrived at Eagle Ranch on April 13th, 1985, walking through the doors of the Ranch’s initial home, the Faith Home.

1987: The Love Home

1988: The Peace Home

1986: The Hope Home

1995: The W.E. Reeve & T.L. Foley Athletic Center

1982: Eddie Staub moves to Georgia

1983: Contract for Eagle Ranch land signed

1984: The John W. Jacobs Administration and Counseling Center

1996: The Tom Wilheit Administration and Counseling Center

2006: Eagle Ranch School

The Eagle Ranch School was founded in 2001, with the permanent school building opening in 2006. Its creation grew from the need to serve Ranch children who were struggling academically and socially. Today, the SACS-accredited school serves up to 55 children in grades six through nine.

2009: The Wink Wynne Lodge; The Blessing Home; The Mercy Home

setting a timeless standards of excellence

Measurement

1993: The Chapel in the Woods

Eagle Ranch remains relevant while preserving

timeless standards of excellence.

A Foundation of Faith

All three elements of homelife, counseling and education work in concert to promote a “change in heart” for a lifetime as opposed to a behavioral change that temporarily conforms to a program’s requirements.

This heart change has generational impact. Many Eagle Ranch graduates claim to use the principles they learned at Eagle Ranch to raise their own children, forging a new beginning for their family.

Seeking a Heart Change for Life

whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,as working for the Lord

“ Since I’ve been at Eagle Ranch, my grades have gone up to all A’s, and home has gotten a lot better. We’re all trying to learn and keep going with what we’ve been taught so we can make a better family. I’ve learned how to be more social with other people, how to get along with my brother, and how to respect older people — mainly my parents.”

Seeds are Sownfor Better Lives

Where

Ben, Eagle Ranch Graduate

“ I am thankful for the oppor-tunity to go to Eagle Ranch and have the God-given opportunity to restart, work with others and talk with a counselor who is willing to help. Eagle Ranch has helped me so much; it has helped me improve my grades and my relationship with my family.”

Luciano, Eagle Ranch Graduate

“ I look at people when they talk to me now. I have learned positive ways to handle my stress and have tried new things I never thought I would have done. I can go to high school and lift up my head high and show them I’ve changed. I’ve learned to be who I am — the real me.”

Halli, Eagle Ranch Graduate

“ I was hurting a lot. I was upset with my family, upset about my past. My relation-ship with God was not good. I get along with my parents now, I trust a lot more and communicate better with everyone. I’ve learned to trust God, to rely on Him and His plan.”

Gulnaz, Eagle Ranch Graduate

Faith has always been at the heart of Eagle Ranch.

Early into his uphill effort to start the Ranch,

Eddie Staub found inspiration from a message

hanging on the office wall of an Atlanta minister.

“Attempt something so great for God, that it’s

doomed to failure unless God be in it.”

He wrote the quote down on a scrap of paper and

carried it with him through his trials in starting

the Ranch. Today, that scrap of paper hangs in the

Ranch’s administration building as a reminder of

God’s faithfulness and provision in starting and

sustaining Eagle Ranch.

Debt-free PhilosophyEagle Ranch has remained debt-free since its inception. No loans or financing have ever been used to acquire land or pay for construction, and no money ever goes toward paying interest on debt.

Financial Accountability Each year, the budget process is started from scratch, with all expenses reviewed before the annual budget is approved. Eagle Ranch is accredited through the Evangelical Council for Financial Account-ability (ECFA), which provides accreditation to leading Christian nonprofit organizations.

Independent OversightIn addition to the oversight of the ECFA, Eagle Ranch’s financial records are audited annually by an independent accounting firm, and the Finance Committee of the Eagle Ranch Board of Directors provides ongoing financial oversight.

Commitment toFinancial Integrity

More than half of Eagle Ranch’s funding comes from individuals.

Additional sources of funding include foundations, businesses,

endowment, civic groups and churches.

Eagle Ranch is 100% privately funded.

since 1985

the ongoing care of Ranch children“ Only 14% of charities we rate have received at least two consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating

that Eagle Ranch outperforms most other charities in America.”

Charity Navigator, Independent Charity Evaluator

Eagle Ranch “is the gold standard. It’s a model . . . that actually works.”

Michael ThurmondFormer head of Georgia Division of

Family & Children Services

“ I have found Eagle Ranch to be one of the most unique and progressive havens for children, not only in this state but also throughout the country. They are clearly on the cutting edge of best practices for children.”

Normer AdamsExecutive Director,

Georgia Association of Homes & Services for Children

Wide Acclaim for Eagle Ranch

“ Many organizations spend much effort making children behave, but Eagle Ranch concentrates on the heart change that can carry a child beyond the rules and structure of Eagle Ranch and into their homes and communities.”

Earl N. StuckNational Childcare Consultant

Former Executive, Child Welfare League of America

The Eagle Ranch FoundationThe Eagle Ranch Foundation was established in 1994 to assist in providing operational support for the Eagle Ranch mission. Gifts to this foundation become part of an endowment to provide for the ongoing care of Ranch children. For more information on the Eagle Ranch Foundation, contact Eddie Staub or Jan Ros at 770.967.8500.

Children are Our PriorityEach year nearly 80 percent of gifts go directly to the care of children and programs benefiting their overall development. This far exceeds the 65 percent standard set under national ethics guidelines for U.S. charities.

Eagle Ranch has remained

debt-free

“We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are

taking pains to do what is right, not onl y in the eyes of the Lord but

al so in the eyes of men.” 2 Corinthians 8:20-21:

$FoundationsIndividuals

Businesses

Chu

rche

s

Endowment

Civ

ic G

roup

s

a blueprint for success

Founded in 1997, the Wings Initiative provides information,

coaching and assistance to existing children’s programs and to

people who are looking to start a children’s home. In addition

to sharing its own blueprint for success, Eagle Ranch offers

expertise in each facet of its program, including homelife,

education and counseling. The Ranch also provides advice

on business planning, communications, fundraising and

other aspects of operating a successful charity.

Creating Points Influenceof

Eddie Staub with Mission to the World

Haiti team.

Casting the Vision

The Wings Initiative has

provided assistance to

more than 900individuals and organizations,

who desire to start

their own home for children.

Since 1997,

across the country

Partnership • Eagle Ranch has developed strategic partnerships with organizations interested in developing children’s homes that will serve as a model within their region and country.

“ What stood out to us about Eagle Ranch is its commitment to renewing family. We’re looking for God to transform not just a child’s life, but to renew the institutions of family and community.”

Sam Haupt Mercy Ministry Director, Mission to the World

Presbyterian Church in America

“ We are working with Eagle Ranch to help secure land and establish a leadership team for the development of a children’s village that will serve as a model throughout Jamaica.”

Marla Day-Fitzwater Founder and Executive Director, American Caribbean Experience

St. Mary, Jamaica

Guidance • New and existing children’s homes have access to Ranch leadership for guidance and mentoring on all aspects of serving children and creating a successful organization.

“ Wings has equipped us to not only under-stand the impact a successful children’s home can have on community, but the best business practices, which must be implemented to ensure that success.”

Vicki Ellis Executive Director, Heritage Ranch

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

“ It was the time spent in the early years with the mentorship of the Eagle Ranch staff that has helped us weather storms and achieve the success we are experiencing today.”

Steve Finn Founder, Chestnut Mountain Ranch

Morgantown, West Virginia

Resources • Individuals and organizations interested in serving children can find information on the Eagle Ranch website, including a free “Guide to Starting a Children’s Home.” Additionally, the Ranch leadership works with organizations to help implement their plans and make them a reality.

“ We surely would have given up by now without the instruction and support we have found through the Wings Initiative!”

Greg Rounds Executive Director, Lifeline Youth Ranch

Frostproof, Florida

“ God used Wings to provide the guidance and direction our vision desperately needed to become a reality.”

Dr. Michael Garrett Founder and Executive Director,

Homes of Hope for Children, Hattiesburg, Mississippi

and internationally,

Eagle Ranch provides a Christ-centered home for boys

and girls in crisis and in need of hope and healing.

Partnering with their families, we pursue family restoration

and reunification. We seek to influence and equip others

who share a similar calling to impact children,

families and future generations.

The Eagle Ranch Mission

Frequently Asked QuestionsHow many children live at Eagle Ranch?

Eagle Ranch can accommodate up to 66 children (42 boys and 24 girls) between the ages of 8 and 18 in its 10 homes. On average, Eagle Ranch provides a home to more than 100 children annually.

What kind of children come to the Ranch?

The children of Eagle Ranch come from diverse backgrounds, but with one thing in common: circumstances in their lives are such that living at home is no longer the best option for them. A few causes may include: behavioral issues at home or in school; difficulty dealing with family changes such as divorce or death; meeting requirements of a juvenile court order.

How long do children stay?

Each boy and girl has a “season” at Eagle Ranch — a period of time that is necessary for preparing the child to return to a healthy family environment. This can vary from nine months to three years.

What is different about this program?

Eagle Ranch uses a family reunification model wherein we partner with the entire family to provide counseling and instruction. Children return to an improved, safe and healthy home en-vironment that provides a better chance for long-term success once he or she leaves the program.

Does Eagle Ranch have independent oversight?

Eagle Ranch is governed by an independent Board of Directors. This is a working board, composed of business and community leaders, who help ensure the Ranch is a good steward of its many gifts. In addition, the Eagle Ranch Board of Advisors is a group of notable leaders from a variety of industries who work with the Ranch to provide advice, counsel and assistance as needed.

How is Eagle Ranch funded?

Eagle Ranch is privately funded. More than half of its donations come from individuals. Donors give in a variety of ways from our Honor and Memorial Program to leaving the Ranch as a beneficiary in their will. Eagle Ranch also has a list of specific needs available to those wishing to fund items or projects. Donations are accepted by mail, phone or online.

On Eagle’s Wings — The True Story of the Founding of Eagle Ranch“ Let me make sure I heard you right,”

Coach Vince Dooley said, his arms still folded as he cocked his head slightly and studied Eddie Staub’s face.

“ You want to start a boys’ ranch, but you don’t have any land yet?”

“ No sir.”

“ And you don’t have any money either?”

“No sir.”

“And you don’t have any friends?”

“No sir . . . unless you’re interested.”

Dooley chuckled. “It sounds like you have your work cut out for you . . . What exactly do you want from me?”

“ Be on my board of advisors. Make a few phone calls and open doors for me.”

Dooley paused as to reflect. The seriousness had returned to his face

Excerpt from

Finally he extended his right hand.

“It’s Eddie, right?”

“Yes, sir.” They shook hands.

“ Eddie, anything you need, you just let me know.”

Eddie smiled back sheepishly. He’d just made his first friend in Georgia.

Eagle Ranch is located on 270 acres of

wooded land four miles off Interstate 85, in

southern Hall County, Georgia, about 50 miles

north of Atlanta.

Mailing Address:Eagle RanchPost Office Box 7200Chestnut Mountain, Georgia 30502

Street Address:Eagle Ranch5500 Union Church RoadFlowery Branch, Georgia 30542

Phone: 770.967.8500Fax: 770.967.3757E-mail: info@eagleranch.orgEagleRanch.org

All photographs, content and design for this publication were produced at Eagle Ranch by staff members.